Often described as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, propane starts off as a gas but it’s then compressed into a liquid for efficient storage. Pressure is released when liquid propane is released from your tank and through fuel lines into your home. This causes the liquid propane to vaporize and transform into a gas again.
To give you a better understanding, let’s start at the beginning. The roots of the propane industry were planted when American chemist Walter O. Snelling discovered that some evaporating gases could be transformed into liquids. Out of all the gases, propane turned out to be the most plentiful. From there, Snelling discovered a method to bottle this liquid gas. Bottle gas, or bottled gas, is a term that you will still hear or read about today.
The process of making propane has evolved over the last century or so. Today, there are two primary ways propane is produced.
Because propane is created through the processing of natural gas and crude oil, it is a fuel that is largely a domestic product. In fact, about 90% of the American propane supply is generated right here in the United States! That abundant, right-at-home supply in your propane tank makes propane a reliable fuel choice for your home or business, and all its potential appliances and equipment, throughout the year.
This comes as a surprise to many people, but homes that are powered only by electricity are actually less energy-efficient than those running primarily on propane. Since propane naturally burns hotter, it feels warmer, and the energy produced creates a larger impact. Your energy bills will cost less with such an efficient fuel working for you, especially when paired with high-efficiency propane appliances.
While renewable propane is not widely available yet, homes and businesses all over the U.S. will eventually be able to easily use it. Since renewable propane is molecularly identical to conventional propane, there will be no need to replace or alter existing propane appliances and equipment.
What is renewable propane gas made of? Just as conventional propane is a coproduct of crude oil and natural gas extraction, most renewable propane can be considered a coproduct of biofuel creation. Many of the same feedstocks that go into creating biofuel — animal oils, vegetable oils, biomass — are used to create renewable propane.
This method of producing propane is as safe, cost-effective, and dependable as the propane that’s refined from raw natural gas or raw crude oil. And when compared to electricity, renewable propane has a considerably smaller carbon footprint.
Read more about renewable propane gas.
The propane technicians at Broco Energy are trained to keep you and your family safe. It’s our number one priority. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane has an excellent safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that.
Propane is an ideal fuel for many purposes, even beyond your water heater and heating your home with your furnace or boiler. It’s also useful for stoves, clothes dryers and fireplaces as well as for outdoor use, including pool heating and exterior lighting. And peace of mind is never far off when you have a propane-fueled generator to get you through power outages.
Please reach out to us if you would like to become a customer and get a propane delivery.
Propane gas is a perfect choice for those who strive for environmental responsibility. For starters, it is nontoxic and produces minimal emissions, according to the nonprofit Propane Education and Research Council. Propane is also harmless to soil or groundwater – an important element for being considered a “green” fuel.
Propane is also a low-carbon fuel that does not adversely contribute to the greenhouse effect. In fact, because of its lower greenhouse gas emissions, the US Environmental Protection Agency gave propane its stamp of approval as a clean-burning alternative fuel.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest trends in home energy today is the aggressive government push for conversions to electric heat — at the expense of proven heating fuels like propane and heating oil . This is happening right now in Massachusetts! The argument is that these electric conversions will reduce a home’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The only problem is that, right now, energy from our electric grid is far from clean. In 2021, the combustion of fossil fuels like natural gas and coal for electricity generation was the nation’s second-largest source of CO2 emissions. And in Massachusetts, more than 70% of the electricity generated is still sourced from natural gas power plants.
Propane generates more Btu than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat energy. The less energy you use, the less carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere. To appreciate propane’s big advantage over electricity in energy efficiency, you have to consider Btu content.
Btu can be used to compare energy sources on an equal basis. To compare propane to electricity, we need to know that:
To make these two energy sources “equal,” divide 91,452 Btu by 3,412 Btu. Your answer will be:
Propane101.com makes this simple comparison to illustrate the efficiency of propane compared to electricity. A 100-watt light bulb left on for 24 hours will consume 2.4 kWh. If propane could be used to power the same light bulb during the same time period, it would only use 9/100th of a gallon of propane.
Renewable propane represents the next step towards a zero-carbon emissions future for the propane industry and propane consumers.
Renewable propane is molecularly identical to propane. But it is made with renewable resources such as animal oils, plant oils, biomass, and other triglycerides.
As the renewable propane sector grows in the years ahead, more people will be able to use it to lower their carbon footprint even further than they do now with traditional propane. Read more about renewable propane.
Almost all the propane used in the U.S. is produced domestically, meaning every gallon you buy contributes to the independence of America’s energy needs.
Maintaining a propane tank on your property gives you the ability to store a sufficient supply that’s always ready for immediate use, eliminating any dependence on an underground gas pipeline.
Please reach out to us if you would like to become a customer and get a propane delivery.
Providing around-the-clock coverage throughout New England and beyond, the team at Broco Energy has the experience, expertise and resources to meet a wide range of commercial fuel delivery needs.
As a starting point, our experts work with your business to identify, maintain or build the most cost-effective methods associated with bulk-fuel purchases. We then deliver bulk quantities of fuel ranging from 400 gallons to more than 100,000 gallons–directly to your business site.
Our fleet of well-maintained trucks can provide both scheduled and emergency service. If you have an emergency, we’ll be there for you, any time of the day or night. Learn about Broco Energy’s emergency fueling services.
We offer clean energy options like propane and Bioheat® fuel, a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. For scheduled service, the petroleum products we deliver include:
We deliver 12 million gallons of fuel annually, serving the Boston area and beyond with a fleet of 35 trucks. Our fleet provides fueling for diverse commercial/industrial operations, including:
We deploy on-site fuel services to keep your construction project on track and on schedule—any place, any time.
Broco Energy offers on-site fuel delivery for equipment fueling and temporary heat. We’re also here for your business with reliable and durable generators, 24 hours a day, including the coldest winter days.
To sum up, in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and beyond, Broco Energy’s on-site fueling fleet is here for your commercial or construction operation with a range of direct on-site fuel-delivery solutions. All you need to do is let us know where and when you want your on-site fuel delivery and our trucks will be there. They’ll pump fuel directly into your fleet, equipment or bulk tanks.
We provide tank-maintenance services too, including fuel polishing, diesel additives, fuel transfers and pump-outs, and tank cleaning. Depending on the duration of your project, tank cleaning and maintenance is important to ensure that you get the most out of your equipment.
As a U.S. Coast Guard-certified supplier, Broco Energy serves as a responsible, reliable supplier of marine-fuel. We have met stringent certification requirements and we offer safe and timely deliveries right at the ports.
We also offer wholesale pricing for all lubricants, including diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which is blended at our facility in Haverhill, MA.
Additionally, we have a 250,000-gallon storage facility that’s served by rail, with the ability to transload fuels, steel, lumber and stone.
We take pride in giving back to all the good folks who serve their community. We always want to thank those individuals for their dedication, and we proudly offer ongoing discounts to veterans, firefighters, police officers, senior citizens, municipal workers, emergency medical-service workers (EMS) and teachers.
Contact us today so that we can get you started on being a Broco Energy customer.
Did you know that condensation–water vapor turning into liquid–can be a common problem for heating oil tanks during the summer? Here’s why. Hot, humid days and cooler nights create the perfect atmosphere for condensation buildup to form inside your tank. And if your storage tank is aboveground, outdoors and in an unshaded area, it’s especially vulnerable to condensation.
To avoid condensation build-up inside your storage tank, it’s best to keep your tank full during the warm months. Don’t worry, your heating oil won’t spoil or go bad if it sits in your tank unused for a couple of months.
After water forms on the bare walls on the empty area of the tank, it drips down and sinks to the bottom of the tank because water is denser than heating oil. There, it becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms.
Over time, these organisms turn into sediment. One problem is that sediment, also referred to as sludge, can get into your fuel lines and clog them. This will cause your heating system to shut down.
If you’re a Broco automatic delivery customer, we make sure your tank has enough fuel inside at the end of the heating season so you can avoid any problems with condensation during the warm-weather months.
If you’re not on our automatic delivery schedule, call us to request a fill-up so we can help you head off any condensation problems with your heating oil tank.
Most of Broco Energy’s heating fuel customers have chosen to take advantage of our automatic heating oil delivery service. This is a proven method that allows us to manage your fuel supply, freeing you up to handle other important household tasks during the heating season. Here is how it works.
Our computer system tracks how much fuel your home will typically use based on how cold it is outside and your fuel usage history. We will deliver fuel automatically to you, usually when your oil tank gets to be one-quarter full (or 30% for propane tanks). The result: minimal chance of a run-out, no more calling for a delivery and no more monitoring your fuel levels on your own.
So, instead of having to call us every time you need more oil or propane, you don’t have to do anything! Our driver will simply come to your home and fill your tank based on the schedule we have built for you.
There is no need to schedule and wait for deliveries, and you’ll avoid the expense and hassle of having your system tested and primed for restart—something that is required after a run-out. Please note that automatic delivery does not include burner service, additives or treatments.
However, when you’re a Broco Energy automatic delivery customer, your price per gallon is better, and you won’t see any extra charges. You’ll be billed automatically too, on your credit card, using a debit card or by ACH. It can’t get any easier than that!
If your fuel needs are not that constant, or if you prefer to manage your heating-oil or propane orders directly, then we recommend staying on will-call. For will-call deliveries, you place your order over the phone or at your fuel account online, and we’ll deliver to you the next time we’re in your area. Please note that will-call deliveries start at a minimum of 100 gallons.
We take pride in giving back to people who serve the community. We always want to thank those individuals for their dedication, and we proudly offer ongoing discounts to veterans, firefighters, police officers, senior citizens, municipal workers, emergency medical-service workers (EMS) and teachers.
Please reach out to us and become a Broco Energy customer today.
Consumer surveys have shown us what people expect from their heating oil company. These were among the top answers:
To sum it up, these folks recognize the value of doing business with a full-service heating fuel company that does so much more than just drop fuel into their heating oil tank.
Here’s what sets us apart from many other heating oil companies.
Broco Energy has a dedicated staff of caring employees who are always ready to help you. They live in the communities they love to serve, and they understand the needs you have. Their knowledge and commitment help us to deliver not only top-quality fuel, but quality and value—all backed by years of experience.
As a family-owned and operated company, Broco Energy remains dedicated to our origins—including the delivery of competitively priced heating oil and reliable 24-hour heating oil equipment and repair services. Still, as our customers’ needs have evolved, our products and services have expanded accordingly.
But you won’t ever find yourself listening to sales pitches or upsells. Instead, you’ll get solid advice and guidance about the fuel and service you need. We’re proud to provide our customers with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re getting the best service for the best price.
We offer clean energy options like propane and Bioheat® fuel, a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. This is a clean alternative to conventional heating oil that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas.
With a solid partnership in place with REG, we expect to keep increasing our blend levels – eventually to B100 to all of our residential customers in New England.
We have already upgraded our facilities to increase blending capacity, including extra storage tanks to accommodate 150,000 gallons of B100 heated storage that will be blended into 200,000 gallons of heating oil storage and 50,000 gallons of diesel storage.
Our trusted supplier, REG, is an international producer of cleaner fuels and North America’s largest producer of biodiesel.
We also have a big presence in the commercial fuel market. Covering all of New England and beyond, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we deliver bulk quantities of fuel from 400 gallons to more than 100,000 gallons directly to our commercial clients.
For scheduled service, the petroleum products we deliver include:
In addition, our Priority 1 Emergency Response team works year-round to support energy needs in disaster situations around the country.
At Broco Energy, we take pride in giving back to people who serve the community. We always want to thank those individuals for their dedication, and we proudly offer ongoing discounts to veterans, firefighters, police officers, senior citizens, municipal workers, emergency medical-service workers (EMS) and teachers.
Contact us today and become a customer.
*Requests must be made by 5 p.m. No Sunday delivery.
A government contractor is a company in the private sector that enters into a formal agreement with government agencies in the public sector for the delivery of products and services.
Broco Energy has earned the status of certified government contractor at both the federal and state levels. We also contract our services to municipal governments as well. We pride ourselves on supplier diversity and are experienced in helping with bids and requests for proposals.
For starters, Broco Energy has provided the Department of Defense (DOD) with ground fuels of petroleum products for all of the VA medical facilities in New England as well as the tristate area. Our contract calls for the supply of heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel for all of the facilities’ essential applications.
We also work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which coordinates responses to state emergencies throughout the U.S. FEMA turns to contractors like us to provide services and products before and after a disaster.
Our FEMA-certified team has taken part in disaster relief efforts across the country. We’ve dispatched our team to areas affected by hurricanes, ice storms, floods, natural disasters and power outages. We’ve been on the scene during disasters like the Columbia Gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Laura and much more.
Our efforts include fueling emergency vehicles, utility companies, police and fire trucks, hospitals, aboveground and underground tanks, and generators in disaster zones.
Priority 1, our disaster-relief division, provides 24-hour critical fuel support, benefiting from access to a vast network of fuel suppliers and terminal locations. We quickly identify and partner with the strongest teams to supply the fuel and support needed. Our fuel trucks and oil tanks help fuel generators and other necessary equipment.
We have also performed contracted work for the U.S. Navy, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Broco Energy has also provided petroleum and propane products and services to many state governments and municipalities, including:
At Broco Energy, we stand by our commitment to provide everyone—residential customers, commercial customers and government entities– with the fuel they need, no matter what.
We respond to your fuel needs with experience and expertise. Our team has the equipment necessary to get the job done, and we’re ready to establish the most cost-effective way for you to purchase your fuel—no exceptions!
Read more about emergency fuel delivery.
After you get a propane delivery from Broco Energy or turn on your gas appliance, did you ever stop to think about where that propane comes from in the first place?
Propane is created through the processing of natural gas and crude oil, and it’s a fuel that is largely a domestic product. In fact, about 90% of the American propane supply is generated in the United States. This abundant, right-at-home supply makes propane a reliable fuel choice for your New England home or business, and all of its propane-powered appliances and equipment, throughout the year.
Some propane is created during the process of crude oil refining. During the stabilization phase of the refining process, heavier hydrocarbons fall to the bottom. But propane, being a lighter hydrocarbon, is at the top and it’s easily extracted.
Crude oil refining, however, actually plays a small role in the production of propane. The majority of propane is now derived today from natural gas production. When natural gas is taken out of the earth, it is a mix of different gases. One of these gases is propane.
To stop condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines, propane is extracted from liquid compounds as the natural gas is being processed. Butane is also extracted during this process. Propane, being much denser as a liquid than as a gas, is stored and transported as a liquid in this form of production.
Natural gas can only get to your home through an underground pipeline. But if something goes wrong with that pipeline, you can’t get any gas.
Propane gas is easier to move around because it gets compressed, or squeezed until it turns into a liquid. It is then put inside large storage facilities and Broco Energy delivers it right to your home’s propane tank.
The compression of propane can be compared to the air in a car tire, which gets squeezed to about two or three times the normal air pressure. But the gas in a propane tank gets squeezed about 100 times more than that. This is why even a small residential tank can provide a lot of propane gas for your home.
Broco Energy technicians are trained to keep you and your family safe – it’s our number one priority. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane has an excellent safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that.
Propane is an ideal fuel for many purposes, even beyond your water heater and heating your home with your furnace, boiler, heater or fireplace. It’s also useful for stoves and clothes dryers as well as for outdoor use, including pool heating and outside lighting. And peace of mind is never far off when you have a propane-fueled generator to get you through power outages.
Did you know that homes that are powered by electricity are much less energy efficient than those running on propane? Since propane naturally burns hotter, it feels warmer, and the energy produced creates a larger impact. Your energy bills will cost less with such an efficient fuel working for you, especially when paired with propane appliances.
Please reach out to us if you would like to become a customer and get a propane delivery.
Bioheat® fuel is a blend of biodiesel and traditional petroleum-based heating oil that has an ultra-low sulfur content. Biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils, animal fats and other renewable materials, is considered a biogenic fuel that reduces carbon output 100%.
That’s because the combustion of biofuels and other biogenic energy sources actually recycle carbon dioxide emissions through renewable plant materials and other biomass feedstocks. This is putting us on the real path to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the years ahead.
Renewable, clean, cutting-edge and energy-efficient, Bioheat fuel requires no modification of your present heating oil system. Consumers who use Bioheat fuel benefit from:
The production process for Bioheat fuel has many benefits. It diverts waste products from landfills and puts them to good use.
The production process puts excess oils and fats to good use. Food is never sacrificed for fuel in the production of Bioheat fuel. It’s sourced and produced right here in the United States, supporting local farmers, local industries and local economies.
Bioheat fuel has a significant advantage over other so-called “green” home heating products: it’s available right now, heating both homes and domestic water today — all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The overall goal is to transition to even higher levels of Bioheat fuel, which will further reduce our carbon footprint and actually turn heating oil into a carbon-neutral energy source.
In fact, the entire Northeast heating oil industry has resolved to achieve a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2023, a 40% reduction by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are well on our way along that path.
With a solid partnership in place with our trusted supplier, REG, we expect to keep increasing our blend levels – eventually to B100 (100% biodiesel) to all of our residential customers in New England.
We have already upgraded our facilities to increase blending capacity, including extra storage tanks to accommodate 150,000 gallons of B100 heated storage that will be blended into 200,000 gallons of heating oil storage and 50,000 gallons of diesel storage.
REG is an international producer of cleaner fuels and North America’s largest producer of biodiesel. REG utilizes an integrated procurement, distribution and logistics network to operate 12 biorefineries in the U.S. and Europe.
In 2020, REG produced 519 million gallons of cleaner fuel, resulting in a 4.2 million metric tons of carbon reduction. REG is meeting the growing global demand for lower-carbon fuels and helping Broco Energy to do our part to assure a more sustainable future.
You may be able to enjoy all of Bioheat fuel’s benefits right now with your next heating oil delivery when you become a Broco Energy customer.
Learn more about the benefits of Bioheat fuel.
Broco Energy’s Priority 1 Team always remains on-call! That’s because Broco Energy is certified for emergency response– including emergency fuel delivery– by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the Coast Guard.
We are also contracted as the emergency fuel provider for the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association (MEMA). Taking advantage of partnerships that we have established throughout the country, our Priority 1 emergency-response team can be found on the scene wherever we’re needed, providing immediate emergency fuel deliveries until the trucks we’ve deployed arrive on site.
Qualified to respond to all levels of emergencies, our team consists of experienced fuel-truck drivers and fuel logistics coordinators. We can handle extreme weather events and other high-pressure situations, offering critical fuel support when it’s needed most.
But disaster relief means more than just oil trucks and supplies. Our response also includes manpower and logistics coordinators who will send oil tanks, conduct remote monitoring, and schedule emergency fuel service and deliveries as needed throughout the duration of the incident.
In 2017, Broco Energy was activated to assist and provide relief efforts for FEMA in Florida during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. That was the beginning of our national Priority 1 emergency-response team.
We left from Boston with six oil tank trucks loaded with diesel and gasoline to provide fuel for priority facilities on a 24-hour basis. We stationed our trucks at local hospitals for generator refueling and at designated fueling points to assist the Urban Search & Rescue Task Force.
The following year, with Broco Energy as the prime fuel contractor, the Priority 1 team supplied generators that provided much-needed heat to thousands of residents left without natural gas service after multiple natural gas explosions occurred in the Merrimack Valley.
We started by teaming up with fire departments on the scene, and then, once the incident was stabilized, we handled fixing the gas main.
That complex operation lasted from September into the winter. Broco Energy provided fuel for more than 500 generators 24 hours a day for over three months, until new natural gas lines and equipment could be installed. For this incident, we had dedicated fuel-logistics coordinators who managed the fueling cycle of the generators on a daily basis.
These are just a few examples. Broco Energy remains ready to respond to and assist any community hit by power outages after natural or manmade disasters with emergency fueling and Priority 1 delivery service– every day of the year.
Broco Energy’s Priority 1 emergency-response team offers emergency response to anyone. If you have an immediate need, call our 24-hour disaster-response hotline at 781-246-1130.
Read more about our emergency fuel services.
At Broco Energy, we stand by our commitment to providing homes and commercial operations– as well as municipalities and government-contracted efforts–with the fuel they need, no matter what.
We respond to your fuel needs with experience and expertise. Our team has the equipment necessary to get the job done, and we’re ready to establish the most cost-effective way for you to purchase your fuel—no exceptions!
Heating oil tanks can last for decades, but like anything else, they eventually need to be replaced. Life spans vary depending on the humidity in the environment, the thickness of the tank’s wall and other factors. When tanks do fail, it’s hard to see it coming, because they generally erode from the inside out.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have them checked periodically by a professional since cleaning up a tank leak can be incredibly expensive.
Today’s heating oil tanks come in a range of sizes and shapes. The heating oil pros at Broco Energy can help you find the most suitable heating oil tank and get it installed quickly and correctly.
Two numbers are vital to know: the capacity of the tank (measured in gallons) and the dimensions of the tank (depth, width, and height). Newer tanks usually have the capacity listed on the nameplate. With an older tank, you’ll have to calculate the dimensions to estimate the capacity.
Although aboveground heating oil tank sizes can include everything from 288, 340, 420, 500, 550, 675 and 1,000 gallons, the most common size for a residential heating oil tank is 275 gallons. The shape of the tank can be either vertical (called a 275V) or horizontal (275H). It’s important to note, however, that a 275-gallon tank cannot hold that much fuel. Some space—usually 15-20%–must be left free to compensate for air and debris inside the heating oil tank.
In cold climates like ours, few heating oil tanks are kept outdoors because heating oil can thicken and gel in extreme cold. Although additives and kerosene blends (also known as winter blends), can slow gelling, the better solution is to locate your heating oil tank indoors, typically in the basement.
A general industry rule-of-thumb is that one or two-bedroom homes typically require a 275-gallon heating oil tank; three- or four- bedroom homes need a 300 to 500-gallon tank.
Available space. Some homes cannot accommodate larger heating oil tanks; you’ll need to have your space measured before deciding on your replacement tank.
Current and future family size. As your family grows, so does your fuel consumption.
Lifestyle. Do you spend long vacations away from home? Do you have elderly relatives living with you who need a warmer house? These are among the factors that will affect how frequent your heating oil delivery will be– and how big a heating oil tank you should get.
As a full-service heating oil company, Broco Energy can assure you that you’ll save a lot of headaches — and avoid equipment issues down the line — if you bring in certified professionals to replace your heating oil tank.
Not only can we offer you a wide selection of heating oil tanks and the knowledge to install them correctly and efficiently, our installers are also experienced in the best ways to transfer your existing fuel and dispose of the old tank.
Our reliable team of heating oil professionals will work with you from the beginning to ensure that you have the right size for your heating needs, your heating system and the size of your home.
Once your tank is selected, our expert installation team will adhere to all industry regulations, guidelines and codes to handle a proper heating oil tank installation that’s safe and efficient.
Check with Broco Energy to make sure that your heating oil tank is properly inspected and maintained. You will also need to upgrade at the right time—before you run into an expensive issue that could have been avoided.
Are you ready for a new heating oil tank? See if you’re in the Broco Energy service area, and then contact us to get started.
