[TheForge] propane vs coal in current energy market

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

given the current energy market with increasing prices particularly for
propane i was wondering last night if any one or organization has done
an analysis comparing the cost of propane and coal. after searching for
several hours on the internet if such an analysis has been done it is
not readily available.

while illinois has coal and it is being mined to a limited extent it is
not a good quality coal for use in blacksmithing or foundry work. the
sulfur content is high and fixed carbon content is low. this means that
coal for blacksmithing or foundry work must be imported into illinois
from either other states or other countries. 

during my search for information it was apparent that obviously those
closer to the east coast coal mines pay less and as distance from the
east coast mines increases so does the price per ton. this is once again
due to the higher fuel costs associated with shipping. ( sort of
catch-22 )

i have always used propane, but with propane at $1.29 per gallon in 2004
compared to $0.49 per gallon in 2000 i am investigating the feasibility
of switching fuels.

any suggestions, hints, pointers would be apprepriated.

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>