Propane Rates Here

[Newcomer]

This thread is to keep people aware of propane rates in the area throughout the year.


1. Date

3. Company

4. Price Quote

[Newcomer]

*****Most recent rates at top*****

Date 4-27-2005

JW Meyers

$1.63 for 200 gal or more
$1.81 for 200 or less


Souza

$1.89 for 200 gal or more
$2.19 for 200 or less



Date FEB 2005
Campora

$1.48 for 200 or less

[Mibrew]

Souza, isnt that tequila?? http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif

[concerned]

What about Suburban?

[Newcomer]

Originally posted by concerned:
What about Suburban?

Concerned, I only called the 2 that I called. I was hoping to get some help from others that have gotten pricing from the other companies. Sorry

Help out everybody.

[Mibrew]

There's 2 threads with the same topic?http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/confused2.gif

"so many moderators, so little time" http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif

[Newcomer]

This thread is just rates

[Yosemite_Wolf]

my last for campora was 237.97..... for 160 gal.

[Newcomer]

when was that YW?

[Mibrew]

About 1.48 a gallon http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/dman.gif

I use Campora too, I'll have to check what paid last

[Newcomer]

Ahhhhhh! does nobody follow the format? Now I am gonna have to edit this thread to sort it all out http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad420.gif

Don't mean to be pissy but just trying to make this a easy quick reference for people to use to find the rates and how they fluctuate. I will take these rates, companies & dates and post them in my first post in this thread to make it easy. So please include the date your fill up was, cost/gallons and Propane Company.

Thanks

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Originally posted by

feburary
Newcomer:
when was that YW?

[fcc]

Anyone here with info on current rates? Thanks fcc

[Newcomer]

June 3 2005

SOUZA 1.39 per gallon

J.W Meyers 1.59

Me and my neighbor are placing our orders for Souza Monday AM

[Summer]

Suburban
4/05
$2.02 per Gal. at 151.8 gals.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

i dont know what the rates are this summer... i just let Campora come round and fill the tank. they leave the bill, and i send the bill down to Messy's house.. and she then sends it and her propane bill down the parkway.

[Mibrew]

Newcomer how do you break down Cubic feet to lbs with propane?

[Newcomer]

Originally posted by Mibrew:
Newcomer how do you break down Cubic feet to lbs with propane?

Do I look like a Rocket Scientist? http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

I don't know...

Why?

[Mibrew]

Do any of these guys charge you a gas check fee, before filling your tank?

[Dodie]

Hi, I have not heard the term you used but if you are starting with a new company or even switching companies, the new company will want to check your lines (state law) and you will be charged a fee. They want to make sure your lines are ok before they start to take care of you. Also, recently, they have been adding an odor to propane so that if it is leaking the man filling the tank or even you in your house will be able to smell it. Just in case, I would check with the business office before paying any extra fees and you should not be paying the delivery man anyway but wait for a bill from the company. I have used suburban for 37 years and do not plan to change. I do not own it nor do I know anyone who works there except I feel the ladies who work there are professionals. Dodie

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by Mibrew:
Newcomer how do you break down Cubic feet to lbs with propane?
1 CU.FT. of liquid propane weighs 31.717403LBS. @60*F

Liquid Propane: 4.24LBS./LIQ.GAL.@60*F
(1CU.FT. of liquid produces 36.39CU.FT. gas at 60*F)

conversion units:
1fluid U.S.gallon = 0.1336806 CU.FT.
1CU.FT. = 7.4805195 GAL.(LIQ.)

[Keith]

Suburban was $1.80 Gal. on 6-6-05
recieved 212 Gal. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/bonk.gif

[Newcomer]

Originally posted by John @ 3300ft.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mibrew:
Newcomer how do you break down Cubic feet to lbs with propane?
1 CU.FT. of liquid propane weighs 31.717403LBS. @60*F

Liquid Propane: 4.24LBS./LIQ.GAL.@60*F
(1CU.FT. of liquid produces 36.39CU.FT. gas at 60*F)

conversion units:
1fluid U.S.gallon = 0.1336806 CU.FT.
1CU.FT. = 7.4805195 GAL.(LIQ.) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



Thanks John, Hey Mibrew are you planing on moving a propane tank? Is that why you needed the info? Anyways I got my tank filled by Souza on Monday at $1.39 per gallon. The came within hrs of my call. fast service always.

[Mibrew]

Thanks John I found that site last night..

Newcomer, My place was all solar and electric, Campora gave me an offer to trench a line to my place and hook me up for free and now I am on a meter, no tank, its somewhere on above me Oak Flats I think, I do like not having a tank on my property, but I need to look at my cost but know I'm looking at buying my own tank, and doing what your doing, and I found out about any new provider you use must do a gas check that can range from $60.00- 150.00 bucks.

but because they need to run lines to get to other customers through my properties, I might be able to work out a deal...

[Newcomer]

Current rates
Nov 6, 2006

SOUZA Propane $2.09 per gallon

J.W Meyers Propane $1.95 per gallon

These prices are based on owing your own tank
(500 Gallon)

[Newcomer]

Here is a list of rates over a 5.5 year stretch if you own your own tank and are able to shop prices

Aug 2003 1.05
Dec 2003 1.25
May 2004 1.20
Oct 2004 1.69
Nov 2004 1.69
Jan 2005 1.69
June 2005 1.40
Dec 2005 1.98
Apr 2006 2.02
Oct 2006 2.08
Jan 2007 2.02
Sep 2007 1.92
Jan 2008 2.60
June 2008 2.35
Dec 2008 1.70

[kellieflan]

Hey Newcomer, knower of many things, we do not own our tank (250) it's owned by JW Meyers who gives us good service. Do you think it is worth it to buy our own tank - the tank was already here when we bought the house.

[Newcomer]

Hey Newcomer, knower of many things, we do not own our tank (250) it's owned by JW Meyers who gives us good service. Do you think it is worth it to buy our own tank - the tank was already here when we bought the house.

If you plan on staying for 4 years or more YES... You are with JW meyers which I hope is giving you a good rate Check it against my rates and see how much the difference is then weigh your decision. I know that some of the other Leased Tank companies the price per gallon can be as much as $1 more per gallon. If you figure it that way a 250 gallon tank can pay for itself in savings in 4 years or less.

[BooBooBear]

If you plan on staying for 4 years or more YES... You are with JW meyers which I hope is giving you a good rate Check it against my rates and see how much the difference is then weigh your decision. I know that some of the other Leased Tank companies the price per gallon can be as much as $1 more per gallon. If you figure it that way a 250 gallon tank can pay for itself in savings in 4 years or less.

Plus add in the tank rental fee every year. I have to call and get propane shortly. Last time I got it it was $2.375/gallon. I certainly hope it's come down now...I just might fill it up instead of only getting 100 gallons here and there.

[kellieflan]

If you figure it that way a 250 gallon tank can pay for itself in savings in 4 years or less.

Thanks, or should I say "tanks," for the info.

How much does a tank run anyway?

I love this forum it really helps!

[Kahlua Kid]

Not sure - I think we bought ours for $600 when we moved in - Newcomer would know for sure... I wasn't going to pay $60 rental a year and then be held captive to whatever one company wanted me to pay... We like having the option to shop around for propane...

I believe prices have gone up due to the cost of steel, etc... but you can also find them used for lesser pricing - but make sure from a reputable dealer.

[Newcomer]

5 Years ago we bought our 500Gal tank for around $900. I hear now they are close to $1500 for a 500 because of Steel prices. We bought ours though Meyers.

[FritzDaCat]

I'm new to the propane game in town (Oakhurst). This is my first fill-up after the initial fill-up. I was just quoted $2.83 per gallon (rented tank). When I asked if that was the price to fill up my tank-- 200 gallons-- I was told they could do $2.63. Is that about right or am I getting hosed?

[Newcomer]

I own my own tank 500 gal and I just topped off with 240 gals and I got a price of $1.99 from J.W meyers. For a rented tank that price tou got sounds about right. I called a couple other companies first and got prices of around $2.59 even with owning my tank

[MtnBreeze]

It shouldn't matter if you own or rent the tank. The tank rental is usually per year and added to the bill as a rental charge. Meyers is probably the best bet for propane but you will have to have them switch out the rental tank to one of theirs....seems worth it since the prica is so different.

[BooBooBear]

I have J.W. Myers...when I got mine filled I think it was $2.10/gallon and I got almost 500 gallons split among 2 tanks. I do know what the prices go wwwaaaayyyyy up in the winter so if you can fill your tanks at the end of summer before they start rising that is your best bet and you can get an awesome price. Also, as Newcomer stated if you get more at a fill up it's less. Not sure about other companies but I know that's what happens with JWM.

[Newcomer]

MtnBreeze, ownership if the tank does matter, to them at least. if its a leased tank they only allow you to fill up from their trucks and at their price (campora, Suburban). That is why when we moved in here we called up Campora who the previous owners of this property had and told them to come get their tanks. They tried to tell us that the tanks had to be empty for them to pick them up and the lease was up and that I had to sign a new lease with them for 2 years. I said no way I was signing. I never signed a lease for their tanks and I am not signing. They really got pissy and raised a big fuss. I said I will use up what is left and then I am buying a new tank from JW Meyers and when its delivered I will leave their two 250 gal tanks on the curb and that exactly what I did. Some of the companies up here are propane pirates is what I call em because they hold the owners/renters at ransom to pay outrageous fees for propane.

P. S Boo Boo, I got that price 2 weeks ago.

The propane mangers at J.W Meyers, Souza, J.S West have the ability to negotiate a price if you own the tank. so price around and you will sometimes find that you can call back one and let them know you found this price and they will beat it most times to keep your business or to get you as a new customer.

[Newcomer]

Thanks, or should I say "tanks," for the info.

How much does a tank run anyway?

I love this forum it really helps!

Kellie, We bought our 500 gal back in 2003 for $900 and last time I called was the beginning of 2009 and I think that they said that the same tank today was around $1,600
due to the price of steel and inflation. You can call J. Meyers and ask for a propane manger at 1800 300-3101 and they will give you prices on different size tanks.

[Newcomer]

Here is a list of rates over a 6.5 year stretch if you own your own tank and are able to shop prices

Aug 2003 1.05
Dec 2003 1.25
May 2004 1.20
Oct 2004 1.69
Nov 2004 1.69
Jan 2005 1.69
June 2005 1.40
Dec 2005 1.98
Apr 2006 2.02
Oct 2006 2.08
Jan 2007 2.02
Sep 2007 1.92
Jan 2008 2.60
June 2008 2.35
Dec 2008 1.70
Mar 2009 1.75
Nov 2009 1.99

[Bob Cat]

Even if it's your own tank they'll try to charge you extra each time you switch suppliers. They say they have to "inspect" the system to make sure it's safe for them to fill.

[Newcomer]

Even if it's your own tank they'll try to charge you extra each time you switch suppliers. They say they have to "inspect" the system to make sure it's safe for them to fill.

Bobcat, I have never had to pay for a tank inspection and I use different suppliers, Usually Souza or J.W meyers mostly. I guess I have been lucky. But I always talk to the same guys when I order and they know me now.

[MtnBreeze]

Newcomer I know one can only use the rented tanks propane company but I have a rented tank and an owned tank. The rented tank has been changed out probly 5 or 6 times in the last 10 years depending on which propane company the cottage occupant decides on using.
I would assume if Meyers brings propane to this area they will also install a rented tank of their own if they are asked to do so. The other company has to remove theirs. Depending on the ethics of any given propane company it is either an easy request or a hassle. However, none can force you to keep their tank and therefore their business if you request they pick up their tank.
The price of the propane should not change because a tank is rented vs purchased. The price difference is among different companies. So choosing a company with a lower price is the one to use if one doesn't mind the hassle of having the tanks changed out.
Oh and I shoulda said West is probably the best bet as far as price right now.

[Newcomer]

Newcomer I know one can only use the rented tanks propane company but I have a rented tank and an owned tank. The rented tank has been changed out probly 5 or 6 times in the last 10 years depending on which propane company the cottage occupant decides on using.
I would assume if Meyers brings propane to this area they will also install a rented tank of their own if they are asked to do so. The other company has to remove theirs. Depending on the ethics of any given propane company it is either an easy request or a hassle. However, none can force you to keep their tank and therefore their business if you request they pick up their tank.
The price of the propane should not change because a tank is rented vs purchased. The price difference is among different companies. So choosing a company with a lower price is the one to use if one doesn't mind the hassle of having the tanks changed out.
Oh and I shoulda said West is probably the best bet as far as price right now.

Good info here also, thanks MtnBreeze. I hope this thread helps many who are new that have moved into the area.

I alway's thought that the propane delivery trucks should be sporting the pirate flag on their trucks :D same with the gasoline delivery trucks LOL

[Bob Cat]

My experience was with Suburban & Campora I believe. Since I haven't switched (from Suburban) since, I don't know how "negotiable" others might be on inspection.

I also know that Suburban charged me $80 last spring to inspect after we thought we smelled a leak. There was none; they said it was probably an animal "marking."

[FoothillMama]

This thread is very helpful; thank you!

According to the gauge on my rented Souza tank, I have about 40-45% of gas in a 250-gal. tank. I'm planning on stretching it as long as possible because I cannot afford to pay out such a large chunk-o-change to fill it. :-(

I don't mind not having the heat because I can augment with (yes, I know, more expensive) electric, but it's cold showers I don't want.

[FoothillMama]

Speaking of service, or lack thereof, Souza called me earlier in the spring/early summer to see if I wanted to fill up my tank. It was about 50% at that point. I said yes. They said they'd be out in a couple days. Never heard from them again.

[David_V]

What about the small tanks. Where is the cheapest place to take them for a refill?

I recently picked up, for free, a 7 gallon (15lb?) tank with the old style valve. I bought a new valve for $30 and replaced it myself. Now I need to get it filled up.

[Newcomer]

I don't know the answer to that one. I do the exchange thing for my BBQ.

[Blue Tree]

As far as I know, you are going to have a hard time getting your tank filled up (for a reasonable price). It's not your fault, of course, but I believe it has to do with the economics of (1) having the proper equipment and propane storage and (2) having trained employees to do the fill-ups for casual, low volume walk-in business as opposed to high-volume wholesale distribution. There used to be places where you could get your tank filled, but they have mostly stopped doing it.

What you can do (for a reasonable price) is exchange your tank for another one that is already filled up. The economics, of course, is that several hundred tanks were filled up someplace, then the delivery truck took the tanks to dozens of retail outlets. You will purchase the replacement tank from an employee who does not need to know anything about propane except the SKU. I have used, and recommend, the Chevron on Hwy 41 between Coarsegold and the casino, but it is but one of many retail outlets for propane exchange.

In any case, good luck and get other opinions besides mine. For what it's worth, it's smart to have two tanks because the first tank never runs out at a good time.

P.S. I am talking about the small (15 lb) propane tanks for BBQ. I am not talking about the large tanks for heating your house.

[dorseygirl]

We have used Suburban and Chevron here in Oakhurst to refill our BBQ/Camping propane tanks, they are either 5 or 10 gallan tanks.

[FritzDaCat]

Thanks, everybody, great info!
Especially the monthly rates for the last couple of years from Newcomer. I did fill my tank at the beginning of September but I had no idea how long it would last in the house I'm in now so it kind of snuck up on me. When I heard the price, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't being hosed. Sounds like I'm being hosed, alright, but within reason. :grin:
I think, ultimately, I will have the tank changed out-- mostly because I don't trust the company I'm with now. Want to know why? After I moved in- in July- I asked them to come fill it. I prepaid the order to make it simple. 8 weeks later (end of August) I went out to check it and noticed that it hadn't been filled up! I was a little annoyed but I just called them and asked when they were planning to fill it. They told me "we filled it on Aug 6" (three weeks earlier). I apologized for my apparent eyesight problem and went home and looked again. They had not filled it! Unbelievable that they have such incredible internal problems. I won't name the company but it starts with an S and ends with u-b-u-r-b-a-n.
Sorry if any innocent employees are harmed by this story.

[FoothillMama]

They had not filled it! Unbelievable that they have such incredible internal problems. I won't name the company but it starts with an S ...

Gee, I wonder if they're related to Souza? Their customer service, from what I have experienced, starts (and ends) with another S....

[David_V]

As far as I know, you are going to have a hard time getting your tank filled up (for a reasonable price). It's not your fault, of course, but I believe it has to do with the economics of (1) having the proper equipment and propane storage and (2) having trained employees to do the fill-ups for casual, low volume walk-in business as opposed to high-volume wholesale distribution. There used to be places where you could get your tank filled, but they have mostly stopped doing it.

There are many places that fill small propane tanks. Many gas stations and a few convenience stores do. Most of the offices of the propane distributors also fill small tanks brought to their office. I know of at least 3 places in Oakhurst and 3 others in Mariposa.

I was wondering if anyone knew which one had the best price.

What you can do (for a reasonable price) is exchange your tank for another one that is already filled up....

I do that with my smaller, 20lb, tanks. The one I need filled is a 30lb. It's a few inches taller. They don't do those at the exchanges. If you have a small tank with the old style valve, it has knob with 4 protrusions, Home Depot will take them in exchange for the new style valve with only 3 protrusions on the knob, at no extra charge. Other places either will not take them or charge extra.

[David_V]

We have used Suburban and Chevron here in Oakhurst to refill our BBQ/Camping propane tanks, they are either 5 or 10 gallan tanks.

I might just take my 30lb tank to Suburban in Mariposa. Because I replaced the valve the tank needs all the air evacuated. I'm not sure if the gas stations or stores know how to do that.

[MtnBreeze]

Thanks, everybody, great info!
Especially the monthly rates for the last couple of years from Newcomer. I did fill my tank at the beginning of September but I had no idea how long it would last in the house I'm in now so it kind of snuck up on me. When I heard the price, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't being hosed. Sounds like I'm being hosed, alright, but within reason. :grin:
I think, ultimately, I will have the tank changed out-- mostly because I don't trust the company I'm with now. Want to know why? After I moved in- in July- I asked them to come fill it. I prepaid the order to make it simple. 8 weeks later (end of August) I went out to check it and noticed that it hadn't been filled up! I was a little annoyed but I just called them and asked when they were planning to fill it. They told me "we filled it on Aug 6" (three weeks earlier). I apologized for my apparent eyesight problem and went home and looked again. They had not filled it! Unbelievable that they have such incredible internal problems. I won't name the company but it starts with an S and ends with u-b-u-r-b-a-n.
Sorry if any innocent employees are harmed by this story.

I too had problems recently with this company and will not use them in the future. I used them alot over the years I have lived in my house but they have lost my respect by their practices lately and their attitude of they are right and the customer is wrong. :(

[Blue Tree]

This thread is to keep people aware of propane rates in the area throughout the year.


1. Date

3. Company

4. Price Quote

I think it was great for Newcomer to start this thread in 2005. But, with that disclaimer, I think it would be an improvement if folks would also rate the company "Customer Service" or some such.

Of course, it is going to be difficult to assign a fair score. But the point is that every company has to compete on more than just price. To be more precise, selling a product at a low price requires compromises to other things, such as customer service. And some/many businesses decide that they will *not* be the cheapest in price, on purpose, because they offer things to the customer that they believe are more valuable in the long run.

[Newcomer]

I think it was great for Newcomer to start this thread in 2005. But, with that disclaimer, I think it would be an improvement if folks would also rate the company "Customer Service" or some such.

Of course, it is going to be difficult to assign a fair score. But the point is that every company has to compete on more than just price. To be more precise, selling a product at a low price requires compromises to other things, such as customer service. And some/many businesses decide that they will *not* be the cheapest in price, on purpose, because they offer things to the customer that they believe are more valuable in the long run.


I agree. It was hard to stick to the format. Blue tree, if you want to head this up it's fine with me. I will contribute when I can.

[Red Mule]

Just thinking...

In rating a propane company, what constitutes "better than average" customer service? And, does it cost the propane company more to provide good customer service that would justify a higher price?

I'm thinking that maybe depending on the company to check and refill the tank more often than another company would cost them more in fuel and labor to come by more often. But politeness and most other issues I can think of doesn't cost them any more, so shouldn't have to come at a higher price.

If I am willing to take responsibility for checking my own tank and calling in an order with a reasonable lead time, then I don't see why I would pick a company that charges more money.

If I am also concerned with the environment (and I am) then I need to also remember that Propane or LPG is a non-renewable petroleum product. Propane combustion is much cleaner than gasoline combustion, though not as clean as natural gas combustion. So, long term, we should be thinking of other energy sources.

[BGW]

Thanks, everybody, great info!
Especially the monthly rates for the last couple of years from Newcomer. I did fill my tank at the beginning of September but I had no idea how long it would last in the house I'm in now so it kind of snuck up on me. When I heard the price, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't being hosed. Sounds like I'm being hosed, alright, but within reason. :grin:
I think, ultimately, I will have the tank changed out-- mostly because I don't trust the company I'm with now. Want to know why? After I moved in- in July- I asked them to come fill it. I prepaid the order to make it simple. 8 weeks later (end of August) I went out to check it and noticed that it hadn't been filled up! I was a little annoyed but I just called them and asked when they were planning to fill it. They told me "we filled it on Aug 6" (three weeks earlier). I apologized for my apparent eyesight problem and went home and looked again. They had not filled it! Unbelievable that they have such incredible internal problems. I won't name the company but it starts with an S and ends with u-b-u-r-b-a-n.
Sorry if any innocent employees are harmed by this story.

Suburban always leaves an invoice on the front door knob. Always. I would go to the office and demand the receipt. If they produce an invoice, be ready to check it against the serial numbers on your tank--write them down before going to the office. If they cannot produce an invoice...being nice would no longer be an option for me. I hope you didn't just accept their word as final and then let it go.

[BooBooBear]

I've always had JW Myers...they have always given me exceptional service. When they come they always leave the invoice on my takes for me to go get when I get home and I can always take my sweet as time paying them...granted I get a small finance charge but I don't have to shell out the whole $500 or whatever it is at one time...I can send them a bit here and a bit there. I've even called in a panic when I wasn't paying attention and only had 5% left and 9 times out of 10 they are here that day or the next. Granted....I try not to do that and I try to call when I get below 20% because any higher I can't get the minimum amount into my tank. Just my opinion but I think JW Myers is a great company and I've never had any problems with them.

[Newcomer]

Most propane tanks will begin to emit and odor at the appliance when using appliances like the stove or propane dryer when the tank gets down to 15% or so to let you know the tank is near empty. If it has gone very low may times that tank may not have the ability to emit that odor anymore.

[Sewmaui]

Here is the website that can explain the "Smart System".

http://www.kampspropane.com/ 559-591-4972

When I called around to a lot of propane companies when we completed our home two years ago, Kamps by far was the best deal. This year, my younger brother bought a house here also and found Kamps to be the best. They even trenched to my house at no cost.

We use the Smart System so we so not have to worry about filling. They remotely monitor and schedule fills themselves. We save an additional 25 cents a gallon with all the incentives. Also, if you want to get a $50 credit, PM me and I will give you my name(yes, I get $50 too :) )

As far as their customer service, I have had excellent customer service. They leave a reciept also on the door so you know when they stopped by with the cost.

It doesn't hurt to look into it and it may bring a smile.

p.s. I just called to verify service areas and today's price....sorry they service Coarsegold but haven't gone up to Oakhurst yet. The current price is $2.35 but with just the routed service, it is $2.30 and an addtional .20 discount if you qualify for the other discounts. Currently if you start service with them with the rental tank, the initial fillup is $1.99 per gallon. We only pay $60 a year for rental and at $5 month we do not have to worry about replacing the tank :)

[FoothillMama]

Question: Must one always fill up the tank? Can I just get a few gallons if I wanted? If so, how does this work? As you can tell, I'm new to the propane game. And yes, I do think it is unregulated enough to be called a game that only the propane dealers have fun playing.

[Newcomer]

Question: Must one always fill up the tank? Can I just get a few gallons if I wanted? If so, how does this work? As you can tell, I'm new to the propane game. And yes, I do think it is unregulated enough to be called a game that only the propane dealers have fun playing. I believe that they like to fill the tank to make it more worth the trip. But I would imagine if you only have so much money and need some propane bad that they would do a partial fill. This would be an example of customer service. :) But I bet most places have a Minimum requirement.

[BooBooBear]

Question: Must one always fill up the tank? Can I just get a few gallons if I wanted? If so, how does this work? As you can tell, I'm new to the propane game. And yes, I do think it is unregulated enough to be called a game that only the propane dealers have fun playing.

JWM has a 100 gallon minimum...I'm sure most do otherwise it's not worth their time...in their mind to come out ; )

[MtnBreeze]

Question: Must one always fill up the tank? Can I just get a few gallons if I wanted? If so, how does this work? As you can tell, I'm new to the propane game. And yes, I do think it is unregulated enough to be called a game that only the propane dealers have fun playing.
The ones I have dealt with have 100 gallon minimum.

[mysteryshopper]

Proflame rates Jan 2010 are $2.77 for 100 gallon tank. I believe they are the highest in the Oakhurst area. Unfortunately, the service to their customers is also the poorest in the area. Word of advice try another propane company.

[Screen Porch Girl]

When we moved here in April 03 there was already a 250 gal. rented tank from Ferrell Gas, and we just kept it. $65/yr tank rental. Service is fine, they come pretty regularly, every 6 months, and fill it up. They usually come when we are at work, and put a meter ticket on the door that tells us how much they gave us, the price, etc. A week or two later we get the invoice in the mail. They filled up at the end of Dec, and the price had gone up by $2/gal from the June price!! We are considering shopping around and comparing prices. Does anyone have current price info for their propane companies that they can share? Did everyone's go up that much? I have gone back and compared bills, and usually it will not fluctuate more than a dollar.

We are not interested in buying our own tank now, too many other priorities for our money. Reading thru this thread, I'm not sure of the final answer between whether the prices are the same whether you rent the tank or own it?
Here is the history we have:

7/8/03 1.19
3/16/04 1.87
12/13/04 2.09
2/17/05 2.09
11/21/05 2.86
6/7/06 2.85
1/9/07 3.40
7/5/07 3.78
1/19/08 4.29
6/23/08 3.13
1/19/09 3.13
6/19/09 2.65
12/30/09 4.65

Any info to share is appreciated!

[Newcomer]

I have been keeping a list in this thread as you have seen. We own our own 500 gal tank and I had it filled last week for 2.24 from Souza. I shopped it around and found that they had the best price. I spoke with Suburban and they told me that they could do a first fill for me for 2.16 per gallon and I asked if I had to sign up on a contract with them to get that price, they said No. They just said that I had to fill out some paperwork to become a customer of theirs and it was not a contract. So I went to their office to sign the so called paperwork and as I was reading it it stated that withing 1 year of signing I would have to refill from them at least once at their price (sounds like a contract to me). Needless to say I walked out the door. I am not going to be forced to fill later at $4.50 (or whatever rate they want) from them to get a now price of $2.16 when I can get it cheaper elsewhere.

If you are thinking of buying your own tank take into thought how long you plan on staying at where you live to see if the purchase is worth it.

We bought our 500 gallon tank new from J.W meyers in 2003 for $900 installed and it has alreay paid for itself. Now I hear the 500 gal new tanks sell or around $1700 due to inflation and so called rise in steel prices.

[Lycanthrope]

Suburban filled my tank on Feb 4th and charged me $2.80 a gallon. My December fill was at $2.23. So I went in to the office to talk to the manager who informed me that THEIR prices had gone up by $1.00 a gallon, and while they could eat some of the increase, they had to pass some of it on to the consumer. I'm not happy about the increase, but at least Spring and warmer weather are getting closer.

[Twolf]

I was trying to decipher my last bill from Suburban. I get metered propane in a mobile home park. They now only list # cubic feet instead of gallons. There are about 36 cu ft in a gallon. If my calc is correct they are charging $3.80 plus $10 regulatory fee which makes it $4.26 gal.
It is borderline, but for me electric heaters are cheaper. There are the equivalent of 27 KWHs in a gal of propane. So if you multiply your avg KWH cost (for me=$.14) times 27 you get the comparative cost to propane. For me that would be $3.78, which right now is less than propane.

[only1alphafemale]

Souza is who I recommend. They service several of the tenants here, and their prices are usually cheaper.

They are worth looking into!

[Screen Porch Girl]

It looks like everyone that has posted except Twolf owns their own tank. And the prices posted are MUCH lower than what I am paying with Ferrell. It seems odd that there would be a difference in cost whether you own or rent. And Twolf's cost is lower also, but not so drastic. Is there anyone else that has a rented tank that can tell me what they are paying now, and who it is with?
We really are not wanting to buy our own tank right now, but probably will at some point in the future. We do not plan on ever moving, so it only makes sense. But we just can't right now financially. I guess I will spend some time on the phone calling around at some point. There's not much urgency since the tank is full right now, and we have already paid WAY too much for it. Maybe by the time this summer rolls around and the tank is closer to empty we will buy our own... We heat primarily with wood, and rarely turn on the heater. Primary use for the propane is the water heater. My husband is wanting to look into an on-demand water heater, which could lower the cost too I think.
(um. and if anyone has an on-demand water heater, maybe you could start another thread? Cause I'd love to hear what you think... :yes: )

[Blue Tree]

js west - rented tank in Coarsegold
12/23/092.65
01/07/102.59

[Screen Porch Girl]

wow. ok thanks Blue Tree!
The 4.65 per gallon we were charged is really ticking me off. I'm calling them tomorrow.

[Lycanthrope]

No, I don't own my own tank. I was stupid when I converted to propane 20 years ago and opted not to buy a tank and just rent it. Now I regret it. But I rent my tank from Suburban and my last fill up was at $2.80 a gallon. Unless I can get a real good deal on buying a tank, I'm just going to try to be more conservative.
I looked into those on-demand water heaters which may look good from a cost savings view. But when your power goes out, so does your hot water. At least now, I have a 50 gallon reserve of hot water even if we do lose power.


It looks like everyone that has posted except Twolf owns their own tank. And the prices posted are MUCH lower than what I am paying with Ferrell. It seems odd that there would be a difference in cost whether you own or rent. And Twolf's cost is lower also, but not so drastic. Is there anyone else that has a rented tank that can tell me what they are paying now, and who it is with?
We really are not wanting to buy our own tank right now, but probably will at some point in the future. We do not plan on ever moving, so it only makes sense. But we just can't right now financially. I guess I will spend some time on the phone calling around at some point. There's not much urgency since the tank is full right now, and we have already paid WAY too much for it. Maybe by the time this summer rolls around and the tank is closer to empty we will buy our own... We heat primarily with wood, and rarely turn on the heater. Primary use for the propane is the water heater. My husband is wanting to look into an on-demand water heater, which could lower the cost too I think.
(um. and if anyone has an on-demand water heater, maybe you could start another thread? Cause I'd love to hear what you think... :yes: )

[Parvo Pup]

Not all "On demand" propane fired hot water heaters require electricity to operate - so power outages are generally not an issue with your hot water supply - really nice when you live "Off-Grid" as I do.

I use a Bosch water heater that has an internal piezo-electric igniter that turns on whenever water flows through the system. Basically, whenever I turn on a hot water faucet, the water flows through the Bosch unit and spins a wheel that creates a spark to light the gas burners - wait a few minutes and you have hot water. No AC power required.

As long as your water supply is not driven by electrical power - this type of hot water heater will continue to work.

[Browser]

I've tried to hold out until Summer, but I'm at almost 20%. Rented tank with Suburban. $3.12 !!! That's the highest it's been since we put it in, in 2007. I've been told you should fill or partial fill at 20%. ??????????

[FoothillMama]

I've tried to hold out until Summer, but I'm at almost 20%. Rented tank with Suburban. $3.12 !!! That's the highest it's been since we put it in, in 2007. I've been told you should fill or partial fill at 20%. ??????????

I'm in the same boat, except with Souza. Haven't called to get their latest price. My experience with them is that what they say and what they do have nothing in common with each other. :mad:

[Browser]

Suburban agreed their prices are a little higher than most but said "it was because of their good service". They do have good service, but then again I have nothing to compare it with. We only fill up once a year, not everything is propane, so I don't think it's any big loss to them if we leave them.

[Kent]

Here are 3 phone quoted prices for owner owned tank and delivered in Oakhurst on 3/10/10

J.W. Meyers
$2.475/gal. 100 to 200 gal.
$2.375/gal. over 200 gal.

Campora
$2.69/gal.

Souza
$2.849/gal.

[FoothillMama]

Thanks, Kent, and welcome to the forums!