January
2005
LP:
Ludicrous Pricing
Unfortunate
LP users being burned by high prices
For
at least the third year in a row, consumers of liquefied petroleum
(LP) gas are dealing with exceptionally high energy costs.
Also
known as propane, LP gas is a hydrocarbon fuel that is a byproduct
of natural gas and crude oil production. It has several uses,
from running vehicles to firing gas grills to lighting fireplace
logs.
Unlike
the electricity you buy from Walton EMC, LP costs fluctuate wildly
from one season to the next. As cold weather approaches,
just when consumers need heating, LP reaches its highest price of
the year. In contrast, Walton EMC's rates go down during
the winter.
LP
prices are extremely volatile and may go up from one day to the
next. Walton EMC's electricity prices have been stable for
over ten years.
Since
LP comes from the oil refining process, its price closely tracks
the oil and gasoline markets. Looking at gasoline prices
lately, it's easy to guess that LP prices will be high this winter.
LP
prices again this year are in the $2 per gallon range. Many
consumers, tired of being gouged by high heating costs year after
year, are replacing LP gas appliances with electric heat pumps and
electric water heaters.
Besides
saving money on their total energy bill, consumers who switch also
find that electric appliances are safer and cleaner.
First,
they don't have to worry about the threat of carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning. Electric heat pumps or water heaters do not put
off any fumes or gasses that are potentially threatening to your
family.
If
you use any type of fossil fuel in your home, make sure you have
a working carbon monoxide detector. Visit the Consumer
Products Safety Commission for more information.
That
peace of mind goes further when consumers discover that their electric
appliances don't depend on flames or combustion to do their job.
Walton
EMC will help you improve your space and water heating systems with
rebates and loans. Call or look
here for more details.
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