IDEAL Energy Cooperative launches Fuel-Local consumer awareness campaign

September 28, 2026 By Mason Kopy 0 Comments

IDEAL Energy Cooperative has launched Fuel-Local, a consumer awareness initiative meant to connect homeowners and businesses with locally owned fuel delivery, HVAC and home energy service providers.

The campaign comes as the Northeast enters its highest energy-use period of the year. More than 5 million households in the region use heating oil or propane as their primary heating fuel, with some states relying heavily on those sources. IDEAL says the initiative is intended to educate consumers about independent energy providers whose owners and employees live and work in the communities they serve.

“Fuel-Local is about recognizing the people running the businesses that keep our homes and businesses warm and running around the clock,” says Kris Magnusson, founder and general manager of IDEAL Energy Cooperative. “When consumers choose local propane, distillate, bio-fuel and gasoline for heating and transportation, they’re supporting those who care most about them in their community.”

D.F. Richard Energy, which has served the New Hampshire and Maine seacoast for more than 90 years, is among the Fuel-Local member companies participating in the campaign. The company was named the Greater Dover, New Hampshire, Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business of the Year and won the 2025 Community’s Choice Award for propane, gas and oil provider.

“D.F. Richard has been serving families on the New Hampshire and Maine Seacoast for more than 90 years, and our commitment to this community goes well beyond fuel deliveries,” says Ryan Jackson, CEO of D.F. Richard and IDEAL’s board chair. “Fuel-Local puts a name to something we’ve always believed: when you call a local company, you’re calling a neighbor.”

Fuel-Local includes a network of more than 40 independent, privately held energy companies serving homeowners in more than 150 communities. The initiative provides resources and stories from member companies to inform consumers about local energy providers.

“Independent fuel dealers and HVAC companies do so much more than deliver energy,” says Magnusson. “They support the local ecosystem, sponsoring local nonprofits, youth sports, coordinating with first responders during emergencies, providing local jobs and keeping an eye on their neighbors.”

More information is available on the Fuel-Local website.

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