Joined a biodiesel coop today

[hheynow]

I joined a local biodiesel coop today that sells B-100 (ASTM standards) only to its members. Now I have it available near my home 24/7. The pump house is fairly crude. Combo lock. Plug in the pump. Honor system for payment. Calulator on site to figure your cost. I'm officially off of the big oil grid for good.

 

[Crumm]

What kind of price?

 

[hheynow]

For working members $3.50/gal (that's me). Non-working members $3.75/gal. BUT, #2 is selling for $3.29 locally and rising daily. I expect by next month B-100 will be cheaper at the coop. My reasons for joining are numerous. No noxious fumes, off of the big oil grid, higher cetane, benefits the local economy and better lubricity. Soon they'll start phasing in the new low sulfur #2 which will need some additives. I expect by that time many more will be using biodiesel.

 

[Crumm]

For working members $3.50/gal (that's me). Non-working members $3.75/gal. BUT, #2 is selling for $3.29 locally and rising daily.

OUCH. #2 is about $2.60 here. October of 2005 it hit $2.90 but that is as high as we have been so far. Will be interesting to see if Bio prices rise with the rest?

 

[bushpilot]

So how many members ?
How much is the "club" fee (in price or labor required) ?
Is there a limit per member/consumption ?
how much are they making per day ?
how much is STORED/READY for use ?

 

[powerboatr]

So how many members ?
How much is the "club" fee (in price or labor required) ?
Is there a limit per member/consumption ?
how much are they making per day ?
how much is STORED/READY for use ?

AND
can we get it delivered out here

 

[DaveBen]

Most of the BD sellers require a membership into some sort of a coop as the fuel is considered *developmental* and they want you to be aware of the warranty implications. I had to join the Western States Bio Diesel group when I bought fuel. No restrictions that I could tell.

Dave

 

[JOAT]

The signing up requirement is a recent thing the California lawmakers passed. Used to be you could get B100, then B99, at western states no hassle. I missed the details but apparently the state decided stations selling higher than B20 would have to get a waiver and also have anyone purchasing it register so they could "track" any problems arising.

Biofuel Oasis in berkeley has a blurb on it, reprinted below;

Legal Status in California [back to top]

The first time you purchase fuel from us you'll be asked to sign a service agreement and provide information on the make and model of your car. We'll also request your contact information and that you inform us if you suspect a mechanical problem caused by biodiesel. Here's why:


On August 19, 2004, the CA Division of Measurement Standards bowed to the pressure from the petroleum industry and prohibited the sale of fuel containing more than 20% biodiesel to the public. The ASTM standard for biodiesel is titled "ASTM D6751 - Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock," meaning that it is to be used in some blend with diesel #2. The "blend" language in the standard forces DMS was to regulate the sale of B100 and high percentage blends as non-standardized fuel.


Yokayo Biofuels, Biofuel Station, and BioFuel Oasis have been granted a waiver by DMS that allows us to sell B100 as a fuel on the condition that we file quarterly reports on the vehicle types, amount of fuel used, and any fuel-related problems. We assign each customer a number for use in reports to the state. No personal information is included. You will receive a card with your number that will need to be shown in order to purchase fuel.

 

[hheynow]

So how many members ? 46 right now with a limit of 75. When they reach 75 they will get a second tank to handle the increased needs.

How much is the "club" fee (in price or labor required) ?$40/year dues to cover their insurance & petty cash fund for supplies and working members give 2 hours per week in labor.

Is there a limit per member/consumption ? 1,000 gal/year, but if you go over there is no penalty because many members drive fuel efficient vehicles ie TDIs & Mercs and use much less.

how much are they making per day ? They don't process it at the coop. They get it delivered, but it's ASTM quality

how much is STORED/READY for use ? 500 gal tank that gets refilled as needed

But the best news is that two board members drive '97 PSDs. I can pick their brains on B-100 in our '97s and they're fascinated by my mods and filters. A good symbiotic relationship.

 

[hheynow]

The first time you purchase fuel from us you'll be asked to sign a service agreement and provide information on the make and model of your car.

I signed a service agreement with Yokayo when I purchased from them last week. They are located a bit far from me for me to continue buying from them which is why I joined the local coop.

Yokayo Biofuels, Biofuel Station, and BioFuel Oasis have been granted a waiver by DMS that allows us to sell B100 as a fuel on the condition that we file quarterly reports on the vehicle types, amount of fuel used, and any fuel-related problems. We assign each customer a number for use in reports to the state. No personal information is included. You will receive a card with your number that will need to be shown in order to purchase fuel.

I have the card in my wallet should I need to buy from them again.