Mark E. Skeels wrote:
> Why is it that using oil for heat is prevalent in the east?
> Can it be more economical than natural gas?

I don't know how you inferred that oil heat is "prevalent" in the east from
my single statement.  However, it's certainly not uncommon.  In my
particular instance and that of many others all over the country, natural
gas isn't a option since that requires utility infrastructure.  The only
utilities near my house are electrical (power, phone, internet, cable).
There is no gas, water, or sewer to hook up to.  This is quite common
outside of "city" areas.

Long ago I rented a apartment in Lowell, a nearby small city.  There the
heat was powered by natural gas.  The gas company could profitably run a ga=
s
main down the street and hook up lots of customers.  The houses were mostly
multi-family and dense-packed onto 1/4 acre lots.

The cost/benefit to the gas company is very different in rural areas.  The
minimum zoning (with various exceptions) in Groton is 2 acres, for example,
and then there are lots of unbuilt areas too.


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