§ 6283. Summer fill and fuel budgeting programs

• (a) In this section:
  • (1) The term “budget contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the heating expenses of the consumer are spread evenly over a period of months.
  • (2) The term “fixed-price contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer a set price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil without regard to market price fluctuations.
  • (3) The term “price cap contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer the market price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil, but the cost of the propane, kerosene, or heating oil may exceed a maximum amount stated in the contract.
• (b) At the request of the chief executive officer of a State, the Secretary shall provide information, technical assistance, and funding—
  • (1) to develop education and outreach programs to encourage consumers to fill their storage facilities for propane, kerosene, and heating oil during the summer months; and
  • (2) to promote the use of budget contracts, price cap contracts, fixed-price contracts, and other advantageous financial arrangements,
• (c) In implementing this section, the Secretary shall give preference to States that contribute public funds or leverage private funds to develop State summer fill and fuel budgeting programs.
• (d) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
  • (1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; and
  • (2) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.