About the NJCA Oil Group

New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group (NJCAOG) is comprised of thousands of New Jersey heating oil consumers who have joined together to say "NO" to high priced heating oil. Members realize that by joining the Oil Group they are able to save money per gallon and not sacrifice the quality and dependability of a full-service oil company.

The Oil Group was formed in 1983, when NJ Citizen Action's work on state utility issues showed that we could organize consumers and keep costs down.

Our Mission Statement: To use collective bargaining power to negotiate discounted prices on heating oil and act as an information resource and advocate for New Jersey heating oil consumers.

Who Can Benefit from the Oil Group?

Individual households, businesses, churches and apartment owners can rely on low rates without having to shop around every time they need their tanks filled. The Oil Group serves every New Jersey county with the exceptions of Cape May, some parts of Atlantic, Salem, and Cumberland counties.

How Does the Oil Group Work?

As an agent for thousands of members, the Oil Group uses its bulk purchasing power to negotiate the best possible price with local dealers. After joining, members are assigned a supplier, and then they simply call the supplier and make arrangement for fuel delivery but at the Oil Group's special price. Members are guaranteed a fixed mark-up above wholesale prices for their heating oil purchases. The prices members receive are less than average retail prices. Some Oil Group suppliers provide service contracts and tank insurance at a discounted rate too.

Cost Comparisoon

How Much Does an Annual Membership Cost?

• $30 Standard Membership
  
• $15 Senior Citizens (60+)
  
• $35 Commercial
• $6 Each Additional Delivery Address
• To donate to the NJCA Oil Group, please click here.

Click Here to JOIN!

Common Billing and Delivery Options Offered by Suppliers

• 20 Day Billing: The dealer makes a delivery and then you have 20 or 30 days to make a payment in full.
• Automatic Delivery: The dealer monitors your usage, using the "Degree Days System," and automatically fills your tank when you are running low.
  
• Budget Billing: The dealer spreads your payments out evenly over the course of a year.
  
• C.O.D.: Cash on delivery.
• Price Caps: Terms and conditions apply. Limited to certain towns in north and central Jersey.
• Service Contracts: Check with your dealer to learn about the range of services they offer.
• Tank Insurance provides coverage when a leaking heating oil tank causes environmental damage to your property.
• Will Call Delivery: You call the dealer for a delivery when you want oil.

Full Service Vs. COD Companies

NJCAOG often gets calls from members inquiring about how our prices and services differ from other oil companies. Customers are especially confused when hearing about cash on delivery (COD) companies. The easiest way for us to answer that is to say, "We provide one stop shopping."

All of our oil suppliers are full service companies. This means our dealers not only supply oil, but also provide additional services such as service contracts, credit options, filling options and tank insurance.

If your heater breaks down in the middle of winter, it is comforting to know that there is someone you can call; even if it is 2 a.m.

Another important difference between the NJCAOG's full service suppliers and COD companies is that our oil companies offer multiple payment options. This is extremely important for many of our members who depend on the affordability and convenience of budget plans and 20-30 day payment plans. Our budget plans allow our members to spread their payments out evenly over the year. Members pay the same affordable amount each month. The 20–30 day payment plan allows our members to receive a delivery and take up to 20–30 days to pay the bill.

Full service also allows our customers the option of automatic or will-call delivery. Automatic delivery allows our members to remain worry-free about your oil supply. The oil company monitors your usage throughout the year and automatically makes a delivery before you reach a damaging low level. You don't have to traipse across your snow covered yard and peer down into your tank with a flashlight or drop in a measuring stick to check your level every few days. Just sit back and relax, knowing they have you covered.

COD companies may have lower prices; however, these companies are exactly what their description implies. They demand payment up front for oil deliveries and offer a minimum of services in order to keep prices down. They usually run very small operations and consist of one or two drivers who fill their trucks and just make deliveries as the calls come in. In fact, one of the biggest risks you run when doing business with this type of company is that they won't be able to squeeze you into their schedule when it is convenient for you.

Also, many don't offer service, so you can't call them at 2 a.m. if your heater stops working or you have a leaky tank. They don't offer automatic-fill since the most inconvenient part of their business is that they require payment up front. If you need a 250 gallon fill-up, you have to come up with approximately $875 on the spot. Even worse, most of these companies will only accept payment by credit card. So, you can tack on those interest rates and fees to your price per gallon. The money you think you are saving with a COD company usually isn't worth it in the end.

With prices as high as they are, many people can not afford to pay up-front for their oil deliveries. When a minimum delivery of 150 gallons averages a whopping $525, most people need time to come up with the money to pay off that hefty sum.

The bottom line is, we believe our members benefit greatly from full service oil companies. Your comfort, security and convenience are worth it.

NJCA Oil Group Downloads

Brochure

For a quick overview of the Oil Group, see our Brochure — njcaoilgroup.com/brochure.pdf.

Fact Sheet

Learn about how the Oil Group works, the many regions we cover, and more, in our Fact Sheet — njcaoilgroup.com/factsheet.pdf.

Newsletter

For more information, see our current Newsletter — njcaoilgroup.com/newsletter.pdf.