First free Buncombe County propane cooperative forms

Here’s the press release from the Mountain Propane Buyers Cooperative:

First Cost Free Buncombe County Propane Cooperative Formed By Four Community Members

Mountain Propane Buyers Cooperative

Four Town Mountain community residents have formed Buncombe County’s first cost free cooperative for purchasing propane fuel. The group first established the Co-op for residents of the Town Mountain area. The Co-op was so successful that it is now going to expand to all of Buncombe County. The four community members, John Haas, Bakki Kudva, Joe Sechler, and Marcia Szerlip, donate their time and resources to run the Co-op. This allows everyone who qualifies to be a member to become one at no cost or obligation. The four community volunteers running the Co-op receive nothing in return except to know they are providing a great community service.

The Co-op solicits sealed bids each year from area propane suppliers and then awards the contract to the lowest bidder. Quality customer service is also a consideration. This year the Co-op was able to obtain a bid of $1.35 per gallon with no additional fees except for sales tax. This price is less than half of what many propane companies are charging today. Some Co-op members are saving thousands of dollars in propane costs just this year alone.

The Co-op believes that by increasing our membership we will be able to enhance our ability to negotiate the best possible price for propane going forward. To become a member one must own their propane tank.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Co-op for the 2013/2014 heating season should send an e-mail to mpbc.avl@gmail.com In the subject heading and in the body of the e-mail write these four words exactly: “Send me application form.”

Write Nothing More.

You will then receive a return e-mail with a link to our no obligation application form. Complete the application form and submit it on line. Please ignore the “Timestamp” field on the application. Once you complete the form you will receive detailed information that should answer all your questions. The entire process is handled electronically by the MPBC web site.