Solar panels eyed for school roof; Town officials to promote idea.
Byline: Steven H. Foskett Jr. SUTTON - Instead of just being soaked, the leaky roof at the Early Learning Center could be using solar panels to soak up the sun's rays, according to Selectman Michael Chizy. With astronomical heating oil prices sending school districts scrambling...

Residents can reduce heating costs despite rising fuel prices.
Byline: Joyce McMahon COLUMN: AS I SEE IT This week's survey of statewide heating oil prices conducted by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources showed the highest average price yet - $3.27 per gallon - 85 cents higher than last year. Propane is also at...

Record oil prices are threat to small businesses' survival.
Byline: John F. Kerry This summer, record oil prices are walloping consumers at the gas pump and making this one tough driving season in Massachusetts, but they're also an early warning for the winter to come and the 6 million households that rely on home heating oil...

Love those stoves; Households race to switch to firewood, pellets to lower heating costs.
Byline: Thomas Caywood Pamela and Roger Shaylor of Worcester took one look at their heating oil bill in January and decided to spend several thousand dollars on a stove that burns wood pellets to heat their home. "That last tank of oil we bought was...

Statehouse green; Energy bill goals are mostly long term.
COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION Besieged by constituents frantic about $4 per gallon gasoline and soaring heating oil prices, the Massachusetts Senate Tuesday passed a multifaceted energy bill unanimously - a measure of the intensity of public concern. The House is expected to follow suit today. ...

Muddling through; Car pools, discount shopping commonplace in era of coping.
Byline: Lisa Eckelbecker Months into the nation's economic slowdown, a winter of discontent is fast approaching. Just about everything consumers need, especially food and fuel, is costing more. Yet it's tougher to raise money. Joblessness is up. Homes aren't worth as much, and many stock...

Superintendent gets high marks; Lane scores well on planning.
Byline: Steven H. Foskett Jr. DOUGLAS - Superintendent Nancy T. Lane is straddling the line between proficient and exemplary. That was the conclusion of her annual performance review, recently completed by the School Committee. Ms. Lane received 199 out of a possible 270...

Local oil dealers find prices tough to swing.
Byline: Amanda Dick Northboro Oil Co. co-owner Sandra Farrell will testify before a U.S. Senate committee tomorrow in Washington, D.C., about how the rising cost of oil is affecting oil dealers. Ms. Farrell, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Oilheat Council, said she will provide committee members...

Bracing for the cold; Area's dependence on oil heat will be its Achilles' heel this winter.
Byline: Martin Luttrell The following correction was published Nov. 7, 2007 and Nov. 11, 2007: Crowley Fuel Co. Inc. of North Brookfield offers a price cap program for home heating oil but not fixed price contracts. Because of a reporter's error, the company's heating oil...

A storm of greed.
After hurricanes comes the cold, and with heating oil prices leaping up 30 percent in the Northeast, you better have a winter survival strategy in place. Put the toddlers to bed in double layers of bunny suits, with mittens attached. Ramp up grandma's chondroitin sulfate...