This might explain it: http://icons.wunderground.com/data/640x480/2xus_st_anim.gif We're probably seeing a sudden spike of the demand in the midwest and to a lesser extent the northeast that can't be met by the limited supply. My plan to replace my 30 year old 60% AFUE gas furnace with a more efficient one might have to change in favor of a electric furnace or a heat pump.

I love the heat pump at our house. However, in sub-freezing temperatures, the heat pump can do very little unless it's a ground loop heat pump. Under 0*C, it's using the resistance heating coils which are substantially less efficient than the heat pump. I didn't design the house I live in, but the next one I will, which will contain many south-facing windows with an overhang to prevent solar gain during the summer. (Also triple-paned to boot!)