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(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- Iowans will likely be paying higher energy bills this winter because of high natural gas prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the cost of natural gas is the highest it's been in seven years and up 180% over the last year. The Iowa Low Income Energy Assistance Program is making it easier for families to apply for income assistance since gas prices are going up. For the current fiscal year a family of four can make up to $53,000 a year and still qualify for assistance.