DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would it be possible for you to ask one of the reporters on the paper to investigate what’s going on with the sale of propane? It has been advertised in the paper all winter that propane has been selling for $2.70 and under.

But my company has been charging $4 a gallon all winter, and I’ve had to use a lot during this cold. And you can’t shop around because if you are their customer no other company will put propane in the tank. So you are at the mercy of whomever you signed up with.

As a senior citizen on a fixed income, these large fuel bills are devastating, especially when you know you should be paying half of what you are being charged. 

I think there is price gouging going on here, and it should be exposed. I’m not the only one, and I wish your readers would write in about what they are paying. Something needs to be done, and I don’t have a computer, so I can’t research it on my own. Can you help? Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: This is one occasion when Sun Spots passed up the computer and turned to the good old telephone to complete her research.

She spoke to Deanna at Dead River (which is not the company No Name uses; Sun Spots intentionally withheld that information). As with many products, the price for propane is dependent upon quantity. The price you see advertised in the Sun Journal and elsewhere is the best price possible, not necessarily the price you will pay if you order it.

If you only use a little propane, say just your range is hooked up to the gas, you are going to pay top dollar.

Sun Spots is a little puzzled about your situation, as it sounds like you are heating your home with it, so the quantity should be higher. As you did not say whether you had called the company and asked about the price difference, it is difficult to know if you are being overcharged.

If you are using enough propane to qualify for the lower price and are still being charged more, Sun Spots can think of a couple of possible explanations.

1. You are ordering propane too often, so the truck is coming out and only partially filling your tanks. All fuel companies, including fuel oil and propane, have base charges and fees for coming out to your house. If you don’t get enough fuel, you will pay more per gallon. Or there may be a delivery charge.

2. Your tank could be too small for what you use. If that is the case, you can ask the company to give you a bigger tank. 

Deanna said that while companies try to match your tank to your usage, it is expensive for them to give you a bigger tank than necessary. They have to pay for the tank, after all, and if they give you a big tank and only fill it up once a year, it might be cheaper for you, but their profits would evaporate.

You should start by calling the company and asking for an explanation. If that explanation is unsatisfactory, you can try one of the other local companies that provide the service. 

In addition to Dead River (855-317-4837; Deanna said they would not charge to come to your house and assess your situation), there are AmeriGas (800-263-7442), Murray Oil & Propane (225-3000 or 800-491-7888) and Downeast Energy (888-665-2727).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My understanding is that you guys simulcast the girls’ state championship hockey game on Saturday night. Are those saved anywhere or are their copies available? Thank you. — Chris Kane, ckane1@maine.rr.com

ANSWER: They are indeed. You can find all the simulcasts at sunjournal.com, attached to the original stories, and watch them anytime online. Sun Spots thinks this may be the link you seek: http://tinyurl.com/bhof5b8.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link