# § 6283. Summer fill and fuel budgeting programs
**(a)** **Definitions** In this section:
**(1)** **Budget contract** The term “budget contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the heating expenses of the consumer are spread evenly over a period of months.
**(2)** **Fixed-price contract** The term “fixed-price contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer a set price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil without regard to market price fluctuations.
**(3)** **Price cap contract** The term “price cap contract” means a contract between a retailer and a consumer under which the retailer charges the consumer the market price for propane, kerosene, or heating oil, but the cost of the propane, kerosene, or heating oil may exceed a maximum amount stated in the contract.
**(b)** **Assistance** At the request of the chief executive officer of a State, the Secretary shall provide information, technical assistance, and funding—
to avoid severe seasonal price increases for and supply shortages of those products.
**(1)** to develop education and outreach programs to encourage consumers to fill their storage facilities for propane, kerosene, and heating oil during the summer months; and
**(2)** to promote the use of budget contracts, price cap contracts, fixed-price contracts, and other advantageous financial arrangements,
**(c)** **Preference** In implementing this section, the Secretary shall give preference to States that contribute public funds or leverage private funds to develop State summer fill and fuel budgeting programs.
**(d)** **Authorization of appropriations** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
**(1)** $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; and
**(2)** such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.
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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 94–163, title II, § 273, as added Pub. L. 106–469, title VI, § 602(a), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2040; amended Pub. L. 109–58, title III, § 301(b)(2), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 683.)
## Editorial Notes
### Amendments
2005—Subsec. (e). struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “ does not apply to this section.”