North Carolina state laws complicate propane access, highlighted by recent winter storms

In the back of Polly Moore’s backyard, a recently filled propane tank sits at the North Durham home she’s lived in for decades.

Moore, 78, told WRAL News that she recently waited nearly a month for an expected delivery of propane from provider AmeriGas, which was delivered between the two major winter events in January.

Thankfully, she says, the latest delivery came before the second storm despite the delay. Her concerns, though, stretch beyond the propane provider itself, but also the laws that restrict her in outlier winter storms like what the region just experienced.

Moore’s tank once belonged to a separate propane company, Carolane, before she says they were bought out by AmeriGas. Although her tank still displays a Carolane sticker, she pays her bills through AmeriGas.

“The consumer is absolutely stuck,” she added.

She shared that’s the way it’ll stay, unless she buys the tank herself.

Complications with alternative solutions

North Carolina state law does not allow companies to refill propane in tanks owned by other companies. If so, those companies are susceptible to penalties.

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the company that has its tank at your home deserves a return on that investment, and its margin on the propane they sell you is a large part of that. They may also charge rent on the tank if you do not buy a prescribed amount of propane each year.

NC DAC officials said homeowners do not have a right to ask another company to fill that tank, let alone for the price they charge.

“You may shop around for the best price if you own the tank yourself, and that is the return you get for your investment of buying a tank,” officials said.

So in Moore’s case, even though she was effectively grandfathered into AmeriGas coverage, those restrictions mean she’s unable to find alternative ways to fill the tank.

“When another vendor went out of business or sold, you’re kind of stuck with it,” she said.

The average price of propane is roughly $3.40, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Addressing delays, deliveries

Miles away in south Durham, Joseph Folk received a late evening shipment of propane after getting to roughly 10% of his tank’s capacity.

The delivery came several hours after he spoke with WRAL News about a weeks long delay and lack of clarity from AmeriGas on when exactly his requested shipment would arrive.

“Out of 1000 gallons, I have 100 left,” he told WRAL News.

Across social media, others have voiced their frustrations and concerns about delays.

WRAL News reached out to AmeriGas to ask what is causing the delays. Officials said increased demands for service and weather conditions have impacted delays across the country.

Officials said the company brought in additional drivers from across the country to assist with deliveries.

“Our delivery trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard vehicles, requiring clear, safe access to complete deliveries,” a statement from AmeriGas read in part.

Officials said the safety of drivers and customers is the biggest priority. To maintain a timely service, AmeriGas asks customers to maintain a safe delivery path, clear equipment and vents, mark underground tanks, and order early.

For years, WRAL News has previously reported on issues with AmeriGas and customers receiving their deliveries on time.

In 2022, the state’s Attorney General’s Office said they’ve received several AmeriGas delivery complaints. Then, the company cited a recent change in business models that sent calls to a call center rather than a local branch.

Customers are encouraged to check their tanks and request a refill as soon as their gauge hits 30%.