November 2006

From the Desk of Jeff Tasse

Welcome to Our Newsletter

Welcome to our Newsletter! In an effort to provide our customers with more value, I wanted to communicate with all our customers on a regular basis. Please let me know what you think.

On a Different Note…

I’ve received a number of calls concerning the Fixed Price Program (FPP) in light of the fact that crude oil prices have come down over the last two months.

Each year this program is offered, I have to buy oil future contracts to ensure I can guarantee a price for the entire winter. For the past five years, I have fixed a price lower than the average winter retail price, because the oil market has gone up.  The early part of this year has seen warm weather, a quiet hurricane season, and a slowed world economy. These unique events do not mean that oil will be down all winter. Remember, a fixed price is a promise to deliver oil at that price no matter whether the price is up or down.  I own the oil at a fixed price, and need to deliver it to you at a fixed price.

I offer a fixed price program so each of you can budget your heating costs. For the past five years my customers had the option to fix their heating costs, while other costs such as gasoline, electricity, and groceries have continued to rise without the option of fixing these costs.

This year, with energy prices down, you are able to save money at the gas station and on other consumable goods that are affected by the lower price of crude oil. So your budget should stay about the same. The Fixed Price Program has helped our customers save real money for the past five years we have offered it. Remember, lower crude oil prices are good for the overall economy and your heating oil contract is for this winter only.

  BioHeat is coming…

Fuel from the field to heat your home.

Tasse’s has decided to offer one of the latest heating innovations today with the introduction of BioHeat.  BioHeat is created by specially blending pure Bio diesel with home heating oil. The Bio diesel comes from American farms and consists of soybean or other vegetable oils. Here’s why it’s good for us:

  • It is a cleaner burning heating oil that reduces Greenhouse gases, such as Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide, and Sulphur Oxide. The Bio Diesel component is modified vegetable oil, so it's non-toxic, and non hazardous.
     

  • BioHeat is lower in sulfur, resulting in less soot, which means fewer service calls and a more efficient heating system.

We feel it’s important to do our part to become part of the solution to reduce our dependency on foreign crude oil. BioHeat is a part of this strategy. Tasse’s will be delivering 2% BioHeat fuel oil to all our customers this upcoming winter at no additional charge.

Please click here for more info on BioHeat

 
Lower Prices Look Tempting…

But will you get Service when you need it?

You see it every week. Discount oil that looks like you can save some real money.  What happens after the first fill? What happens when you aren’t on a guaranteed delivery schedule? Don’t fall into the trap of trying to save today, and risk losing the ability to get service when you need it.

For over 60 years, Tasse’s has stood by their customers, offering full service as well as heating oil. If your heating system needs some help, Tasse’s is there with the hand you need.  Don’t fall into that trap this season.

Ask Emma

Emma, born December 2001, is our Labrador Retriever and the Tasse's company mascot. This column is dedicated to providing our customers with useful tips, facts and information. If there is a question that you would like to ask Emma, please email her at askemma@tasses.com.

Q:  Emma, I've got a frozen pipe in my home. How do I thaw it out? If it bursts, what should I do to stop the flooding?

A:  Here are a few quick tips:

  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.  Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device.  Do not let a heating pad, hair dryer, or other electrical device come into contact with water.
     

  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
     

  • If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve if you can locate it and call 911.

DO NOT TRY TO THAW A BURST PIPE THAT HAS RESULTED IN FLOODING! THIS COULD CAUSE ELECTROCUTION!

 

Emma’s Energy Conservation Tips

  • Sunshine! Windows on the south side of the house get the most sunlight. Eastern windows get sunlight in the morning. West facing windows receive sunlight in the afternoon. Open shades and drapes during the daytime to let the sun’s warmth enter your home, and close when the sun goes down.

  • Remove air conditioning window units, or cover them well.

  • Check your threshold for any gaps between it and the door. Use a bottom seal that can be attached to the bottom of the door -- it should brush up against the floor to seal up the threshold. It virtually stops drafts.

  • Get a heating system tune-up — it’ll ensure you get maximum performance from every drop of heating oil burned.

  • Make sure you have good insulation on exterior walls, ceilings with cold spaces above, and floors with cold spaces below.

 

PLEASE TAKE TIME AND MAKE SURE YOUR ACCOUNT IS CURRENT FOR THE 2006-7 HEATING SEASON. If you are not current, you will no longer be on the Automatic Delivery program.

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