Plummeting oil prices could take some of the sting out of your heating bills this winter, but across the board, U.S. consumers will pay about 1.4 percent more during the October 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, heating season than they did in 2007-2008. The Energy Information Administration's latest short-term energy and winter fuels outlook puts the average household expenditure at $1,004, up from the estimated $990 spent during the 2007-2008 season.

Just a few months ago, the EIA had foreseen a 20 percent year-over-year increase. With the recently adjusted outlook, consumers in the Northeast who heat with propane will now face the highest heating bills, an average of $2,130. That's almost $400 more than Northeast residents who heat with oil will pay. The cheapest heat in the land belongs to natural gas-customers in the West, who are projected to pay $563 this winter, down $121 from the $684 estimate in August.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Read "Save Money, Save Energy" and this winter-heating tip of the day to learn how to lower your utility bills.