Automatic Delivery vs. Will-Call: Which Heating Oil Plan Is Right for You?

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 04:00:11 GMT

Not sure whether to let us handle your fuel schedule or call the shots yourself? Here's how each option works — and how to pick the one that fits your home.

When it comes to keeping your home warm through a Maine or New Hampshire winter, one of the first decisions you'll make with your fuel provider isn't about price — it's about how your oil gets to you in the first place. At Discount Energy, we offer two ways to keep your tank full: automatic delivery and will-call delivery . Both get you the same great pricing and reliable service, but they work very differently depending on your lifestyle, budget habits, and how hands-on you want to be.

Here's a closer look at each, so you can decide what fits your household best.

What Is Automatic Delivery?

Automatic delivery means you never have to think about your oil tank again. Using a combination of your home's size, past usage history, and current weather patterns, we estimate when your tank is running low and schedule a delivery before you get anywhere close to empty.

Best for:

Homeowners who travel frequently or split time between residences
Busy families who don't want one more thing to track
Anyone who has run out of oil before and never wants to repeat the experience
People who prefer predictable, hands-off maintenance for their home

Things to keep in mind:

Deliveries are based on estimated usage, so if your household habits change suddenly (a new addition to the family, extended time away, or a milestone like finishing a basement), it's worth giving us a call to adjust your profile.
Because it's automatic, you'll always want to make sure your driveway and fill pipe are accessible, especially after a snowstorm.

What Is Will-Call Delivery?

Will-call puts you in the driver's seat. You monitor your own tank gauge and call or place an order online whenever you're ready for a refill. This option is popular with customers who like to time their purchases, keep a closer eye on their tank, or simply prefer more control over when deliveries happen.

Best for:

Customers who want to track their own usage and order on their own schedule
Homeowners with smaller households or lower annual usage
Anyone who wants more flexibility around delivery timing
Customers combining fuel purchases with other home or seasonal planning

Things to keep in mind:

You're responsible for checking your tank regularly, especially during high-usage months in the dead of winter.
Ordering too close to empty can occasionally mean a longer wait during our busiest delivery periods, so it pays to order a little before you think you need to.

Does One Option Save You More Money?

Regardless of which delivery method you choose, Discount Energy applies the same competitive pricing across both plans. And if you're ordering 200 gallons or more, you'll receive an additional $0.02 off per gallon — a nice bonus whether you're on automatic delivery or calling in your own orders (minimum delivery is 100 gallons for both #2 Home Heating Oil and K-1 Kerosene).

If you really want to maximize your savings and lock in predictable costs all season, pairing either delivery method with our Price Protection Plan (minimum 300 gallons) is one of the smartest moves you can make before the cold weather hits.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself a simple question: Do I want one less thing to manage, or do I want full control over my fuel schedule?

If it's the former, automatic delivery is built for you.
If it's the latter, will-call puts the reins in your hands.

Either way, you'll get the same dependable, family-owned service Discount Energy has provided to Maine and New Hampshire communities for over 40 years.

Ready to Set Up Your Delivery Plan?

Give us a call at (207) 883-9330 or place your order online through our Discount Energy Portal . Our team is happy to help you choose the delivery option — and pricing plan — that fits your home best.

5 Ways to Lock in Lower Energy Prices Before the Cold Season Hits

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:13:30 GMT

5 Ways to Lock in Lower Energy Prices Before the Cold Season Hits

Published by Discount Energy | Scarborough, Maine

Maine winters don't ease in gently. One week you're raking leaves, and the next, you're cranking the heat and watching your energy budget disappear. For homeowners across Scarborough and southern Maine, the smartest thing you can do is plan ahead — before the cold arrives and prices spike.

Here are five practical ways to lock in lower energy prices and protect your household budget this season.

1. Sign Up for a Pre-Buy or Fixed-Price Program

One of the most effective strategies for budget-conscious Maine homeowners is to purchase your heating oil or propane at a fixed price before the season begins. Pre-buy programs let you lock in today's rate — meaning if prices climb in January (and they often do), you're already protected.

At Discount Energy, we offer competitive pre-buy options so you know exactly what you're paying per gallon, no surprises. The earlier you sign up, the more you save.

Pro tip: Pre-buy programs typically open in late summer. Don't wait until October — the best rates go fast.

2. Enroll in Budget Billing

Even if you don't pre-buy your fuel, budget billing can make a huge difference in how manageable your energy costs feel throughout the year. Instead of receiving a massive bill in February, your estimated annual usage is spread evenly across 12 months.

This means predictable, consistent payments — which is especially helpful for families on fixed incomes or anyone who wants to avoid the winter billing shock that catches so many homeowners off guard.

Ask us about our budget billing plan and we'll calculate a monthly amount based on your home's history and current pricing.

3. Schedule a Tune-Up for Your Heating System Now

This one surprises people: one of the best ways to save on energy costs is to make sure your system isn't wasting the fuel you're already paying for. A heating system running at poor efficiency can cost you hundreds of extra dollars over a season — without you even realizing it.

Before the cold hits, schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Technicians will clean components, check for leaks, and optimize performance so every drop of heating oil or propane goes further.

Bonus: A well-maintained system is also less likely to break down on the coldest night of the year.

4. Don't Wait Until Your Tank Is Empty

Running low before you call for a delivery is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes Maine homeowners make. Emergency or off-hours deliveries typically come with a premium price — and during a cold snap, you may not be the only one calling.

Keeping your tank above the 25% mark and scheduling regular automatic deliveries ensures you're never in a desperate situation. Discount Energy's automatic delivery service monitors your usage and schedules refills before you run low — so you never have to think about it.

5. Compare Providers and Ask About Loyalty Discounts

Not all energy providers charge the same rates — and loyalty to the wrong company could be costing you. Before the season starts, take a few minutes to compare local pricing and ask your current provider what they offer long-term customers.

At Discount Energy in Scarborough, we believe local families deserve honest pricing without the big-company markups. We regularly offer discounts for new customers, returning customers, and neighbors who refer friends. It never hurts to ask.

Start Saving Before the First Frost

The best time to act on your energy costs is right now — before demand surges, prices climb, and delivery windows get tight. A little planning in late summer or early fall can save Scarborough homeowners hundreds of dollars over the course of a Maine winter.

Ready to lock in your rate? Contact Discount Energy in Scarborough today to learn about our pre-buy programs, automatic delivery, and budget billing options.

�� Call us or visit our website to get started.

Discount Energy — Proudly serving Scarborough and southern Maine.

Tags: heating oil Maine, propane Scarborough ME, lower energy prices, budget billing, home heating tips, Discount Energy

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Automatic Delivery vs. Will-Call: Which Heating Oil Plan Is Right for You?

Not sure whether to let us handle your fuel schedule or call the shots yourself? Here's how each option works — and how to pick the one that fits your home.

What Is Automatic Delivery?

What Is Will-Call Delivery?

Does One Option Save You More Money?

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Ready to Set Up Your Delivery Plan?

5 Ways to Lock in Lower Energy Prices Before the Cold Season Hits

5 Ways to Lock in Lower Energy Prices Before the Cold Season Hits

1. Sign Up for a Pre-Buy or Fixed-Price Program

2. Enroll in Budget Billing

3. Schedule a Tune-Up for Your Heating System Now

4. Don't Wait Until Your Tank Is Empty

5. Compare Providers and Ask About Loyalty Discounts

Start Saving Before the First Frost