Northern Adirondack Pellet is also supplying pellets for sale by the bag at Ukie's on Irish Settlement Road.

Wood pellets are made by compressing sawdust waste created in woodworking processes. That means the wood has already been kiln-dried, which helps it burn better.

Bouvier said he offers pellets from three manufacturers, both hardwood and softwood pellets, which allows customers to try each type to find one they prefer.

Mr. Bouvier said he works at New York State Electric and Gas, so the wood-pellet business is essentially a second job. The goal is to make sure the customer is always happy.

People have called late in the night when they have exhausted their supply and can't find anyplace open.

"I'll come down and help them out," Mr. Bouvier said.

Mr. Bouvier said his daughter, Natalie, helped him build a small office that includes a small heater, television and refrigerator so she can come down while he helps customers.

"She likes coming down here," he said.

Mrs. Bouvier said that as a stay-at-home mom, she's always around during the day to take orders. They have some friends who can help customers load their orders when he's at work.

"I don't do forklifts," she said.

dheath@pressrepublican.com