January is the coldest, most demanding month of the heating season. It's also the time of year when propane tanks run low fastest — and when a runout can go from inconvenient to dangerous in a hurry. Here's what Tri-County Co-op customers need to know to stay warm and stay safe through the rest of winter.
The single most important habit for any propane customer is simple: never let your tank drop below 20%. That's not just a guideline — it's a safety threshold.
When a tank runs completely empty, air and moisture enter the lines. Before any appliance can be used again, a certified technician must inspect the entire system and re-light every appliance. That's a service call in the middle of winter, often during the busiest time of year for our delivery team. The 20% rule exists to keep you warm and keep that from happening.
Tri-County Co-op offers two delivery options, and understanding the difference can save you a lot of stress this winter.
With automatic delivery, we track your usage history and local weather data to estimate when you'll need propane and schedule delivery before you run low. You don't have to monitor your gauge or make a call — we handle it. This is the best option for customers who use propane as their primary heat source.
With will-call delivery, you monitor your own gauge and contact us when you're ready for a fill. This works well for customers with lower usage or secondary heating systems, but it puts the responsibility on you to call early enough. In January, that means calling at 30% — not 20%.
If you're not sure which program you're enrolled in, give us a call. We're happy to review your account and recommend the best fit for your situation.
One thing that surprises many customers: propane contracts in extreme cold, which means your gauge may read lower than the actual amount of fuel in the tank. If you're seeing an unusually low reading during a cold snap, don't panic — but do call us. We can help you determine whether you need a delivery or whether the reading will normalize as temperatures rise.
The flip side of this is just as important: don't assume your gauge is wrong and wait it out. When in doubt, call.
If your heat goes out and you suspect you've run out of propane, here's what to do:
Our drivers work hard to reach every customer, but there are a few things you can do to make deliveries faster and safer during winter weather:
January can be tough, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Tri-County Co-op has been keeping rural homes, farms, and businesses warm for years, and our team knows what it takes to deliver reliably in western Minnesota winters. If you have questions about your account, your delivery schedule, or your propane system, we're just a phone call away.
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Applications & uses
Furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, cooking, and backup generators. Automatic delivery scheduling available.
Grain dryers, irrigation engines, livestock building heat, and portable farm equipment. Bulk delivery, competitive ag pricing.
Forklifts, generators, fleet vehicles, laundry & food service. High-volume contracts and dedicated account management.
Grills, fire pits, patio heaters, and portable cylinders. Cylinder exchange available in-store — no delivery needed.
Delivery programs
We track your usage and schedule delivery before you run low. No calls, no worrying, no running out. Best for primary home heating.
You monitor your gauge and call when ready. Order at 20–30%. Typical 2–3 business day turnaround. Emergency same-day available.
Large-volume for grain dryers, livestock buildings, and farm equipment. Harvest-season priority scheduling. Ag-specific pricing.
New customer?
We work with licensed installers to get your tank set up. Call (320) 555-0197 and we’ll walk you through the process.
Safety guide
Propane has an added odorant (ethyl mercaptan) — it smells like rotten eggs or a skunk. Listen for hissing near appliances or the tank. Look for dead or discolored vegetation near buried lines. Frost on the outside of your tank can also indicate a problem.
Put out all flames immediately. Do NOT touch any electrical switches. Leave the building and leave the door open. Turn off the main valve on your tank if safe to do so. Call us and 911 from outside or a neighbor’s phone. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency responders.
Never let your tank drop below 20% in winter. Keep snow and ice clear from tank vents, regulators, and lines. Do not use a heat gun or open flame to thaw frozen regulators — call us instead. Note: propane contracts in extreme cold, so your gauge may read lower than expected.
When a tank empties fully, air and moisture enter the lines. All appliances must be inspected and re-lit by a certified technician before use — this is a safety code requirement, not optional. Call us immediately at (320) 555-0197. We’ll deliver and send a technician for the re-light.
Have all propane appliances inspected by a licensed technician every year. Check that burner flames are steady blue — not orange or yellow. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Never attempt DIY repairs on gas lines or appliances.
Pricing programs
Propane prices fluctuate seasonally — rising in fall as winter demand builds. We offer programs to protect your budget.
Limited time
Pre-buy propane & lock in this season’s price before winter
Pricing varies by volume, delivery location, and program. Call us for a current quote — we’ll find the program that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Call when your tank gauge hits 20–30%. In winter, deliveries can take 2–3 business days, so don’t wait until it’s below 10%. Automatic delivery customers don’t need to monitor this — we handle it.
It depends on your original installation. Leased tanks are tied to a specific supplier. Owned tanks can be filled by any provider, including us. Check your installation paperwork, or call us at (320) 555-0197 — we’ll help you find out.
Yes, if you own your tank outright. We cannot fill tanks leased from another provider as those remain their property. Call ahead to confirm before scheduling your first delivery with us.
Residential deliveries typically have a 100-gallon minimum. For smaller tanks or unusual situations, call us — especially for first-time customers or emergency fills where we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We use your usage history and weather data to estimate when you’ll need propane and schedule delivery proactively. You’ll receive a notification before we arrive. No calls or monitoring required on your end.
Residential tanks from 100 to 1,000 gallons, agricultural bulk tanks, and commercial tanks of various sizes. We also sell portable 20 lb, 33 lb, and 100 lb cylinders at our C-store location.
Request delivery
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to confirm your delivery. Need it sooner? Call our propane line directly.
Or call our propane scheduling line: (320) 555-0197 · Available Mon–Fri 7am–6pm · 24/7 for emergencies
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Looking for an affordable, reliable energy source? Propane is a clean-burning fuel ideal for heating, cooking, hot water, and backup power—perfect for rural homes, farms, and small businesses.
💡 Why Choose Propane?
Lower emissions than oil or gasoline
Highly efficient energy source
Works during power outages
Safe and versatile—use it indoors and out!
🚚 We Deliver – In Bulk!
As a member of our oil co-op, you get competitive pricing on bulk propane deliveries—straight to your tank, when you need it. No middlemen, no hassle.
👥 Member-Owned, Community-Focused
Your energy dollars stay local, supporting neighbors and building energy independence for our region.
Cenex lubricants deliver superior protection and performance for engines and equipment. Formulated with advanced additives, they help reduce wear and extend equipment life.
Tri County Co-op has DEF available at the pump for quick, convenient access. Save time and stay compliant by filling up your diesel equipment or vehicles right here.
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