Off-campus students may feel a little chilly this winter, and it won’t only be because of low temperatures.

Students should be prepared to expect a hike in this winter’s energy bill, according to area experts.

Various rumors of exorbitant increases have circulated around campus this year, but Chris Ouellette, media relations consultant for Xcel Energy, said the increase is predicted at around 15 to 30 percent.

“There are a variety of reasons (for the increase in price),” she said.

The number one reason is the rising cost of natural gas, she said.

“It’s a supply, demand situation,” she said.

Another reason, Ouellette said, is because of the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

She did caution that the increase could continue to climb if more hurricanes strike the United States.

Even before the hurricanes, Ouellette said, the price of natural gas already was increasing.

During the 2004-2005 winter season, as categorized from November to April, the average household paid $668.40 total for the six months, she said.

With the increase, Ouellette said, students could expect to pay $868.92, or $144.82 a month, for heat from November to April.

Xcel Energy is not the only company likely to increase its rates.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative informed its city customers of an increase of $9.50 a month for the year of 2005, according to a ECEC press release.

It explained the price change came as a result of findings from an independent study to set their rates at a level “that will allow us to continue to provide reliable service to everyone.”

Junior Brittany Johnson lives off campus and heard rumors about the cost increase.

“It’s supposed to go up 70 percent because of fuel,” she said.

Johnson, an Xcel Energy customer, lives in a house with five other girls.

She said they have not turned on their heat yet and do not want to until it is absolutely necessary.

“We did our own research (about heating costs),” she said. “We called Xcel.”

Posted on Xcel’s Web site, there are many tools to help customers lower their heating bill, including a home energy analyzer and calculator help gauge how much energy household appliances are using.

Xcel Energy has a pamphlet called “60 Simple Ways To Save Money on Your Energy Bill,” which is informative, Ouellette said.

“It has really good tips for winter,” she said.

Ouellette suggests covering windows with plastic wrap and turning the thermostat down.

“Turning the thermostat down to 68 degrees will save you roughly 5 to 10 percent,” she said.

Johnson and her roommates most likely will use these energy-saving tips.

“We’re freezing,” she said.