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What's going on? Oilheat
prices ... and prices for all energy sources ... are reaching record levels, despite sufficient
supplies and warmer temperatures. Analystsreport that oil is $20-$30 per barrel higher
than actually warranted. So, how did we get here? Many things beyond our control
contribute to the fluctuating costs -increased demand around the world,a devalued dollar, and unregulated futures traded on the global commodities markets.
Increased demand: China and India are increasing their demands for crudeoil at unprecedented rates. China alone has increased usage by 7% per year, with no signs of slowing down.
International concerns: Every time there's a disturbance overseas - in the Gulf, the Middle East, Europe or Asia, the ripple effect causes American prices to rise on concerns that wells may be destroyed or supply lines disrupted. Devalued dollar: Oil is traded on the U.S. dollar. As the value of the dollar drops against other currencies, international oil producers raise the price to maintain their profit and purchasing levels. The dollar buys less ... so everything costs more. Unregulated trading: Many experts consider the current price of Oilheat to be more a result of financial profit taking by commodities traders than any other issue. Because of something called the "Enron Loophole," electronic trades of energy commodities are not regulated by the government. This allows traders to buy and sell large positions with impunity, making a profit on every transaction and pushing the per-barrel wholesale prices to the unbelievable levels we're now facing. Right now, both houses of Congress are considering bills to put these trades back under governmental oversight, and put a stop to market manipulation. We're in this together. These high prices are a burden for all of us. While our costs have been rising, we pass only a fraction of these increases along to you. At the same time, we continue to offer budget plans, service plans, financing programs, conservation advice and upgrades to today's super-highefficiency equipment. You can rest assured that you are getting the most value for your energy dollars. We know that energy costs are cyclical, and we are confident that Oilheat prices will drop again. In the meantime, we thank you for choosing safe, clean, modern Oilheat and for your continued business. What you can do to fight the rising costs of fuel oil... What you can do to combat today's high energy prices - Make Your Voice Heard!
Nearly all of the petroleum, natural gas and electricity sold in the U.S. are traded on these markets, and these contracts are supposed to be overseen by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). "Supposed to be" ... but maybe not. The majority of these trades fall under the "Enron Loophole" which exempts from governmental oversight electronic trading of energy commodities by large traders. Just as Enron manipulated the electricity market in California ... just as Amaranth is under investigation for similar alleged abuses in the natural gas market ... traders are manipulating the cost of Oilheat to unnatural and unfounded heights. It's time to stop allowing speculators to play with our energy prices! Fortunately, there's Senate legislation called the "Close the Enron Loophole Act" (S.2058) calling for regulation of these so-called "dark trades" - which Schildwachter Oil - along with Oilheat dealers across the country - is actively trying to get passed. Please join us. Contact your local Congressional delegation and ask each and every one of them to reaffirm their support to pass this important legislation ... and to make sure energy markets are properly overseen by the government and free from manipulation. Let members of Congress know you want Wall Street to stop manipulating your Oilheat prices! Simply click on the letter icon above for a pre-formatted letter (.doc format) for you to mail to your Senators and Congressional Representative. You will be able to personalize the letter with your contact information and the recipient's name and address before mailing. Or, for a more immediate response, contact your Congressional delegation by phone (you can get the number from the link below). Your New York State Senators are: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton 476 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Senator Charles Schumer 313 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 To find your Congressional Representative, please click here. Please note that you must enter your 4-digit ZIP extension because there may be more than one legislative district represented within a ZIP Code. To find your 4-digit ZIP extension, click here. Thank you for your support! New York Oil Heating Association "Close the Enron Loophole" Radio Ad Schildwachter Oil is proud to present a New York Oil Heating Association ad campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to contact Congress and urge them to close the Enron Loophole. To hear a radio ad for the campaign, click the play button on the player below: The new heating season will be here before we know it. And we at Fred M. Schildwachter & Sons, Inc. have worked hard to make sure you benefit from the lowest energy prices possible. But even our best attempts at capping prices, stocking energy-efficient equipment and offering easy payment plans can't stop energy prices from creeping higher. Why are energy prices higher? You don't have to be an economist to figure out that energy prices across the board are not what they once were. "Fill it up" at the gas station ... purchase an airline ticket ... scan your electric bill ... fill your gas grill tank with propane ... and, yes, receive an Oilheat delivery, and you can see that energy prices are up. Oilheat is still a terrific value! While energy prices are up across the board, the price of residential heating oil has actually increased less than many other products since the early 1980s (see chart below). This means Oilheat has had a more consistent price than most of the other products you purchase on a regular basis, year after year.  * Source: U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics ** Source: Historical CPI, inflationdata.com According to the Department of Energy's latest Short-term Energy Outlook, there are several factors contributing to the expectation of continued energy prices:
Is there any hope for a price decrease? Yes. It is very possible that energy prices may come down for three reasons:
The truth is, we can't be sure. We truly do not know right now how much higher energy prices will rise or how much they will fall. We do know two, things, however:
Enroll in Our Price Cap Program (Currently sold out). We feel this is your best bet in managing the risk of "out-of-control" fuel oil costs. For the 2007-08 heating season, your capped price will never be exceeded. We highly recommend that you obtain this valuable price protection program when you receive it in the mail. Get on our Budget Plan. This FREE, convenient service lets you tackle high energy prices by evenly spreading out your estimated fuel costs throughout the year. If the future holds a decrease in the price of oil, at the end of the budget season we will credit your account for the following year. Without a budget plan, your payments can bunch up when it's least convenient, such as during the winter holidays. Look at what the Enron Loophole has done to fuel oil prices over the years: With our Price Cap (Currently sold out), savings were realized and price protected against possible even higher costs!
"Over A Century of Service" At Fred M. Schildwachter & Sons, Inc., we realize that comfort doesn't just mean being cozy and warm. It also means having more money in your wallet and more peace of mind in your life. How May We Help You? For more valuable information about Schildwachter Oil's money-saving programs & services, please contact us. [ Back to Home Page ] |
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