(October 18, 2019) — The Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects that average expenditures for the major home heating fuels will decline for most households this winter compared to last year, owing to warmer forecast temperatures across much of the country. The agency’s Winter Fuels Outlook notes, however, that changes in household heating expenditures vary significantly by both fuel choice and region. For the average household, EIA expects that both natural gas and electricity bills will decline by 1%, fueloil by 4%, and propane by a marked 15%. But in contrast to the national average, EIA forecasts that expenditures will increase for homes that heat with natural gas in the Midwest and South as a result of higher retail natural gas prices. And although the lower...

WASHINGTON (October 18, 2019) – The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has donated $5,000 to Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program as part of an in-booth promotion conducted during the 2019 GIE+EXPO week for contractors. PERC announced the amount after tallying the total number of entries to its in-booth trailer giveaway sweepstakes. On behalf of each contractor who entered the in-booth trailer giveaway sweepstakes, PERC donated $5 to the GreenCare for Troops program. “PERC is proud to support GreenCare for Troops, an organization that assists American service members and their families during deployment. Propane is an all-American fuel, and for many of the family-run, small businesses who make up much of the propane industry, supporting those who protect our nation is very important,” said...

(October 16, 2019) — A new economic impact study released by the Institute for Applied Economics for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp . (LAEDC) demonstrates the tremendous economic and fiscal impact California’s oil and gas industry has on the state’s economy. For the study, 2019 Report Oil and Gas in California: The Industry, Its Economic Contribution and User Industries at Risk , LAEDC analyzed extraction, production, refining, and petroleum products manufacturing, finding that industry activity generated $152.3 billion in total economic output, making up 2.1% of California’s overall gross state product in 2017. The oil and gas industry also made significant fiscal contributions to California’s state and local governments, including $21.6 billion in state and local tax revenues and $11 billion in sales...

(October 14, 2019) — Charles (Charlie) Louis Ory passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona, on October 3, 2019, with family by his side. He fought his cancer valiantly throughout the last year of his life and kept his sense of humor till the very end. His family is heartbroken at his loss but know that he is no longer in pain nor confined to watching endless westerns and political shows from his bed. Charles was born on February 18, 1948, to Sterling and Lona Ory in Greenville, Mississippi. His family moved to New Orleans during his junior high years. Charlie met the love of his life, Teri, during his junior year at John McDonogh High School. After five years of being an...

(October 14, 2019) — Paraco Gas of Rye Brook, N.Y. is investing in new ways to recruit drivers and technicians as the industry faces challenges in attracting employees. Family-owned Paraco has introduced a new benefits package with some untraditional perks for those in the driving and service fields. The company offers parental leave for employees who have completed one year of service, tuition reimbursement, and a revised paid time-off policy. The benefits are part of a comprehensive benefits package that Paraco Gas offers full-time, regular employees and dependents, including, but not limited to, the traditional medical, dental, vision, 401K, flexible spending, life insurance, disability income, sick leave, and paid holidays. “Our ultimate goal is to get customers their propane safely, but also focus on a...

The 11th annual Cargas Energy Summit brought more than 350 attendees to the Lancaster Convention Center in Pennsylvania in mid-September. The annual event gives Cargas Energy customers and partners the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, get a glimpse of upcoming features and enhancements, and connect with one another. This year’s event featured some new additions, including an in-depth training camp and on-site support consultations. Three Keys to Optimization Optimization was the central theme of this year’s Summit. In the opening presentation, VP Aaron Cargas shared the story of Ferdinand Eberstadt, whose Controlled Materials Plan helped optimize manufacturing production during World War II. Breaking down Eberstadt’s plan, Cargas explained, “To optimize your business, you must clarify strategic priorities, insist on clear information, and trust and...