As the trees in the Sandhills begin to show the first signs of fall, we are reminded that colder weather is near. Like many of you, my family faced last winter’s high energy prices and I am left wondering how they will be this year—especially as costs continue to climb. Just like many states across the country, North Carolina is currently seeing another steep rise in the price of gas and energy. In the last month, energy prices have increased 5.6% and gas prices in North Carolina have spiked 16 cents higher per gallon than they were one year ago.…