Community Heroes Series
From the December 2005 issue of Alabama Living magazine

Gas vs. Electric, the choice is simple.

Article by Kay Marshall

As our readers have seen over the past few months, we have all been affected by the 2005 hurricane season.

Not only have we witnessed visible damage to lines, trees, and our posses ions, but many are now beginning to feel the effect from damage to PADD 3 refineries in our Gulf Coast., and effect that will be costly to those using gas heated homes.

The EIA (Energy Information Administration) in Washington D.C. notes that price hikes will depend on how quickly oil rigs and Gulf coast refineries can be repaired.
In speaking with Tammy Heppner, EIA expert on Product Pricing, Alabama falls into the PADD 3 region ( Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts) which also includes New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Gulf facilities within this PADD 3 region account for 1.5 million barrels a day, or 29% of U.S. domestic oil production. EIA director Guy Caruso, testifying before a House committee examining the energy effects of Katrina, stated that four refineries in Louisiana that suffered severe damage could be out of commission for several months.
This is bad news for those heating their homes exclusively with gas, as the rates and availability issues will remain with us for some time.

So what if you are considering another heating source for your home?
What are the hard facts on price increases for gas versus electric?

We, at TEC, can answer those questions for you.
We have worked hard to secure low rates through at least 2010. Your friends at TEC believe that electricity is the right choice during our nations oil crisis, and it is the right choice for the years ahead.

Quick Facts Regarding Electricity vs Gas

• Tombigbee EC has a long term contract keeping our rates lower through the year 2010, and possibly through 2012.
  
  
• Electricity has proven stable rates, with only a 9% increase from 2001-2005.
  
  
• Natural Gas has, thus far and through October 2005, shown an increase of 50% from 2001-2005. This percentage does not include future price increases.
  
  
• LP Gas has, thus far and through October 2005, shown an increase of 60% from 2001-2005. This percentage does not include future price increases.
  
  
• Electricity prices do not depend upon foreign oil or refineries.
  
  
• Electricity is a safe, clean, and “green” U.S. produced alternative to petroleum products.
  
  
• Electricty is good for us, and it is good for our environment.

Kay Marshall is the Internet Projects Coordinator and Editor for TEC

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