Pricing policies
The contract should specify how prices are set and when they can change:
- Per-gallon rate at expected fill size, with volume-tier breakpoints if applicable
- How and when the dealer can adjust the per-gallon rate (market-rate vs fixed-period)
- Notice given to customers when prices change
- Whether tank rent is charged separately and the waiver threshold
Delivery policies
Delivery terms drive both convenience and cost:
- Auto-fill vs will-call default
- Minimum delivery volume and small-fill penalty
- Delivery / hazmat / fuel surcharges per delivery
- After-hours and emergency delivery rates
- Expected delivery scheduling lead time
Service policies
How the dealer handles maintenance, emergencies and system service:
- Service-call rates and after-hours emergency response
- Maintenance inclusions (annual inspection, regulator replacement, leak tests)
- Out-of-gas restart / leak test fee (often $50-$150)
- Appliance servicing scope (some dealers service, others refer)
Contract exit policies
The exit terms deserve scrutiny before signing, not at contract end:
- Tank pickup fee (typical $100-$300)
- Residual gas refund policy (rate, mechanism, timing)
- Auto-renewal clauses and the notice window to opt out
- Liquidated damages or punitive termination penalties (rare but worth checking)
FAQ
Are propane company policies regulated?
Mostly no. US propane retail is unregulated at the federal level and at the state level in most states. Roughly 10-15 states have consumer-protection statutes that constrain specific policies (anti-fill rules, tank ownership disclosure, capped pickup fees) — see your state page.
What if my dealer breaks their own policy?
Document in writing, escalate to local district manager, then corporate customer service, then BBB and state attorney general consumer protection division if the issue is material.