Locking in Propane contract prices for coming season? (how much, new house)

[swbtoo]

We've never locked in the price for propane for the heating season, and last year we actually made out a bit better price wise for not locking in, but we're thinking of doing it for this coming season.

Those of you who have propane heat, will you be locking in, and what contract price per gallon are you being quoted?

Would appreciate hearing the ranges!

TIA!

[NewUser]

We just got a new propane hookup last month and they filled the tank partially to start us off. I think that we paid $2.68+tax/gal, but not sure on that. Haven't crossed the "lock-in" bridge yet. We are with McLamb.

[slapstep]

I did not lock in at 2.40/gallon and now its $3.20 or so. They topped off the tank and it was like $650.

Anyone out there that is considering propane to heat the castle I highly recommend purchasing your own tank so you can shop for your product instead of getting raped regularly by the owner (gas company) of the tank.

[swbtoo]

We own our tank, and decided not to lock in. We just had a fill at $2.449/gal.
and I thought *that* was high. Compared to your 3.20, I consider myself lucky.

I do believe you can switch companies if you want to. They have a way of "buying" the tank from each other to comply with their own regulation that prohibits them from filling another company's tank, a requirement that the companies themselves set up to minimize competition, and then set up a way around it.
Some may try to dissuade you by saying they will have to install a new tank, but that's not really so. You may find a company that is willing to work with you on that if you're persistent.

[TabbyCats]

Originally Posted by southward bound

They have a way of "buying" the tank from each other to comply with their own regulation that prohibits them from filling another company's tank, a requirement that the companies themselves set up to minimize competition, and then set up a way around it.

Not anymore--at least not with some companies. Our new house had a propane tank, and we tried to do just that, but they said they WOULD come and get their tank, that they would not sell or exchange their tank to another propane company. I didn't want our new lawn torn up, so we stayed with them but got a decent price this first time. I dread when we have to re-negotiate. We have a dual-fuel heating system, so we're using this first year to figure out how much propane we'll be using before making further decisions, etc. I do know we've used much less than my neighbor with a smaller house who heats exclusively with propane. I miss natural gas.....wish it were more widespread outside city limits.