Be prepared for propane season

Buy early

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

Consider a budget plan

Sometimes consumers struggle to pay the entire bill at one time. Ask if your distributor offers a budget payment plan. State law requires propane distributors to offer all customers the same 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.

Customers 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. Under most circumstances, propane distributors are prohibited from adding any service, distribution, transportation, or other fees to the bills of customers who had entered into a contract with the distributor.
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 (EAP) provides income-eligible customers help to pay their energy bills. The average grant per household is about $550 (Oct 2024-March 2025). See the EAP website for updated income eligibility guidelines. Households with seniors, people with disabilities and children are encouraged to apply.

Visit the Energy Assistance Program for a list of local service providers and more information about services available.

Own a farm?

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

Guides

Learn more about efficient heating and cooling with the MN Department of Commerce’s Home Energy Guide or the pricing and delivery information for propane from the Minnesota Attorney General.

Explore your options

Many options exist to reduce energy demand. Consider exploring alternative, supplemental and renewable heating systems such as solar PV or solar thermal water heaters.

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.