Is Will-Call Right for You?

When it comes to keeping your home fueled with propane or heating oil, Valley Energy offers flexible options to fit every household’s needs. One of the primary choices you’ll make when setting up your account is between Automatic Delivery and Will-Call Delivery.

If you’re someone who prefers hands-on control over every aspect of your fuel management, Will-Call Delivery might be the perfect fit.

What is Will-Call Delivery?

Simply put, Will-Call Delivery is a self-managed fuel program. Instead of Valley Energy automatically tracking your usage and scheduling a refill, the responsibility falls to you, the customer, to actively monitor your fuel tank level and call in to place an order when you need a delivery.

It gives you full control over when and how much fuel is delivered.

How Does Will-Call Delivery Work with Valley Energy?

Choosing the Will-Call option means you agree to manage your own supply. Here is a breakdown of your responsibilities as a Will-Call customer:

1. The Monitoring is Your Responsibility

You must regularly check your tank gauge (for propane, typically the percentage gauge; for heating oil, the fractional gauge) to track your fuel level.

• Propane Customers: Valley Energy recommends you call for a delivery when your tank level reaches no less than 30%.

• Heating Oil Customers: Valley Energy recommends placing your order when your tank gauge reads ¼ full (or higher).

2. You Must Place the Order

When you hit the recommended level, you must proactively contact Valley Energy (either online or by phone) to place a delivery order.

3. Factor in Lead Time

Unlike Automatic Delivery, Will-Call orders are not prioritized and require a minimum lead time to be scheduled. Waiting until your tank is nearly empty and expecting an immediate delivery can lead to an out-of-gas situation.

• Propane Delivery: Please allow 3–5 business days for your order to be delivered (excluding weekends and holidays).

• Heating Oil Delivery: Please allow 5–7 business days for your order to be delivered (excluding weekends and holidays).

4. Watch Out for Fees

If you run completely out of propane or heating oil, your system will require a mandatory safety check or a service restoration (a “prime and start” for heating oil). This will incur an additional fee, and you must be home for the service technician’s visit.

Who Should Choose Will-Call Delivery?

The Will-Call option is best suited for customers who:

• Have highly unpredictable usage: If your fuel usage varies drastically (e.g., you are away from home for long periods), you may prefer to order only when you know you need it.

• Enjoy total control: If you simply prefer to manage all your home services actively, Will-Call gives you that direct oversight.

The Bottom Line: Will-Call Delivery offers freedom and flexibility, but that freedom comes with the essential responsibility of constant vigilance. If you have a busy schedule, travel frequently, or simply want true peace of mind during the cold winter months, Automatic Delivery is often the more convenient choice.

If you have any questions about which delivery option is right for your home, don’t hesitate to contact the Valley Energy team!