Coal is the better way to go if you are in a situation to use it such a rural area. I live in a townhouse developement so I have to use either charcoal, coke, or gas.
You will burn more charcoal to do the same project that you would with coal, meaning that to do the same job is costing you more.
The amount that you are paying for coal seems alot to me. Something you might think about is join a local blacksmith guild if you have one in your area. The guild I'm with buys a bulk load (this year was 26 ton) and we sell it to our members at $7 a 50lb bag.
Here is some guilds in your area. I don't know how close you are to them.
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
KOOTENAY BLACKSMITH'S ASSOCIATION
Pres: Chris Waters
Chinook Country Forge
Site 113, Box 12, RR 3
Sundre, AB
CANADA T0M 1X0
(403) 638-3529
ironshop@telus.net
Ed: Jesse Ellingson
Box 775
Nelson, BC
CANADA V1L 5R4
crazycat@netidea.com
VANCOUVER ISLAND BLACKSMITH'S ASSOCIATION
VIBA Office:
VIBA
1040 Marwood Avenue
Victoria, BC
CANADA V9C-3C4
Pres: Charlie Dowdeswell
#53-2911 Sooke Lake Rd.
Victoria, BC
CANADA V8B 4R5
(250) 478-2460
Dowdeswell@alumni.ucalgary.ca
Ed: Dennis Gillett
1212 Garden Gate Drive
Brentwood Bay, BC
CANADA V8M 2H6
(250) 544-4816
dgillett@shaw.ca Vancouver Island Blacksmith's Association (VIBA)