Propane Council Approves 2019 Budget, Workforce Recruitment Pilot Among Funding Requests Approved

WASHINGTON (December 4, 2018) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), at its November meeting in Savannah, Ga., approved a $41.7 million budget for 2019 that will include safety and training programs, ongoing development of propane-fueled products, and a consumer education program that will be regionally focused, digitally dominant, and integrated across all market sectors, including residential and commercial.

The assessment rate of $0.005 per gallon of odorized propane is expected to generate $41 million in revenue in 2019. The budget includes $30.8 million for program activities.

In a move designed to help propane companies recruit drivers, technicians, and other sought-after employees, the Council approved a pilot program that will award grant funding for grassroots recruitment initiatives. Members of the PERC Advisory Committee’s Market Development & Outreach Working Group oversaw development of the project.

“Workforce recruitment and workforce development are high priorities for propane companies of all types and sizes,” PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins said. “We’re responding with volunteer-led programs that involve national, regional, and state propane organizations in efforts to find the young drivers and technicians that our industry needs.” He added that the newly approved pilot program joins another PERC initiative, approved in July, that will develop resources that propane companies can use in their recruitment programs.

In other Council business the Council approved a slate of outreach programs aimed at driving adoption of propane-fueled equipment in the residential, commercial, autogas, outdoor power equipment, and forklift markets.

The Council approved the 2019 partnership agreement with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the GPA Midstream Association. The agreement helps the Council fulfill its statutory obligation to coordinate its activities with industry organizations.

The Council approved the following funding requests:

Docket 21769 — National Builder Incentive Program — $1.2 million

Docket 21768 — 2019 Agriculture Outreach — $950,000

Docket 21765 — 2019 Autogas Market Outreach — $1.2 million

Docket 21763 — 2019 Material Handling Market Outreach Program — $980,000

Docket 21764 — 2019 Outdoor Power Equipment Market Outreach — $1.2 million

Docket 21770 — 2019 Residential & Commercial Market Outreach —$2.82 million

Docket 21663 — Residential Gas Heat Pump Water Heater — $200,000

Docket 21761 — Briggs & Stratton/PPS Propane EFI Engine Development Program — $90,000

Docket 21670 — 2019 Mower Incentive Program — $375,000

Docket 21752 — John Deere Gator TX Propane Development (Phase 2) — $90,000

Docket 21740 — 2019 Workforce Recruitment Pilot — $500,000

Docket 21792 — North Carolina Training and Education Center — $250,000

Docket 21723 — 2019 Industry Engagement — $505,500

Docket 21725 — 2019 Partnership with States — $1 million

There were 72 state rebate requests approved since the July 2018 Council Meeting report. Of the programs awarded, 23 requests included Partnership with States funds. The total amount of state rebate funds awarded was $2,687,800.10 with an additional $478,358.00 awarded in Partnership with States funding.

The Council will next meet February 13, 2019, by conference call.