An independent fuel for home appliances

Bulk gas refers to propane gas delivered in trucks to people who have a propane tank, as opposed to gas cylinders (which people fill at filling stations) or natural gas (which is supplied through a grid). Bulk gas delivery is often a solution chosen by those in homes not connected to the natural gas supply or those looking for a convenient, safe, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative source of energy. Propane has many uses, such as refrigeration or central heating. The advantage of bulk gas is that you control your own supply since propane is stored on your property directly. All you need is a propane tank that the delivery truck can access. Also, bulk gas tends to be more efficient than more traditional sources of energy such as electricity.

Storing bulk gas in tanks

If you decide to use bulk gas for energy you will need to buy or rent a propane tank. Buying a propane tank is convenient because it allows you to monitor the propane price and find the best deal when you need to get more gas. On the other hand, renting or leasing a propane tank is a convenient option because initially cheaper (you do not have to purchase a tank) and less hassle (the company you choose does the maintenance and can fill your propane tank automatically if you have the option).

Finding a bulk gas dealer

There are thousands of bulk gas suppliers on the US residential market. What is important for you is to find one that has an outlet close to where you live, whose reputation is established (in terms of safety and customer care) and who can offer you a good deal on your propane and on your tank if you rent it. Propane company quotes change a lot from one supplier to the other so it is important for you to spend some time getting information on what your propane usage can be, how much it will cost you and what the companies in your county offer.

Bulk gas cost estimates

What bulk gas will cost you depends on what you use it for, how the price of crude oil varies and how far you are from a propane supply (transportation costs). Taking the 2011-2012 winter season (six months) as a reference, total costs for propane went from $2,000 to $5,500 for three to five fill ups. A propane tank will cost you between $75 and $130 per year on average if you lease it (depending on size, local rates and whether it is above- or underground). It will cost you between $800 and $2,500 to buy and install an aboveground tank and between $1,800 and $3,000 to buy and install an underground tank.