There has been a strong push in recent years to make electricity Maine’s primary energy source based on the false belief that it is the greatest way to reduce our carbon footprint.
When you look closer, however, you’ll realize that propane is the energy source to help us towards that goal of a zero-carbon future in many ways.
You may believe that electricity is “cleaner” than propane. However, this is not the case. About half of all electricity generated in the United States comes from coal-fired power stations that increase greenhouse gases and cause acid rain. Propane, on the other hand, is so clean burning it produces close to zero greenhouse gas emissions!
Electricity transmission is extremely inefficient. When electricity passes from the power plant through the power lines to your residence, it encounters resistance, resulting in a loss of energy. It takes three units of source energy to produce one unit of electricity in your home. To provide us with electricity, therefore, more coal has to be burned, producing more carbon and CO2.
Because propane is right there at your home, there is virtually no loss of energy from the tank to your appliances.
Propane is a better alternative to electricity for many appliances, which means you can reduce your environmental impact even more. Propane water heaters heat more water faster than their electric counterparts and do it with about 30% less cost. Propane clothes dryers get your laundry dry about 25% faster than comparable electric dryers.
When it comes to reliability, propane is king. Electricity cannot compare to the dependability of gas. If your home is heated by electricity and there’s a power outage, you have no heat. But because your propane supply is right at your home, you’re not dependent on a utility grid for your heating, water heating, cooking, and more.
Renewable propane is the next step towards a zero-carbon future.
Molecularly, renewable propane is identical to conventional propane. It’s made from non-fossil fuels like animal oils, plant oils, biomass, and other triglycerides, which are sustainable resources.
As the renewable propane sector expands, more and more Mainers will be able to use it to reduce their environmental impact even further.
Become a Murray-Heutz customer and get reliable delivery of efficient, versatile propane!
