The facts are abundantly clear. If you are using oil and are concerned about energy prices, you will reap greater returns spending your money on proven conservation techniques than switching to natural gas. An Evaluation of the Economics of Fuel Switching Versus Home Energy Conservation, is the fifth analysis of the oil versus gas versus conservation question CECA has undertaken in the last 20 years. In each succeeding report, the conclusion has been the same investing in conservation assures a greater return than switching to an alternative energy source. We look at this issue as a question of investment strategy, Berman said.
Consumers have a limited amount of money and want to invest it wisely.
Given the cost of energy these days, home heating is a critical part of most household budgets. We provide comparative rates of return on a wide variety of energy investments. CECA s long-term trend analysis, a key component of the study, shows relative parity of oil and gas prices over the years. Gas is inexpensive relative to oil only in those regions of the country where little oil is consumed, primarily in warmer climates and near gas fields. Where colder conditions prevail, such as the Northeast, gas costs more.