GARDINER — State officials say a new Maine law will give more protection to Mainer consumers who use pre-paid contracts for home heating oil.

Gov. Paul LePage says the new law requires oil dealers to register with the commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation by June 30 each year if they intend to offer pre-paid contracts for the following season. Dealers have to file another report with the commissioner by Oct. 31.

The law was passed in response to reports of oil dealers taking money from customers but then failing to supply fuel, leaving consumers without oil and without the money they prepaid.