Raleigh Homeowner Avoids Propane Shortage After Troubleshooter Intervenes

AmeriGas resolves delivery delays that left David McCool's tank at just 8% capacity during a cold snap.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:15pm

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David McCool, a Raleigh homeowner, was facing a potential propane shortage after promised delivery dates from his provider AmeriGas came and went without a refill. McCool's propane tank had dropped to just 8% capacity, leaving him worried about losing heat for his two furnaces. After reaching out to the local Troubleshooter team, AmeriGas was able to expedite a delivery the same evening, providing McCool with relief just in time.

Why it matters

Propane delivery delays can pose serious risks for homeowners, especially during periods of extreme cold weather when furnaces and other heating appliances are running constantly. This case highlights the importance of reliable propane providers maintaining timely service, as well as the value of local media Troubleshooter teams in resolving consumer issues.

The details

McCool, who is on a pre-buy program and automatic delivery with AmeriGas, said he was surprised to see his tank level drop to 16% after promised delivery dates of January 26 to February 2 came and went without a refill. When the February 10 delivery also failed to materialize, leaving his tank at just 8% capacity, McCool grew increasingly concerned about losing heat for his home. After initial promises of expedited service, AmeriGas later told McCool they would not be able to prioritize his delivery, prompting him to reach out to the local Troubleshooter team for assistance.

  • On January 26 to February 2, McCool was scheduled for a propane delivery that did not occur.
  • On February 10, another scheduled delivery failed to materialize.
  • On the evening that the Troubleshooter team intervened, a propane truck arrived at McCool's home to refill his tank.

The players

David McCool

A Raleigh homeowner who was facing a potential propane shortage after missed delivery dates from his provider AmeriGas.

AmeriGas

The propane provider that supplies McCool's home and initially failed to make scheduled deliveries, before expediting service after the Troubleshooter team intervened.

Diane Wilson

The Troubleshooter reporter who reached out to AmeriGas on McCool's behalf, leading to a quick resolution of the delivery delays.

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What they’re saying

“You ever see the movie where the guy is trying to defuse the bomb, and the counter is going down? That's how I felt. I'm going to lose all those appliances.”

— David McCool

“That evening, the truck was in the driveway, and I was just like, I can't believe this. I fought for two weeks with these people; you got it done in a few hours, you defused the bomb.”

— David McCool

What’s next

AmeriGas has said it will continue to monitor the situation and work to ensure timely deliveries for all customers, especially during periods of extreme weather that can strain supply chains.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of reliable propane providers maintaining consistent service, as well as the value of local media Troubleshooter teams in helping consumers resolve delivery issues that could otherwise leave them without heat during the winter months.