How Do I Become a Participant in the Fuel Program
  To participate in the Fuel  Program you must be a member of Maine PowerOptions. To become a member complete and return the Intent to Participate - Membership Application forms and a Fuel Program Facilities Survey Form.
Is My Organization Eligible to Participate in the Fuel Program?
 

Yes, there is a one time set-up fee to help with the administrative entry and setup of data. Please see the table below:

2006-2007 Annual Participant Fees
Usage Estimate (gallons) Fee
1 - 350,000
$35.00
350,001 - 600,000
$50.00
600,001 - 1,000,000
$75.00
Over 1,000,000
$100.00
Is there a Fee to Participate in the Fuel Program?
  No. There is no fee to participate in the Fuel Program, however you must be a member of Maine PowerOptions to participate. There is a one-time, non-refundable Maine PowerOptions membership fee that is based on your organization's annual electricity expense. The fee allows you to participate in both the Electricity Program and Fuel Program at no additional cost, if eligible.
How Much Can I Save by Purchasing Fuel through Maine PowerOptions?
  Comparing the 2000-2001 supplier contract prices for #2 heating oil and actual market prices, Maine PowerOptions members saved between 20 - 40%, depending on tank size and location.
What Pricing Options are Available?
  There are three pricing options:

Firm Fixed Price - price for fuel oil remains fixed for the length of the contract.

Floating or Indexed Price - price of fuel oil floats with the designated market index, with the overhead, transportation, and profit components of the pricing remaining fixed for the length of the contract.

Prepaid - similar to the firm fixed price, the prepaid price requires the participant to prepay the entire year's volume of product.

What Fuel Products are Bid?
  Maine PowerOptions conducts a competitive bid process for heating oil #2, #4, #5, #6 (high and low sulfur), kerosene, unleaded gasoline, and diesel.
How Does a Supplier Know What I Want Bids On?
  Each year, Maine PowerOptions initiates a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, by compiling participant's fuel oil needs and sending the aggregate usage information to a large list of interested oil suppliers throughout the state.
Can My Current Supplier Receive a Bid Package?
  Yes, simply provide us with the supplier's name, the contact person, mailing address, and telephone number and we will include them in the next RFP.
How Long is a Price Quote Good for?
  Once the fuel oil supplier bid quotes are received, Maine PowerOptions analyzes them and prepares a Commitment Sheet for the participant, which lists the lowest bid price, by pricing option, by fuel product. The participant must select the desired payment option and fax back the signed Commitment Sheet to Maine PowerOptions within the specified time frame. The average time to respond to a pricing offer is 24-48 hours.
Do I Have to Sign a Fuel Supplier Contract?
  Yes. You will need to sign the supplier's contract. If the supplier does not have their own contract, you will sign a Participant Agreement prepared by Maine PowerOptions.
What is the Supplier Contract Cycle?
  The 12-month Fuel Program contract cycle generally begins September 1st and ends in August 31st.
When is the Next Fuel Program Bid Cycle?
  Maine PowerOptions begins surveying interested parties in March each year and prepares the RFP package for mailing to suppliers in April. At the optimum time, we contact interested suppliers with instructions to submit their price for the supply they want to bid on.
Will a Supplier Service My Heating Equipment?
  Yes, but you must indicate that you want the supplier to perform maintenance and repairs on the Facility Survey Form, so that potential bidders are aware of the service component.
Who Do I Contact if I Have a Problem with Delivery, Supply or Equipment?
  You should first notify the supplier and attempt to resolve the problem. If the problem is not resolved, you should notify Maine PowerOptions as soon as possible. Maine PowerOptions staff will help you find solutions to any problems that may arise between you and your supplier.
Who Will Handle the Billing? Who Do I go to with Billing Questions?
  The supplier is responsible for sending you a bill. The Supplier Agreement outlines specific invoicing requirements suppliers must follow. You should first notify the supplier with any billing problems(s) and then contact Maine PowerOptions if assistance is needed.