LANSING, MI (AP)-- Officials are advising Michigan's propane users to lock in prices before the heating season gets underway.
Valerie Brader of the Michigan Agency for Energy says customers can save money by signing contracts now, while propane supplies are significantly above the five-year average.
Prices in more than 30 states jumped during the 2013-2014 heating season after cold temperatures and other factors led to tight supplies.
Michigan leads the nation in the number of residential propane customers. Almost 9 percent of the state's households using propane as their primary heating fuel.
Brader says energy assistance should be available in October for low-income customers. They can call 211, then to be directed to an agency near them for help.