Corporate History

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Our journey began in September of 1984 when Ed Walker founded East River Oil in a little office on State Street in Guilford, CT. The following year, current President and CEO Don Herzog joined East River Oil, bringing a wealth of sales experience with commercial, governmental, and municipal entities to guide the company to the next level. East River Oil was then renamed East River Energy to more accurately represent our vast array of capabilities and products, including heating oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Herzog was integral in East River’s expansion and formidable presence across the State of Connecticut and throughout the Northeast.

Over the years, we added employees, drivers, and trucks to handle our rapid growth. Further, East River incorporated two other local area brands: Soundview Transportation (full-service transportation arm) and F&N Elpat pool water (one of the largest pool water dealers in the area). After outgrowing three different offices, East River Energy now resides at 401 Soundview Road in Guilford, CT on 4.5 acres of land and occupies a 17,000-square-foot warehouse space accompanied by a 9,400-square-foot brick office building.

East River Energy has become a diversified and reliable energy supplier to homes and businesses throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, now licensed to operate in 13 states. The company owns and operates a proprietary fleet of approximately 50 vehicles and employs over 75 people. In 2013, we built 75,000 gallons of propane storage to support and foster our presence in the thriving propane industry.

Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

East River Energy would like to remind residents of the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the home.

While there are many different brands of smoke alarms for sale, they are of two basic types: ionization or photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast-moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. Some units on the market combine both technologies and are called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms can be purchased locally at a variety of stores. Some are intended to be "hard wired" into the electrical system in the house (a qualified electrician should do this work). Some units are battery powered, requiring only a screwdriver for installation. The manufacturer's instructions for installation should be followed carefully. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and if they have batteries, those should be replaced annually.

Smoke alarms should be located on every level of your home, including the basement. For extra safety you may want to install alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless toxic gas that comes from gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, space heaters and cars.

The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the "flu" but without the usual fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. A victim's skin may appear red in color. Because it cannot be smelled, seen or tasted, it can kill people before they know it is present in their dwelling.

It is recommended that a CO alarm with an audible warning signal be installed near the sleeping areas of your home and outside of individual bedrooms. Buy an alarm that has been tested by a nationally recognized testing lab such as Underwriters' Laboratories (UL). Follow the manufactures instructions for installation and testing.

A few simple precautions can also reduce the chance of accidental exposure to CO:

  • Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, chimneys and venting systems in your home at least once a year.
  • Never use your oven or range to heat you home, and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi inside your house or garage.
  • Never keep a car running in your garage, even with the garage doors open.
  • If your running a portable generator it should be OUTSIDE away from the house to prevent CO from entering your residence.

"The growth of our company is a true testament to the valued customers we’ve served and the strong relationships we’ve made over more than 30 years. We thank you for being our ENERGY PARTNER."