“With energy costs continuing to rise, it is becoming harder and harder for more and more New Hampshire families to afford to heat their homes. That is why many customers enter pre-buy contracts, hoping to lock in lower oil prices. But as we have seen recently, the fuel companies themselves are also struggling in this volatile energy market. And in several cases, oil companies have not been able to meet the promises they made to customers who entered into pre-buy agreements,” Gov. Lynch said. “That a leaves the consumer without their much-needed fuel and without their money.”

House Bill 903 helps ensure the language of a pre-buy home heating fuel contract can be easily understood by the consumer, that dealers will show proof they can acquire the fuel at the agreed upon price, and that the dealer will reimburse the consumer for any undelivered pre-purchased fuel.

“Most of our home heating fuel dealers and distributors are highly reputable and already follow these procedures. But in these times of rising energy costs, we must be sure consumers are protected,.” Gov. Lynch said.