State Launches Emergency Hotline For Fuller Oil Customers

CONCORD – In response to the increasing concern from customers of Fred Fuller Oil Co. who have not been able to receive scheduled heating oil deliveries, Governor Maggie Hassan announced today that the state has established a 24/7 emergency hotline for residents who are in imminent danger of running out of home heating oil.

"I am very concerned about the news reports around delivery problems with Fred Fuller Oil Co., especially given the current cold temperatures and the potential health and safety risks to citizens. Fred Fuller is a private business, and the state has little legal authority to regulate its delivery practices. However, we do have a responsibility to act to protect the health and safety of our citizens," Governor Hassan said. "Through this hotline we will work to assist residents who are in imminent danger of running out of heating oil and are facing an emergency situation."

[Related story: What's Happening at Fuller Oil Co.?]

Fred Fuller Oil customers who have not been able to reach the company to schedule a delivery, and who are in imminent danger of running out of heating oil, can call 603-227-0002, where operators will try to work through Fred Fuller to arrange for a delivery, or connect them to other options where appropriate.

“This hotline will help ensure that those who are most at risk of running out of fuel are able to access the critical heating oil that they need,” Governor Hassan said. “In addition, the Attorney General’s office is actively reviewing the situation.”

Citizens are advised that a half tank of heating oil can last as long as a few weeks to a month, and a quarter tank as long as ten to twelve days, depending on the weather and your thermostat settings. Fred Fuller Oil customers are encouraged to only call 603-227-0002 if they are in imminent danger of running out of home heating oil.

Customers with non-emergency complaints may want to file their complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau. Complaints can be filed online through the Attorney General's website at http://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints/index.htm. Consumers can also request a complaint form by calling the consumer hotline at 1-888-468-4454.