Dear Friends,

I’ve been in this business for a long time, and I don’t recall a period as brutal as the cold snap New England endured from mid-December to mid-January.

For the most part, we were able to take care of every customer in need. That’s because we have a steady supply of fuel, and we invest in the kind of trucks and technology that are essential in tough winters. But even more important, we have fabulous employees.

Our drivers and technicians were true heroes, working long hours seven days a week, in frigid conditions, to take care of people. Our office team manned phone lines that were 300% busier than normal. The number of overtime hours spent was higher than ever before, a testament to the commitment our employees made.

During this period, we were inundated by calls from people whose regular companies had left them in the lurch. In several cases, dealers — particularly the discount suppliers — stopped answering phones altogether. Unfortunately for these folks, we always prioritize our existing customers first.

I know that there were probably some anxious moments for you, too. I can’t tell you how much it meant to all of us that you were understanding, particularly when you sent a kind note or gave us a good review on Facebook or Google. When people are knocking themselves out, it helps to feel appreciated.

Thank you for being amazing customers. Please take a look in this newsletter for some suggestions that can make next year much easier. And like you, I’m sure, I’m looking forward to some warm weather.

Warmly,

Joey Grigarauskas
General Manager

This past January was the coldest in years. On one of those bitter days, we delivered a week’s worth of fuel in a single 24-hour stretch. Here are a few more facts:

25%-30%

increase in the number of deliveries

3 times

the number of customer calls

50%

increase in overtime hours

75%

increase in service and repair calls

1. Sign up for automatic deliveries. We’ll know when you need fuel and can adjust your schedule with the weather forecast. Last winter, folks who called for deliveries ran into trouble when the extreme cold caused them to use fuel much faster than normal.
2. Enroll in our monthly payment plan. You’ll get predictable payments no matter how much fuel you need. Consider price protection, too: It can guard you against fuel-price surges when temperatures plunge and wholesale heating fuel prices spike.
3. Old, inefficient heating equipment is not capable of keeping homes comfortable during extreme cold. It also wastes fuel. Contact us about your replacement options so you can save money and stay warm next winter.
4. Make sure we have your current email address and mobile-phone number — and “like” us on Facebook, too. That way, in emergencies we’ll have multiple avenues for reaching you with advisories and updates.

Surveys have shown that while propane and heating oil customers have exceptionally high levels of satisfaction with the service they receive, most don’t realize all the ways their home fuel can enhance their comfort and save them money.

5 key propane benefits

1. Clean and green — Propane emits far less greenhouse gas than most other energy sources. Because of the clean-burning characteristics of propane, little maintenance is required.
2. Cost-effective — Propane appliances can be less expensive to operate than comparable electric appliances, and they last longer too!
3. Safe — The National Fire Protection Association enforces strict rules about the handling of propane, so few accidents occur each year. Every propane appliance is made with safety shutoffs, and most appliances are equipped with electronic ignition systems to give you years of trouble-free operation.
4. Efficient — Propane appliances typically reduce energy costs, delivering better value and comfort than other heating sources. Today’s propane furnaces are now as much as 98% efficient.
5. Flexible installations — Propane tanks can be installed just about anywhere, above or below ground. Additionally, propane water heaters take up less space, have more accurate temperature adjustment and offer more size and installation options.

oil heat “techs” it to the limit

Technology has brought great improvements in efficiency that have reduced annual fuel consumption by as much as 40%, saving oil heat consumers a lot of money on fuel. And because new systems burn cleanly and don’t need as much fuel, they do not pose a hazard to the environment.

Additionally, sulfur levels have been reduced dramatically, improving heating system efficiency and cleanliness and reducing emissions. This reformulated fuel also eliminates the source of most equipment breakdowns. The advent of heating oil with low sulfur content has paved the way for the next generation of compact, super-efficient boilers and furnaces.

Many gallons of heating oil now include Bioheat®, a blend of heating oil and renewable materials like vegetable oils. Because Bioheat integrates seamlessly with all heating oil systems, no changes to your heating system are necessary!

According to a comprehensive report conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory and presented to Congress by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), biofuel blends containing 20% or more Bioheat produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas!

propane power vs. electric power

CLEANER than electricity

Because propane is nontoxic and doesn’t pose a threat to soil and water, (above or below ground), it is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The average propane-powered home reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30% compared with all-electric homes.

Direct use of propane for space heating, water heating, cooking and drying clothes reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 50%.

MORE EFFICIENT than electricity

Propane is more efficient than electricity when evaluating the total energy consumed (this includes the energy used in the extraction, production, processing and transportation of the fuel to the point of use).

Most high-efficiency propane furnaces feature two-stage gas burners and variable-speed motors to deliver all the warm air you need. That’s why, on the coldest of nights, propane-heated homes are much warmer than those that rely solely on electric heat.

how efficient is oil heat?

Oil heat is efficient and more economical than ever! The latest oil heating systems are small, smart and super-efficient and can save you, on average, about 30% on your annual heating costs. Here are six more quick points about oil heat efficiency.

• New oil heat systems have efficiency ratings as high as 95%! This provides oil-heated homes with more warmth for less fuel.
• Compared with 25 years ago, homeowners now need an average of 500 gallons less oil to heat their homes each year. That’s because new oil heating systems are much more efficient than those from a generation ago.
• New oil heating systems are much smaller than older ones. The average boilers and furnaces today are powerful, yet compact — similar in size to a three-drawer filing cabinet.

Don’t sweat through another hot, humid summer in Massachusetts! If your A/C system isn’t keeping your home cool and comfortable when the mercury rises, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Here’s another problem: The R-22 refrigerant used in older home air conditioning systems is getting scarce — and becoming more expensive. In less than two years, R-22 will no longer be manufactured at all. It could cost you a small fortune to add more R-22 if you develop a leak.

Right now, if your central A/C equipment is at least 12 years old, you may qualify for a $750 rebate from Mass Save when you install a new, high-efficiency cooling system.

Call us today or contact us through our website to request a free estimate and learn more. Check the new “Specials” page to see other current promotions!

Our family of employees is growing. The word must be getting around, because many new customers have joined us. To provide you with service, quality and value, guaranteed, we’ve hired some great people recently. They underwent their baptism of fire this past winter, and came through with flying colors! Help us welcome them.

Eric Delgado, service technician; Luc Bedard, delivery driver; and Bryant Lanctot, service technician

We’re always looking for ways to serve you better. Sometimes that means big changes you can see. Other times, we do things internally to improve the way we operate.

Right now, we’re working on upgrades to our computer system that will ensure more accurate forecasting and more timely deliveries. Fuel statements will have a new look, too. We hope you’ll agree that they’re much easier to read and understand.

Soon our drivers and technicians will all be equipped with tablets for easy access to your account history without having to call the office.

We’re also making our online customer portal easier to use. There will be a change in the log-in process, but we’ll make it as painless as possible.

We think the biggest thing you’ll notice is that doing business with us will be easier than ever!