Core Viewpoint - The "coal-to-gas" initiative in Hebei has faced significant criticism due to high heating costs and inadequate heating performance, leading to public discontent and calls for a reevaluation of the policy [1][3][10]. Group 1: Heating Costs and User Experience - A user in Baoding, Hebei, reported spending over 4,000 yuan for heating during the winter, with indoor temperatures only reaching around 13°C, highlighting the inadequacy of the heating system [1]. - The average cost for a household using natural gas for heating in Hebei is estimated to be between 7,560 and 11,340 yuan per winter season, which is unaffordable for many rural residents with an annual disposable income of just over 20,000 yuan [4][5]. - Despite the higher costs, some users prefer gas heating over coal due to cleanliness and convenience, although the financial burden remains significant as subsidies have decreased [5][9]. Group 2: Policy and Implementation Challenges - The "coal-to-gas" initiative was part of a broader air pollution control strategy, with Hebei exceeding its target by converting over 200,000 households to gas heating [3][4]. - The transition to gas heating has been complicated by issues such as gas shortages and high costs, which have led to public outcry and calls for alternative solutions [6][8]. - The government initially provided substantial subsidies for gas heating, but these have significantly reduced in recent years, exacerbating the financial strain on households [9][10]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Economic Viability - The cost of natural gas in rural Hebei is 20%-30% higher than in Beijing and Tianjin, making it less economically viable for residents [4][6]. - The efficiency of heating systems varies, with gas heating being more efficient than coal but still resulting in higher costs for rural households due to building structure and insulation issues [12][13]. - The reliance on low-priced gas is critical for resolving the heating cost crisis, but the current market dynamics and government policies hinder this possibility [8][9].