The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-10-13
Fuel Oil Rationing Plan Outlined By OPA Scores of Questions Anticipated by Government - Information, Advice Given to Persons
 Affected by Latest Conserva-
 ton Decree
ton Decree

areas. They are referred to as Zones A, B, c, and D, respectively.
 @. Then similar treatment will be given users in the same temper ature zone, but larger or smaller allotment will be given in more northerly or more southerly zones, respectively?
 A. That's the way it works.
 Q. Is there scientifically ac- curate way to adjust the allotments for these different zones?
 A. Yes, they will be based on temperature records covering a long period of years.
 @. How do heating experts meas ure differences in climate?
 A. In terms of degree days.
 @. What does the degree days mean?
 A. Degree days is the difference between the average temperature outside and the arbitrarily selected figure of 65 degrees, the heat leve to which home heating must be hele in view of the fuel shortage. For ex. ample, if the average temperature outside on given day of 30 degrees the degree day record for that day is 35. If the same average tempera- ture continued for 10 days the de. gree days for that period would be $50.
 @. Is there a degree day figure for. every city and town in every section of the rationed area?
 A. Yes.
 Q. What is the heat loss form ula?
 A. It is the square foot of heat ed floor area multiplied by the de- gree days, divided by a constant reflecting such house heating fac- tors as insulation, and burner efh- ciency
 o. Will the result be the mum Der of gallons to be included in the ration?
 A. Not absolutely. The use of two constants will provide a maximum and minimum base ration for par ticular house. A ration range is thus established.
 Q. Just what effect does the amount of oil burned last year have on the base ration?
 A. If 66 2-3 per cent of that amount falls within the range sci by the formula, then that will be the ration. @. But if it falls above the max mum of the formula range what then?
 A. Then that maximum will be the ration.
 @. But what if it falls below the minimum of the formula range? A. Then the ration will be 85 per cent of last years consumption ol the minimum of the range which ever is smaller.
 @. What sort of stimulus does this place on the consumer of fuel oil?
 e. What sort of stimulus does this place on the consumer of fuel oil?
 A. It makes it to his advantage to convert to coal or to conserve fuel oil through improved insulation and burner efficiency.
 @. Suppose home falls above the maximum range set by formula.
 A. Then the percentage cut under last years usage will be more than 33 1-3 per cent and will pro- vide an added incentive to convert or conserve oil.
 o. Suppose & home falls within the range?
 A. The cut will be 3S 1-S per cent below last years purchases.
 @. will the very efficient user of fuel oil be cut less than SS 1-S per cent?
 A. Yes, but not less than IS per cent.
 e. Then the efficient user will not have so much need to convert or conserve fuel oil?
 A. No, he would not. In that way he will be rewarded for his ef- ficlent use of fuel oil. As matter of fact, he Is not likely to be able to greatly improve his heating effi- ciency.
 e. What about the allotments of fuel oil for the fall and spring months, as compared with the bit- terly cold months of December. Jan uary and February9
 A. That has been taken care of by dividing the heating season into five periods of approximately equal degree 0ays; that Is, equal in fuel needs.
 e. What are these periodEa
 A. They will vary somewhat among the four zones. Roughly, tho first period will include September,