Membership starts in September of each year and runs through the middle of August, allowing you to buy at the negotiated rate for the year (a "cost plus" plan;  in addition, we sometimes get an annual lock-in -- the 2007/2008 season was a flat rate $1.50 / gallon).  Because of the erratic oil market, the price for 2009/2010 has been established as a "cost plus."

A non-member reported paying $4.38 a gallon in early 2008.  Those who were members at the time were paying $1.50.  This isn't typical, but our savings have been the greatest when we get a lock-in.

Even without a lock-in, we are provided a quantity discount, so we're still saving money.

Nor

(Residential;  valid e-mail address required for communications);  non-profit / commercial accounts are higher.  $10 initiation for new accounts / late renewal after 6/30.

Conditions:

• You must be in the service area of the propane company we choose each year.   See the map on the home page for details.
   

• You must own your own tank, or rent one from the provider we select (250 gallon minimum, 100 gallon minimum fill-up).   We will give priority each year to the current provider to try to keep our members who rent their tanks from having to change.  (If you own your own tank, you can fill-up from anyone you choose.  If your tank is rented, you must use the owner of the tank.)  Our provider will rent you a tank, and, if your tank is new enough, swap the fuel from the old tank to theirs.  There is no charge for the swapping of the tanks, just the fuel you buy to fill the new tank!
   

• You need an estimate of the total gallons you used in the previous year.
   

• There is an annual membership fee (see membership forms) to cover the costs of maintaining our membership lists, this web site, advertising, and other expenses.  You may leave at any time.  You agree to notify us if you change your e-mail address.

   

• You will be on a "keep-full" program, where our provider fills your tank whenever they are in your area.  Membership in the club says they may fill your tank at any time;  anyone refusing a fill-up will have their membership terminated, with no refund of dues.  While the "keep-full" program is extremely convenient, you should always know how much propane is in your tank, especially during the high-usage winter months.  If you are running low (20% in summer, 30% in winter), you should call them so you don't run out.
   

• After signing-up for the club, your name and address will be provided to our current propane provider.  It is your responsibility to establish an account with that provider, as you will pay them directly.  You are purchasing propane from the provider, not us.  However, if you accidentally get charged the regular amount (it occasionally happens -- they're only human), we will be happy to assist in getting your bill corrected.
   

• Occasionally, things can go wrong.  Weather or break-downs may delay delivery.  You may be charged the retail price instead of the club price.  If something goes wrong, we encourage you to contact your provider.  If you e-mail, please "CC:" us.  When you contact your provider, please observe the following:

  • Our providers are doing the best they can, and they strive to serve our club members.  Explain your problem with professionalism and courtesy and allow them to assist you.  If this doesn't work, contact us.

  • Do not -- under any circumstances -- use insulting, intimidating, or demeaning language when dealing with a provider, unless you expect to pay retail for future propane, as you will be removed from the club.  Ditto for any type of profanity.

  • Do not escalate your problem above the contacts listed in this website.  Contact us, instead.  If it needs to be escalated, we'll do so.

  • While we'll assist with legitimate complaints, if you are violating club rules, or just want to complain for no apparent valid reason, you may "get with the program" or pay retail.  This is a great deal for club members, and we don't want anyone to mess it up.
     

• Membership procedures, transfers, and rules are determined by a mutual agreement between us and our providers.  Most are explained here, but we cannot detail all the intricate details on a website, so other conditions may apply.
   

• Provide authorization to our provider for us to have access to your account.  This will allow us to contact our provider in your behalf if you are having any service issues, and close your account if we are switching you to another provider.  You may not be on two provider's lists at one time.  (We will become involved in incorrect billing issues, but not late-payment.  If our provider tells us you are delinquent, your membership will be subject to cancellation without refund.  You are expected to pay your bill in a timely manner.)
   

• Payment should be made from the bill left at fill-up.  Please do not wait until you receive a bill from your provider.
   

• You must have a valid e-mail address.  No, we're not harvesting e-mail addresses, and we don't share them with anyone but our service provider.  It's simply expensive and time consuming to mail information. 
   

• If your property is locked by gate or key, you are required to provide the provider with a key or code to that gate.
   

• If you have dogs or other animals that appear unfriendly to the driver, you may be required to leash them for deliveries.
   

• You agree we may use your name and/or company name in advertising.
   

• If you renew after June 30th, there is an additional $10 fee.  (This is because we typically mail reminders at this point and that costs money.  Save money;  renew early.)  A $10 initiation fee applies to new applications.
   

• In short, the members of this club save a lot of money on propane.  In order to get these savings, we make concessions (as described above) to our providers.  If you disagree with any of the other conditions above, pay retail.  The rest of us are saving money and having fun.  If you violate any of these conditions, your membership is subject to cancellation without refund.

*  $10 initiation for new accounts and/or late renewals (after 6/30).

**A "lock-in" is established when market conditions allow;  otherwise, a cost-plus plan will be implemented as was done for the 2008-2009 * 2009-2010 seasons.