Energy Clubs

[crosses]

Are energy clubs just for big cities or do they have them in other areas too? I read this article and it sure would be nice to get my heating oil for 20 to 30 cents below retail. Does anyone do this?

[msnln]

I looked into this few years ago. I cannot recall the exact details but there was an application process and upfront fee to join the club. They said prices would be below the market. On the phone, the price they quoted was the lowest of all quotes I had gotten from calling various local dealers. Upon receipt of the contract, I called again to confirm the lockin price and in three days, price of oil moved magically above the the market. I called other dealers again and the prices had not moved. I would think most people of have signed the contract and sent in upfront fee thinking price that was quoted prior would be price they would get. As such, I think a lot of these are scams.

Now, I use discount dealer who does not include maintenance and does not lock me into a contract. As of couple of days ago, their price was $2.349/gal, which is probably 50 cents cheaper than the market. However, you have to consider that prices move daily and they will not come and fix the furnace at no cost if you do not have heat in the middle of the night. My furnace is only three years old so chance of a breakdown is very low and thus willing to take the chance of something going wrong in the middle of night.