Thu, Nov 26 2009
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Fuel prices high, but warmer temperatures could offer relief “Overall the biggest concern right now for winter heating has to do with households that are using propane,” Cordray said.
Propane prices also are lower than was expected earlier in the year. Beth Murphy, office manager of Heartland Propane at Baxter Springs, Kan., said propane is 38 cents per gallon cheaper than a year ago. The current price is $2.19. The average customer will buy about 250 gallons three or four times between October and March. At today’s price, that’s up to $2,200 for a winter season. And that price likely won’t last. “The projection has been for higher prices, which is why we expect it to go up even though it’s been down lately,” Murphy said. All of the utilities and the DNR encourage consumers to conserve as a means of controlling bills. “What we always encourage folks to do is to spend $30 to $50 at your home store to buy a programmable thermostat,” Cordray said. “The Department of Energy says you can save 10 percent or more a year on heating and cooling costs.” Cordray said the DNR and PSC launched a new Web site this week aimed at helping consumers rein in costs. The site is located at www.beenergyefficient.org “So looking at information we’re providing at the ‘Bee’ site, Missourians can take some control over their own usage: How much they’re using wisely and how much they’re throwing out into the cold,” Cordray said. Lowering bills Among the tips offered by utilities and the DNR to save energy and lower bills: Keep the furnace thermostat set at 68 degrees. Every degree it is lowered saves 1 to 3 percent on the bill. Add insulation to the attic up to a value of R-49. Use a caulk gun and make sure you don’t have cracks around windows, basement and other places where winter cold can enter the home. 
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