Your Guide to Valley Energy’s PreBuy 2026: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Every year, the team at Valley Energy looks forward to offering our propane customers a valuable opportunity: the chance to buy your propane in bulk and lock in savings on your price per gallon before the winter chill sets in.

Because the PreBuy program is highly popular and quantities are limited, planning ahead is key. Enrollment occurs annually in late summer and early fall, and spots fill up quickly!

To help you navigate the upcoming season, we have compiled the answers to our most frequently asked questions about the PreBuy 2026 Program.

Getting Started & Key Dates

What is the PreBuy program and how does it work?

The PreBuy program allows active Valley Energy residential propane customers to purchase their winter propane gallons in bulk during the late summer or early fall. By buying in advance, you secure a locked-in price per gallon, protecting you from winter market spikes.

Because we have a limited supply of PreBuy gallons available each year, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to secure your spot, we highly recommend adding your name to our PreBuy notification list as early as possible.

When will I receive my 2026 PreBuy Proposal?

All 2026 PreBuy proposals will be sent out during the first week of September.

Note: If you have not received your proposal by Labor Day 2026, please contact the Valley Energy office right away, and we will happily resend it to you.

When is the enrollment deadline for PreBuy 2026?

All enrollments and completed contracts must be submitted by September 30, 2026.

Eligibility & Gallon Requirements

Who is eligible to enroll in PreBuy?

The PreBuy program is available exclusively to active, current Valley Energy customers who use propane for residential home heating.

Not a customer yet? Click here to apply to become a Valley Energy customer so you can take advantage of PreBuy savings.

What are the requirements to participate?

To qualify for the PreBuy program, accounts must meet the following criteria:

  • The propane purchased must be used for residential heating.
  • You must agree to a 600-gallon minimum purchase.
  • You must be set up for Automatic Delivery.
  • Note: Certain additional restrictions may apply depending on your specific program options.

How do you determine how many gallons I need to purchase?

We take the guesswork out of planning. We calculate your estimated PreBuy gallons by averaging your home’s actual propane usage over the past four years. This ensures your bulk purchase closely aligns with your household’s historical winter needs.

Payments & Account Management

How do I pay for my PreBuy gallons?

When you complete your contract, you will select your preferred payment method. We accept:

  • Credit Card
  • Check
  • E-Check

You can submit your payment by visiting our office in person, calling us at (540) 338-6457, or using our secure online portal.

  • Important reminder: Valley Energy will not send a separate email with a payment link. You must submit your payment using the options provided directly in your contract. To learn more about how to navigate our portal, read our guide on How to Make an Online Portal Payment for PreBuy Customers.

Is there a fee if I pay by credit card?

Yes. PreBuy payments made via credit card will incur a 3% processing fee added to your PreBuy total. To avoid this fee, we recommend paying by check or E-check.

Ready to Secure Your Winter Savings?

Don’t wait until the temperatures drop to start thinking about your heating bill. Take control of your energy costs today!

If you have any additional questions, our local customer service team is always here to help. Give us a call at (540) 338-6457 or drop by our office!