Sunday, 25 December 2016

Energy In Cleveland: Propane, Coal & Natural Gas Facts

By Cath Buhr


If you live in Ohio, such as in Cleveland, propane is just one of several energy sources that you might consider using. Coal, nuclear power, natural gas, hydroelectricity and renewable energy sources are other options used throughout the state. Here are a few facts about propane and how it measures up to other energy sources.

First, it is important to understand that propane is not produced in the state of Ohio. Unlike coal, which is produced and then used as an energy source, your Cleveland propane or Dayton propane is produced elsewhere and then transported to Ohio via truck, train or pipeline. Propane is a byproduct that occurs after petroleum or natural gas has been refined, and most of the propane in the United States comes from Texas. After the propane has been created, it is stored in huge salt caverns and then delivered all around the country.

The production of your Columbus propane occurs at about the same rate every month, just like coal, natural gas and nuclear power. When the weather turns colder, the demand for these fuel sources increases. While there might be surplus of propane in August, there could be shortages during a very cold January or February. The demand also translates to higher prices, and you definitely can see an increase in Cleveland propane prices as well as in other towns.

You probably have noticed that your heating bill increases every year during the winter, no matter what type of energy source you use. This is not only because you use more fuel during the winter months, but the high demand for energy also drives up the cost. While there is not much you can do about the climbing costs of natural gas or coal, you can control how much you spend on propane, which is a big advantage. If you pre-buy your Cleveland propane when prices are low, you can greatly reduce your yearly energy costs.

While a homeowner can use as much energy as they like, if you use coal or fuel source other than propane, you must pay the current price per unit every time you use energy. With Cleveland propane, you stockpile propane if you want and only buy when the Cleveland propane prices are very low. If you want to maximize your savings, you might consider leasing or buying a huge tank, such as a 1,000-gallon propane tank and then filling it up in perhaps July or August or when there is an unexpected price drop. Not only will you have plenty of propane, you also will have purchased it for a very low price.

While burning coal is dangerous for the environment, nuclear power produces a large amount of dangerous waste and natural gas also damages the environment if it leaks, propane is considered a green fuel by the U.S. government. It is true that solar power and wind power are not harmful for the environment, but having these systems installed in your home can be quite cost-prohibitive, whereas you can lease a propane tank for just a few dollars per year or buy one for a few hundred dollars. In this way, Columbus or Cleveland propane offers an affordable and green energy solution for many Ohio residents.




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