Frequently Asked Questions
Propane service
Who provides member support, propane delivery, and field service?
The Propane Collective provides direct member support and manages pricing, enrollment, and program administration. Propane delivery, field service, tank installations, safety inspections, and emergency response are provided by our supplier, InterState Propane. Together, we provide members with lower propane pricing, reliable delivery, and comprehensive service.
Why did The Propane Collective choose InterState Propane?
InterState Propane is our exclusive supplier. We chose InterState because they share our commitment to transparent pricing, fair terms, integrity, and exceptional service. As a family-owned Sacramento-based company, they’re large enough to provide the resources and reliability our members need, yet small enough to deliver the personal service and flexibility that larger propane companies often can’t.
How long will it take for InterState to switch out my tank?
You should allow 2-4 weeks from the time you sign up as a Member. If you have a rush request, please note that on your application.
How does tank monitoring work?
Tank monitors allow InterState to efficiently manage your usage and associated deliveries, ensuring you always have an adequate supply of propane. This service is provided at no charge to Collective Members.
The monitors feed information about your tank level to InterState using Verizon’s cellular network. If your site does not have a reliable Verizon connection, InterState will monitor your tank the ‘old-fashioned’ way, forecasting deliveries based upon usage and other input.
How often will InterState deliver if I'm on routed / keep-full service?
InterState monitors your tank and typically delivers at ~30–50% full. Early deliveries may occur for weather, holidays, or high demand. Fill levels can be customized—ask for details.
Do you offer 24/7 Emergency Service?
Yes, our supplier InterState Propane offers 24/7 Emergency Service and holds regular office hours Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. InterState Propane can be reached at (800) 452-6572.
Fees & pricing
How is the pricing determined?
Members’ propane rates are based upon a fixed “margin” (.89 residential; .80 business) which is added to the wholesale cost for propane on a given day.
For example, if the wholesale rate is $1.00, a residential Member would pay $1.89.
Why is will-call service more expensive than routed service?
Will-call deliveries are less efficient and more expensive for suppliers, as management can’t adequately forecast deliveries for will-call customers.
I own my tank - will I save money?
In most cases, YES! About 30% of our customers own their tank. While many companies offer periodic specials during summer or at times when demand is low, The Propane Collective’s rates are consistently low year-round.
You may find a lower quote from time-to-time, but you won’t find find lower year-round individual rates. Check out our Savings page to see actual price comparisons.
Why is there a minimum usage fee?
Propane tanks are expensive pieces of capital equipment, costing several thousand dollars each. A certain amount of revenue per tank must be generated each year to offset suppliers’ investments in this equipment.
Minimum usage fees also help to ensure InterState doesn’t lose money on the discounted pricing it is offering our Members. This requirement protects us all as the Collective will only be successful long-term if our partner meets its profitability goals.
Why is the tank rent for generator tanks more expensive than regular tanks?
Generator tanks pose a bit of a challenge for propane suppliers as usage is typically both sporadic and concentrated. In addition, a certain amount of revenue is required to justify the purchase and placement of each tank. The higher tank rent is reflective of these challenges.
Note: Because of their sporadic usage, leased generator tanks may be particularly vulnerable to minimum usage fees. For this reason, InterState suggests Members consider connecting their generator directly to their main tank, upsizing the main tank as needed. See the Pricing page for details.
How can we be sure rates won’t rise over time?
- InterState Propane has committed to The Propane Collective for a minimum of 6 years, ending 12/31/29.
- Our propane price margins are fixed through 12/31/25.
- Starting 1/1/26, our margin may be adjusted annually to reflect changing conditions:
- If the Collective grows beyond initial projections, the margin may decrease.
- If business conditions change, the margin may increase.
- Any adjustment will not exceed 5 cents per year during the 5-year contract period.
- Both TPC and InterState must agree on any price changes and provide rationale.
- Members are not locked into a contract. If you’re unhappy with the pricing or service, you can cancel at any time.
Membership
When are membership fees billed?
Membership fees are billed at the beginning of each year. Fees are not pro-rated; they are per calendar year.
About us
How long has The Propane Collective been around?
The Propane Collective officially launched in January 2024, but it was built upon the foundation of the Coloma-Lotus Co-op, which was established in 2005. With 19 years of experience advocating for consumers in the propane industry, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Learn more about The Propane Collective’s history, including its predecessor the Coloma-Lotus “Co-op” and our Members’ landmark $100k AmeriGas audit award.
Is The Propane Collective an online-only service?
No. The Propane Collective is based in Coloma, CA and provides ongoing member support by phone and email. We also offer office appointments by request for enrollment and joint on-site visits with InterState as necessary. Propane delivery, propane billing, and field service are provided through our supplier, InterState Propane.
Is The Propane Collective a propane cooperative / “co-op?"
The terms propane cooperative and propane co-op are often used to describe propane buying groups, like The Propane Collective and our predecessor, the Coloma-Lotus Propane Co-op.
Only organizations legally structured as cooperatives—where each member owns a share—are technically “co-ops.” Think REI and the Placerville Food Co-op. To avoid being misleading we deliberately chose not to call ourselves The Propane Cooperative; we use the use the term only as a descriptor.
Learn more about the history of The Propane Collective and our predecessor, the volunteer-based Coloma-Lotus Propane Co-op here.