Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

Is there anything I can do to spread out my payments?

Yes, we offer our residential customers our Even Pay Plan. This allows our customers to spread out payments over 11 months rather than only during winter months. Enrollment is free and begins in July.

How can I lower my fuel costs?

Fast Pay discounts are offered to customers that pay within 7 days of delivery and pay with cash or check. Home heating and propane residential customers save 5 cents per gallon and 2 cents for gas and diesel. Business accounts save 2 cents off per gallon for gas, diesel, and propane products with the fast pay option.

How else can I save money?

When our customers refer a friend, neighbor, or local business to Powers Oil and Propane, they receive a minimum of $25 for every referral that receives at least a 150 gallon delivery.

What is your minimum delivery?

Our minimum delivery is 150 gallons. Smaller deliveries can be made, but a delivery charge will be added based on size of delivery.

When should I order more fuel?

Generally around 1/4 tank is a good time to order. This level gives us the time to make the delivery without the worry of running out of oil. You want to avoid your tank going below 5%.

How can I tell if I am out of fuel, or if I need my furnace replaced?

The first thing to do is check your tank/gauge to make sure it contains fuel. Next thing to do is to check the electrical switch and make sure it is turned on. Check the electrical fuses/circuit breaker. You can try resetting the starting control. Press the RESET button on the burner relay – but ONLY ONCE. If still nothing is working and you are a “Keep Full” customer, call us and we will have a delivery person come immediately and fill up your tank and start your furnace. If you are a “Will Call” customer we will have a delivery person out to you in 1-3 business days.  If it is after hours you can purchase 10 gallons of kerosene at your local service station and that will get you by until we can return. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to order a fill up. Feel free to leave a message if it is after hours at this will allow us to get to you as soon as possible.

Where can homeowners go for help in paying their heating bills?

Families in need, and senior citizens can apply for fuel assistance through HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Check your state agencies such as the Department of Housing and Community Development.

How does the fuel distributor fill my tank?

A heating oil system includes a tank, fill pipe and vent pipe. The end of the fill pipe and vent pipe are outdoors and near each other. The fuel distributor places the nozzle from the hose that connects to the delivery truck into the fill pipe. The vent pipe then releases air from the tank as it fills. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires inside tanks to have a whistle that quits sounding when the tank reaches its fill point alerting the fuel distributor that the tank is full.

How can I be sure I do not run out of fuel?

Closely monitor your usage and gauges or you can let us do the work for you by Signing up for our “Keep Full” Program!

How long should 150 gallons last?

There are numerous factors that will determine how long 150 gallons should last. Some of the biggest factors are outside temperatures, the temperature inside the building, the use of supplemental heating sources, home insulation and furnace efficiency. To ease your worries of running out, consider our Keep Full Program.

Is there anyway I could still run out even though I am on the Keep Full Program?

There are two main reasons why a Keep Full Customer would run out. The first of which being payments have not been kept current. The second reason can include a sharp change in your fuel usage making it difficult to precisely monitor your fuel consumption. Factors such as changing your supplemental fuel use, remodeling or construction in the building, or an addition of a baby or elderly person in the home requiring warmer inside temperatures could increase fuel consumption. In order to avoid the inconvenience of a run out, please notify us if there are factors that may be contributing to an increase in your fuel use. 

Do I pay from my invoice or wait for a statement?

Please pay from the invoice; we do not send out statements

What are all these definitions on my invoice?

In order to comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, certain definitions and language is required to properly describe the products sold.

What is Ethanol Free Gas and why should I use it?

Most gas comes with 10% ethanol, however ethanol free gas does not. Ethanol free gas is also known as pure gas, alcohol free, and recreational gas. Our ethanol free gas is 89 octane and is best suited for small engines like lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, boats, motorcycles, and dirt bikes. Ethanol Free gas provides stability and reliability to small engines.

Something we didn't answer? Let us know!