Duke expects slight dip in costs in Dec.

That chill in the air this morning is a harbinger of higher home heating bills ahead.

Total heating costs for Midwest consumers using natural gas, which accounts for about eight out of 10 homes in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, are expected to rise 12 percent this winter - or December through February - to $1,053, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's annual forecast last month. In the short term, however, natural gas consumers will see some relief.