Attorney General John M. Formella is pleased to announce the release of new guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau on new laws governing the propane fuel industry, which became effective August 31, 2026.

The residential propane heating industry is considered to be a competitive market.  Key to a competitive market is transparency of price and product and the ability for the consumer to freely exercise the option to move from one supplier to another.  There are over 50 propane dealers in New Hampshire. There are many options to choose from, including small, locally owed dealers and regional or national providers.  Propane companies want your business, so it pays to shop around and compare prices.
The new law is designed to enhance contract disclosures so consumers can compare the total cost of service between companies.  Companies vary widely regarding fees charged beyond the price per gallon.  When choosing a propane company, it is important to ask about tank rental fees, minimum use fees, delivery options and fees associated with each option, service costs, whether the company has a local office and how you can reach customer service if you have a problem.

The NH DOJ’s new Consumer Insight Newsletter guidance provides an overview of questions to ask when choosing a propane dealer and things to consider when switching providers.  The new guidance can be found by visiting: home-heating-consumer-insight-final-final.pdf.

NH Consumer Insight newsletters highlight relevant consumer protection issues and provide information that consumers can use to identify risks and protect themselves in the marketplace.  If you are interested in subscribing to NH Consumer Insight, please send an email to Michael.S.Garrity@doj.nh.gov.