RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Weeks of freezing temperatures kept propane companies busy trying to meet demand while some customers were left in the cold. This winter, propane providers say changes are being made to keep customers warm. Dozens of Superior Plus Propane customers contacted 8News last wint er saying they were at risk of running out of propane or had already run dry because their order wasn't delivered. Robert Leibowitz, a Middlesex resident, is one of them. “You can't sleep at night because you don't know if you'll have heat during the night or in the morning," Leibowitz said. 8News sat down with Leibowitz and his neighbor Mike Miller in February. At the time, they said they had used propane to heat their home for years. For years, their provider was Quarles Fuel, but it was bought by Superior Plus Propane in June 2022, according to the company's website. When ownership changed, they claimed their quality of service changed too. (8News)(8News)(8News) Miller and Leibowitz, along with dozens of customers in Virginia and six other states, contacted 8News saying they experienced delayed deliveries or no delivery at all. “When you're in a business that you're supplying energy, heat to people in the wintertime, you just can't fail," Miller said. In some cases, customers reported not receiving the full order they paid for, forcing them to eventually make an order for an emergency fill. That happened to Bentonville resident Kelly Smith, who said it was "very scary." In February, a Superior Plus Propane spokesperson told 8News that "extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and difficult road conditions can delay or limit deliveries. We are actively working to address emergency needs, and our drivers are working hard to complete deliveries as safely and efficiently as possible." Eight months have passed, and as customers prepare for another winter, 8News followed up with the company to see what changes have been made to keep customers warm. A spokesperson sent the following statement. "Last winter, prolonged periods of extreme cold in some markets drove significantly higher propane demand and customer consumption. Our local teams adjusted delivery plans as conditions changed, prioritized customers based on need, and worked to recover affected deliveries as quickly and safely as possible. We also brought in additional drivers and trucks from other regions to support areas experiencing higher demand. Customers told us that earlier deliveries and clear communication about delivery timing were especially important, and we have incorporated that feedback. Since last winter, we’ve enhanced our delivery operations by adding drivers and trucks where needed and refining our forecasting and planning. We have also improved customer communications with new online tools that provide visibility into customer accounts and deliveries. In addition, we have increased proactive customer outreach ahead of and during the heating season. Our goal is to anticipate our customers’ needs earlier, communicate more clearly, and provide safe, reliable propane service throughout the winter." Superior Plus Propane is one of several propane companies to experience delivery issues last winter. Suburban Propane did as well, and this winter it said, "We continuously review our operations and make adjustments as needed to support our customers throughout the heating season, and throughout the year." The company is asking customers to plan ahead, keep an eye on propane levels and reach out to Suburban Propane with any service or delivery questions. According to the company, keeping driveways, walkways and private roads clear and well maintained will help with the delivery process. ...read more read less