42 U.S.C. § 6283: Summer fill and fuel…

Summary

At a State leader's request, the federal government will give information, technical help, and money to set up summer "fill" and fuel budgeting programs. The goal is to get people to fill propane, kerosene, and heating oil tanks in summer and to promote better payment plans so big winter price spikes and shortages are less likely. Three key contract types are named: a budget contract (payments spread evenly over months), a fixed-price contract (a set price that does not change with the market), and a price cap contract (market price is charged, but the cost may exceed a stated maximum). States that add public money or use private funds get first priority. Congress authorized $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and whatever sums are needed for later years.

Title 42, §6283

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Definitions

In this section: (1) Budget contract

(2)Fixed-price contract

The term “fixed-price contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer a set price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil without regard to market price fluctuations.

(3)Price cap contract

The term “price cap contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer the market price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil, but the cost of the propane, kerosene, or heating oil may exceed a maximum amount stated in the contract.

(b)Assistance

At the request of the chief executive officer of a State, the Secretary shall provide information, technical assistance, and funding—

(1)to develop education and outreach programs to encourage consumers to fill their storage facilities for propane, kerosene, and heating oil during the summer months; and

(2)to promote the use of budget contracts, price cap contracts, fixed-price contracts, and other advantageous financial arrangements,

to avoid severe seasonal price increases for and supply shortages of those products.

(c)Preference

In implementing this section, the Secretary shall give preference to States that contribute public funds or leverage private funds to develop State summer fill and fuel budgeting programs.

(d)Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1)

(2)such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–58 struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “section 6285 of this title does not apply to this section.”

§6283 Summer Fill and Fuel Budgeting Programs

Summary

Title 42, §6283

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Citations & Metadata