Conflicting forecasts for the coming winter mean an interesting showdown is in the offing. A new report by the federal government says to expect more affordable energy prices in the coming months thanks to warmer temperatures than last season. “Heating bills should be lower this winter because the deep freeze that chilled much of the nation last year is unlikely to return,” reports the Associates Press. “This year, milder temperatures should reduce homeowners’ fuel use, according to the Energy Department’s annual prediction of winter heating costs. The price of propane and heating oil should be lower, helping those customers save even more.” Consumer savings would undoubtedly help the economy, but the question is, are this forecast right? Meteorological firm WeatherBell Analytics has been warning for months that the ingredients are there for a brutally cold winter that could be exacerbated by a possible energy crisis as a result of Obama’s war on coal. Who’s right: The government-funded weather service, or the privately-owned meteorological firm that’s been stealing the show for years now? Stay tuned. More…