Evening star., 1942-10-12
Fuel Ration Plan Explained
OPA Quiz Gives Answers to Questions
On Key Points Of New Setup

The ONCE of Price Administra-
ton has released the following ques-
tions and answers describing the
fuel oil rationing plan being ap-
piled in 80 Eastern and Midwest
States, and how 1t will operate:
What types Of fuel oil are being
rationed? All grades Of distillate
and residual fuel oils, kerosene and
Diesel fuel.
Will all uses of these oils come
under rationing control? Yes. All
will be controlled by coupons, but
with few exceptions the plan re-
stricts only the use Of oil for heat
ing purposes and for hot water.
What is to be accomplished by
the rationing plan? It is designed
to assure consumers of heating oil
an equality of comfort despite the
necessity for curtailing overall con-
sumption Of the rationed oils by
one-third.
No Uniform Comfort?
Does this mean that every home
will be assured the same degree OF
comfort? No. It means that most
home owners can have the same de-
gree Of comfort-if they bring in
sulation, burner and heating plant
efficiency up to.standard.
Will rations be issued on the as
sumption that these things have
been done? Yes. The heat loss for
mula to be used in determining the
ration for private homes will in
Glide factors rejecting standard
insulation and burner efficiency.
What temperature will the av-
erage home owner be able to main
tain under rationing? While a 65-
degree daytime temperature is a fac
tor IN the heat loss formula, the
actual temperature will depend on
the individuals preference as to
whether he would like higher or
lower temperature for shorter or
longer period of the day. The tenn
perature to be provided will depend
also on the supply of fuel oil avail
able.
Forms Ready Soon.
When will the plan be instituted?
1t will be instituted formally as soon
as forms and coupon sheets can be
distributed, about mid - October.
Actually, restrictions have been in
effect since October l as a result
OF the WPB order. The consumers
inventory on that date and the pur-
chases he has made since are to be
considered part of his ration.
How will consumers give ration
ing authorities the information
needed to determine their ration?
on application blanks to be sup
piled by their dealers. The blanks
when filled out are to be mailed
to a local War Price and Ration
ing Board which will issue the ra-
ton: This procedure may vary
locally.
What special information is need
ed for the application for heating
oil In a private home? You need
to know:
l. 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 /.
3. How much oil was used to heat
the house and to supply hot water
last year Dune l, 194l, to May 81,
1942).
4. The number OF gallons of fuel
OIL you purchased last year, as in
dcated by your dealers record.
How to Measure Home.
How do I determine the square,
foot area of my home? Measure
the length and width of each room.
The dimensions in each case are to
be noted on the application blank
and multiplied to determine 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.
Suppose the records of fuel pur-
chaSed last year are not available?
Note this fact and the reasons why
on the application. The rationing
board will give you a ration based
on the heat loss formula alone.
How does the plan allow for diff
terences in climate? OPA has
divided the rationed area into four
thermal zones to allow for disnari
ties in climate in the north, central,
south and deep South areas. They
are referred to as zone A, B, c and
D, respectively.
Then similar treatment will be
given users in the same tempera-
ture zone, but a larger or smaller
allotment will be given in more
northerly or more southerly zones,
respectively? That's the way it
works.
Is there a scientifically accurate