Last week an elderly couple in Duanesburg contacted Assemblyman Santabarbara with a message for help...NO HEATING PROPANE DELIVERY FOR WEEKS! Since then, the messages continue and the calls for help are increasing as more people are running out of propane and have no heat.

A recent message read: “Hello Mr. Santabarbara, I just wanted to tell you that my mom is one of those people who have not received propane and is now out. She is 78 yrs. old and is still working on the family dairy farm ... we are out of propane and the kitchen with all the pipes is freezing.”

Another read: “My bf and I are on automatic delivery… and just ran out of propane. When we call the emergency line, we are put on hold and no one ever picks up. Currently running our electric fireplace to keep warm.”

Another read: “I am stuck in this situation [with no propane] propane and have been on zero for three days ...”

In most cases, the supplier owns all equipment, including the tanks and regulators, and simply leases to homeowners as a cost savings; however, they are the only supplier permitted to re-fill the tanks. Buying your own propane tanks and equipment can quite expensive; but allows customers to choose from multiple suppliers and can change as frequently as for each delivery. This also allows them to also get better costs during times of high demand. Unfortunately, during storms or other catastrophic events, homeowners that lease are at the mercy of their propane providers’ schedule for delivery.

Santabarbara has now introduced new legislation in the State Assembly to help address the concern and is looking for quick action to give people more options in situations like this. The bill will allow homeowners leasing tanks to also choose from multiple suppliers for emergency deliveries during times of urgent need and the periods of high demand we are currently experiencing.

The bill only requires the use of a licensed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, and an LPG container that meets all safety requirements and has all required inspections and certifications complete and up to date. According to state law, an LPG tank must be inspected 12 years after it is manufactured and then every 5 years after that.

Santabarbara’s office has been quite busy over the weekend assisting residents in contacting their suppliers and reporting complaints to the Attorney General’s office for investigation.

“This is an issue that must be taken very seriously and with these dangerously cold temperatures it’s my top priority,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara, who is a member of the State Assembly’s Energy Committee. “If you heat your home with propane, lease your tanks and are still waiting for a delivery, I want to hear from you,” Santabarbara added.

Assemblyman Santabarbara is encouraging residents that heat their home with propane and are still waiting for a delivery to contact his office by calling (518) 382-2941, by emailing santabarbaraa@assembly.state.ny.us or on his website at: www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Angelo-Santabarbara/contact/