Matheson Gas is a propane and compressed gas supplier, not a utility company
Matheson Gas is a wholesale and retail distributor of propane, oxygen, nitrogen, acetylene, and other industrial and specialty gases. The company does not operate as a regulated utility — it does not own the pipelines or infrastructure that deliver gas to your home. Instead, Matheson sells gas in bulk to businesses, farms, construction sites, and some residential customers who use propane for heating, cooking, or hot water.
If you are looking for natural gas service to your home (the gas that comes through underground pipes), Matheson is not the provider you need. Natural gas is supplied by regulated utilities in your area, and you cannot choose your supplier — your location determines which utility serves you. Matheson operates in the propane market, which works differently: you can choose your propane supplier, and the gas is delivered by truck to a tank on your property.
Matheson operates in multiple states and serves customers across the United States, though not every region has a Matheson location. The company is part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which also owns other gas and utility operations.
Key Takeaways
- Matheson Gas sells propane and industrial gases, not natural gas delivered through utility lines.
- Propane service requires a tank on your property and delivery by truck, and you can choose your supplier.
- Matheson serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers, but availability depends on your location.
- Propane pricing is not regulated like natural gas, so rates vary by supplier and can change based on market conditions.
- You will need to contact your local Matheson location directly to learn whether they serve your address and what their current rates are.
How propane delivery and billing work with Matheson
If Matheson serves your area and you choose them as your propane supplier, the company will install or connect to a propane tank at your home. The tank is usually located outside and holds the propane that powers your heating system, water heater, stove, or other appliances. Matheson does not own the tank in most cases — you either own it, rent it from Matheson, or rent it from a third party.
Matheson monitors your tank level and schedules deliveries before you run out. You pay for the propane itself (measured in gallons) plus any delivery fees and tank rental if applicable. Billing is typically monthly, and your bill shows the number of gallons delivered, the price per gallon, and any additional charges. Unlike natural gas utilities, propane prices are not regulated, so Matheson sets its own rates. These rates can vary from one location to another and may change based on wholesale propane costs.
Some customers choose automatic delivery, where Matheson delivers propane on a schedule based on your usage history. Others use on-demand delivery, where you call or request a delivery when your tank is low. Automatic delivery sometimes offers a lower per-gallon price because it is more predictable for the company.
What to do if you want propane service from Matheson
Start by contacting the Matheson Gas location nearest to your address. You can find local branches through the Matheson website or by calling their main customer service line. Tell them your address and ask whether they deliver propane to your area — not all regions have Matheson service.
If they do serve your location, ask for their current propane rates, delivery fees, and any tank rental costs. Ask whether they require a contract and, if so, what the terms are — some suppliers lock you into a price for a set period, while others allow you to switch at any time. Ask about their automatic delivery option and whether it offers a discount.
If you already have a propane tank and appliances set up, Matheson can often connect to your existing system. If you are starting from scratch, Matheson can help you understand what tank size you need based on your home's size and heating needs, though you may need to hire a licensed contractor to install appliances or modify your system.
Comparing Matheson to other propane suppliers
Propane is a competitive market in most areas, meaning you have choices. Other large national propane suppliers include Ferrellgas, Amerigas, and Suburban Propane. Many regions also have smaller local propane companies. Because propane pricing is not regulated, rates can differ significantly from one supplier to another — sometimes by 50 cents per gallon or more.
When comparing suppliers, look at the total cost, not just the per-gallon price. A supplier with a lower price per gallon might charge higher delivery fees or require tank rental, while another might bundle these costs differently. Ask each supplier for a written quote that includes the price per gallon, delivery fee, tank rental (if any), and any contract terms. Get quotes from at least two or three suppliers before deciding.
Also ask about customer service: how do you request a delivery, how quickly do they respond, and what happens if you run out of propane on a weekend or holiday? Some suppliers offer 24/7 emergency delivery, while others do not.
Understanding propane tank ownership and rental
The propane tank itself is separate from the gas inside it. You have three options: own the tank outright, rent it from your propane supplier, or rent it from a third-party tank company. Each option has trade-offs.
If you own the tank, you pay for it upfront (typically $300 to $800 depending on size) but you own it permanently and can switch suppliers without leaving the tank behind. If you rent from Matheson, you pay a monthly rental fee (usually $10 to $20) but you do not have to buy the tank. If you rent from a third party, you have more flexibility to switch propane suppliers, but you are paying two separate entities.
When you stop using propane service, the tank ownership matters. If you own it, you keep it or sell it. If you rent from Matheson, you return it and stop paying the rental fee. If you rent from a third party, you return it to that company. Ask Matheson about their tank policy before you sign up — some suppliers make it straightforward to switch, while others make it harder.
What happens if Matheson does not serve your area
If Matheson does not deliver to your address, you will need to find another propane supplier. Use an online propane locator tool or search "propane delivery near me" to find companies in your region. Call at least two or three and ask for quotes. The process is the same: provide your address, ask about rates and fees, and compare the total cost.
If you live in a rural area or a region with limited propane service, you may have fewer choices and potentially higher prices. In some cases, you might consider switching to a different heating fuel altogether — natural gas (if available), heating oil, or electric heat — though this usually requires installing new appliances and is a larger expense than switching propane suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matheson Gas the same as my natural gas utility?
No. Matheson sells propane, which is delivered by truck to a tank at your home. Natural gas comes through underground pipes and is supplied by a regulated utility company. If you have natural gas service, your utility is determined by your location and you cannot choose a different supplier. If you use propane, you can choose your supplier.
Can I switch from Matheson to another propane company?
Yes, propane is a competitive market and you can switch suppliers. If you own your tank, you can take it with you. If you rent from Matheson, you return the tank and stop paying the rental fee. Contact your new supplier and ask them to connect to your existing tank or install a new one. There is usually no penalty for switching, though check your contract with Matheson first.
Why does propane cost more in winter?
Propane prices are based on wholesale market costs, which rise in winter because demand increases — many people heat their homes with propane. Prices also fluctuate based on crude oil prices and supply. Unlike natural gas utilities, propane suppliers are not required to keep prices stable, so you may see your per-gallon rate change from month to month.
What if I run out of propane?
If your tank runs completely empty, your propane appliances will stop working. Call Matheson or your supplier for an emergency delivery. Some suppliers offer 24/7 emergency service, while others may take longer. To avoid this, use automatic delivery or check your tank level regularly and request a delivery before it gets too low.
Do I need a contract with Matheson?
It depends on the location and the service plan you choose. Some Matheson locations require a contract, while others do not. Ask about contract terms before you sign up — specifically, how long the contract lasts, whether there is an early termination fee, and whether the price is locked in or can change. Compare contract terms across suppliers when getting quotes.