Home conversions to gas reported in a decline

Residential heating conversions to natural gas from oil have declined because of "ballyhooing" about gas-price decontrol, American Gas Association officials say. Heating conversions to natural gas are expected to taper off to 395,000 this year from a record 583,000 in 1980, officials say, and they blame concern over a rise in natural gas prices.

Those responsible for the ballyhooing are doing their best to convince the public that gas won't be a big bargain for very long," said Robert Willis, chairman. This has slowed down the pace of conversions in the northeast, he said.