[WhoisAlanGreenspan?]

It always sucks when your accountant tells you you need to spend a million dollars or that times X, and you just don't know what to do about it.

Is it possible energy costs never being significantly tamed is similar to real estate always increasing in value, prior to 2008?

It's an awesome technology. Geothermal. You nailed the "initial outlay".

[Russ]

I have had geothermal heat/cooling in my home for 20 years. No oil or gas bills, only a monthly electric bill of an average of 225.00. I had to replace the unit six years ago which cost around $5,000. It also increases the resale value of the home.