The Pellet

It has become increasingly evident that our current level of dependence on foreign oil is unhealthy for us in many ways. The volatility in oil prices puts our homes and businesses at high risk, as it makes it virtually impossible to plan for heating and transportation costs. In the last 24 months, residential heating oil has varied more than $2.00/gallon in cost to the homeowner, with the peak cost occurring in July, 2008. This fluctuation pattern makes it quite clear that U.S. consumption of fossil fuels is no longer the driving factor in their U.S. pricing. As consumers, we have no control over the cost of a commodity which has become central to our well-being. Our strong dependence on oil, coupled with our lack of control over its price, is troubling.

There are many ways we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Maine spent over $1.4 billion on home heating oil in 2008. The vast majority of that money went to foreign nations. Changing the fuel we use to heat our homes is one way we can begin to reduce our personal dependence on foreign oil, and keep our energy dollars in the local economy.

Within the next few years, it is likely that over a million tons of premium wood pellets will be produced in the northeastern U.S. and neighboring Canada. Here in Maine, we are assured of a lasting, robust fuel production industry and favorable prices ... as numerous, large-capacity mills compete to sell their pellets. Perhaps more significant ... for every dollar spent on oil, about 85% leaves the region. For every dollar spent on pellet fuel, about 90% stays in the region.

	COST EFFECTIVE In general, pellet heat costs less than oil. A ton of pellets has the heat energy of 120 gallons of oil. Depending upon the size of a home’s storage bin, bulk deliveries can provide fuel for extended periods. An ordinary home basement can generally accommodate a bin that will hold 4 or 5 tons of pellets. 4.5 tons of storage would have the heat equivalent of two 275 gallon tanks of #2 heating oil.
	CONVENIENT Locally, Heutz Premium Pellet Systems delivers pellets in bulk to homes and businesses located throughout Central and Southern Maine. Pellets are delivered pneumatically from our truck into customers' storage bins. There is no delivery charge to locations within a 25-mile radius of our office. Even better, bulk delivery means there are no longer any 40-pound bags for you to move and stack!
	ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Favorable prices are not the only reason to heat with pellet fuel. Heating with pellets is nearly carbon-neutral ... which is environmentally friendly, and is also a renewable energy source. Pellet fuel is also produced locally; it helps the local economy by keeping our home heating dollars in the state economy, and by creating jobs. And, with modern pellet-burning appliances and bulk delivery, it can be just as convenient as burning fossil fuels.