Is propane for home heating more or less expensive than natural gas?

Nicor Inc., a large natural gas supplier, published their August 2007 energy source comparison numbers that show that Natural Gas costs $7/MMbtu, #2 Fuel Oil costs $20.71/MMbtu and Propane costs $22.14/MMbtu. Electricity varies by the load, but ranges from $25.73/MMbtu to $32.70/MMbtu. So, based on these numbers, Propane is about 3 times more expensive to heat with than Natural Gas. Unfortunately, you don't have much choice when you live rural like you do. If you can burn oil for your heat and hot water then you could save about 10% off your fuel bill, but oil isn't very popular for cooking. At least you are not relying on electricity! ... more