Homeowners Frustrated With Rising Cost Of Heating Oil
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Inspectional Services had crews out Monday night doing spot-checks on home heating oil deliveries. "We're out here just inspecting to make sure that they get what they pay for," said inspector Harry Eaton. It's a response to an influx of calls from people complaining about high prices and cold weather.
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Northeast has been 13% colder this winter compared to last. Oil heat bills are up 7%. Natural gas bills are up 10%, and electricity bills have jumped 5%.
Some oil delivery companies are offering smaller fill-ups to help keep bills down. "I can't do anything to change the pricing," says Ray Scarfo, owner of Ranco Fuel in Medford. "We haven't had a winter like this in some time. Our customers' consumption is up about 30 to 35%."
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