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ca. energy issues

updated mon 25 dec 00

 

gregg lindsley on fri 22 dec 00


As an addition to what has already been written about
this issue here in California, for those of you who
don't live in Ca., please pay attention: The added
pressure put on the energy system by the shortage of
electricity and natural gas has also put pressure on
propane. Because of the scarcity of electricity and
natural gas, many are swiching to propane because it
is (was) cheaper. However, this demand has driven
propane up by over 30 % in two weeks, and my supplier
predicts it will be just as expensive as natural gas
soon, up over $2.00 a gallon shortly. Last winter,
propane was .99 a gallon here.
Mel is correct when he says that we must be wise
in choosing our source of energy and our kilns. Solar
energy is looking more attractive and this situation
may be what the solar industry needs to really be able
to produce cost effective products. In the kiln
building class i just finished, i researched what it
would take to fire a 3.5 cubic foot elelctric kiln for
16 hours using solar energy. A preliminary look
indicated that it would take over $100,000 to build
one using current, (no pun intended), technology. This
was a preliminary look, without going too deeply into
buying and selling energy on spot markets, etc., and
using new equipment. But still, it's a long way away.
And another impression from the class. Prices for
the materials used in building a kiln have risen
dramatically lately, and a good used kiln using ifb
with itc may be the best decision you could make. If
you are going to build a kiln, price it out first! You
may be very suprised.

Gregg Allen Lindsley
Earth and Fire Pottery
10325 Brookside Drive
Whispering Pines,Ca. 95426

Where predictions of a normal winter for the area
bringing thoughts of adequate rainfall and copious
amounts of snow for skiing! Already a wonderful ski
year, and now that the xmas season is over, time to
enjoy it.

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ferenc jakab on sun 24 dec 00


soon, up over $2.00 a gallon shortly. Last winter,
> propane was .99 a gallon here.

$2.00/gal is aprox what my last delivery was here in Aus. We're paying
"World Parity" prices in Aus. petrol is $1.08 per LITRE here at the moment.
We pay world parity despite the fact that it is our own crude oil. A past
Government locked us into this stupid arrangement.
Feri.

California doesn't have a lien on political stupidity.