Fuel Group "Frequently Asked Questions"

Who is Citizen Action Fuel Group?
Citizen Action Fuel Group (CAFG) is a non-profit fuel buying group that has been helping people save on their home heating fuel costs for over 17 years using the power of group purchasing. CAFG is sponsored by Citizen Action of New York.

In addition to the direct services CAFG provides, we have been active in the community, working to monitor and buffer the effects of energy deregulation in the 1990s by sponsoring local fundraising events and working with social service agencies. In the more recent era of industry consolidation, we're working to maintain competition in the market.

How Does Citizen Action Fuel Group Work?
CAFG is a fuel buying group that serves 22 counties in New York State. We contract with local fuel suppliers chosen for reliable service and negotiate low costs on behalf of our members. Suppliers are responsible for fuel deliveries. By joining with other heating fuel users in CAFG, you too can receive regular delivery services at the Fuel Group's discount price.

Which Counties Does CAFG Serve?
Click here to view the 22 counties CAFG serves.

What Fuel Suppliers Does CAFG Use?
Click here to view the list of our fuel suppliers. We carefully choose the local fuel suppliers we contact with for their reliable service and willingness to negotiate low costs on behalf of our members. Suppliers are responsible for fuel deliveries. By joining with other heating fuel users in CAFG, you too can receive regular delivery services at the Fuel Group's discount price.

What About Services Like Automatic Delivery?
We maintain high expectations from our dealers: they have to provide necessary services like 24-hour emergency assistance, budget payment plans (to avoid large mid-winter bills), automatic or "on-call" delivery, credit or C.O.D. payment options. Service contracts are also available in most areas.

What Protection Do I Have?
Members are protected by a written, legally binding contact between Citizen Action Fuel Group and the supplier that spells out performance standards and pricing.

How Much Will I Save?
The savings for CAFG members varies from county to county. The biggest savings are in the middle of the winter, when people use the most fuel, and retail prices are highest. In some counties the savings are considerable - as much as 15 cents per gallon. In some counties the savings are smaller but still significant.

Please call us toll-free at 800-559-4645 (800-559-4OIL) to find out the savings in your area. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you would like to compare prices, pull out some of your delivery tickets - we will be happy to tell you the price our members paid in your area on any date.

How Much Does It Cost to Join?
Membership is open to everyone. A $25 annual membership in Citizen Action of New York makes you a CAFG member. There are discounts for seniors, people who receive HEAP or disability and members of some unions. People age 55 and over can join Citizen Action and CAFG for $20 per year. People who are receiving HEAP (Home Energy Assistance) or disability pay only a $5 start-up fee.

Some union members pay only a $5 start up fee because their union includes reduced Citizen Action/CAFG membership in their benefits. Call us at 1-800-4-OIL to find out if your union participates, or look at our online application to see the list of participating unions.

How Do I Join?
Membership is open to everyone who wishes to join. Just complete the online application form. Please check the box at the bottom of our application if you would like more information on the Citizen Action of New York's work.

Who Should I Contact If I Have Questions?
Please call our office toll-free at 800-559-4645 (800-559-4OIL) with any questions you may have about fuel purchasing, or about home heating in general. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or click here to send us an email.