Written on: November 7, 2022 by ICM
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has notified Pennsylvania consumers that Thrifty Propane—a propane supplier based in Ohio and serving consumers throughout Pennsylvania—filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Ohio two weeks ago, closing its doors and ceasing operations.
A statement on Thrifty Propane’s website reads: Thrifty was confronted with a cash flow crisis caused by several factors both internal and external, and governmental regulatory actions. Thrifty was ultimately forced to close its doors as a result of those factors.
Consumers with Thrifty Propane were asked to pre-pay for their propane services. As a result of the closure, Thrifty’s consumers will not receive the propane they purchased and will be forced to purchase propane from another supplier.
Consumers who have been impacted by the closure of Thrifty Propane should file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online or they may call Pennsylvania’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. The Attorney General’s office will update consumers who have filed a complaint on the status of the bankruptcy matter.
For those consumers in need of finding an alternative supplier, visit Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association’s website at www.PAPropane.com where they can find a list of suppliers in their area by clicking on “Propane Marketers” and entering their zip code. To the extent any alternative suppliers indicate concerns about filling a tank that may be owned by Thrifty, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has waived any restrictions.
Further, if consumers paid for undelivered propane by credit card, they may be able to dispute the charges with their credit card companies directly and should do so immediately.
Additionally, if consumers have questions about where to obtain financial assistance in order to pay for propane, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help low-income households pay their heating bill. Households can apply for LIHEAP starting Nov. 1, 2022 through April 28, 2023, and other assistance programs year-round through their local County Assistance Office or online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass. If consumers have additional questions about their rights under the bankruptcy proceedings they may wish to contact a private attorney.
