Serving Suffolk County for more than 100 years has given us at Swezey insights about our customers.
One of those insights is that everyone needs to manage that heating oil costs in ways that best suits their needs and circumstances. That’s why we offer multiple options.
Swezey makes managing your heating oil bills a breeze with EasyPay, Paperless Billing and AutoPay. Read on to learn about each of these helpful and convenient options.
EasyPay Budget Plan: Sign up for Swezey’s EasyPay Plan and have predictable oil bills every month. Here’s how it works: Our technicians will examine your usage history and estimate your total costs for the year, then average your payments over 11 months. You will receive a statement at the same time each month, which you can pay by check, credit card or I-Checks (our electronic funds transfer program).
We’ll monitor your usage throughout the year to see if we need to make any adjustments. If you have a balance at the end of the year, we’ll automatically credit you. In addition, you’ll enjoy additional savings by receiving a 2% annual rebate when you stay on EasyPay!
EasyPay is convenient, too: When you sign up for the heating oil program, your statement will arrive at the same time each month, and you can pay by check, credit card or I-Checks (our electronic funds transfer program).
Paperless Billing: When you sign up to receive paperless billing, your bills will arrive via email. You can skip the clutter and just check your inbox when you need to see your bill. We’ll hang on to your records as well, of course. So save some paper, help us reduce postal fuel consumption and join this program today!
AutoPay: With AutoPay you’ll skip the worry about late payments! Enroll in this secure, convenient program using your preferred credit card or your checking account, and we’ll automatically deduct your balance each month! I-Checks is our electronic funds transfer (EFT) program, which authorizes your bank to cut a check for a given amount on particular day of the month.
Q. Does the time of year affect heating oil prices?
A. Seasonal demand is a crucial factor in heating oil pricing. During the colder months, the demand for heating oil naturally increases as homeowners strive to keep their homes warm. This heightened demand typically leads to higher prices.
In contrast, during the warmer months, demand for heating oil decreases, often resulting in lower prices. That’s why we recommend filling your heating oil tank in the summer, so you can keep your home warm early in the heating season for less money.
You can see the history of how the time of year affects heating oil pricing on this chart from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Q. What else impacts heating oil prices?
A. One of the most significant factors affecting heating oil prices is the cost of crude oil. Crude oil is the primary raw material used to produce heating oil, and its price is influenced by various global events. Geopolitical tensions, wars like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, OPEC decisions, and international trade agreements can all cause crude oil prices to rise or fall.
The process of refining crude oil into heating oil also impacts the final price. Refining involves several steps, including distillation and treatment, which require energy and resources. The cost of these processes can vary based on technological advancements and regulatory changes.
Once heating oil is refined, it needs to be transported to various distribution points before reaching your home. The costs associated with distribution and transportation are influenced by factors such as distance, fuel prices, and logistical challenges.
Any disruptions in the supply chain, such as severe weather conditions or transportation strikes, can lead to increased prices due to limited availability.
Q. I’m having a hard time paying my heating oil bill. What should I do?
A. The first thing to do is call us at Swezey before you fall behind. We may be able to work something out for you.
There are also multiple area resources that can help. One of them is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each state has its own LIHEAP program. Contact the New York Home Energy Assistance program through the NYHEAP website or call the Suffolk County Department of Social Services at 631-853-8825.
Project Warmth is a nongovernmental emergency fuel fund serving all of Long Island. It was created by United Way of Long Island to provide a safety net for families struggling financially and provides a one-time grant for fuel or fuel-related electricity. Learn more about this program by calling United Way’s referral center at 2-1-1 or 800-940-3700, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by going to the Project Warmth web page.
Why suffer through unpredictable heating-oil bills and mail clutter? Let Swezey make life easy for you with our convenient payment options. Contact us today!