Citizens Oil Co-op Inc

The Oil Co-op was formed in 1981 by Connecticut Citizen Action Group as a means to offer its members quality, full-service heating oil at fair prices.In June of 1992 the Oil Co-op incorporated and began to offer its benefits to the members of many other non-profit groups, unions, churches and businesses.

The Present

Today the benefits of Citizens Oil Co-op are offered to members and employees of numerous non-profit groups, unions, universities and businesses throughout Connecticut. 

The Future

Over the next decade the Oil Co-op plans to vastly expand. Bringing together larger numbers of consumers via the Internet and through word of mouth will generate financial benefits for individual consumers using group purchasing power! Weve also started a program called The Next Step to create a way for members to raise funds for their favorite organization.

Our Vision

• For over twenty years we have placed our members ahead of profits. We are committed to bringing people together to create a path to acquire energy that is more affordable and environmentally sustainable and thereby truly determining the best alternatives for our members.

• We are the voice that represents you. Our commitment is to get the best possible prices and still hold our suppliers accountable. We work in partnership with you and act as your advocate in delivering the highest member satisfaction in the industry.

• We are community focused. We partner with several initiatives that give back to participating non-profits and towns and strive to find additional ways to offer members opportunities to share their savings with the organizations that are close to their hearts.

• Our greatest satisfaction comes when our members recognize the value of the Co-op and spread the word. The membership is the heart of the Co-op and we hope you will share your savings with others.

How the Citizens Oil Co-op Works

The Citizens Oil Co-op was incorporated in 1992 with a vision to unite heating oil consumers in Connecticut to leverage their purchasing power for a discounted rate on their home heating oil.  Since its establishment the Co-op has stretched to cover every town in Connecticut and Rhode Island and has grown to over 3,000 members.  In addition to heating oil we have been able to negotiate contracts to save consumers money on other home utilities such as electricity, Biofuel, propane, and insurance policies.  Our latest endeavor is to offer home energy audits to our members that can provide an average annual energy savings of $200 which puts more money in your pocket and reduces your carbon footprint.  As we continue to grow we will continue to negotiate competitive prices for our customers and continue to...Save more. Together.

Services

With a comprehensive array of energy services at affordable discounted prices, plus inexpensive insurance and home energy audits, Citizens Oil Co-op can save you money. But thats not all, we also can use the power of bulk purchasing to insure you get the best service! Youre not alone. And thats a good feeling.We also have a referral program that pays you for everyone you bring to the Co-op, and our Next Step partnership program that donates to your favorite organization for each of their members that sign up with the Co-op -- the more people, the more money goes to the organization.  The more people we have in the Co-op, the better we can negotiate with providers and that benefits all of our members.

Propane

Many of our participating companies offer full propane service along with heating oil.  You can take advantage of even more savings if you get your oil and propane from the same company.  Not only will you get a discounted price on your propane service, but in many cases you will receive added benefits like a free tank rental.

Its easy to switch if you decide to change from your current provider to one of the companies in the Co-op.  Once you decide to switch to a participating company, the steps are simple to switching out your existing tank.  First, the Co-op will forward your information to the participating company in your area and they will contact you to sign you up for normal service.  Next, they will switch out your tank and provide a safety check free of charge.  This new tank will have about 20 gallons to last a few days until your new company can make a delivery and fill your tank.  Your old provider is then responsible for picking up your old tank.  We take care of everything and now you will be receiving full service discounted propane from a participating Co-op company!

Solar Energy

Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into DC power. The DC power from the solar panels is sent to a solar inverter, where it is converted into AC power for use in your home. AC power travels from the solar inverter to your electrical breaker box. The utility meter measures your electrical supply. When your solar energy system produces more power than you need, the meter literally spins backwards as that power is sent to the grid for others to use. Your next utility bill is credited for the power youve added to the grid.

Solar helps homeowners lower their electricity bills with solar power. Going solar locks in a fixed electric rate and reduces the cost of the electricity you buy each month. Most solar customers pay about 25% less than they were paying their old electric company for traditional power. A locked-in rate means protection from unpredictable electricity bills and utility rate increases. Our customers always know what their energy costs will be, so they can focus on the more important parts of life. When you sign up through the Co-op, you receive a $500.00 check upon completion and activation.

Heating Prices

Our contracted 'Co-op Price' is based on daily wholesale pricing. We have secured long term contracts that guarantee our members will pay lower prices for many years to come!  Oil Co-op members pay 15 to 25 cents or more below the State average for full-service heating oil.