CT HB05435

Heating fuel dealers must provide written contracts containing all terms, fees, and conditions for fuel delivery and tank rental, with no contract period exceeding 36 months (18 months as standard option) for above-ground tanks or 5 years for underground tanks, effective July 1, 2016.

Any contract provision restricting a consumer's ability to use another propane fuel provider is only valid if the consumer initials a clear, conspicuous statement in at least 12-point boldface capital letters acknowledging awareness of the restriction.

Consumers leasing underground propane tanks must be given the option to purchase the tank and associated equipment at a commercially reasonable price at any time during the contract, with a required consumer initial on a conspicuous statement acknowledging this option.

Consumers leasing above-ground propane tanks must be offered the option to purchase a new tank and associated equipment at a commercially reasonable price during the contract term, with fees and installation charges disclosed and subject to the same conspicuous written acknowledgment requirement.

Automatic delivery agreements are exempt from written contract requirements if consumers can terminate without penalty at any time, with termination notice methods clearly communicated on each invoice.