January 19, 11

NEWS / Division of Consumer Affairs Conducts Unannounced Inspections of Home Heating Oil Delivery Trucks

NEWARK – The Office of Weights and Measures within the State Division of Consumer Affairs today conducted unannounced inspections of home heating oil delivery trucks near two fueling depots, with some trucks placed out of service because of serious violations found during the inspections.

The inspections took place along Doremus Avenue in Newark and at Duck Island in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.

Of the 12 trucks inspected in Newark, two were found to be dispensing less fuel than represented. One truck had an incorrect reading on its register display. These three trucks were condemned, meaning red tags were placed on the pumps and no deliveries can be made until the violations are corrected and the trucks re-inspected and recertified as fit for use. No violations were found among the 16 trucks inspected at Duck Island.

“Every drop of home heating oil matters, especially when prices are well over $3 a gallon and winter is far from over,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Homeowners are paying the highest prices since 2008 for home heating oil and any shortchanging of consumers will not be tolerated.”

The Office of Weights and Measures annually inspects and certifies all commercial weighing and measuring devices, including the dispensing pumps on oil delivery trucks. The seals on the dispensing meters were inspected today, as broken seals may indicate tampering has occurred. The receipt tickets for the last home delivery also was reviewed and checked against the information on each truck’s meter.

Consumers must receive a delivery ticket when home heating oil is received. The delivery ticket must include the date of the delivery, the number of gallons delivered, the per-gallon price, and the total price.

Consumers can report suspected problems related to home heating oil deliveries to the State Office of Weights and Measures by filling out a complaint form located at www.nj.gov/oag/ca/complaint/ocp.pdf or by calling the Office at 732-815-4840.
Contact information for county and municipal Weights and Measures offices can be found online at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/weights/county.htm .

http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases11/pr20110119a.html