COAL
Cost is the main reason consumers are switching to coal for their heating needs. In a comparison between output by cost per gigajoule to BTU (British Thermal Unit) between coal and other fuels, coal is cheaper than natural gas, diesel, propane, or electricity and is more automated than heating with wood.
Relative Energy Prices (April 2008)
| Fuel |
Cost($CDN/GJ) |
Ash |
| Electricity(2 to 20 cents/kWh) |
$8.50 to $60.00 |
|
| Diesel($1.32 /litre, 0.039 GJ/litre) |
$33.85 |
|
| Propane (65 cents/litre, 0.025 GJ/litre) |
$26.00 |
|
| Wood Pellets($250/tonne, 18 GJ/tonne) |
$13.89 |
0.2 kg/GJ |
| Natural Gas(0.037 GJ/m3) |
$8.50 |
|
| Coal in Alberta($35-$45/tonne, 18 GJ/tonne) |
$1.95 - $2.50 |
3 to 7 kg/GJ |
Approximate Prices
The average BTU output of Alberta coal is 10,000 BTU/lb. Even with an addition transportation charge, coal is still the most economical heating alternative. With the All Canadian Coal-Fired Heater you can save approximately 80% of what it would cost to heat with natural gas.
Stoker Coal
The coal used in the All Canadian Coal-Fired Heater (which is also the most readily available coal in Western Canada) is called sub-bituminous "b" stoker coal. Stoker coal (characterized by egg-sized lumps of coal) comes oiled (to minimize dust), and dry (un-oiled). Both oiled and dry stoker coal can be burned in the All Canadian Coal-Fired Heater.
Where to Find Coal
Major Alberta Coal Mines and Prices
Dodds Coal Mine, Tofield (780-663-2285)
| 2004 price for |
oiled stoker: $37.00/tonne |
dry stoker: $34.00/tonne |
| 2008 price for |
oiled stoker: $41.00/tonne |
dry stoker: $37.00/tonne |
Sheerness Mine, Luscar Coal (403-854-5200)
| 2004 price for |
oiled stoker: $37.00 |
dry stoker: $34.00 |
| 2008 price for |
oiled stoker: $37.00/tonne |
dry stoker: $34.00/tonne |
Highvale Mine, Keephills Power Plant, Wabamun, (780-731-4060)
| 2004 price for |
oiled stoker: n/a |
dry stoker: $32.00-$35.00 |
| 2008 price for |
oiled stoker: n/a |
dry stoker: $45.00/tonne |
Coal Valley Mine, Luscar Coal (780-794-8100)
Canadian Coal Corporation (780-453-2625)
*transportation costs are extra
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