That's what a friend said to me at church Sunday morning. That she'd read that high heating-oil, gasoline and other energy costs will put northern states in a real bind economically. She said some people will face a choice between living here next winter -- or having heating bills they can afford elsewhere.

I have to say it makes some sense. On the other hand, I have no desire to join a mass exodus headed to the moderate temperatures of Tennessee. Or West Virginia.

Still, a lot of leaders and experts are warning about the winter of 2008-09. That list includes former Gov. Angus King, who has a self-interest because he is promoting and investing in wind power.

Looking over the weekend newspapers, I couldn't help but notice how much coverage was given to energy concerns.

The Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel had a two-story package about heating-oil prices Sunday. And we followed with a story about rising firewood prices Monday.

The Maine Sunday Telegram also had two stories about heating-oil costs Sunday.

The Sun-Journal of Lewiston had a story last Friday about a proposed heating-oil "co-op."

What's so remarkable is the season: We're about to enter summer, yet so much is being said and written about heating costs.

Let me know if you have thoughts about this issue or ideas for other stories we should do along these lines. I think we all would agree that energy costs are going to be a top issue for Mainers during the next few years at least.