Be prepared for propane season

Buy early

Buying your propane in the warmer months means paying lower prices. During the summer and early fall, demand for propane is lower which means prices usually are, too. Fill up now to avoid the high demand prices of the winter months.

Consider a budget plan

During the peak of the propane crisis in early 2014, many consumers struggled to pay the entire bill at one time. A new law signed by Governor Mark Dayton requires propane distributors to offer all customers a budget plan. This includes individuals that receive Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).

The propane distributor must also notify its customers on a budget payment plan of price or fee changes that may affect the monthly amount by more than 20 percent. The propane distributor may, however, alter or terminate the plan if the customer fails to pay two monthly payments during the budget payment plan. Talk to your local service provider to see what options are available to you.

Consumers can’t be turned away – Minnesota law requires propane distributors that have available supply to sell to a customer who pays by cash, receives LIHEAP or other government or private funds for that delivery. A propane distributor who accepts LIHEAP must provide consumers with information on what energy assistance is, and how to apply.

Fees
Pricing
Help with bills

Prohibition of extraneous fees

Many consumers who heat their homes with propane enter into a contract with their distributor prior to the heating season. Some consumers were billed additional fees during the propane crisis. Propane distributors are now prohibited from adding any service, distribution, transportation, or other fees to the bills of customers who had entered into a contract with the distributor, unless they cannot get supply.
Transparent pricing

The consumer protection law requires the propane distributor to provide its customers the current per-gallon price of propane including all additional charges, fees, and discounts for residential heating service. The information must be provided to the public upon request and to new customers prior to receiving heating service.
Help with bills

The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program provides help for low-income customers to pay their energy bills. The average grant per household is about $500. Customers with incomes less than 60 percent of the state median income may qualify. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, and children are encouraged to apply.

For a list of local service providers and more information about the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program call 651-539-1886 or 1-800-657-3710 (Greater Minnesota only).

Own a farm?

If your farm uses propane, consider buying your supply early and using a budget plan to avoid potential price increases or stressed propane supplies this fall and winter. Talk to your local propane provider to learn more about your purchasing and payment options.

Explore your options

Many options exist to reduce demand on propane and other heating fuels. Consider exploring alternative, supplemental and renewable heating systems such as solar PV or solar thermal.

When safe and possible, conserve fuel by turning down thermostat settings, closing off rooms or installing energy efficient appliances. Weatherizing your home by improving insulation and sealing drafty windows and doors can help reduce the amount of energy you need to heat your home.