Propane can be used to heat your home and power appliances. To resupply your generator, propane grill, or space heater, you will need to refill the propane tanks. Forward Energy has been a propane provider for commercial businesses and homes in Northern Michigan since 1925. Here are five questions to ask your propane supplier:
1. Is There a Maximum Amount of Propane I Can Receive?
The amount of propane you can receive depends on what kind of tank you have, your storage area, application, and other factors. Some states require an enclosed space like an SUV to carry no more than four propane cylinders. If you are using an open truck, you may be able to carry more, depending on the local regulations. Discuss state and local propane laws with your propane supplier.
Check your tank gauge regularly to see how much propane you have left. You should not fill your tank more than 80% full. This reduces the risk of accidents as it leaves 20% of the tank open for propane expansion. Underground tanks or tanks with lower temperatures can be filled more than 80% because there is less heat to cause expansion. Forward Energy fills your tank to 80% when delivering and filling propane tanks. With tanks containing thousands of pounds of propane, we can fill your tank to the necessary levels within safe limits.
2. What Delivery Programs Do You Offer as a Propane Supplier?
Look to see if your supplier offers deliveries. While picking up your own propane is an option, it is safer to have your propane delivered by professionals. See what delivery plans are available that work with your tank needs. Forward Energy offers two free delivery plans:
Courtesy Fill: Courtesy Fill removes the need to monitor your tanks, as we will do it for you. We will schedule automatic deliveries to refill your tanks as needed.
Will-Call: Customers who choose this plan monitor their own tanks and call us when the tank is at 20%. We will deliver the propane within one to five business days.
Our delivery trucks have GPS monitoring, allowing us to make sure you receive your propane deliveries on time. We use vehicles specifically designed for propane, and our tanks are also regularly checked and maintained.
3. What Energy Plans Do You Offer?
Talk with your supplier about the different energy plans they offer to find the one that best suits your needs. Ask about any discounts available for quantity orders or payment methods. Forward Energy provides four main energy programs:
Capped Price: With the capped price option, you purchase your propane at a predetermined price per gallon. This guarantees that your price will not change throughout the heating season.
Pre-Buy: You can purchase your propane gallons in advance. This price is locked in. If you buy additional propane over the pre-buy amount, it will be at the market rate.
Budget Program: This option allows you to make 11 monthly payments. The program helps you avoid unexpected billings. The Budget Program begins in June.
Market Rate: The Market Rate plan offers straightforward pricing, but the pricing may change throughout the season. There are no contracts or prepayments.
We offer quantity discounts on deliveries over 1,000 gallons. Those who sign up for the Courtesy Fill delivery program save 10 cents per gallon. We also offer cash discounts. If you pay your invoice within five days of fuel delivery, you can save 3 cents per gallon.
4. What Safety Protocols Do You Follow?
While propane is a safe fuel, handling propane can be dangerous if an expert does not do it. Talk to your provider about their employees’ training qualifications. Ask them about the protocols they follow when storing, transporting, and refilling propane tanks.
Forward Energy has our employees undergo extensive training about propane properties and potential hazards. We are knowledgeable about correct connecting, supplying, and regulating techniques. Forward Energy also conducts regular inspections of our storage and equipment facilities.
We always make sure that the propane equipment is working well before proceeding with the delivery. When we deliver your propane, we perform several safety checks as we fill your tanks. After completing the delivery, we perform another safety check.
5. Do You Offer Maintenance Services?
Problems with your propane tanks or equipment can result in an inconvenient or dangerous pause in your daily operations. Ask your propane supplier what maintenance services they supply, such as inspections of your propane tanks and equipment. These inspections help make sure that your propane-powered systems are in good working order.
Forward Energy provides maintenance services along with propane delivery. Our experienced maintenance technicians are trained in propane equipment inspections. This allows them to quickly diagnose and repair propane-related issues.
Schedule a Propane Delivery With Forward Energy
We provide high-quality propane, fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel products for homes, farms, and businesses. Forward Energy does not charge program, tank set, or delivery fees. Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions. Contact us today to choose a delivery program and schedule your tank setup.