Polar vortex in part to blame for high energy bills, U.S. says
Washington (UPI) May 21, 2013 - U.S. consumer bills during the last two quarters were more than 4 percent higher year-on-year because of a harsh winter, the Energy Department said. The Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Energy Department, said Wednesday consumer expenses during fourth quarter 2013 and first quarter 2014 were 4.4 percent, or about $14 billion, higher than the same time last y ... more

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