HOME HEATING OIL CONTRACTS

The following is excerpted from "Heating Fuel Contracts: What You Should Know...Before You Sign " posted on the website of the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (www.ct.gov/dcp/lib/dcp/pdf/factsheets/fuel_contracts_2010.pdf)

As of October 1, 2001, each person, firm or corporation engaged in the retail sale of home heating oil in Connecticut must register annually with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).  DCP recommends the following tips for consumers entering into a home heating oil contract:

• Be aware that all contracts for the retail sale of home heating oil must be in writing.
• Read all the terms and conditions outlined in the contract before signing; keep a copy for your personal records.
• Be familiar with the types of contracts a company offers for price protection programs (e.g., fixed price, cap price or budget plan). Note: You may be required to make a payment in advance to be eligible for these programs.
• Fuel contractors offering pre-paid fuel contracts must show upon request that they have pre-purchased the fuel or have obtained a bond against fuel sales.
• Be aware of any default terms that may void the contract.
• Check on references of customers who have had contracts with the oil company.
• If you think that a fuel company has not abided by its contract or has used unfair or deceptive business practices, contact DCP: (www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?a=1621&q=275792)

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SOURCE: Department of Consumer Protection, State of Connecticut website
PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST MODIFIED: May2012