In 8 of 12 states, the agency reported that snow levels and precipitation were 75 percent or less below normal this winter.

"We haven't had a colder than normal winter since 1987-88," he said.

At a meeting in August, the state's three gas companies all reported that they had sufficient stocks to supply a normal winter.

"So assuming a normal winter, they would only be buying a small percentage of gas on what is known as the spot market."

We had stored enough supplies to take us through a normal winter, but quickly went through most of that.

During a normal winter, the industry produces about three million barrels of heating oil a day.

When something like that happens, just a normal winter will start erosion.

Woodmere receives around 22 inches of snow a year in a normal winter.

"Assuming we have a normal winter, there should be ample supplies of heating oil," he said.

"If we get a normal winter, we will have enough supply."