The State Senate today unanimously approved a bill that would hold home heating dealers to stricter standards when advertising their rates. State Senator David Cappiello (R-Danbury) became the lead advocate of the legislation after several individuals in his district lost thousands of dollars and went without heat during the winter months thanks to deceptive practices by Newtown Oil. The home heating oil dealers failed to honor over 1400 of its contracts.

"Oil companies will no longer be allowed to change their rates on a whim since doing so only serves to deceive the customer. This winter we all experienced first hand how cold the temperatures can get in Connecticut and how critical having proper heat can be," said Senator Cappiello. "Now oil dealers would be required to maintain any advertised price for at least twenty-four hours or until a new price is published."

Currently, oil dealers are required to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection. But if today's bill becomes law, each dealer would need to display its registration number along with its insurer and insurance policy number in all advertisements and other literature.

"Not only is this consumer-friendly legislation, but its business friendly, as well," Senator Cappiello continued. "Fraudulent practices by a few oil dealers were keeping rates artificially low and leaving legitimate, honorable dealers who couldn't offer these rates at a severe disadvantage. These regulations will eliminate deceptive dealers and even out the playing field."