Can a Connecticut heating-fuel dealer add a delivery surcharge?

Connecticut restricts delivery fees differently depending on who initiated the delivery. Section 16a-21(f) prohibits a fee, charge or surcharge on dealer-initiated deliveries, including automatic deliveries.

Check the delivery circumstances before the invoice

For consumer-initiated deliveries, subsection (g) generally prohibits a delivery surcharge but lists exceptions: a delivery below 100 gallons, outside the normal service area, outside normal business hours, or involving extraordinary labor costs. Do not turn an exception into a blanket fee on every order.

Subsection (e) also requires allowed charges to appear on the delivery ticket and limits the amount the dealer may collect. The section contains contract and disclosure requirements as well. Have the complete customer terms and circumstances reviewed before approving a charge.

A card-network surcharge policy does not answer this separate heating-fuel delivery question. Keep the delivery policy and payment policy distinct so the office does not apply one approval to both.

FAQ

Does automatic delivery permit a routine delivery fee?

The cited dealer-initiated-delivery prohibition expressly includes automatic delivery agreements.

Is a customer-requested delivery of exactly 100 gallons below the volume threshold?

No. The stated exception is for less than 100 gallons. Other exceptions and requirements must be checked separately.

Primary source: Connecticut General Statutes, section 16a-21(e)–(g).

Review Blink with your legally reviewed delivery and payment terms. Check how each would be presented separately.

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