Can you help me make a decision please?

**nodmicks** · 05-28-2008, 01:15 PM

I'm a little undecided and would sure appreciate a little help. We received a letter from our gas (heating) supplier. They are offering a prepay I must pay for ASAP. The prepay price is $2.14 a gallon. The letter also stated that it is first come, first serve as they only contracted for so much at this price.

The letter also stated that they will offer another prepay in July or August but they of course have no idea if the price will be higher or lower than $2.14 a gallon.

This is really different as usually we get the prepay letter in june and have until Aug 30 to pay. We have never had the ASAP (now) or July option. They also have it locked in with the 2.14 period. Generally if it drops we get credited the difference. Not this time.

I'm really undecided as to if I should prepay the 719 gallons we used last year at $2.14 or hold off until July and see what is offered.

I really hadn't even thought about what gas for heating was doing.

Does anyone have any advice or insight?

**Bournecrazy** · 05-28-2008, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

This is really different as usually we get the prepay letter in june and have until Aug 30 to pay. We have never had the ASAP (now) or July option. They also have it locked in with the 2.14 period. Generally if it drops we get credited the difference. Not this time.

Hmm, not sure how it all works tbh but to me its sounds a little funny that the company has all of a sudden changed how they do things, i'd be wary about it

**nodmicks** · 05-28-2008, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Bournecrazy

Hmm, not sure how it all works tbh but to me its sounds a little funny that the company has all of a sudden changed how they do things, i'd be wary about it

The co op has been around forever. Supposedly they lost their butt last year on the prepay.

**Bournecrazy** · 05-28-2008, 01:25 PM

well if you are unsure of the price dropping and paying the higher price, why dont you cut back on the heating just for a little while, incase it goes up that way you wont be too out of pocket

**nodmicks** · 05-28-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Bournecrazy

well if you are unsure of the price dropping and paying the higher price, why dont you cut back on the heating just for a little while, incase it goes up that way you wont be too out of pocket

Our heat is finally officially off. The prepay pays for next fall and winters heating costs in advance to save us from the higher winter prices. I'm not too hot at explaining

I honestly didn't quite want to turn the heat off as it is still higher 30-40-s at night.

**nodmicks** · 05-29-2008, 08:44 AM

bumping......................................................................

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-29-2008, 08:54 AM

I would look into what the predicted price is for the summer.

What has been the the pattern? a decrease? or an increase?

Are you getting gas? as in propane?

Either way - it's such a tough call. I'd want to know more before I decide

**FrugalMomof3** · 05-29-2008, 09:06 AM

It does sounds funny that they sent this letter ahead of it's usual time BUT at $2.14 a gallon, that's pretty good, considering it's up much more than that now.

I would call the company and find out if they have any other prepay programs for August.

**PrairieRose** · 05-29-2008, 12:39 PM

I'd look at what the experts are saying but I imagine it will go up. I think I'd lean towards buying 1/2 of what I think I'll need at that price if you're not sure that way you'd at least save a good bit if it does go up and if it doesn't, you won't be hurt bad. (hedge your bet

).

**rudypoo98** · 05-29-2008, 12:53 PM

Back when I was on propane I always bought it in August it was the cheapest month to buy it.They could be trying to get people to buy it now because they know it will be cheaper in August.I really wouldn't know what to do about it now.

**Jeanna** · 05-29-2008, 02:03 PM

Although I do not have gas anymore the gas and oil companies around here have always done this. I think I would get it. I just can't see the price getting any cheaper than that. Just my opinion.

**ktsmama** · 05-29-2008, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by PrairieRose

I'd look at what the experts are saying but I imagine it will go up. I think I'd lean towards buying 1/2 of what I think I'll need at that price if you're not sure that way you'd at least save a good bit if it does go up and if it doesn't, you won't be hurt bad. (hedge your bet

).

This is exactly what I was thinking.

**nodmicks** · 05-29-2008, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Frugal Nurse

I would look into what the predicted price is for the summer.

What has been the the pattern? a decrease? or an increase?

Are you getting gas? as in propane?

Either way - it's such a tough call. I'd want to know more before I decide

Yes it is propane. I guess I hate to wait and it goes higher.

**nodmicks** · 05-29-2008, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by PrairieRose

I'd look at what the experts are saying but I imagine it will go up. I think I'd lean towards buying 1/2 of what I think I'll need at that price if you're not sure that way you'd at least save a good bit if it does go up and if it doesn't, you won't be hurt bad. (hedge your bet

).

Good idea Prarie Rose! I'll call and ask if we can do both prepay periods

Thanks so much to all of you for helping me figure this out