By McKenna Halvorson

The cold weather is here – and so is heating season! Heating season in Vermont runs from November through mid-April. Use the heating season checklist below to further prepare for winter weather. If you have fuel questions relating to propane or other heating fuels, please visit our website.

CAP’s Heating Season Checklist

Before Scheduling a Heating Fuel Delivery:

1. Shop Around for Providers
   1. If you own your own tank and do not have a contract with a provider, you may be able to shop around for a fuel delivery.
      • If you own your own tank and are not currently in a service contract with a heating fuel provider, you may be able to call other providers if your preferred provider cannot guarantee a delivery. If you use propane, you may have to swap your tank(s). Confirm who owns the tank before inquiring with other providers.
   2. For propane customers, review your Fee Disclosure Form for potential charges associated with a delivery, including emergency deliveries and special trip fees.
      • If you cannot locate a copy of the Fee Disclosure Form, check the company’s website or call your provider to request a new copy.
2. Track your Fuel Usage
   1. If you are on will call or cash on delivery, call your provider when your tank is between 30-40% full.
      • If you wait to schedule your delivery, you may risk running out of heating fuel as the provider could be booked with planned deliveries.
      • If you are interested in switching to automatic delivery, contact your heating fuel provider.  

After Scheduling a Propane Delivery:

1. Make a Plowing Plan
   1. Ensure your driveway or private road is plowed so delivery can be safely made, especially during or after a snowstorm. If needed, sand the roads the day of delivery.
      • Confirm that the path to your tank is clear – remove all fallen tree branches, bushes, and other hazards.
      • Frozen gates, both in your driveway and around your tank, may delay delivery.
   2. If inclement weather is forecasted, call your provider as soon as possible to make different arrangements.
2. Answer Phone Calls from your Provider
   1. Technicians may call you if a problem arises during delivery. Answering those calls may avoid potential delays in receiving propane.

If you need more heating fuel support, including affording heat this winter, please check our Staying Warm This Winter post for additional information. There are programs that may be able to help!

The Vermont Attorney General’s office enforces CP111, a consumer protection rule, which regulates propane. CP111 outlines rights for propane consumers including the disclosure of fees, notice prior to a change in credit status, and certain protections for disconnections.

CAP provides a letter mediation service and hotline for consumer issues facing Vermont residents. If you have experienced an issue with your home heating provider or have questions regarding propane, contact the Consumer Assistance Program.

• If you have questions or concerns about your fuel delivery, call the Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424, email us at AGO.CAP@vermont.gov, or file a complaint.
• If you have questions or concerns about fuel assistance (LIHEAP), call Energy Assistance at 1-800-775-0516.