Wisconsin’s 250,000 rural propane users could find relief
from price spikes by switching to biomass, from the state’s forest and
agricultural products.
“Wisconsin is one of
the county’s leading biomass producing states,” according to RENEW Wisconsin. A
renewable energy advocate group. Biomass
can be pellets or cord wood. Areas
without natural gas are now paying $4.01 for propane, almost double the $2.29
price a year ago. The Energy Information
Administration predicts high prices will continue from world demand; prices are
even higher than in the U.S.
“The more Wisconsin
citizens take advantage of our own renewable resources for our energy needs,
the better we protect ourselves against similar situations in the future while
creating jobs and business opportunities here at home,” says Tyler Huebner,
executive director.
RENEW Wisconsin says Wisconsin has 7 pellet mills and 23
wood brokers. In addition, new
technologies and standards for wood and pellet stoves make them cleaner
burning.
Huebner says propane users should be included in the Focus
on Energy program. It provides a resource for saving energy costs: from advice
on insulating and buying efficient appliances for homeowners, to incentives for
switching to renewable energy. He also suggests state grants for feasibility
studies for using biomass in businesses, municipalities and schools as well.
The Heating for the Midwest Conference will be held in Green
Bay on April 29; register at heatingthemidwest.org/conferences.
