Just called the gas company. Nymysys has piped-in gas; why can’t I? There are two gas lines very close to me. Unfortunately, I live in a “vacation community”. Many people don’t live here year-round. The gas company said that they’d put response cards on everyone’s door, and got not a single response. Due to regulations, they cannot put in gas lines unless they can recoup the cost within 4.3 years. They decided that this neighbourhood wasn’t worth it. They still might do an “improvement”; they’ve wanted to join the parallel lines that are near me. The new line would go right in front of my house. But that will be a while off.
I use propane for heat. Propane costs about $1.40/gallon, more or less. Natural gas costs $0.85/gallon. I’d save money in the long run. (And I’d get to have a gas stove, gas washer, gas dryer, and gas water heater.)
But the gas man said I should just stick with the propane for the time being. I’ll have to remember to check the quantity and order more when I get low. I’ll undoubtedly forget, and get very nervous during the winter when my gauge is reading under 10%.
No street gas, water, sewer, cable TV or other amenities out here. The SOBs at my propane supplier just sent me a bill for $25 because I haven’t been using enough. I fill up once a year, and behave in a thrifty manner.
If it makes you feel any better, Washington Energy Services have raised their rates three times in the last 6 months and just sent us a notice that our gas bill will go up 20 something % again this month. At that rate, we may switch to propane, and we’re in downtown Seattle.
They claim that the Enron debacle is the cause, and that the state has given them permission to recoup their losses. I know, they aren’t allowed to make a profit, but, I hate paying for something should never have happened…
Propane was $1.29 a gallon when I got the tank filled last week. 30% more than what it was last year. Ouch. The good thing is that my 81% full 500 gallon tank will last me the winter unless it’s unusually cold. Most suppliers around here offer a keep-full service where they stop by every month and top off your tank. If you’re worried about running low you might want to see if your supplier offers something like that.
You can have gas appliances with propane. They just have to have a propane adapter on them. Just make sure that whoever you buy the appliances from knows how to do the adapter thing. Of course, if you don’t already have gas hookups for where the appliances are located you’ll have to have them installed, too. You’d have to do that anyway if you converted to natural gas though.
Yeah, the gas guy said that I could get propane appliances and convert them to natural gas “when” they put in the new line.
I have lots of plans for the house, but they have to wait for money. One of the things I want to do is get rid of the built-on travel trailer and put up a garage. At that time I’ll have to do some trenching, and it would be a good time to put in piping.
At least you don’t live in my condo community, where there’s nothing but electric. It’s kinda expensive heating a St. Louis winter with a glorified toaster in your furnace.
It does suck having to constantly keep an eye on the propane tank. I run out at least twice a year.
Actually I just popped in to compliment you on your thread title. Nice!
Ouch. Just got the tank filled. (Actually, the receipt says it’s 85%.) At $1.47/gallon, the bill was $122.00. I hope they’re right about El Nino making for a mild winter. Last winter’s snow and freezing temperatures was expensive.
