ATLANTA — This week's cold blast is setting the stage for winter, and experts say heating your home could cost more this year.

“Everyone is saying prices are going up," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. "Nobody is saying prices are coming down."

Wolfe said rising costs for electricity and natural gas will make home heating more expensive for most families this winter. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects average home heating costs will rise 7.6%, from $907 last winter to about $976 this season. Families using electric heat will see the biggest jump — up 10.2% to about $1,205 — while natural gas costs are expected to rise from $639 to $693.

The organization, which represents state directors of the Low Inc

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