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Feature Articles

In-depth feature stories examining the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the propane and LPG industry.

  • New Refueling Infrastructure Installation Video Released by Propane Council

    WASHINGTON (APRIL 2, 2020) – The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has released a new online video that gives fleet owners an in-depth look at what happens during the installation of a permanent, on-site propane autogas refueling station. The video walks through each step of the process, which includes the installation of a concrete foundation, one or more large capacity fuel tanks, a pump, one or more dispensers with meters, and crash protection. “Fleets of all sizes are benefitting from their centralized propane autogas refueling station, and this video shows just how easy and convenient it is to get started with the support of their local propane and infrastructure suppliers,” said Steve Whaley, PERC director of autogas business development. “Propane autogas provides fleets with…
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  • Energize 2020: Free Digital Propane Conference April 8

    Energize 2020 , is a free digital propane conference scheduled to take place April 8, 10am–5pm EST , to give propane marketers the opportunity to connect and participate in educational sessions despite the cancellation of the NPGA Southeastern Propane Convention and International Expo in Nashville. The digital event is in partnership with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), Cargas Energy, Tank Utility, Qualpay, Cetane Associates, and others. The online event will help propane marketers learn about industry best practices and innovations and will help fill the gap left from the cancellation of the NPGA SE Expo with a virtual conference of educational sessions, benchmarking groups, product training, and more. The Energize 2020 Digital Conference will include 6 sessions in one day, focused on the issues…
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  • COIVID-19 Regulatory Alert: Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

    (April 1, 2020) — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has issued a Regulatory Alert to notify its propane industry members that the U.S. Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to provide employees paid sick leave and paid expanded family and medical leave. It is in effect from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Each type of business has different employment structure and employee benefits. It is recommended companies review government announcements frequently. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are fast-tracking the regulatory process to provide employees and employers with guidance. Information is being updated regularly. [1] More information available in the Resources section of this document. Types of Leave Paid Sick Leave . This…
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  • Autogas: A Prime Choice For Vehicle Fleet Diversification

    (March 31, 2020) — By Tucker Perkins… Propane marketers have a unique opportunity their competitors don’t have: customer interaction. Having propane delivered by real people from the community is very different from the customer experience of using natural gas or electricity. Our industry’s fine propane marketers do what they do better than anyone else, but in this age of specialization, it is important to have a function that you excel in. For example, if you sell only to residential customers, do it in a way so that a homeowner would never consider going to another company or another fuel source. Create “Raving Fans,” like Ken Blanchard suggests in his book of the same name, and you’ll always be successful. DIVERSE CUSTOMERS Propane marketers also benefit…
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  • NPGA ALERT: Updated Federal Essential Worker Guidance and Essential Worker Documentation

    (March 29, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with other federal agencies, has published an updated version of guidance on “essential workers” for state and local authorities that have or are considering ‘shelter-in-place’ ordinances or similar restrictions on movement. Version 2.0: Guidance Memo on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response Version 2.0: Guidance on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response Version 2.0 is more expansive , in general, and reorganized. The only change for our industry is the inclusion of language to more specifically identify propane gas equipment manufacturers and distributors as among the essential workforce . The updated guidance includes many propane employees under the sectors for Energy and Transportation and Logistics. Some…
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  • Then and Now: Autogas Evolution With Propane Industry Trailblazer

    (March 26, 2020) — In the late 1980s, Curtis Donaldson (in photo at right) was selling wholesale propane for Conoco in Oklahoma and Missouri when the company decided to begin offering propane at its company-owned gas stations. At that time, President George H. W. Bush had signed the Clean Air Act Amendments and several larger wholesale companies believed selling clean-burning propane was a good plan for a future with more people likely using cleaner fuels. Industry veteran Larry Osgood was at Phillips 66 at the time and that company was also giving strong consideration to installing propane dispensers alongside gasoline dispensers at its company-owned stations. Conoco and Phillips 66, which would later merge into one company, decided to launch an infrastructure program in Denver in…
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  • Propane Industry Organizations Post COVID-19 Resources For Essential Workers

    Three organizations serving the propane industry have posted information on their websites to help propane marketers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has created a new page on its website to assist propane marketers throughout this unprecedented health emergency. The page will serve as the central repository for safety alerts, health advisory updates, links to important world and national regulatory guidelines, and resources to help businesses maintain the vital service that so many people are relying on. PERC’s COVID-19 Message to Propane Marketers is at www.propane.com/covid-19-message/ . The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has added a COVID-19 Toolkit to its member resources. The toolkit includes information and fillable templates propane marketers can use for navigating COVID-19. The association’s COVID-19 toolkit…
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  • API Report Provides Early Indication of Impact of Coronavirus

    The American Petroleum Institute (API) in its February 2020 Monthly Statistical Report (MSR), released March 19, provides an early indication of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on energy markets. Data from the report reflect the onset of the virus with downturns in demand for diesel (down 9.9% year-over-year) and jet fuel (down 5.2% year-over-year), but a slight increase in gasoline (up 0.3% year-over-year), suggesting many consumers chose to drive instead of fly in February. “February data reflect the onset of the coronavirus and serve as an early indicator of the impact this global pandemic has had on energy markets,” said Dean Foreman, API chief economist. “The demand destruction resulting from the coronavirus combined with Saudi Arabia and Russia increasing supply has left global energy…
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  • Expert Shares Tips To Support Autogas Sales

    (March 24, 2020) — By Todd Mouw…A largely untapped opportunity that shows long-term growth for propane is the on-road vehicle market. It’s a lucrative market that continues to mature. In 10 years, ROUSH CleanTech has put more than 20,000 propane vehicles on the roads, including commercial fleet vehicles and school buses. How does this relate to increasing propane sales? Well, fueling just one school bus with propane autogas equates to an average propane load for five residential homes per year combined. The latest Propane Market Outlook by ICF International , which forecasts through 2025, predicts propane consumption in the propane autogas sectors to rise steadily to more than 1.6 billion gallons by 2025. This report also forecasts that propane vehicle sales will grow to more…
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  • URGENT: The Propane Industry Needs Your Help!

    (March 20, 2020) — Congress is considering a number of programs to provide relief to Americans during the COVID-19 crisis, including sending an additional $1.4 billion in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to the states. This funding could help more than 4 million households suffering financial hardship pay energy bills. Please call or send an email today to your federal representatives and urge them to support additional LIHEAP funding in relief legislation. Share this information with as many others as you can and urge them to contact their representatives immediately. Congress is deciding NOW on these programs, so we need you, your family, friends and neighbors, to take immediate action. Ask your colleagues and customers tool Share this information on social media…
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  • Federal Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers

    (March 19, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with other federal agencies, published guidance on “essential workers” for state and local authorities that have or are considering ‘shelter-in-place’ ordinances or similar restrictions on movement. Guidance on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response The intent of the guidance is to eliminate or minimize discrepancies in defining “essential workers” among state and local authorities so as to maintain operation of key industry sectors of the United States. NPGA communicated with the agencies to include propane employees among “essential workers” classifications. The guidance document identifies propane employees under the sectors for Energy as well as Transportation and Logistics , which are excerpted below: ENERGY: Propane gas dispatch and control rooms…
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  • Why Autogas Refueling and Why Now?

    By Crystelle Markley… Installing and using autogas refueling infrastructure is simple and easy for both the supplier and end user. Fleets appreciate the advancements in infrastructure equipment, which also make lighter work for you, the marketer. An advanced autogas dispenser has the ability to be installed and function just like a gasoline or diesel dispenser, which helps drivers transition easily. The necessary equipment doesn’t require excessive space; the average footprint of an autogas refueling station is 300 square feet. In addition, autogas dispensing is a closed-loop system and new technology allows for almost zero fugitive emissions, eliminating additional safety concerns. The dispensers require minimal maintenance and with little training, can typically be handled by the fleet. But that’s just the beginning of the advantages for…
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