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--- oil_letter_03 [2022.07.08 12:23] – Steve Isenberg
+++ oil_letter_03 [2022.07.21 12:39] (current) – Steve Isenberg
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====Letter to neighbors, 3rd draft 7/8/2022====
+July 21, 2022\\
-July 8, 2022\\
 Hello neighbors,
-In brief: we have information on oil suppliers offering group rates on oil and service to us.  With a group of 12 or more neighbors, we could be paying less for oil and service.  We're writing you because you expressed interest in this project when we spoke to you on the street.
+We have collected data from eight oil companies and have summarized the data in the "oil company info" attachment as well as on our web page, [[https://oil.toku.us]].
-We started this research because of the drastic oil price increase by our current provider and their unfair handling of our service contact.  We've contacted over 10 oil suppliers.  Our research is nearly complete, we are waiting for response from several; we plan to contact them again and with or without their response end up with a recommendation next week. (We figure: if they won't respond to us asking questions, how good could they be if we switch?)
+The "cost comparison" table shows an estimated cost for each company based on their pricing on Monday July 18.
-We are collecting our findings on a chart we can share with you along with our oil supplier recommendation, next week.
+The "oil company info" table has detailed information about each oil company's offerings.  Some of the companies offer group rates, some include one or two years cleaning, some a full service package for 1, 2, or more years.
-Note that for us to get the good oil and service pricing benefits, the oil supplier will need to see 12 or more neighbors signing up with them.
+In our opinion, the top two contenders are Lyons Fuel and Fawcett Energy; our conclusion is backed by the "cost comparison" table.
-So after we make our recommendation to you next week, we ourselves will switch to this oil supplier, and we would encourage you to do the same, so that we can get the minimum number of people signing up.  The relationship with this oil supplier will be strictly between you and them -- we will not be involved in your business dealings with the supplier and you will be under no obligation to us.  Our part is to collect information and pass it along to you.  Your part is to switch oil suppliers, if you choose.
+Lyons is delivering oil at his cost and adding a delivery fee, with optional add-on of a cleaning ($125) or a full service policy ($259, includes cleaning and emergency service).
-What do we expect from our efforts?  \\
+Fawcett is a bit more expensive, and we think their "option 1" is the best of their 3 options: it offers one year free maintenance and has a discounted rate for fillings.  (The other two options allow a price cap, for a price; and a fixed oil price, but you must prepay.)
-Two things. 1. Lower oil price and better service cost. 2. A good feeling that we are helping our neighbors.
-Help us grow the group.\\
+Let's say you need 5 refills a year at 200 gallons each.  Based on the 7/18 price you would pay $4,060 for Lyons and $4,399 for Fawcett.  The difference is $339 which more than covers for an annual cleaning by Lyons and even Lyons' $259 full service policy should you need either.  The other oil company delivery prices are higher than these two.  Right now we are thinking that Lyons Fuel might be the best choice, but we need your input, and we would need to have several of us choose a company to get the best, group rates. (Of course rates might go up or down.)
-We have been contacting neighbors we see during our daily walks on Ross, Oxbow, Constitution, Revolutionary, and Paul Revere streets.  We have not contacted everyone -- so we encourage you to ask your neighbors if they are interested in our efforts to form a group and save oil costs.
-We expect to follow up next week, by Friday July 15, with our latest information and recommendation.  If you have questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to grab us (gently) as we walk by, send us an email, or give us a call.
+Could you please take a look at these tables and give us your opinion?  Could you let us know by next Monday 7/25?  If you agree with our conclusion, please reply to this message with "agree".
-We are looking forward to finding a good price/service oil supplier for all of us!
+Notes: The price they offered on July 18 are simply being used as a method of comparison; prices could change at any time.\\ Lyons is the only company that has disclosed that their "at Lyons' cost" is based on NYMEX price.
+Thank you,\\
 Evie (781-258-7743) and Steve (781-258-7741)\\
 Ross Road\\
 both@toku.us
+Attachments, from [[https://oil.toku.us]]:
+  * CostComparison.pdf
+  * OilCompanyInfo.pdf
+PS: If you have a neighbor that might also be interested in this information and wants to join the group, please share the information or [[https://oil.toku.us]] site with them and let us know.