Suburban propane prices?

[shcisamax]

WOW. Just had a delivery and it was over $800. I was expecting it around $600. Checked the last time I received a delivery at the end of July and after looking at the price per gallon, I was rather shocked to see it has gone up 30% - that's in 5 months. What the heck is going on with propane?

[mulligan]

It's winter. Supply and demand. Just like heating oil.

[shcisamax]

Really? I didn't think public utilities could adjust prices according to the season? And I don't remember the prior November getting a bill anywhere near this either. If that is true, I guess I need to make my delivery schedule to be in spring and fall.

[billethkid]

Really? I didn't think public utilities could adjust prices according to the season? And I don't remember the prior November getting a bill anywhere near this either. If that is true, I guess I need to make my delivery schedule to be in spring and fall.


just like gasoline prices, check around as there are many factors in the pricing that vary from supplier to supplier. Seasonality is a big factor but is not always the real cause.

[shcisamax]

According to Suburban, it is an international export problem lol. think I will change my deliveries to May and October.

[mulligan]

Really? I didn't think public utilities could adjust prices according to the season? And I don't remember the prior November getting a bill anywhere near this either. If that is true, I guess I need to make my delivery schedule to be in spring and fall.

Propane dealers are not public utilities. They're no different than the gas station down the street.

[shcisamax]

Ah ha. Therein lies the problem :) Aren't you smart!

[keithwand]

Good luck finding an alternative other than Suburban. They own Thompson gas too.

[shcisamax]

Good luck finding an alternative other than Suburban. They own Thompson gas too.

Yes. That is why I need ( and most likely you as well :) )need to find smart times to order the propane rather than get caught in December when prices are on their way to the highs.

[keithwand]

My tank is 60 pounds used only for the outdoor kitchen. The pool is heated by solar.
Suburban came out while we were away and "topped off" our tank which took 12 pounds then charged a delivery fee (same fee no matter how much was filled) and a training (bogus) fee. Gee thanks.
They waived the delivery and training fee and will now deliver when I call which should be in 4-5 years.

[gustavo]

just like gasoline prices, check around as there are many factors in the pricing that vary from supplier to supplier. Seasonality is a big factor but is not always the real cause.

You can always buy propane gas futures to lock in the price at any time for any amount, if you think you can predict a rise in prices.

You can always sell propane gas futures to lock in the price at any time for any amount, if you think you can predict a drop in prices.

[shcisamax]

My tank is 60 pounds used only for the outdoor kitchen. The pool is heated by solar.
.

How many panels do you have? We have seven but still need to heat the pool.

[keithwand]

J's originally installed 8 facing West even though I tried to get them to do as many as they could on the S. side. They fought it all the way.

They then added 2 on the West side and 2 on the S. side and we split the cost.

Solar Trek in Ocala then added 4 more on the S side, corrected water flow piping and adjusted the sensor to the S. side etc.

So to answer your question; 16 panels and now all is well.

J's fought the S. side because it was more labor and piping to go to the other end of the house after bidding the job.

So it cost me 2X as much as it should have.

Could be worse.

My neighbor had the same experience; bigger pool; same house but has 36 panels on the N. side and still has to use propane!