Were your heating bills higher than usual this past winter? This is probably why…
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The average temperature was 39.0º, the coldest since 2015.
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It ranked 49th out of the past 84 winters.
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This was the coldest winter we have seen in the Northern Virginia Area in a decade.
Most homeowners experienced higher-than-usual heating costs as they fought to keep their homes warm and comfortable amidst colder temperatures and increased snowfall. With the spike in fuel consumption, many found themselves facing unpredictable and often overwhelming heating bills.
SmartPay: Your Solution to Managing Winter Fuel Costs
As the winter of 2024-2025 rolled in, it brought with it an unexpected chill that was a stark contrast to the mild winters of previous years. If you’re looking for a way to manage these costs effectively, Valley Energy’s SmartPay Program might just be the solution you need.
Understanding the SmartPay Program
The SmartPay Program is designed to provide a smoother, more predictable approach to managing your heating expenses. It works by spreading your annual heating oil or propane costs over 11 equal monthly payments. This plan is based on an estimate of your annual fuel consumption, ensuring that your heating bills remain consistent throughout the year. The 12th month is reserved for reconciliation, where any outstanding balance is settled. If your account shows a credit balance, you can choose to have it applied to future budget balances or refunded to you directly.
How SmartPay Can Help You
- Avoid Unpredictable Spikes: With the SmartPay Program, you can avoid the sudden spikes in heating bills that often come with harsh winter conditions. By paying a consistent, set amount each month, you can better manage your household budget.
- Manage Higher Fuel Usage: The colder winter meant many customers used more propane or heating oil than anticipated, resulting in frequent refills and higher bills. SmartPay helps mitigate these fluctuations by estimating your usage and spreading the cost over the year.
- Ease of Payment: SmartPay allows for automatic billing to a credit card or e-check, ensuring that your payments are timely and hassle-free.
FAQs About the SmartPay Program
Who is eligible for the SmartPay Program?
The program is available to customers who purchase heating oil and/or propane for heating purposes only. Eligibility requires an approved credit check and enrollment in automatic deliveries.
What is included in SmartPay?
The plan covers heating oil and/or propane required for heating purposes. It does not include the initial fill of your propane or heating oil tank or lock the fuel price during the plan term. The cost per gallon is estimated, with deliveries billed at the prevailing rate.
Will my propane or heating fuel be delivered automatically?
Yes, SmartPay customers must have their accounts on auto-delivery for both propane and heating oil, ensuring you have a steady supply throughout the winter.
Can I set up my SmartPay plan for automatic billing?
Absolutely! You can arrange for your SmartPay payments to be automatically billed to a credit card or e-check. It’s important to note that non-SmartPay charges, such as fireplace cleanings or oil-burning furnace services, are not automatically deducted.
Will my monthly payment change during the year?
Monthly payments are based on estimated annual fuel usage and may change. Any adjustments will be reflected in your next statement. We encourage customers to monitor their balance and payments through our online portal or monthly statements.
Is a payment due if there is a credit on my account?
Yes, payments are still due as the SmartPay program divides annual usage over 11 months. If there’s a remaining credit from a previous plan, contact Valley Energy to apply it to your new plan or request a refund.
Stay warm and worry-free with SmartPay!
SmartPay is the smart choice for those looking to manage heating costs efficiently and effectively. By providing a consistent payment structure and accommodating unexpected usage changes, it ensures that you stay warm without breaking the bank. For more information or to enroll, contact us at (540)-338-6457 or email info@valleyenergy.org.