How Our Propane Fixed Price Program Works in Ontario

Have you ever set your heating budget in the fall, only to watch the invoices come in higher than you planned? It happens. A long cold snap, a supply hiccup, something on the other side of the world, and suddenly the winter costs more than you budgeted for, and there’s nothing to do but pay it.

But did you know that there’s a different way that doesn’t lead to unpredictable price increases?

Our Propane Fixed Price Program is an agreement that sets your rate ahead of the heating season, so the price you pay per litre stays the same from October 1st through April 30th, no matter what the market does in between.

In this blog, we answer your frequently asked questions about the Fixed Price Program. Learn what it does and doesn’t promise, and why it’s worth a phone call before October 1st.

What is Bryan’s Fuel’s Fixed Price Program?

The Fixed Price Program secures your propane rate for the entire heating season. One rate, agreed to ahead of time, holding steady from October 1st to April 30th. Every delivery in that window gets billed at your rate. It doesn’t matter if the market climbs over the winter. Your price stays put.

Does a Fixed Price Program Save You Money?

Not necessarily, and we don’t promise that it will. A fixed price protects you from a mid-season price spike and makes your heating costs predictable. Some winters it works out cheaper than the market, and some winters it doesn’t. Fixed price is about predictability, not guaranteed savings.

What you’re buying isn’t a guaranteed bargain. It’s predictability for your budgeting.

Who is Fixed Price Best For?

Here’s the honest comparison. With a fixed price, you pay the same rate on every delivery all season, you’re protected if the market spikes, and you can put a real number in your budget before the first cold snap. With market pricing, your rate changes with every delivery. You’re going to pay more if prices climb, but you pay less if they fall.

The decision comes down to your situation and preferences. If a rough winter would actually strain the budget, or you’re a budgeter who likes predictability , a fixed price is likely your answer. If you’ve got room to absorb a bad year and you’d like the benefit when prices come down, riding the market is a perfectly good choice. Either way, we’re happy to talk it through with you.

Before deciding, it can be useful to know and track how you and your family use propane throughout the year. For help figuring that out, read our blog Understanding My Propane Usage.

What Happens if Propane Prices Drop After I Lock In?

You continue paying your agreed rate for the rest of the season. That’s the trade. You get the benefit of a predictable budget, but you don’t benefit from any savings if the price drops. On the other hand, you could save money if prices increase over the winter.

Propane is a commodity, and the price follows demand. Demand climbs when the weather turns cold, and everyone is heating their home at once. That’s why prices generally rise through the winter. The Fixed Price Program follows the same trend, but it smooths out the peaks and keeps your rate manageable even at its highest.

It’s impossible to predict exactly where the market lands, and that’s the point. The program is designed to remove the uncertainty.

Can I Cancel a Fixed Price Agreement Partway Through?

No. Once the agreement is active, it’s valid for the full term and can’t be cancelled. That’s what allows us to secure the volume with our suppliers on your behalf. It’s important to be sure before you sign.

How We’re Able to Offer a Fixed Price

Producers let us buy propane throughout the summer while they build up inventory for the busy months ahead. Storage is what makes that possible across the industry, since building reserves throughout the year is how suppliers meet peak-season demand and take some of the edge off price swings.

That summer price is the going rate plus a bit extra for storage, and what the market figures prices will do later on.

From there, it’s pretty straightforward:

• We group our clients’ demands together to meet the minimum order sizes our suppliers need
• We lock in the volume before the season starts
• You pay for the propane as it’s delivered, at your rate

One thing worth knowing: the market moves quickly, and our fixed price offers shift right along with it. What we can offer today might look different in a few weeks.

What Factors Shape Price?

Your number isn’t pulled out of thin air. Many factors affect the price of propane. It comes down to:

• Wholesale propane market conditions
• Market risk and competitive conditions
• Transportation and storage costs
• Expected winter demand
• Future supply costs
• Geopolitical factors
• Customer usage

Curious what’s behind your particular number? Just ask. We’ll walk you through it.

Who is Eligible for the Fixed Price Program?

We serve homes across Dufferin County and parts of Wellington and Peel, including Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, Caledon, Mono, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Erin, Fergus, Arthur, Hillsburgh, Alton, and Tottenham.

Not sure whether you’re in our delivery area? Just ask, we’re happy to check.

When Do I Need to Sign Up By?

Your rate needs to be set before the season starts on October 1st. Once winter demand kicks in, the summer buying window has closed, and that’s it until next year. Wait until the furnace is already running, and you’ll be riding the market straight through to spring, wherever prices go.

Late summer and early fall are the best times to make the call.

Want to see where things sit first? We offer full price transparency. Check our current fuel pricing.

Pair It With Automatic Delivery for Real Peace of Mind

A fixed rate tells you what you’ll pay. Automatic delivery means you don’t have to think about when your propane will arrive.

We monitor your usage and know when your tank is running low, so we schedule a fill before it becomes a problem. No calling in. No trudging out to check the gauge in a snowstorm.

With fixed rates and automatic delivery, you know the price and that the propane will be there when you need it.

Add a Satellite Monitor to Take the Guessing Out Entirely

Want to be even more hands-free with your fuel? Ask us about a satellite tank monitor. It sits right on your tank and reports your fuel level in real time, so we’re scheduling refills based on what’s actually in there, not an estimate.

You’ll see your level in the app anytime, get a heads up when you’re running low, and a note when we’ve topped you up. Our satellite monitors fit 420-lb cylinders and 500- or 1000-gallon tanks. Monitors are popular, so it’s worth asking early if you’d like one on your tank.

Read our blog to learn more about satellite propane tank monitors.

Interested? Let’s Talk It Through

No pressure and no sales pitch. Give us a call, ask whatever you’re wondering about, and one of our representatives will be glad to help you sort out whether fixed pricing suits your household.

Email fixedprice@bryansfuel.on.ca, call 519-941-2401, or reach us toll-free at 1-800-637-5910.

Bryan’s Fuel has been keeping Dufferin County warm for over 100 years, from our home base in Orangeville out to the rural properties and small towns across Central Ontario. We’d be glad to help you head into the season knowing exactly what to expect.

Contact us before October 1st.