If Southerners have learned one thing over the past several months, it is to never underestimate the power of extreme weather to devastate communities and halt life as we know it. This past year has proved to be challenging for thousands of people across the Southeast, as we have dealt with catastrophic hurricane damage and record-setting winter storms. During this time, I have been reminded of the critical role propane has played in ensuring the comfort, safety and resilience of our customers during these extreme weather events.
Over 4 million people were without power across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia after Hurricane Helene blasted its way across the Southeast in September 2024. Just a few months later in January, an Arctic blast plunged into the southeastern United States, bringing record-breaking low temperatures and fueling a winter storm that dropped historic snowfall for parts of the South.
As we all know, propane is an essential energy source, especially in times of crisis when warmth and power generation become a matter of health and survival. By highlighting propane’s ability to provide reliable heat and fuel for backup power generation, we as propane dealers can help families better understand the long-term value of this clean-burning, efficient and dependable energy source.
Propane-powered backup generators offer the convenience of comfort even when hurricanes or ice storms cause significant power outages. As many of you have already seen, the demand for propane-powered generators is likely to grow, particularly as more people become aware of the need for backup power in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
I often hear dealers complaining about generator-only customer accounts; however, I see this situation differently. Each new generator account is likely someone who may have never been a propane customer without that generator. Once a propane tank is on their property, it is now your job as a propane provider to help those customers understand the various other benefits propane offers. In our business, we have found it much easier to have the conversation with homeowners about upgrading their water heater, dryer or even furnace to propane after having a propane tank installed on their property, since the barrier to get gas to the house has been removed.
Finally, I encourage you to explore the possibility of becoming a dealer for backup home generators or partnering with a local generator company to provide your customers with a seamless, reliable experience that combines the best of both heating and power solutions. By doing so, you will solidify your role as an essential service provider, helping families stay warm and safe through the most challenging weather conditions. You can ensure your customers are fully prepared for whatever 2025 brings — whether it’s a power outage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, a snowstorm or extreme weather conditions.
While whole home generators are a nice addition to many homes, they simply are not in every homeowner’s budget or ideal plan. Propane heating solutions like gas space heaters, gas logs and gas fireplaces can be vital tools to ensure your customers remain safe and warm during extreme winter weather. Gas space heaters and fireplaces heat specific rooms or areas, reducing overall energy consumption and ensuring warmth is where it’s needed most.
I encourage you to take the time to highlight these benefits when speaking with customers, particularly during winter storm preparedness discussions. We must debunk the many myths about propane and remind our customers that propane is a highly efficient and cost-effective fuel. It is important for them to know that during a winter emergency, being able to efficiently heat a home can significantly reduce the stress, discomfort and costs associated with extremely cold temperatures.
As you share the benefits of home generators and backup heating solutions with your communities and customer base, remember that you’re not just promoting a product — you’re offering peace of mind. Families are increasingly seeking ways to protect their homes from the unpredictability of weather, and propane provides a dependable solution. I recommend sharing testimonials and experiences from customers who have relied on propane to stay warm during past winters, or highlighting how propane can offer security in the face of inclement weather. Whether through direct outreach, mailed materials or social media, telling these stories can position propane as a reliable hero, while raising awareness of its benefits in the communities you serve.
As propane dealers, we have a unique opportunity to be a reassuring voice in our communities and provide our customers with the means to feel prepared during extreme weather events. I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to inform and educate both your current and potential customers on how propane can be key to maintaining warmth and safety in the harshest conditions. Together, we can help ensure that families and businesses are fully equipped to face whatever extreme weather may come their way.
