Seeking Mass Energy Testimonials

October 14, 2008 11:44 AM

For Massachusetts residents: Do you have experience with using the Mass Energy consumer alliance for heating oil?

Basically, I’m just seeking first-hand accounts of those who have experience using Mass Energy. Right now we plan to not lock in (probably can’t anymore, anyway) and want a basic oil supplier that provides a service plan, emergency service, tank guard, etc. I’ve reviewed the Mass Energy material online and it all looks pretty good. Before I go ahead and cancel our oil supplier though, I want to be sure I’m not missing any important considerations in making the switch.

Important considerations, by the way, includes any general objections to using the alliance—my husband has suggested that enrolling may have a Walmart-like effect of driving small business owners out of business. Because this organization is consumer-driven and promotes both energy-saving practices and support for lower-income families, I think it is far more benign, but would be curious to hear other thoughts.

Also, I saw the previous question about whether to lock in--someone mentioned Mass Energy in that post, but I'm not asking about whether to lock in or where to get the best prices.

posted by dreamphone to Home & Garden (2 answers total)

We signed up with them last winter. They assign you to a small local oil dealer who participates in the program, so not much likelihood of the "Wal-Mart effect". If anything, it's helping to keep those little guys in business. You get all the customary services you would expect -- annual cleaning, service plans, etc. -- and for us the savings over our previous oil dealer were significant (but you have to be sure to pay within 10 days of delivery to get the best price).

There might be some variability of quality of service depending on which oil dealer actually services your account, but ours is a good one.
posted by briank at 12:20 PM on October 14, 2008

Mass Energy will not have a Wal-Mart-like effect on small businesses. They are not a substitute supplier; rather, they contract with local suppliers to buy in bulk. I used them for a winter, before we moved and replaced the new house's furnace with natural gas. I have no complaints about their service. You aren't locked to your new supplier for anything except filing your tank. There's no service contract required.
posted by mkb at 12:23 PM on October 14, 2008