The ongoing extended period of lower oil prices, while a benefit to consumers, also triggers energy-security concerns by heightening reliance on just a small number of low-cost producers, notes the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) in its flagship 2015 World Energy Outlook released Nov. 10. Another risk is a sharp price rebound if energy investment falls short. However, the report finds that the plunge in oil prices has set in motion forces that can lead the market to rebalance through higher demand and lower supply growth, although those adjustment mechanisms rarely provide a smooth transition. “It would be a grave mistake to index our attention to energy security to changes in the oil price,” said Fatih Birol, IEA executive director. “Now is not the time...

The state propane gas associations continued advocating for members in 2015, working in areas such as increasing membership, preventing natural gas expansion, enacting state propane education and research councils, and offering training courses to members. The association presidents — primarily propane marketers — help to lead those efforts. All of the state association presidents, chairs, and executive directors featured in this article expressed pride in the quality of services they offer to propane marketers, which also include providing a voice on state legislation, overseeing special events and conventions, and holding back on over-regulation. Many state propane gas association representatives sent BPN brief write-ups covering their accomplishments and top issues on their agendas. These write-ups follow: GeorgiaJenni McKeen, executive director of the Georgia Propane Gas Association, reports: “The year...