Green Electricity Products
Heating Oil Buying Network
Energy Efficiency
Advocacy for Consumers and the Environment
September 2013
EARLY BIRD RAFFLE: Renew now & you could WIN $250 toward oil!
(see below & on page 3)
Feds Predict Better Oil Prices
Over Next 18 Months
MA State Average
$4.00
According to the federal Energy Information Administration
Heating Oil Retail Price Including Taxes, U.S. Average
$3.60
$3.40
$3.20
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Projections
Here’s a graph showing Mass Energy’s average price over the last 14 months.
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substantial changes in supply or demand to the extent that they
would cause a price spike. They do point to turmoil in Egypt as
one potential cause of a supply disruption.
By our analysis, members saved 27 cents per gallon in
the 2013-2014 heating season compared to the state average as
computed by the Mass. Department of Energy Resources and
adjusted for monthly heating degree days.
We are looking forward to helping you save money on the
oil you buy and helping you to reduce your need for heating oil.
See the rest of this newsletter for practical ways to save energy
and money.
$0.0
Jan ‘12
Your
Savings
$3.70
Ju
Dollars per gallon
$5.0
Mass Energy Average
$3.80
Price per gallon
(EIA), through the end of 2014, prices for crude oil, gasoline,
and heating oil are expected to fall slightly. For heating oil,
EIA projects a drop of less than a dime per gallon. But while a
projected drop is not the same as an actual drop, it’s certainly
better than a projected increase! These national average
projections are contained in the EIA’s Short-Term Energy
Outlook dated August 6th.
Mass Energy’s Average Price
$4.20
Jul ‘12
Jan ‘13
Jul ‘13
Jan ‘14
Jul ‘14
Source: Short-Term Energy Outlook from Aug 6th
EIA is expecting natural gas prices to increase, especially
in New England because of pipeline constraints. Because it is
the dominant fuel in electricity generation, this price increase
will affect all of us—not just families heating with gas.
In the last year, we have seen heating oil prices fluctuate
in Massachusetts. As of August 7, Mass Energy members are
paying over a nickel more per gallon than the same date in
2012. But it’s good to know that the Feds are not anticipating
One member won $500 and you could be next!
It’s time to renew your discount heating oil membership! Many
of you have renewed already—and one lucky early bird won a
$500 credit toward oil in our first Early Bird Raffle during July
& August. We’ll contact you if you’re the lucky winner.
If you have already renewed, or if your membership is already
prepaid for 2014, you will be entered into the second raffle
automatically. The winner will be drawn in early November.
Do you have feedback for us? Are you holding off on
renewing your membership because of a price discrepancy or
an issue with your dealer? The Mass Energy team can act as an
advocate for you. Call us today at 800-287-3950 or
email [email protected].
You could be next to win $250 in our second Early Bird
Raffle! Here’s how: Renew your membership by October
31st, 2013 to be entered to into a drawing to win a $250 credit
toward oil with your Mass Energy dealer.
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It’s that time again!
Prepare your heating system for WINTER!
As summer winds down it’s a great time to prepare your
heating system for the first blast of cold air. Start by scheduling
your annual heating system tune-up. Call your dealer now
because you may have to schedule your tune-up weeks
in advance.
When you get the tune-up, ask the technician for a
complete written report. The most important figure is the
efficiency. Any system rated at less than 72% is
a strong candidate for replacement. Ask the
technician what he or she thinks about your
system. Does it need some
minor work that would improve the efficiency? If you need help
understanding the report, email [email protected],
or call her at 800-287-3950, ext. 128.
For more information, we have a brochure: “What
You Need to Know About Your Heating System” at
www.massenergy.org/energy-efficiency/brochures-onefficiency. If you would like us to mail you a copy, please
call us at 800-287-3950.
If your system does need to be replaced, make sure
to get three bids and ask bidders to propose a high
efficiency heating system.
Increased energy
efficiency services are
on the way.
MEMBERS ONLY
Get prices and more on the
Members Only Site:
Member responses to our summer survey told us that you
want more tips on how to save energy. We were thrilled to
hear about your interest in energy efficiency because it is one
of the best ways to reduce your energy costs today, while
ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
secure.massenergy.org/extranet
In answer to your request, we will be testing out some
new energy efficiency services this year—keep your eyes
and ears open for details. In the meantime, if you have
questions about making your home more energy efficient, or
have specific suggestions on how we can deliver increased
energy efficiency services to you, contact Meredith at
[email protected], or call 800-287-3950 ext. 128.
• Find your dealer’s service policy and contact info
• See your dealer’s specific daily and historical prices
• Report price discrepancies
• Sign up to get this newsletter electronically
• Keep track of your membership status, and more!
All you need to create an account is your member ID!
(Printed with your name and address on the front of
this newsletter).
Help neighbors in need
OIL
BANK
Every year, low-income families and seniors are placed in the
unhealthy position of choosing between heating and eating.
Thanks to your donations and a grant from the City of Boston,
Mass Energy’s Emergency Oil Bank is able to help in that situation,
providing a full tank of oil at no-cost.
Last season, we delivered emergency oil to 218 families
struggling to heat their homes. We need your support to continue
helping in 2014. Donations of any size make a difference and
are 100% federally tax deductible. Call us at 800-287-3950
to donate!
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Heating Oil Membership Renewal Form
EARLY BIRD RAFFLE: Renew now & you could WIN $250 toward oil!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Prepaid? Don’t Renew
Early Bird Raffle
If you received an email or letter
stating that your membership is
prepaid, please do not fill out
this form. You will automatically be
entered in the Early Bird Raffle!
Renew by Oct 31st to be entered to
WIN a $250 credit with your Mass
Energy dealer! Renew for 3 years
and you’ll be entered twice.
Members Only Site
Check the status of your
membership by visiting
secure.massenergy.org/extranet
Need to update your account info?
Contact us at 800-287-3950.
Three Easy Ways To Renew Your Heating Oil Membership:
Online: www.massenergy.org
Phone: call our office at 800-287-3950
Mail: fill out the form below and mail to: Mass Energy, 284 Amory Street, Boston, MA 02130
Member Information
Name __________________________________ Membership # ______________________________
Mailing Street Address ________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ Zip____________ Phone ________________________
E-Mail (make sure we have your most recent e-mail) ____________________________________________
Membership Type
(Please select one. Dues are not tax-deductible and are not refundable)
 $20 One Year Basic
 $10 One Year Fixed Income & Retiree
 $25 Non-Residential Customer
 $45 Three Years Basic
 $30 Three Years Fixed Income & Retiree
Note: If you’re a Fuel Assistance member: Please fill out and return the renewal form you received in the mail in August. If you did not
receive a renewal letter, or you’re a recent Fuel Assistant client, please call Mass Energy (800-287-3950) to find out how you can renew
for FREE.
Donations
Yes, I will make a tax-deductible donation to support Mass Energy’s Oil Bank for emergency heating assistance.
 $10
 $25
 $50
 $100
 $300
 $500
 Other $_______
Payment
Total Amount (Membership Fee And/Or Donations) $______________
 My check is enclosed. Please make checks payable to “Mass Energy”
 Please Charge My:
 Mastercard
 Discover
 Visa
Card Number ________________________________________________ Exp Date _________________
Signature ______________________________________________________________________________
Dues are non-refundable and are not tax-deductible. However, contributions to the Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance for the
Massachusetts Emergency Oil Bank are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
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Non Profit
US Postage
PAID
Boston, MA
Permit #50190
284 Amory St.
Boston, MA 02130
Making energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable since 1982.
(p) 800-287-3950
(f) 617-524-0776
[email protected]
www.massenergy.org
Return Service Requested
Printed on recycled paper.
Does it make
sense to lock in
an oil price?
We
do not think so. For over 30 years, Mass Energy
members have saved more by paying the price of the day vs.
buying into hedging programs, like capped or fixed prices.
Why is that? Because dealers who offer capped or fixed
prices need to pay an option premium to an oil trader, which
is then passed onto the consumer. This means an added
cost per gallon. Mass Energy prices typically remain below
most capped or fixed prices. And remember, the best way to
ensure stable heating oil bills is through energy efficiency.
Do some Mass Energy dealers offer such hedging
programs? Yes, some do. Independently of Mass Energy,
they might offer you such an option. You can choose to
continue saving by using our buying power and paying our
price of the day OR you can pay the added cost per gallon
for an offered capped or fixed price.
Why I am a member:
You have a great program
and should be proud.
—Lou Rizoli
Member since 2005
SPREAD THE WORD
Discount Heating Oil
Service
GET
$50 FOR REFERRALS
As a small non-profit with a big mission, we rely on the
help of our members to spread the word.
Every member who refers a friend will earn a $50 credit
toward oil after their friend takes their first oil delivery.
Tell your friends!
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