warmwarmthoughtsfrom THE RURAL GAS COMPANY spring 2016

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Rick Rowan

Rick Rowan (left) and Ann Rowan (right) congratulate long-term customer winner Connie Crowell of Monroe.

We Want Everyone to be a Long-term CustomerDear Friends,

Thanks to everyone who responded to our long-term-customer contest. We really enjoyed reading through the entries, and it made us feel good to know that so many of you think so highly of Rural Gas.

From the many entries we received, we carefully chose one, from Connie and Patrick Crowell of Monroe, whom we awarded a grand prize of $500 worth of propane.

The Crowells told us we have made it easy for them to stay with us for so long. “We have never run out of propane or had a problem with our equipment or supply. Rural Gas drivers consistently and carefully negotiate our narrow, tree-lined driveway. How rare in today’s world that such a long-term service relationship can exist without ever having a problem. To the best of our knowledge, Rural Gas has been the sole supplier of our home’s propane since it was built, in 1955. And we have no plans to switch suppliers.”

Another customer, Margaret Z., offered another comment that really stood out for us. In explaining why she has remained a loyal customer for many years, Margaret said, “Your company has always been reliable, helpful and professional. I have always been happy with your service.”

This is the type of experience we want each of our customers to have with us! So if you ever feel we are not meeting our high standards of service, we want you to tell us about it.

We know we can’t control the fuel markets or change the weather. But we can do our best to make every one of you feel appreciated, cared for and confident about your home comfort. That’s how we have built our reputation for quality service.

Today and every day, thanks for choosing Rural Gas.

Warmly,

Rick Rowan

PSPR

16-1

4303

Rural Gas Recognized for

SafetySafety is one of our top priorities! But many of the steps we take for your safety are things the average customer might not notice. That is why it was very gratifying to be among the select few propane companies to receive the 2015 Excellence in Risk Management Award from Energi, a leading provider of insurance and risk-management programs to the energy industry.

The criteria for the award include commitment to safety, implemen-tation of best practices for risk management and incorporation of Energi’s Safety Plus recommenda-tions. Our efforts include ensuring that all of the equipment we use is up to date and carefully maintained. We also make a sincere commitment to training so that all of our drivers know precisely how to deliver your fuel safely — and know what to do in case of a leak or other emergency.

As always, Rural Gas is 100% committed to taking care of our customers. Operating our business safely and keeping our customers safe is an important part of this commitment.

© Copyright 2016 Warm Thoughts Communications, Inc. Reproduced with permission of Warm Thoughts Communications.

summer safety tips

propane water heaters: clean and efficient

Propane does it all for you!

what is your water heater telling you?

make the most of the great outdoors

Propane enhances your comfort in ways that other fuels cannot! This American-made fuel is clean-burning, safe, economical and highly

efficient, whether you use it inside or outside your home. What’s not to like?

No other fuel can do as much as propane can to make spending time in your backyard a pleasant experience. And thanks to modern advances in flexible piping, you can now extend your use of propane to a wide range of outdoor products, even refrigerators and fireplaces!

Among the most popular trends today are “outdoor rooms,” particularly kitchens that feature everything from high-end grills to cooktops, ovens and rotisseries.

Also hot in 2016 are propane-fueled fire bowls, which allow you to enjoy a cozy fire year-round. A large one can be used as a center-piece for your yard, or you can set up a series of small ones around the pool or at the entry of your home to wow your party guests. Many models have ignition systems

that can be turned on and off with a smart-phone or tablet. D id you know that clean-burning, efficient propane is much friendlier to

the environment than electricity? Comparing the effects of a propane tankless water heater with those of a standard electric water heater can really help you appreciate the difference.

When you use a propane tankless unit to heat your water, very little fuel is wasted in the combustion process.

When you use an electric water heater, about two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit the electricity goes to waste.

That’s why propane tankless water heaters overall produce about 50% fewer carbon emissions than an electric water heater with a storage tank.

With a tankless water heater, you’ll also prevent the wasteful “standby losses” you get with the typical water heater with a tank.

Please contact us to learn more about the many ways you can use environ-mentally friendly propane at home. We’ll be glad to answer your questions and share expert advice.

Summertime means backyard barbecues, lounging in your pool and hanging out with friends on your patio or deck. That’s the fun part. Summer also means being prepared for violent storms that could knock out your power and damage your property. Here are a few tips to help you cope with extreme weather this summer.

➤ Discuss an emergency plan with your family—including instructions on how to turn off propane systems during a power outage.

➤ Once the storm passes, check your appliances for water or other damage. Never turn on a light switch, use a power source or inspect your appli-ances while you are standing in water. You run the risk of electrocution.

➤ Ask us to inspect your appliances if you believe they have been damaged.

➤ If you have a separate tank for your propane generator, check it today and call us for a fill-up if necessary. You never want a power outage to occur and discover that you don’t have enough fuel to run your generator.

➤ Don’t operate your outdoor appliances and generators in enclosed spaces — you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

➤ If you smell propane in your home, leave your house immediately and call for help.

Studies have shown that 7 out of 10 water heater failures are caused by a tank bursting or failing. If you notice a slow leak from your tank, this means you’re headed for trouble. In most cases, a slow leak indicates that your tank has become weakened by corrosion.

The average water heater lasts anywhere from 7 to 13 years.

A lot depends on the quality of the unit itself, but water quality

in your area is important too. Hard

water, which has a high mineral content, can shorten the life of a water heater.

other trouble signs ➤ If it takes longer to heat water than it used to, or

the water doesn’t get as hot, it’s a good sign you are ready for a new unit.

➤ Look for rust on the tank or in your tap water. (A water tank rusts from the inside out.)

There are many different options available today, including propane tankless /on-demand water heaters. Please contact us if you would like to learn which water heating option might be best for you and your family.

Propane is a green fuel before combustion

and remains environmentally

friendly after it is used.

The best thing to do if you notice a leak is to turn the tank’s water supply valve to the off position and then get it inspected as soon as possible.

Get your pool heater ready for summer

and SAVE $20!

PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL

US POSTAGE

PAIDDG3

7176 Main St. Trumbull, Conn. 06611

• Propane • Stoves • Space Heaters

• Grills • Fireplace Inserts

• Water Heaters • Service

203-261-3641RuralGas.comLovePropane.com Angie Clark

OUR MASCOTS

Spring Cleaning Means Your Pool, Too! Whether you have an aboveground pool, an inground pool or a spa, a propane pool heater will warm your water much faster — and at a lower cost — than an inefficient electric heater. If you already have a propane pool heater, you’re ahead of the game. But you can save even more money! Right now, we’re offering $20 off our pool heater start-up service when you book your appointment before June 1.

We can deliver propane for your heater on the same day we do your cleaning! Please call Kristin Studeny, our service coordinator, at 203-261-3641

or email KristinStudeny@RuralGas.com to make your appointment today.

Safety Tips for your Gas Lines and Tank

✔ If your gas lines have been submerged during flooding along the shoreline, you could be at risk for a leak because salt water is corrosive. Gas lines made from corrugated stainless steel piping (CSST) are particularly vulnerable because they are covered with a plastic coating. When salt water gets trapped between the plastic coating and tubing, you are at greater risk for corrosion.

✔ If you installed your own underground tank after Jan. 1, 2011, the state requires an inspection at least every three years. New tanks have a cathodic protection system to prevent leaks. An inspection is necessary to ensure that this protection is working properly. Homeowners must also retain documentation showing the results of the inspection.

If you have any questions or concerns about your gas lines, or want to schedule a tank inspection, please call the experts at Rural Gas.

Spend More Time Doing Something You LoveAre you frustrated because you never seem to have enough time to

do the things you love? We want to give you that extra time — and that’s why we’re now offering a 5¢-per-gallon discount* to all of our EZ Pay customers who do both below:

1 Switch to AutoPay and pay bills automatically with a credit card. Many of our customers have already made the switch and really enjoy the convenience. They save time, reduce paper clutter and eliminate the risk of lost, stolen or misdirected checks.

2 Switch to e-billing. Why worry about filing away all those paper statements we mail out every month? Ask us to send you email statements — you’ll be able to file your billing informa-tion easily and electronically. It’s good for the environment, too!

Ready to start saving money with your fuel discounts and spend more time doing the things you really love? Go to RuralGas.com and enroll now!

Save time and money by switching to AutoPay with e-billing!

Our pool heater start-up service includes:

• Removal of winter debris from heater

• Burner tray cleaning

• Cleaning and lighting pilot

Parts not included; filter must be on and running.

5¢fuel discount

now available!*

* Fuel discount valid only for NEW enrollees in AutoPay and e-billing. EZ Pay enrollment is required. Must enroll online.