Unhappy with your propane company? Maybe the prices keep creeping up, new fees keep showing up on your bill, deliveries show up late, or you can’t get a real person on the phone. Whatever the reason, you’re not stuck. Switching propane companies in South Carolina is easier than most people think, and a good new supplier will handle most of the work for you.
The one thing that decides how your switch goes is simple: who owns your propane tank? Here’s a plain-language guide to switching, whether you own your tank or lease it.
Find Out Who Owns Your Tank
Most homeowners in South Carolina lease their tank from their propane company. Some own it outright. If you’re not sure which you have, check:
- Your paperwork. A lease or service agreement means the company owns the tank. A bill of sale means you do.
- The tank itself. Many leased tanks carry the company’s name, logo or a tag with an ID number.
- Your bills. An annual “tank rental” or “lease” fee is a sure sign the tank isn’t yours.
- Your current supplier. When in doubt, call and ask.
Owned vs. Leased Tanks at a Glance
| Leased tank | Customer-owned tank | |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns it | Your current propane company | You |
| Who can fill it | Only the company that owns it | Any licensed supplier you choose |
| What happens when you switch | Your new company sets a new tank, and the old company picks up theirs | The tank stays. Your new company inspects it before the first fill |
| Who handles maintenance | The tank owner | You, with help from your supplier |
| Things to check before switching | Leftover propane, removal fees, contract terms | Proof of ownership, tank condition |
If You Lease Your Tank
A leased tank belongs to your current propane company, and only that company can fill it. Another propane company can’t fill a tank owned by a different company. That means you can’t simply call a new supplier to fill the tank in your yard. Instead, the new company brings its own tank, and your old company comes to pick up theirs.
Before you switch, read your lease agreement and look for:
- Leftover propane. Ask whether you’ll get a refund or credit for gas still in the tank. Some companies refund it, some charge to pump it out, and some keep it.
- Removal or pump-out fees. Some suppliers charge to disconnect and haul away their tank.
- Contract terms. Look for early termination fees, minimum yearly usage requirements or a required notice period.
- Fees on your bill. Look closely at your last few bills. Some companies add hazmat fees, delivery fees or fuel surcharges on top of the price of propane.
- Your account balance. Pay any open balance so the account closes cleanly.
Timing matters. Keep enough propane in your old tank until the new one is set and filled, so you’re never without heat or hot water.
If You Own Your Tank
If the tank is yours, you have the most freedom. You can choose any licensed propane supplier, and there’s usually no need to replace the tank.
Have your bill of sale or other proof of ownership ready. Before the first delivery, your new supplier will inspect the tank, regulator and connections to make sure everything is safe and up to code. If something needs repair or replacement, they’ll tell you before they fill it.
At Edisto Gas, we fill customer-owned tanks, and we do the safety inspection at no charge.
Ready to switch to Edisto Gas? Check our service area, then sign up online or call us at 1-800-892-3016.
Safety First: The Leak Check
Any time a new company starts service, or gas service has been interrupted, industry safety standards call for a leak check on your system before the gas is turned back on. This protects your family and your home. A trained technician tests your lines and checks your appliances, so plan to have someone home for the first visit. For more tips, see our propane safety page.
Two safety reminders while you switch:
- Never disconnect or move a propane tank yourself. Leave that to a licensed professional.
- Don’t let your tank run empty. Running out can let air and moisture into the system and means another leak check before service is restored.
What Edisto Gas Handles for New Customers
When you switch to Edisto Gas, we take care of the heavy lifting:
- No hazmat fees, delivery fees or fuel surcharges. You pay for your propane, without those add-on charges.
- Tank sizing. Our residential tanks range from 120 to 500 gallons. We’ll help you pick the right size for how you use propane.
- Tank delivery and setup. We deliver and set your new tank and connect it to your home’s gas line.
- Free safety inspection. A trained technician inspects your system and performs the leak check before we turn on the gas, at no charge.
- Own your tank? We’ll inspect it and fill it. No need to replace it.
- Your first fill. We fill your tank so you’re ready to go.
- We coordinate the switch. We work with your old propane company on timing and tank pickup, so you stay in gas the whole time.
- Delivery your way. Choose automatic delivery, and we’ll keep track of your propane for you, or call when you need gas.
- Easy online account. Manage your account, pay bills and request deliveries in MyFuelPortal.
- Remote tank monitoring. Add Edisto TankConnect to check your tank level from your phone.
Your Switching Checklist
- Find out whether you own or lease your tank.
- Read your current lease or service agreement for fees and notice requirements.
- Sign up with your new propane company.
- Schedule your new tank setup (or the inspection of your owned tank) and leak check.
- Tell your old company you’re leaving, and ask about leftover propane and tank pickup.
- Pay any final balance and keep copies of your paperwork.
Switching Propane Companies: FAQs
Can another company fill my leased propane tank?
No. A leased tank belongs to your current supplier, and another propane company can’t fill a tank it doesn’t own. When you switch, your new company sets its own tank.
Will I get money back for propane left in my old tank?
It depends on your old company’s policy. Some refund or credit leftover gas, and some charge a pump-out fee. Check your lease or call them before you switch.
How long does it take to switch?
It depends on tank availability, scheduling and the time of year. Switching in spring or summer is usually fastest, since it’s a slower season for deliveries.
Does Edisto Gas charge hazmat fees, delivery fees or fuel surcharges?
No. You won’t see hazmat fees, delivery fees or fuel surcharges on your Edisto Gas bill.
Do I have to be home when the new tank is set?
Plan to be home for the leak check. The technician needs to get into your home to check your appliances before turning on the gas.
Is it safe to switch in the middle of winter?
Yes. Just plan ahead so your old tank doesn’t run low before the new one is ready.
Ready to Switch? Make the Move to Edisto Gas
Edisto Gas has delivered propane since 1949, and it’s still owned and run by the Keenan family, now in its fifth generation. No Wall Street investors, no out-of-state owners. Just local people who answer to their customers. If you’re ready for a propane company that skips the hazmat fees, delivery fees and fuel surcharges and treats you like a neighbor, we’d love to have you.
Carolina Owned. Not Wall Street.