ARTISTINSC@AOL.COM on mon 4 sep 00
I am in South Carolina and our need for heating is a queer situation as we
can have a very mild situation and a little electric heater at the feet is
about all I would sometimes need but then we can have a real cold week so I
turn on the oil heat that is also called kerosene. I have a large tank that I
fill twice for the winter and have some left at the end of the season.
My electric kilns are in a separate building and it is very well insulated so
the kilns firing will keep it as warm as I'd need. I always have a load to
bisque so I put one on when it is especially cold. Electric heat here is very
pricey but I have heard all forms of heat will get mighty pricey this winter
so do not let the work get behind this season as when the real cold weather
comes firing the kilns may get pricey as well. word has it there could be a
50% INCREASE!
It would be interesting if we do the rate comparison again this year with
this increase coming. I feel that we tend to be viewed as unique by our
suppliers and we can be at their whim. I was completely cut off by my
supplier when the 70s fuel crunch happened and they also were charging me a
huge differential from my male contemporaries, I accidentally discovered. I
was considered having a hobby since they were guys back then and that was far
from the truth.( of course, I could not get any repairs or service back then
either unless my husband was home when they gave the estimate so he could
sign too. Needless to say I have not forgotten who those fellows who treated
me like that were. my sister-in-law tried to buy a car with the settlement
from an accident and the car dealer would not sell her one without her
husband then too even with her insurance check made out to her as payment!
THE YOUNG WOMEN TODAY HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE BATTLES WE WON BUT MOST DO NOT
EVEN REALIZE THINGS HAVE CHANGED.)
Anyhow, fuel costs will increase, possibly substantially, and there may have
to be some thought as to increasing your costs to reflect your increased
expenses if that comes out to be so. I hate the thought of price increases
but any who have costs raising must make adjustments if you are to stay
afloat and remain in business. I hope these fuel projections are not going to
materialize as they are suggesting but we must be aware.
Happy potting,
Margaret
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