Rhoads Energy expands into Maryland through an acquisition

LANCASTER — In what the company calls a “natural progression,” Rhoads Energy is expanding its fuel delivery service into Maryland. The Lancaster-based Rhoads has completed the acquisition of Solanco Propane and Heating, which serves customers in southern Lancaster and Chester counties as well as Cecil County, Maryland.

Completion of the purchase of Solanco extends Rhoads Energy’s fuel delivery territory; and means that for the first time in its 106-year history, the company will serve customers in Maryland. Rhoads will also expand services to offer propane, heating oil, and diesel fuel to both commercial and residential customers throughout Cecil County, according to the company.

“We’re excited about bringing our flexible, customer-focused approach to Cecil County,” Michael DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy, said in a statement. “Our aim is to give homeowners in the area a better option for high-quality service at competitive prices.”

In a press release, Rhoads Energy said it plans to rebrand Solanco immediately, so that customers know they will be getting a “new experience and improved service.” Customers of Solanco will also gain immediate access to Rhoads Energy’s enhanced customer services, including online account access, automatic delivery, automatic payments, budget billing, and text notifications.

Jennifer Goldbach, a long-time Rhoads Energy employee, will lead the customer acquisition effort in the new service area. She has worked and volunteered in Cecil County for more than two decades, and relocated to the area in 2020. The company said.

Rhoads Energy was founded in 1917 in Quarryville in southern Lancaster County, making the move into Cecil County a natural step, the company said. According to the company many Cecil County businesses and homeowners may already be familiar with the Rhoads Energy brand.

Rhoads Energy offers a wide range of services:  fuel delivery, fleet fueling, and more, across a Pennsylvania service territory that covers a portion of southcentral Pennsylvania, including Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. The company has grown over the last 20 years — both organically and through a series of acquisitions.

Source: Berkshire mont