(AP) — Most Nebraskans are seeing higher heating bills because this winter’s bitter cold weather sent natural gas prices up after more was being consumed.

Natural gas prices are up because of the strong demand.

James Martin of Lincoln says his latest bill of $142 is nearly double the $82 bill he paid at the same time last year.

David Turner says the higher heating cost hurts his budget because his pay hasn’t gone up to cover it.

Black Hills Energy’s Jeff Sylvester says the price increase for natural gas should ease once warmer weather arrives.

The utility that serves about 200,000 customers in eastern Nebraska says this winter has been about 10 percent colder than normal and 23 percent colder than last year.