Propane prices for 2018-2019 heating season
 

How are propane prices looking this year? Anyone have recommendations on best place to go for low price and fair dealings?

I have a contract with Rymes for this season at $ 1.699 per gallon

Start with the company you are now using...often times they are willing to give better prices if you call and ask to discuss. For example, last season I called my company for a better price and we worked out a great savings by pre-buying 500 galllons of propane. This year I still have a great balance left to use for the upcoming season!

I save on propane through Our Town Energy Alliance. We were already using Eastern so for us it was a matter of signing up and paying the annual membership fee ($30) to receive discount. I believe we saved about $1/gallon when we joined. Unfortunately it might be too late to join for this winter as the program runs 9/1-8/31. You could also ask your provider if they offer any discounts or options to pre-buy.

With propane, in order to compare prices you also need to provide info on usage. The more you use, the cheaper it is.

This has always seemed backwards to me, though I know it's standard economics. But it's one of the only areas in heating/insulation where you are penalized for conserving.

We signed up with The Fuel Club - a fuel buying group that works with Eastern, HB Energy and Irving Energy to negotiate discounts.

So...what are the “member dues” as they do not give info on that link you posted?

The cost of operating a propane delivery truck has to be figured into the price for propane. That is not just the delivery cost but also the cost of the time it takes for the truck to be filled before it goes out on deliveries.

It cost the company the same amount to get to your house whether you take 50 gallons or 450 gallons. If the truck costs $50 to get to your 50 gallon delivery then it cost the company $1 per gallon just to get to your house. Using the same numbers, if your delivery is 450 gallons the delivery cost is only 9 cents per gallon.

Another obvious cost to the company is the extra time and effort to get to tanks when there is snow on the ground, in many cases covering the area where the tank is. I know some companies put a second person on the truck just to assist the driver getting through when there is a substantial amount of snow.

Found it here:
http://thefuelclub.com/services/

Don't forget the cost of the tank(s), regulators, piping, and installation cost. If you want the best pricing own your own tank(s).

I understand and that would make sense if the same applied to other fuels. Why doesn't the same argument apply to oil? Oil pricing seems to be the same for all.

Our Town Energy Alliance
 

Our town prices in 2018/2018 for Eastern propane are:

PROPANE PRICES Price $/gal (Net 10 - Paid within 10 days)
Tier Volume/Gals
1 0 - 150 $2.66
2 151 - 400 $2.51
3 401 - 700 $2.43
4 701 - 1200 $2.11
5 1201 - 2000 $2.06
6 2001 - 3000 $2.01
7 3001 - 5000 $1.99
5000+ priced separately

Typically, you need to join ($30/year) before the season starts.

Most oil Companies have a discount program that if you prebuy a certain amount the cost is lower but oil can fluctuate so much that if the price goes down you can't renegotiate. It was a very popular option when oil prices were high and the outlook was higher.

Many years ago, at a different house, I had three 330 gallon tanks installed in the basement. People in the oil business told me the lowest price for oil was usually after July 4th. I would call around to several companies, offer cash, and order about 900 gallons. That would usually take me through until at least April.

Over 20 years in that house and I think I saved a lot of money.

Eastern Propane just topped me off at $2.94 a gallon for 124 gallons

Amerigas just topped me off with 90 gallons @ $2.589/GAL

Are you part of OTEA
 

Are you part of our town energy Alliance? They work with Eastern Propane for propane and also fuel oil.

Dave

It's $40 for us (one tank/one fuel type). I worked out we would save $160 over a year ($200 saving minus $40 membership).

No but I will certainly research this now. Thanks again.

How does this alliance work?

Irving $1.69 Contract price for group with 10 business and 10 home accounts Total usage around 200,000 gal

Here's their website
 

Here's their website:

https://www.otchoice.com

Dave