Heating costs likely to rise in Wis. this winter

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin residents can expect to pay more to heat their homes this winter.
    
Most residents paid less last year because of the unseasonably warm winter. This winter is expected to be colder.
    
Madison Gas and Electric expects heating costs to rise 18 percent this year, or about $75 for the winter.
    
And We Energies predicts its customers in western and southeastern Wisconsin will pay 9 percent more.
    
For electric heating bills, a Wisconsin Public Radio report says utilities have asked the state to let them raise rates 1 percent to 7 percent.
    
For those who heat their homes with fuel oil, it's harder to predict what will happen with costs. Ryan Gunderson of Superior Fuel says so many factors affect the price that little is certain.