My parents died in 2012 and had apparently been Back Mountain Bottled Gas (aka: Heller's Gas) customers since 2009. As an executor of their estate, I called Back Mountain Bottled Gas in July, 2012 to fill the propane tank at the residence and to ensure no further deliveries would occur. They subsequently filled the tank and charged $4.40/Gal.
Though I had never used propane myself, I thought this price was high but didn't question it, figuring it would be my last dealing with Back Mountain Bottled Gas.
During July, 2013 the home was sold and closing scheduled for August. By chance, I happened to notice an invoice near the propane tank and was surprised to learn that Back Mountain Bottled Gas had "topped off" the already half-filled propane tank unsolicited and charged $5.63/Gal. for 39.9 gallons.
I contacted "Kevin" at Back Mountain Bottled Gas and asked why they did this because I had notified them in July, 2012. He related, in essence, that my personal situation was irrelevant, that my mother had signed a contract requiring at least yearly delivery, and that their position was that I was still responsible to pay.
His "suggestion" was for me to not notify the buyers and he would charge them for it the next time the tank was filled. I said no.
It is noteworthy that at the time the propane tank was filled, the FOR SALE sign concerning the home was visible from both directions on the street.
For my own knowledge, I immediately contacted another propane supplier and was quoted $2.499/Gal, which was a major gap from the $5.63/Gal Back Mountain Bottled Gas had charged.
The attorney assisting me with the estate advised that even though I would likely make my case if I contested this situation, when considering my personal situation as a whole, I should pay their bill regardless of their business practices and be done with them, which is what I decided to do.
I found Back Mountain Bottled Gas to be unethical, heartless, and
would not recommend them to anyone. read more