As we bask in the delight of summer in Vermont, we are also very much aware of the impending winter heating season. Now is the time that most fuel oil and propane dealers send out letters with details of pre buy programs for the upcoming winter. Just as the price of gasoline at the pump is shocking us, no less shocking is the dramatic increase in  fuel oil and propane prices from last years heating season. As a hedge against substantial increases during the heating season, most companies offer pre buy options that allow customers to lock into prices now for a predetermined amount of oil or propane that you anticipate using. This helps relieve a bit of anxiety during the winter months. But is clearly is only one small option of how to cope with higher energy costs. The real solution for not only heating energy, but also for gasoline consumption and electrical use is conservation and incorporating some type of alternative energy. The inclusion of some form of alternative energy can substantially help your household budget and certainly help to conserve our natural resources. Given the time and conditions we are in, this years Solarfest 2008 should prove to be very well attended. Solarfest 2008 in Tinmouth, Vermont is billed as “The New England Renewable Energy Festival”. This year will be its 14th year and is July 11-12-13. Solarfest is powered by renewable energy and features three days of speakers, workshops, exhibitions and live music. It is rated one of the Top Ten Summer Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, www.vtchamber.com. This year should be particularly poignant and timely given the current state of energy needs. Visit their website and get the full schedule at www.solarfest.org.

Posted by Wade I. Treadway