With rising gas prices resulting from forces in the middle east and catastrophic results from Hurricane Katrina, natural gas consumers are frantically seeking means of conserving energy and reducing costs, especially in light of recent announcements by the Department of Energy that heating costs may rise as much as 71% this winter for the gas belt region.

Most have never considered, when looking at a luminescent gaslight, how many dollars are being eaten away, but many homeowners associations have, who are requiring members with outside gaslights to cap off gas service or convert to electricity.

While this may sound oppressive, if gas prices stabilize at the 71% increase, consumers may burn $400 a year in natural gas for only one gaslight. This week the Department of Energy announced consumers will pay over $350 more this winter to heat homes.

These announcements have sent many homeowners and city government officials on a scavenger savings hunt, attempting to reduce costs however necessary.

While many homeowners are unwilling to cut off service completely to outside yard lights, desiring the charm, security, and historical beauty gaslights provide, this hasn