Posted: April 27, 2020

The right to choose a source of energy is critical to local families and communities here in northern California, both for environmental and economic reasons. Yet there are proposals in place that are attempting to force all homes and businesses in CA to use only electricity.

This is both short sighted and dangerous.

For one thing, about half the electricity produced by California is generated in plants powered by natural gas, which is 95 percent methane – a greenhouse gas with 84 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The process of generating electricity is also grossly inefficient: according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly two-thirds of electricity generated at most power plants is lost between the plant and the consumer.

Propane gas, on the other hand, is easy to transport and generates energy on the spot, with no loss of power along the way. It also burns significantly cleaner than other fuels, including natural gas – better for the planet, and better for the air near your home or business. Overall, the pollution created from burning propane is far less than that created by the power plants supplying you with electricity, so you help protect the environment by contributing to cleaner, more breathable air.

Using propane in your home or business is better, too

Propane should be an energy option available for all Californians– and it should be a consideration for your home or business, too.

Propane has clear advantages over electricity for:

• Space heating – Propane gas furnaces provide more heat and comfort with consistent air supply at 115 °F, compared to electric heat pumps that deliver air at a temperature slightly warmer than the outside air and creates a drafty feel in your home.
• Water Heating – Propane water heaters recover heat 2.5 times faster than electric water heaters and cost about 30 percent less to operate. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that propane water heaters save at least $175 annually compared to electric water heaters.
• Cooking – A new propane cooktop or range costs one-third less than cooking with an electric range, delivers faster cooking times, more accurate cooking temperature and distributes heat more evenly.
• Clothes drying – Replace your electric clothes dryer with a propane-fueled mode and you could reduce CO emissions by as much as three tons over the course of its useful life, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

The bottom line

Propane is a critical component in a carbon-responsible future – protect your right to choose it today. Tell elected officials that energy choice should be your right – sign this petition to protect your right to choose propane in California.