The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-10-13

The following questions and an- sWers describing the fuel oil ration ing plan being applied in 30 eastern and midwest states, and how 1t will operate, were released today by Kenneth B. Backman, regional OPA administrator.
 Q. What types of fuel oil are be- ing rationed?
 A. All grades of distillate and residual fuel oils, kerosene and Diesel fuel.
 @. Will all uses of these oils come under rationing control?
 A. Yes. All will be controlled by coupons, but with few exceptions the plan restricts only the use of oil for heating purposes and for hot water.
 o. What is to be accomplished by the rationing plan? A. It is designed to assure con- sumers of heating oil an equality of comfort despite the necessity for curtailing overall consumption of the rationed oils by one-third. @. Does this mean that every home will be assured the same de- gree of comfort?
 A. No. It means that most home owners can have the same degree of comfort-if they bring insulation. burner and heating plant efficiency up to standard.
 @. Will rations be issued on the assumption that these things have been done?
 A. Yes. The heat loss formula to be used in determining the ra- ton for private homes will include factors reflecting standard i11sula- tion and burner efficiency. o. What temperature will the average homeowner be able to maintain under rationing? A. While 65 degree daytime temperature is a factor in the heat loss formula, the actual temperature will depend on the individuals pref erence as to whether he would like a higher or lower temperature for a shorter or a longer period of the day. The temperature to be provid- ed will depend also on the supply of fuel oil available.
 @. When will the plan be insti- | tuted?
 A. It vii be instituted formally as soon as forms and coupon sheets can be distributed, about mid -Octo- Der. Actually, restrictions have been in effect since Oct. l, as result of the WIPE order. The consumers in ventory on that date and the pur- chases he has made since are to be considered part of his ration.
 @. How will consumers give ra- tioning authorities the information needed to determine their ration?
 A. On application blanks to be supplied by their dealers. The blanks when filled out are to be mailed to local war price and ra- tioning board which will issue the ration. This procedure may vary locally.
 @. What special information is needed for the application for heat ing oil in a private home?
 A. You need to know-1. The square foot area of each room used as living space in the house. 2. The capacity of your storage facilities, and the amount of fuel oil on hand October l. 3. How much oil was used to heat the house and to SUD- ply hot water last year (June |, l941 to May 31, 1942). 4. The num- her of gallons of fuel oil you pur- chased last year, as indicated by your dealers record.
 O. How do determine the square foot area of my home?
 A. Measure the length and width of each room. The dimensions in each case are to be noted on the ap- plication blank and multiplied to de- termine square feet. Do not include basement space. laundries. sleeping porches, sun porches, garage space, recreation rooms, workshops, attics, storage space other than closets opening into heated space. Only necessary living and sleeping space and space used for work should be included.
 e. Suppose the records of fuel purchased last year are not avail- able?
 A. Note this fact and the reasons why on the application. The ra- tionlng board will give you a ration based on the heat loss formula alone.
 c. How does the plan allow for differences in cllmate2
 A. oPA has divided tue ratloned area Into four thermal zones to ai- low for dlsparities in climate in Che north, central, south and deep south