Winter Usage, Line Items, and How to Stay in Control This Season
Winter is the busiest time of year for propane users, and it often comes with questions about higher usage, more frequent deliveries, and line items on propane delivery invoice. Whether you’re on Automatic Delivery or Will Call, understanding how your billing works can help you stay prepared, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions about your energy use.
This guide walks through the most common winter billing questions, explains how seasonal weather affects propane consumption, and introduces programs like Pre-Buy that can help you manage your budget during the cold months.
Why Your Propane Usage Spikes in Winter
Even when your daily routine stays the same, propane usage increases significantly during the winter months. Colder temperatures force heating systems to run longer and cycle more frequently to maintain indoor comfort. Extended cold snaps, freezing nights, and winter storms can all accelerate fuel consumption, which is why Automatic Delivery customers often receive deliveries every four to six weeks during colder months.
In addition to space heating, hot water and household appliances work harder in winter. Colder incoming water means your water heater must use more propane to reach the desired temperature. Longer or more frequent hot showers, increased laundry loads, and more cooking at home during the holidays all contribute to higher energy demand. Supplemental heaters, fireplaces, and other propane-powered appliances may also see heavier use during colder weather.
As furnaces and heaters operate more often, the increased number of ignition and safety cycles further adds to propane consumption. All of these factors combined make it normal for winter deliveries to occur closer together, even for households that haven’t changed their daily habits.
Understanding Automatic Delivery vs. Will Call
There is no difference in price between Automatic Delivery and Will Call, but the two account types work very differently and can affect how your deliveries appear on your invoice.
Automatic Delivery*
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- DLE monitors your usage pattern and delivers propane as needed
- Delivery timing is based on weather and consumption
- The company ensures your tank stays full without you needing to check the gauge
- Helps reduce the risk of runouts, emergency fees, and service interruptions
Delivery timing is determined by a combination of weather and consumption data, rather than a fixed schedule. This allows DLE to keep your tank reliably filled without requiring you to check your gauge.
*subject to credit approval
Will Call Delivery
You monitor your own tank levels and contact DLE when you’re ready for a delivery. We require that you call when you’re at 30% to ensure we can get to you on the day of the week we are regularly in your area with plenty of time to avoid any potential off route or out of gas fees.
During winter, tank levels fall more quickly than many Will Call customers anticipate. When calls come in later than ideal, it can lead to delays during the busy season, and a runout requires extra safety steps including a check on all your propane appliances, which causes additional fees.
Learn more about:
How to Read Your Propane Tank Guage and Why It Matters
Cash on Delivery
If you are unable to pass our normal credit check or would not like us to run your credit, we require payment for your estimated delivery amount prior to your delivery.
How Weather Patterns Change Your Propane Consumption
Winter usage isn’t just about cold air — it’s about how long the cold lasts.
- Cold snaps cause short-term spikes.
- Extended freezing periods create sustained high usage.
- Storms + high winds force heating systems to work harder to offset drafts and heat loss.
- Moisture + fog in areas like the Central Coast reduce vaporization efficiency.
Your deliveries may be closer together in these months, even if you haven’t changed your habits.
Learn more about Understanding the Logistics of Propane Delivery: Access, Timing, and Security
Common Questions About Your Winter Propane Delivery and Invoice
- Why did I receive a delivery earlier than expected?
If you are on Automatic Delivery, timing is based on weather, temperature tracking, and your usage pattern — not a fixed calendar schedule. Colder periods increase the frequency.
- Why is my invoice higher in winter?
Higher usage, more frequent deliveries, and seasonal demand contribute to winter propane costs. Furnaces may use two to three times more fuel in cold weather, and water heaters also consume more propane during this season. The cost per gallon of propane increases during the winter as well, which further increases your propane invoice amount.
Learn more about Why the Cost of Propane Increases and Where Your Propane Price Comes From
- Why is my usage higher than last year?
Weather varies dramatically year-to-year. Even a slightly colder season can produce a noticeable increase in fuel consumption.
- Can I avoid surprise deliveries?
Yes. Customers may switch to Will Call, where you monitor your tank level manually and call when you want fuel. However, Will Call requires close attention — running out of gas will result in additional safety checks and fees.
- Can I control my propane budget better?
Yes. The DLE Pre-Buy Program is designed for exactly that.
- What happens if my tank runs out?
A leak check is required after a runout before service can be restored.
The Benefits of the DLE Pre-Buy Program
✔ Lock in your winter propane price during the summer
Propane prices are often lower in warm months. Pre-Buy lets you purchase your winter supply at that rate.
✔ Predictable budgeting
You prepay for the gallons you expect to use October–March, so deliveries during winter do not produce large, unexpected invoices.
✔ Added peace of mind
You know your winter consumption is prepaid, reducing stress during the highest-use season.
Learn more about Why DLE’s Pre-Buy Winter Propane Program Is a Smart Move
Breaking Down Your Propane Delivery Invoice
Every propane invoice includes specific charges that help cover delivery, safety, and compliance. Here is a breakdown of some of the key lines.
Customer ID: Your main customer account identification. Usually the first three letters of your last name, followed by the first three letters of your first name. This is needed for online account login.
Account #: Your other unique customer account identification number. Also needed for online account login.
Invoice #: This number helps identify the specific delivery invoice if you have questions or need assistance.
Sold To: Billing Address
Shipped To: Delivery location
Location: Specific location at delivery address
Terms: Payment terms based upon credit approval.
Invoice Amount: Also shown as Invoice Total at the bottom of the page, is the total dollar amount of propane gallons plus regulatory recovery fee, taxes, and any additional purchases.
Quantity: Number of gallons delivered.
Description:
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- Propane Charge (per gallon): Often listed as “Domestic LP”, “Commercial LP,” etc.
- Sales Tax (Local and State Sales): If Applicable. Applied only to properties that do not qualify as a primary residence. Rates vary by county and state.
Unit Price: The cost of the propane delivered per gallon.
Amount: The quantity multiplied by unit price.
Non-taxable: Local and State sales taxes combined, if applicable.
Taxable: Delivered propane amount (quantity x unit price), plus other taxable line items, if applicable.
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE: We offer a $.10 per gallon discount on residential deliveries when payment is received within 15 days of delivery. Some restrictions may apply, including minimum gallon delivery requirements.
Final Takeaway
Understanding your propane delivery invoice and winter propane usage empowers you to make smart choices throughout the season. Whether you’re on Automatic Delivery or Will Call, Delta Liquid Energy has tools and payment programs to help you stay warm, safe, and informed all winter long.
If you have questions about your usage, your recent delivery, or your delivery schedule, your local DLE office is always here to help.