EIA Projects Higher Expenditures on Fuels This Winter Due to Colder Than Normal Temperatures
The U.S. Energy Information Administration released new data this week indicating that Americans across the country will spend more on heating if they use natural gas, fuel oil or propane during the coming winter. Electric heating costs are projected to remain steady. The agency expects expenditures on fuels to be about a third higher than they were last winter, but potentially lower than the average spent during the 2010-2014 winters.
Because of unusually cold weather, Americans are expected to spend considerably more for heating this season despite the consistently low prices of fossil fuels, a trend that EIA expected to continue. The EIA report's summary said, "The latest outlook from NOAA expects winter temperatures east of the Rocky Mountains to be colder than last winter, with projected heating degree days in the Northeast, Midwest, and South about 16-18% higher."
Meanwhile, the Farmer's Almanac agrees with NOAA projections for a colder than normal winter, using words like "numbing," "chilled-to-the-bone" and "ice cold" to describe its predictions across the country for the coming season. Its website says: "While last winter was a reprieve from shoveling and high fuel bills, the party is over. According to the 2017 Farmers' Almanac, 'winter is back!'"
Holding an Event for Bioenergy Day (Oct. 19th)? Be Sure to Let Us Know!
October 19, 2016, marks the Fourth Annual Bioenergy Day! Many pellet fuels manufacturers are planning facility tours and other events to emphasize the many economic and environmental benefits of bioenergy to elected officials, customers, the media and other stakeholders.
We urge anyone interested in building ties to their communities to consider hosting a Bioenergy Day event, either on your own or jointly with other bioenergy businesses or supporters in your region. There are many resources available to help you plan, including a Participation Guide on the Bioenergy Day website. Previous participants are also willing to share best practices, lessons learned, and other tips to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Thanks to many sponsors, including the U.S. Forest Service, and participants, Bioenergy Day has grown each year. Organizations across the country have engaged their communities on bioenergy, earning dozens of media stories and helping more people understand bioenergy. State and local governments, elected officials, universities and businesses have all recognized bioenergy in its many forms. Biomass power, domestic and export pellets, biogas, anaerobic digesters, combined heat and power - all of these types of bioenergy are part of Bioenergy Day.
To learn more, visit www.bioenergyday.com, or send an email to Carrie Annand at [email protected]. Watch the 2016 Bioenergy Day video on YouTube. If you're holding an event, be sure to let us know the details and tweet about it using the hashtag #bioenergyday!
Have News to Share on Pellet Wire?
We'd love to feature your company's news in a future Pellet Wire! We want to be the first to know your company's recent developments to share them with the wider pellet fuels industry.
Please be in touch with Carrie Annand at [email protected] with information on your company's growth, job openings, promotions or other news.
Join a PFI Committee
We welcome and encourage all interested PFI members to get involved in our committees. There are many opportunities to help steer the association. No matter where your expertise and interests lie, we have a committee that will suit you. Help us plan our next conference, shape our policy agenda, lead communications outreach or grow the PFI Standards Program. Visit PFI's website for more information.
