Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced the passage of his bill in the State Assembly today (A.8940) that will give homeowners leasing propane tanks more options to keep the heat on when a supplier fails to deliver during urgent times of need. The bill allows homeowners leasing tanks to choose from multiple suppliers for emergency deliveries to keep the heat on during the periods of high demand we are currently experiencing. As the measure was passed today, Santabarbara noted that some are still without heat and continue to wait.

“It is simply unacceptable for families to be left without heat and unable to receive propane deliveries,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “With the cold temperatures expected to continue, we must do all we can to ensure no one is left behind.”

Santabarbara authored the measure after his office was flooded with messages and calls for help that continue and are increasing as more are running out of propane and have no heat. In most cases, the propane 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 be quite expensive; but allows customers to choose from multiple suppliers and can change as frequently as for each delivery. While leasing propane tanks from a supplier is often cost effective, it leaves consumers at the mercy of their propane supplier, even when they fail to deliver and are left without heat.