Energy costs

Back on 1/18 Chuck wrote, in part: "The average guy (and gal) would do
well to plan ahead and to anticipate increases in energy prices in real
terms. This means maybe to resist buying a 200+ m2 home in the suburbs
for a family of 3-4 people. A home that will require large amounts of
energy to heat and cool the place and large amounts
of fossil fuel to power the cars to commute for the next 25 or so years."

As it happens, I just finished my analysis of my 2005 expenses. The cost
to heat my 3000 foot "cabin" last year was about $1000. The cost to drive
my three 4x4 vehicles over mountain roads was about $2000.

Suppose energy costs were to double? Well, I'd have to "find" the extra
$4000 somewhere. Maybe go back to work (I'm retired). Or cut back on a
few things. Or dip into my 401-K plan. Or drive less and put on a
sweater.

All of these don't look all that much formidable. Of course, I'm not
factoring in the rise on other costs as fuel prices rise).

Burgy (akin to Pollyanna)
Received on Tue Jan 31 15:19:15 2006