How bad has this winter been?
In the propane industry, we use what are called heating degree days. Without getting into a long explanation or why or of how they are calculated, just know that the more degree days, the colder it has been in a particular month or year. The chart below shows monthly and yearly heating degree days since 2000 for Mid-Michigan. For most people, the data on the bottom 5 rows of the chart will likely be of the most interest – last winter, this winter, the mean, the coldest and the warmest.
According to the data, this is shaping up to be just another average winter.
As you can see from the chart, the mean is 6702. Last winter’s total degree days were very close to this figure. This winter’s should be close as well. If you are wondering how many gallons to pre-buy for your home each heating season, the gallons you used last winter and this winter should be a good benchmark. If you are unsure about your past gallon usage, our customer service staff would be happy to look up that information for you.
The chart shows that last winter, like most, 80% of heating degree days were recorded in the 5 months between November through March. For the average customer, the expense of propane compressed into that short time period creates a strain on the household budget. If you would like to spread that expense over 12 months, please talk to us about our budget program.
Also, keep in mind that prices are generally lowest in July when supply is highest and demand is lowest. Ordering a summer fill (minimum 200 gallons) is another good way to spread out the propane expense.
Lastly, if you were happy with the service you received from Webster and Garner this year, please tell a neighbor or friend, click here to review us on Facebook, and/or click here to review us on Google. Thank you. We appreciate your continued business.
Ryan Schmittdiel
General Manager
Budget Program
One of the ways our customers can save money is by enrolling in our budget program. The program takes into consideration your propane usage and the projected price of propane for the heating season. For example, if you use 1000 gallons a year and the price of propane is $1.50 a gallon, your total yearly cost is $1560.00 after sales tax. We then divide that figure by 11 months to determine your monthly payment of $141.82. The Budget price for 2019-2020 has yet to be determined. The program runs from July to June with equal payments being made through May and any remaining balance owed due by the end of June.
If you are interested in this program please email sue@webstergarner.com and she can help you calculate your monthly cost. She will also provide the required forms for enrollment. Sue can be reached by phone at 1-800-647-8591
Meet Renae
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Genesee, Michigan, or Geneseeville as some call it. It is the smallest district in the county, I think there were just under 50 kids in the class of ’89…very small. I have lived in Clio for the last 8 or 9 years, which is super convenient…my morning commute is only like 5 minutes so no snow days for me! lol
How Long Have you been at Webster and Garner and what is your job?
I will have been here at WG for 6 years in May.
I started out in customer service and have been the customer service manager for three years.
What do you like best about your job?
There are a lot of things that I love about my job, but having daily contact with our customers is probably what I like the most. Most people would think that customer complaints or issues in general would be a drawback or the worst part of my job but I don’t see it that way. Being able to speak with customers that are having issues gives me a chance to connect with the customer, listen to their needs and either clear up a misconception or deescalate a situation that might go unknown had that customer not called. I also really like the family oriented feel of Webster & Garner. I know my coworkers, their spouses and kids…this place is like an extension of my family, seeing it grow and be successful gives me a sense of purpose and pride.
I would like customers to know that we WANT to help them. They are never bothering us when they call. We get a lot of customers that call to ask for help or information and then apologize to us for calling! They should never feel the need to apologize us for calling to ask a question if something is unclear to them, this is why we are here, please call!! Also, customer service reps are not the enemy. I think I can speak for all of us in my department when I say that we really do care. I am on a first name basis with a lot of my customers, they are not just a number on a screen to me. They tell me about their families and I listen to them and remember because I care about them, they’re human beings to me, not just numbers on a computer screen or consumers of a product that we provide them.
Tell us about your life outside of WG?
I have 3 puppies…a 14 year old rescued lab mix(Pepper), 2 – 8 year old Chihuahuas(Lola and Sullivan)…and yes they will always be puppies to me, they’re three of the main reasons I come to work everyday…to provide them with a better life LOL!!
I have been happily married for 11 years. Together we have 4 sons and 1 daughter, all out of the house and productive members of society. No grand kids yet but we are hoping eventually we will have some. Until then we enjoy spending time with our 6 month old twin nephews.
Where would you like to visit?
There are a lot of things that I would like to see and do right here in America. I haven’t seen half the states so visiting all 50 would be on the top of my list of things to do before traveling abroad. But after that, I would like to spend some time exploring the castles of Ireland/Scotland/England.