Skyrocketing rental fees 'shock' some Superior Propane customers

Some customers of Superior Propane are expressing their irritation with the company following a hike in tank rental fees.

In Mathieu Savoie's case, his annual bill jumped to $300 from $199. The Moncton, N.B., man received a written notice from Superior Propane last August.

"The 50 per cent increase in a rental fee seemed a bit usurious to me. So a bit of a shock, bit of a surprise," said Savoie. "It definitely got me a little bit angry."

The price jump is solely for the equipment rental. When the tank is filled, the cost of propane is a separate expense for customers.

In a written notice to affected customers, Superior Propane stated that "due to infrequent propane deliveries, we need to increase the equipment rental rate to ensure fairness and sustainability." 

"While we recognize that individual propane usage patterns vary, our pricing model aims to reflect the overall costs associated with serving our diverse customer base," said the notice from the Ontario-based company, which distributes propane across Canada.

Patricia Jodrie of Berwick, N.S., received the same letter — only her bill jumped 88 per cent. 

"The notice that I got was very cold, you know, like shame on you because you didn't use our propane enough. And because of that, we're going to raise the price, we're going to double it. That's the feeling I had," said Jodrie.

CBC News was contacted by four additional customers in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and British Columbia who received the same letter and were also upset.

Jodrie said she bought a propane fireplace as a backup heating system for winter storms and has only used it occasionally. But after receiving the notice from Superior, she's anxious about having her bill again, which is why she now turns on her fireplace every so often, just in case.

"As a senior you don't need those worries," she said.

Both Jodrie and Savoie have since switched propane companies. Superior did not charge them for cancelling their contract or removing equipment.

In a written statement to CBC News, Superior said its rental fees are adjusted when "tanks become inactive or are used minimally for extended periods of time."

"These changes help offset the rising costs associated with maintaining and inspecting equipment, while complying with regulations and reinforcing our commitment to safety," the statement said.