The Agency of Agriculture’s Consumer Protection Division is reminding Vermonters to take steps to ensure they “get what they pay for” when heating their homes.
“With winter approaching, it’s important for Vermonters to know there are rules in place to govern transactions related to fuel and firewood,” said Henry Marckres, chief of the consumer protection division. Whether you use fuel oil, kerosene, propane, or firewood, the agency offers the following guidelines to help ensure the fuel you buy measures up:
Fuel oil, propane
Any delivery of heating fuel requires an invoice be left, unless an agreement has been reached previously. When you receive a delivery of fuel oil, kerosene or propane, the invoice should include the following information: the name and address of the dealer, name and address of the customer, date of delivery, the type of fuel delivered, price per gallon and the gallons delivered. Propane deliveries should also state that the volume delivered was adjusted for temperature. The gallons delivered must be printed by the meter register mounted on the delivery vehicle.
Firewood
Firewood deliveries must also provide the customer with an invoice with the dealer’s name and address, customer’s name and address, date of delivery, number of cords delivered, price per cord and total price, and the type of wood (maple, etc.). Firewood must be sold by the cord — terms such as “rack, face cord, or truckload” are illegal. A cord of firewood must equal 128 cubic feet and measure 4x4x8 feet. When you purchase firewood, the agency recommends you stack it as soon as possible to determine if you have received right amount.
If you have any questions or if you feel that you have not received what you have paid for, call 802-828-2426.
