BOSTON -- If you're a Massachusetts homeowner with an oil heat system, you may be wondering about a new state law that could cost you hundreds of dollars.

It's designed to protect against system leaks and was supposed to take effect next week, but the Legislature has given concerned homeowners a reprieve.

"This law requires that residential property owners with heating oil tanks having a fuel supply line in direct contact with a floor surface to either enclose the fuel line with a continuous non-mental sleeve or install an oil safety valve on the fuel line," said homeowner Rosyln Scott, of Holliston.

Scott was surprised to get the letter last week that said she might have to upgrade her oil heating system at a cost of nearly $100 by next week.

"It's not a major issue. It's a safety issue, and I understand that but the time frame and the $99 --that's what really angered me," Scott said.

The letter is only partially true. There is a new state law pertaining to your oil heat system, but it doesn't take effect next week.

The law calls for leak prevention upgrades to make sure oil doesn't seep into the environment. Lines will have to be checked and, where necessary, emergency shut off valves installed. It was supposed to take effect July 1, but on Thursday night, the Legislature postponed implementation until September 2011.

"The reason the Legislature granted us that reprieve is because the regulations to support this law had not been completed until just recently," said Massachusetts Oil Heat Council President Mike Ferrante.

But what does take effect next week is another new state law, saying insurance companies must provide coverage for oil heat systems. To get that, you must have the system authorized by your dealer.

"A service call may be required," Ferrante said. "It may cost a customer some money, either an hourly wage, or a technical wage to send a technician out."

But again, get an inspection now only for insurance coverage otherwise you have 14 months.

Not all oil companies are charging a fee, so ask yours before making an appointment.