Friday, December 11, 2015
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:
Georgia
Jenni McKeen, executive director of the Georgia Propane Gas Association, reports:
“The year 2015 has been another busy one for the Georgia Propane Gas Association (GPA). We began a task force to investigate adopting a state PERC. We have successfully surveyed our membership and are currently working on the structure and policies under which we will operate.
“Our training for industry employees was very successful. With the avian flu outbreak in the Midwest, we contacted the Poultry Federation and made a presentation to our dealers on new bio-security requirements they will need to follow to aid in the prevention of the flu making it to our poultry industry. We also offered a defensive driving course for the first time.
“[GPA had its] second annual Propane Days at the Capitol in March. We have implemented a program whereby we try to meet personally with legislators to get to know them better.
“We expanded our Sunbelt Ag Exhibit to include the poultry house sanitizer and row crop flamer from Flame Engineering. With the new bio-security procedures, the poultry house sanitizer offers effective, efficient sanitation to the poultry industry.”
Kentucky
“The year 2015 was successful for the Kentucky Propane Gas Association (KPGA), writes Bill De Priest of AmeriGas, association president. Throughout the year, the association did a great deal of work to promote propane and provide ample opportunities for its membership.
“KPGA celebrated with long-time member Glenn Miller of Miller’s Bottled Gas this past spring as he was inducted in the LPGas Hall of Fame. KPGA is extremely proud of his many accomplishments.
“This year, KPGA continued its partnership with the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) located in the western part of the state. This college is the first in the nation to develop an alternative fuels training curriculum for its students and was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for $745,602. Thanks to funding from KYPERC, a Toyota Tundra truck has been converted to run off autogas, and the college is in the process of converting a second vehicle for students in the automotive technician program.
“KPGA has also continued its strong involvement in the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition throughout the year. It has had a representative on the board of directors and also saw the implementation of a propane and natural gas workshop this fall. Legislators and other prominent leaders from around the state gathered to hear about propane-related projects, including autogas use in school buses and police cruisers.
“In preparation for the 2016 legislative session, KPGA has been meeting with House Local Government Committee chair Steve Riggs (D-Louisville) discussing his interest in encouraging local governments to move to alternative fueled vehicles and fleets. Riggs spoke during an interim committee meeting about his desire to encourage the switch to alternative fuels, including propane. As a result of these meetings and conversations, he has requested KPGA to present to the House Local Government Committee in January when the General Assembly returns for the 2016 legislative session.”
Louisiana
Ira Cleveland, president of the Louisiana Propane Gas Association, writes:
“The Louisiana Propane Gas Association took the lead in developing legislation that would put taxation of autogas on par with federal, state, and local taxation of gasoline and diesel. Beginning in January of 2016, on-road propane vehicles will no longer be issued ‘tax stamps’ but will be required to pay a gasoline energy equivalent tax per gallon for autogas fuel sold in the state. This change was made in coordination with the natural gas industry, which also switched to a standard energy equivalent tax for natural gas fuels. We also worked with NPGA and PERC to coordinate necessary revisions to school bus technologies that will allow propane-powered vehicles to be purchased and operated in Louisiana.
“We are once again producing radio and TV public service announcements with our spokesperson April Nelson (Miss Louisiana 2015 and 3rd runner-up to Miss America). The Louisiana propane dealers have been sponsors of the Miss Louisiana Pageant for the past five years and have used this sponsorship to have our winners promote the safe, affordable use of propane gas in all applications. She has proven to be a valuable spokesperson and role model for young women interested in the oil and gas industry and STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] careers throughout our state. She has also appeared in conjunction with our sponsorship of high school athletics to emphasize the fact that today’s propane is ‘not your grandma’s propane.’ We reach a new, young audience that is interested in clean, affordable energy sources by having these incredible young people speak on behalf of our industry.
“Our future efforts in the legislature will be to remind lawmakers and regulators that Louisiana is the number two producer of propane in our country and that our industry adds greatly to our country’s economy and security.”
Michigan
“The Michigan Propane Gas Association is active this year in several areas that support its members and the overall propane industry,” writes Blaine Cronn of AmeriGas, president of the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA). Some of the highlights of the year include the following:
“Construction professionals training is a major component of the MPGA outreach program. The strategy includes participation in ‘best value’ builder trade shows and other construction professional events around the state of Michigan that offer training and speaking opportunities. This year, MPGA expanded its work with Habitat for Humanity by funding the conversion of a Ford van to propane for one of the local affiliates. MPGA also participated in an annual Habitat affiliates conference and is working with Habitat on placing more gas usage points in Habitat homes. Approximately 50% of Habitat homes built in Michigan use propane for their primary energy source.
“Televised safety messages: The ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ television show airs on all 11 Michigan Public Broadcasting Stations and features MPGA members in various ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ TV segments focusing on the safe use of propane and related applications inside and outside the home. This television show is aired during primetime on Thursday evenings with an estimated weekly audience of 200,000 and is the most-watched sportsman show in Michigan. MPGA also has a logo and link on the ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ website for further safety information.
“MPGA is deeply involved in a grass-roots lobbying effort against the subsidized expansion of natural gas. So far the multi-media effort — partially funded by the National Propane Gas Association — has kept a bill allowing for that expansion tied up in committee. The website, www.MIgasoptions.com, and a social media platform are major components of the campaign.
“Fire training for firefighters and other first responders is a popular and well-respected part of MPGA activities. This year, 543 firefighters from 121 local fire departments received training that included live-burn firefighting activity and classroom training. CETP training, a state requirement for all field employees, is an important part of the MPGA education activities. MPGA also hosts several non-certified training courses as well to ensure that the industry is trained in all facets. MPGA hosted 21 CETP training courses and another 15 non-certified courses. In all, 562 propane personnel were trained.
“Future plans for MPGA include the addition of a consumer outreach component to our education activities and putting more emphasis on autogas and off-road uses of propane.”
Minnesota
Association president Dave Wager of Central Valley Co-op reports:
“Our year started out with action in the legislature. We fought a bill for natural gas expansion. The bill would allow natural gas companies to pass up to 33% of an expansion cost to unserved or underserved customers back to their existing rate payers. We lost the fight in the legislature, won it when the governor vetoed the bill, and lost it again in a last-minute vote in a special session. We are currently working on mitigating the situation.
“On to the positives: We have been running a water heater rebate program in our state for several years. The current program pays consumers $650 to replace an alternative fuel water heater with a propane water heater. It also pays consumers $200 to replace an existing propane water heater with a new propane water heater. We have been expanding this successful program and are working toward making it available year-round.
“We have also been working on autogas. It has not developed as we had hoped in the private sector, but is starting to make ground primarily in school buses. Recently the St. Francis school district in Minnesota was featured in PERC’s Propane Daily News. This school district had tested three propane buses and was so impressed that it ordered 41 new buses that equals about 80% of its fleet.
“We have made some changes at the MPA office also. We have done away with a monthly newsletter. Instead Roger Leider, our executive director, sends out a biweekly email news brief to our board members and on alternating weeks, a news brief email to the entire membership. Along with that we are working on restructuring our committees. The goal is to have fewer committees, combining tasks and operating more effectively.
“On the training side, we had over 800 participants in classroom sessions held around the state. This included new employees for companies taking their CETP courses and conducting refresher training for seasoned employees.”
Missouri
Quentin Salley of Salley’s Propane Inc. (Bates City), who serves as president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association (MPGA), says:
“As MPGA president, I’ve been fortunate to serve with an outstanding executive director, and follow a committed line of past presidents and engaged boards. We all support outreaches that benefit the industry at large, our companies, and customers. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened commitments in industry safety, market outreach, and member engagement.
“On the safety side, we’re finding ways to be a resource for a wider range of partners, from the fire service to HVAC and plumbing technicians. Our HVAC training included more than 500 students from that industry in the last year, and our class is approved by St. Louis County. HVAC training is also in the process of being approved by NATE [North American Technician Excellence]. Our Propane First Responders event in September was standing-room-only. We provide a monthly safety meeting packet to members, and we believe that our MPGA classroom training, which has strong attendance, has benefits that outweigh any digital or on-line class. We’ve also gone on the offensive by filing a complaint against a natural gas provider, Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, over what we view as egregious safety and tariff violations.
“Our market outreach remains a coordinated effort between the association and MOPERC. MOPERC’s mower outreach is second to none, and we’re promoting the national “Pull the Plug” water heater campaign with Facebook (please Like us!) and radio ads.
“Member engagement is a moving target. Everybody is busier, so our approach incorporates multiple mediums. We have two weekly emails, a magazine every other month, regular in-person safety and board meetings, and other special events. We’re excited about the growth of the Mid-States Expo, which will include Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma when it convenes June 27-30, 2016 in Branson. With more than one billion gallons of propane sales in a handful of Midwestern states, the Mid-States is truly an opportunity for all of us to learn, network, and grow.
“A very large part of our association’s achievements are a direct result of the hard work and extreme dedication of our executive director, Steve Ahrens, and staff members Estelle Zewe, Mike Maupin, and Julie Benusa. They are the people who do the work.”
New England
Cassandra Barry, chairwoman of the board for the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), comments:
“It has been a busy year in New England. We’ve been working hard to promote autogas and hot water heaters to [encourage] year-round growth. Many marketers are having great success with school buses and municipal fleets. As you know, the Boston Public Schools just rolled out 86 new propane school buses this September.
“We continue to offer rebates for hot water and central heat as well. This has been a very successful program that we have run for years,” notes Barry of Ray Murray Inc. (Lee Mass.).
“We are fighting natural gas expansion in Vermont and Connecticut, as well as the carbon tax in Vermont and Massachusetts. We are also trying to fix a new interpretation to the gross receipts tax collection on standby generators in Connecticut. We continue our work on permitting for new storage facilities (Finger Lakes, Sea-3, and Grafton).
“We have been starting to plan for the Northeast Propane Show in Boxboro, Mass. Aug. 10-11, 2016. Booth spaces are getting assigned quickly.
“Lastly, we will be updating our strategic plan as the first phase of our transition process. Association president Joe Rose is targeting October 2017 as his retirement date. The process to fill his position will take up the majority of 2016, with full membership involvement to make sure we are planning properly for PGANE’s future.
New Jersey
“NJPGA [was scheduled to] promote the clean energy and cost saving benefits of propane autogas at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City in November, where more than 16,000 people attend,” says Ed Mulcahey of Ferrellgas, president of the New Jersey Propane Gas Association (NJPGA).
“A propane-powered 2015 Ford Transit 250 with a bi-fuel system will be displayed by ICOM North America within the booth, as well as an autogas dispenser pump from Tarantin Industries.
“NJPGA continues to fight for parity with the natural gas industry with regard to New Jersey’s State Energy Master Plan, Transportation Trust Fund, and various pieces of pending legislation.
“An updated economic impact study of the propane industry in New Jersey is being considered in the near future.”
Nevada
Nevada Propane Dealers Association’s (NPDA) president Lisa Thomas of AmeriGas (Grass Valley, Calif.) reports:
“The Nevada Propane Dealers Association has had a very busy year in terms of providing consumer education and industry training and education to the public and our industry members.
“The common goal of our association is to enhance safety throughout the propane industry. Our sponsorship of the CETP program is one example of how NPDA is working with the State of Nevada LP Gas Board in a joint partnership in educating 50 to 100 propane industry personnel through the training program. This past spring and summer our CETP committee worked with our industry association members to encourage the enrollment of their employees in the CETP classes, and it was one of our most successful programs this past year.
“[In] October, NPDA, through our PERC committee, sponsored PERC’s Marketer Technology and Sales Training Seminars for the ‘Residential Plus’ and ‘Expand Your Sales Through Customer Service’ classes, which enhanced the ability to positively increase the general public’s perception of the propane industry; to help demonstrate and promote propane not only as an environmentally friendly safe fuel, but also the fact that propane is a domestically produced alternative fuel manufactured in the U.S. During the training sessions, the industry students learned how to relay to our consumers the many different applications that can use propane in their homes, businesses, and industries.
“Our most successful programs that our association sponsored through the PERC committee is further educating the public through the Consumer Safety Material Program, and the Consumer Safe Appliance Rebate Program.
“Our most active committee this past year has been our Legislative Committee, and during the 2015 legislative session for the state of Nevada, NPDA started with 33 Bill Draft Requests, which could have potential impacts to the propane industry. By the end of the Session, 19 Bill Draft Requests were dropped from the list. The Legislative Committee worked very hard to monitor, and in some cases testify against, bills that adversely impacted our industry. One such bill was SB151, which dealt with the expansion of natural gas, and unfortunately even with the many efforts of our association members, we were unable to defeat the legislation.
“The Nevada Propane Dealers Association is a small association, but our members are actively involved in the promotion of industry safety, consumer and industry education, as well as promoting our propane industry as a clean, safe, and valuable business industry to our local and state legislatures.”
New York
Association president Rick Cummings of Mulhern Gas Co. Inc. (Hudson) comments:
“2015 was a very productive year for the New York propane industry and the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA). Both the organization and the industry continue to reap the benefits of New York’s changing energy landscape as more and more New Yorkers choose propane as their primary home heating source and our autogas efforts begin to take root.
“Internally, NYPGA witnessed a changing of the guard in our front office with the retirement of long-time executive director Barbara Roach and her replacement by our new executive director Shane Sweet. NYPGA will be forever grateful to Barb for her hard work and dedication over the years. Her efforts have placed the organization in an excellent position to take on the challenges of the years ahead. Shane in turn has ‘hit the ground running’ with a flurry of new member initiatives and improvements. Indeed, 2015 was a record year for new membership in the association. Many thanks to both Barb and Shane for working together to create a virtually seamless transition in leadership.
“Legislatively, NYPGA scored a big victory with the passage of the ‘E-Ticket’ bill. This piece of legislation, signed by Gov. Cuomo over the summer, allows the consumer the option of receiving his or her delivery ticket in the traditional manner, by email, or both. A win-win for all concerned, the bill is good for the environment by reducing the amount of wasteful paper delivery tickets, it streamlines the delivery process for our dealers, and often times is more convenient for the consumer.
“Some of the other projects NYPGA has been working on in 2015 include: an outreach to the New York Association of Convenience Stores to augment the propane training of their members, working closer with Railroads of New York on better communication between our industry and the ever more important railroad industry, and continued support and advocacy for the extremely important Crestwood Finger Lakes Storage Project in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Also of note in 2015 was the creation of a New York-specific disaster plan to aid NYPGA and its individual members in the event of a serious natural, man-made, or industry disaster. Indeed, the plan comes complete with a mobile app that is free to association members. Special thanks to Crystal DeStefano and the folks at Strategic Communications for all their efforts on the disaster plan project.
“As you can see, the New York Propane Gas Association continues to move to keep pace with the needs of its membership. We look forward to a successful and profitable 2016.”
North Carolina
North Carolina Propane Gas Association [NCPGA] chairman of the board Cyndi Kibler writes:
“The North Carolina Propane Gas Association was quite busy in 2015. In the past 12 months, North Carolina has:
1. Led grass-root efforts to get legislation passed. The Gas Gallon Equivalency legislation for autogas is saving 9.9 cents per gallon on state gas tax.
2. We processed 1672 Safe Appliance Rebates totaling $459,100, with an average of $275 per rebate.
3. Developed a comprehensive marketing campaign to grow residential gallons.
4. North Carolina attended every NPGA & PERC board meeting and has representatives on PERC Marketing Outreach Technology as well as Benchmarking and TS&S. NCPGA will continue to be active in our state and at a national level.
5. Actively participated with all three Clean Cities Coalitions in North Carolina. (Grant for new state-of-the-art dispensing station.)
6. Were granted hours-of-service waivers by the governor.
7. Worked closely with Department of Agriculture (AHJ) on adherence to NFPA 58.
8. Met with Department of Public Instruction (propane school buses) and North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Advisory Council. (LPG as an alternative fuel.)
9. Held our Annual Legislative Day in Raleigh to promote our industry to the legislature.
10. Attended Propane Days in [Washington] D.C.
11. Made some changes with titles this past September. Executive director John Jessup is now president/CEO, and I am the elected chairman of the board.”
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Propane Gas Association executive director Richard Hess writes:
“Oklahoma’s LP Gas Research, Marketing and Safety Commission [state PERC since 1994] was privatized effective Nov. 1, 2015, meaning it transitioned from a state agency to a private, nonprofit association empowered with the same authority and charged with the same responsibilities.”
Pennsylvania
“After years of discussion, the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association held its first Emergency Responder Conference this past July. The event, with support from PERC, was extremely successful. We were able to train emergency responders/fire service and propane marketers over a two-day conference. Forty-four fire/rescue and towing companies were represented. The Pennsylvania Fire Academy, Dauphin County (Harrisburg) Emergency Management Agency-Hazmat, and Graterford State Correctional Institute were also in attendance, along with more than 30 propane companies,” says Mike Mutter, Eddinger Propane (Bally), president of the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA).
“This well-planned conference allowed the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association to build better relationships between the propane industry and our emergency responders/fire services, helping to eliminate misunderstandings about propane, and if an incident does occur, to reach out to us for guidance and support.
“Our marketing committee initiatives include supporting the Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors; Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association; and PennAg Industries, sponsoring their Poultry Progress Day.
“We continue our 14-year relationship with Penn State Sports Properties that includes entitlement of the post-game radio shows for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, [and] a register-to-win promotion to drive the public to our Facebook page. New for 2015 is ‘Celebrate Agriculture’ sponsorship, with a portion of our investment donated for a scholarship to the Penn State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“PAPGA has a 16-week digital marketing program running through Dec. 26, 2015, with a minimum of 6 million online geo-targeted impressions to adults 25-54 with Pennsylvania state-wide coverage. We also ran a six-week radio schedule, August to September 2015, 60 spots, 10 spots per week, Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., 30-second commercials reaching all throughout Pennsylvania, which also includes a minimum of 60 bonus spots.
“The education/training committee held 18 training classes throughout Pennsylvania, training more than 275 students. Our total students trained during the year have remained consistent with plans to continue with offering training classes in 2016.”
Tennessee
Stuart Arnold of AmeriGas (Franklin), president of the Tennessee Propane Gas Association (TNPGA), sent a written report to BPN stating that several TNPGA-sponsored events were successfully completed during 2015. The events were aimed at promoting propane safety and growth throughout the state.
“In August, approximately 100 servicemen participated in the Annual Tennessee Serviceman’s Convention. Servicemen and vendors spent two uninterrupted days focused on technical training curriculum. Training was structured to promote a ‘hands-on’ learning opportunity. Servicemen are essential to providing safe, customer-focused propane service to consumers. Continued education delivered during this event enhances the industry’s safety and customer service reputation.
“The association invests significantly in building key relationships within state government. The year 2015 was relatively quiet for propane industry-related legislature in Tennessee. Two events headline the association’s governmental affairs outreach program. First, marketers from across the state join to serve barbecue at the legislative plaza each year. Several hundred legislators, aides, and staff members participate in the luncheon. Second, we continued our commitment to visit Congress members locally in 2015. Legislators are briefed on matters having impact on our industry. Our goal is to ensure lawmakers understand the impact propane has on [their] constituents. We call this event In-State Propane Days. These two events significantly raise awareness around our causes and we look forward to continuing this work in the future.
“The summer convention is the climax of the TNGA calendar year. The convention is a family-oriented event enjoyed by all who attend. We recognize member contributions, participate in continued education seminars, and award scholarships to students attending college. The association proudly instituted its fifth educational scholarship during this year’s ceremonies.
“The year 2016 promises to be another exciting one. The NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo is being held in our very own Music City. We look forward to welcoming industry visitors to this highly anticipated event.”
Western
Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) president Terry Ayres of Kamps Propane (Manteca, Calif.) reports on some highlights for the association:
“Cap and trade: The start of the year ushered in new regulatory requirements for California fractionators, refiners, or importers with certain CO2 emissions thresholds. The broad guidelines for the regulation left many of our members with questions as they sought to comply. WPGA hosted member webinars, provided FAQs, and other resources to help address the matter.
“Propane irrigation engine sales: The association continued to seize upon opportunities resulting from new Tier 4 regulation in the irrigation engine market. Many farmers made the transition to propane, a lower-cost and cleaner-burning alternative to diesel. WPGA partnered with both PERC and local marketers to exploit synergies between all stakeholders. At the association level, plenty of outreach and incentive funds were made available. This was complimented with PERC’s training, marketing materials, website development, and incentive funding. By early June, the association had approximately 30 participants in the irrigation incentive program. The association expects this market to continue to flourish in 2016.
“California wildfires: The summer brought an onslaught of fires throughout the state, including what has been coined “megafires,” which traverse the landscape at unprecedented speeds and ferocity. WPGA hosted webinars and conference calls inviting representatives from [the Office of Emergency Services] to help ensure marketers were informed regarding how to obtain critical information and the latest fire safety practices.
“Strategic plan: WPGA embarked on the creation of our first strategic plan. There are many challenges and competitive technologies entering the marketplace that are unique to California, as well as new opportunities including the lifting of the [PERC] marketing restrictions. The association went into planning mode, seeking input from all of its members, then had a strategic planning committee sift through research data, trends, and other key inputs to develop its plan titled ‘E3 — Engage. Excite. Enact.’ This two-year plan [comprises] four key goals that all work together to increase the consumption of gallons and combat the numerous forces that stifle propane’s expansion in California. The plan was unanimously approved by our board in October and will guide WPGA through 2016 and 2017.”
West Virginia
Caroline Hensley, president of the West Virginia Propane Gas Association, writes:
“This year has been one of accomplishment and challenge for the West Virginia Propane Gas Association. WVPGA has continued to provide quality educational programming in such areas as residential gas sales, bobtail driving safety, and updates to codes. These have been utilized by owners, managers, sales, service, and drivers throughout the year. We have continued publishing our quarterly safety newsletter, which includes a quiz that makes it ideal for safety meetings.
“On the legislative front, we participated in the governor’s Energy Summit, helping legislators and regulators understand the importance and versatility in uses of all the propane that the Marcellus Shale fracking is producing within the state. Adverse natural gas legislation has hit West Virginia as it has many other states, and we have a major education effort facing us. Fortunately, the volunteer involvement of our members makes this task manageable.
“Plans for next year include the running of our bi-annual Bobtail Truck Rodeo, which was first started in 1994.”
Wisconsin
One of the top priorities in Wisconsin right now is the continued effort to establish a state PERC program. “The Wisconsin Propane Gas Association (WPGA) continues to educate legislators on the importance of the programs we can offer to our marketers with a state PERC,” writes Chris Tews of Dale Gas and Oil (Dale) and president of WPGA. “WPGA members will need to be very involved to help educate their local representatives and host legislative visits at their businesses. When elected officials understand the nature of our industry and what it takes to serve our customers, the more likely they are to want to help the propane industry.”
WPGA is also working on a variety of other issues that are impacting propane marketers in the state. These include continuous monitoring of potential natural gas threats, consumer safety education, and the promotion of autogas. The association is in the process of establishing a task force that will work to identify new opportunities to expand the use of propane as a motor fuel. “Autogas remains a focal point in the majority of WPGA’s communications. It is a great opportunity for our members,” said Tews.
The outlook for next year is positive, with new and improved member benefits. In 2016, WPGA will roll out a new website and association management software that will provide members with an abundance of resources and will allow for greater control over its membership.
WPGA members are eagerly anticipating the 2016 North Central Convention, a three-day convention and trade show hosted by Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. “The North Central Convention is one of the most highly anticipated industry events in the region,” said Emma Shultz, WPGA’s executive director.
The following are excerpts from interviews BPN conducted with several state association presidents and executive directors:
Arizona
The Arizona Propane Gas Association (APGA) was active in strengthening a container law passed in the state that changes the penalty from a petty offense to a Class 3 misdemeanor. The law increases penalties if a marketer fills a tank of another marketer’s customer. “This was done, in part, since county attorneys seemed reluctant to prosecute a case that was just a petty offense. A Class 3 misdemeanor can mean 30 days in jail,” said association president John Wilfong of Sierra Propane (Springerville).
APGA continues to focus on education, networking, and representing the interest of Arizona’s propane industry before the state legislature and various regulatory agencies. It helped pass Good Samaritan legislation to protect propane marketers who assist first responders in propane emergencies. The association also holds a Propane Safety Day every other year at the state capitol, where it displays propane vehicles and appliances. It is proactive in facilitating training and safety programs that positively impact the Arizona propane industry. Recent events include training for service techs; hazmat, refresher, and leak-check and pressure-test training; regulator training, and office 101 training.
APGA is now part of the Western Propane Education and Research Council scholarship program.
“If there is one thing that I am particularly proud of it would be the propane emergency training we provide firefighters.” Wilfong said. “Over the last three years we have trained over 400 firefighters. I really appreciate what the instructor, Dennis Cruise, said to me: ‘It’s about prevent, prepare, and working together’. I think those words sum up what the association is all about.”
Colorado
Several years ago the Colorado state legislature enacted a law that added a tax to all home heating fuel. Propane marketers were most affected by the legislation. Marketers could apply for a rebate on non-motor fuel uses, but the state was slow in processing the rebates. Colorado Propane Gas Association (CPGA) president Charlie Brown said, “We heard there were waits up to three to four months just to get their rebates back, and that was just an undue hardship on the Colorado marketers.”
The association has a good working relationship with the Colorado energy office and Colorado department of revenue, and had help from its lobbyist in getting a new law signed this past June that rectified the situation, commented Brown of Independent Propane (Granby).
There has been a strong focus on fire training in the state, with the Colorado Propane Education & Research Council taking an active role in that area. Charmin Heimel of Plains Marketing and Rob Upton of Blue Flame Gas have taken leadership roles, traveling to various fire departments to train fire professionals and first responders on how to handle a burning tank. Heimel is also developing a transport trailer training unit.
Larry Osgood of Consulting Solutions (Colorado Springs) and Marshal Younglund of AmeriGas have promoted autogas throughout the state, displaying the association’s propane-fueled pickup truck, participating in area alternative fuel presentations, and traveling to school districts to promote and exhibit propane-fueled school buses.
CPGA has worked with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) to make its new blended Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) available to Colorado marketers. The new version allows marketers to do online work and then go elsewhere for the hands-on portion of the certification process.
Like many associations, CPGA is also working to slow natural gas expansion in the state.
Florida
The Florida Propane Gas Association (FPGA) worked with Florida’s state legislature during the past legislative session, and will try again in the upcoming session, to allow propane marketers in the state to disconnect and reinstall water lines while installing a propane water heater. Customers currently must call a plumber to disconnect and then reconnect the water lines after the propane marketer installs the hot water heater.
The association has continued to work on various rebate programs, including a whole-house appliance rebate program with the help of the Florida Propane Education & Research Council and the Propane Education Foundation of Florida. “We’re also sort of following the lead of the national PERC with additional irrigation rebates and lawn mower rebates for conversions,” said FPGA president Todd Lawrence of Farmers Cooperative Inc.
Autogas gallons also continue to grow in the state. Three years ago the association was able to get the state legislature to appropriate $6 million per year to cover 50% of conversion costs for government and private fleets.
Attention is also focused on safety. FPGA has sponsored first-responder training as it relates to propane for more than 5000 first responders in the state. The annual Propane Gas Safety School provides 30 hours of Continuing Education Unit credits to about 130 propane company employees from all over the state each year.
Illinois
Preventing natural gas expansion is one of the most urgent issues the propane industry in Illinois and nationwide is facing, said Illinois Propane Gas Association (IPGA) executive director Aaron DeWeese. The state general assembly passed the Natural Gas Consumer Safety and Reliability Act of 2013, which allowed utilities to place an additional surcharge on each ratepayer. Natural gas companies are supposed to use the surcharge exclusively for repair and replacement of aging infrastructure and by statute are prohibited from using this new revenue source for the purpose of new natural gas expansion projects. However, DeWeese noted that since 2014, Illinois has seen a significant increase in natural gas expansion activities, especially in rural residential territories. The natural gas companies in the state are also telling their prospective customers about the propane industry’s supply and infrastructure problems of winter 2013-2014. IPGA is working with NPGA on a consumer awareness campaign to help Illinois and other states paint a better picture of the propane industry and to increase propane industry engagement on the issue.
“We’re now proactively challenging any expansion requests,” DeWeese said. “It’s definitely a turn for our industry. Natural gas had not been a threat — especially in rural areas, but the economics have changed on that.”
IPGA is also working to pass limited liability legislation to provide protection for propane marketers against negligence claims for situations beyond their control, such as if an HVAC tech or resident compromises the propane system without the knowledge of the propane marketer.
The association has taken an active role in promoting its propane mower rebate program. “We are seeing more and more landscape contractors turning to propane for their mower fleets,” DeWeese noted.
Indiana
A few years ago, the Indiana Propane Gas Association partnered with the Midwest Petroleum and Convenience Tradeshow (M-PACT) of the convenience store industry for its annual convention. The partnership has been a success, said association president Dick Widdicombe.
Widdicombe, who works out of the Waterloo, Ind. office as director of administration for Crestwood Transportation, said that the Indiana Association is working on a separate gathering for propane industry representatives at M-PACT. He expects to see increased propane industry participation at next year’s M-PACT because of the cancellation of the Midwest Propane Gas Convention. The Illinois Propane Gas Association is also a partner in the show, and he stressed that the Illinois association has renewed its commitment to working with the Indiana association on the convention.
The Indiana association has steadily increased its appliance rebate program over the past three years. Widdicombe noted that it has had such great participation that appliance rebate funds usually run out by October.
He also reported that the state is looking forward to a fairly stable propane supply situation this winter after the supply Issues experienced the past few years.
The state is going into this winter with a fairly confident feeling that supply is very much on our side. “Luckily, that’s not an issue we’re really hearing [about] this year. Two winters ago in Indiana, we had a lot of farms only getting partial deliveries. It was a concern, especially with livestock,” he added.
Iowa
The Iowa Propane Gas Association (IPGA) is working to build a propane inspection fund to assist its state fire marshal in hiring three people to inspect propane tank installations. The fund would be set up similar to PERC’s, with a percentage of all odorized propane sold going to the fund. Association president Roger Gruwell explained that IPGA saw that many installations were probably not up to code. The inspection fund will also be important as the association looks to expand the autogas industry in the state.
“I think you could argue that, in some cases, the person going out and inspecting say a storage tank installation for final approval might be a volunteer fire chief who may or may not have any knowledge of whether the installation is correct or not,” stated Gruwell, area director for AmeriGas (Valley Forge, Pa.), who manages the company’s retail operations in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, western Illinois, and southern Minnesota. “In order for us to push autogas, we’re going to have to be able to put these installations in cities and towns and have a consistent way in which they should be done, and then have someone come in to do that inspection who understands the rules and regulations.”
Marketer training is also an important activity for the association, as well. IPGA provides PERC’s CETP at an affordable cost. Training is held in the training center located in Pleasant Hill, near the center of the state, an easy location for marketers to travel to for training. The building, which the association is pleased to say is completely paid for, also houses the association office, and is where IPGA conducts its annual and seasonal meetings.
Kansas
Challenged by declining membership numbers, the Propane Marketers Association of Kansas (PMAK) passed a dues increase at its August meeting. “We’ve been losing quite a few members due to acquisitions and everything else,” said Chris Klein, of AV Energy (Dodge City), who has been president of PMAK since July. He added that the dues increase will take place incrementally over the next three years.
On behalf of the association, he is working to see that insurance companies focus more on safety when writing their policies. Klein is discouraged to see that some marketers conduct safety checks, mail propane safety information, and follow the various regulations while other marketers do not. He is in the early stages of talking to insurance companies to see what can be done.
The association is also working on details of its participation in the Mid-States trade show. In the past, the show has included the Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska associations, but plans are for 2016’s event to include Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Mid-Atlantic
Getting as many of its members CETP-certified as possible is a top priority for the Mid-Atlantic Propane Gas Association. MAPGA president Kim Tucker notes that the association has trained about 175 members and non-members so far through the program.
“We’ve been trying to entice HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] industry members to bring in more membership, because the HVAC people need to get the same certification for working on propane,” said Tucker, who is district manager for Griffith Energy Services. “We’re trying to spread the safety campaign, offering it to non-members at a different fee [than for members]. The hope is that they see the benefit of being part of our organization.”
MAPGA also hosted an engine fuel road show this year. The event highlighted propane-fueled vehicles to educate attendees about the benefits of propane autogas. A mower demonstration was held at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland to encourage landscaping companies to convert their mowers to propane or buy new propane mowers.
Tucker noted that since MAPGA has heard positive feedback about emergency responders courses held by other associations, it plans to hold a similar conference in 2016.
This year, MAPGA updated its logo and website to be more user-friendly, and it is working to increase its participation at the annual Propane Days event in Washington, D.C.
Ohio
Brian Buschur has only been president of the Ohio Propane Gas Association since August, but he and the association have already set goals to increase membership, take better advantage of PERC funding, and to start a state Propane Days event. He reports that like marketers nationwide, the propane industry in his state has seen a decrease in gallons because of improved efficiency of equipment and other reasons. “But the shale gas in the eastern part of the state has been really good for Ohio,” he said.
In regard to PERC funding, he and association autogas chair Eric Sears recently met with a representative from Ohio State University about using grant money to purchase new mowers that run on propane. The university currently uses Exmark mowers, so it would switch to Exmark mowers that use propane.
“The PERC committee in Ohio views this as a way to get good exposure for propane from the flagship university in the state,” said Buschur, who is with McMahan’s Bottle Gas (Dayton). “I know other states are doing this.”
He is committed to getting a state propane days event before the end of his term as president because he feels establishing relationships with legislators is important. “We are going to do this, so now it’s a matter of setting the date, but there is interest in Ohio and I’m really optimistic that membership will get behind this.”
Texas
The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) is working to resolve permitting issues in the city of Houston. The city is attempting to require engineers to approve certain propane installations. John Kelly, who took over as TPGA president in August, noted the association is against the special permitting. The Texas propane industry already follows the rules set forth by the Railroad Commission of Texas, which follows NFPA 54 and 58.
“We shouldn’t have to have a city inspector come out and inspect our installations,” said Kelly, who is the owner of Kelly Propane & Fuel LLC (Holliday). “City inspectors don’t really know the guidelines of distances and how far the tank should be from a building or property line.” —Daryl Lubinsky
Many state propane gas association representatives sent BPN brief write-ups covering their accomplishments and top issues on their agendas. These write-ups follow:
Georgia
Jenni McKeen, executive director of the Georgia Propane Gas Association, reports:
“The year 2015 has been another busy one for the Georgia Propane Gas Association (GPA). We began a task force to investigate adopting a state PERC. We have successfully surveyed our membership and are currently working on the structure and policies under which we will operate.
“Our training for industry employees was very successful. With the avian flu outbreak in the Midwest, we contacted the Poultry Federation and made a presentation to our dealers on new bio-security requirements they will need to follow to aid in the prevention of the flu making it to our poultry industry. We also offered a defensive driving course for the first time.
“[GPA had its] second annual Propane Days at the Capitol in March. We have implemented a program whereby we try to meet personally with legislators to get to know them better.
“We expanded our Sunbelt Ag Exhibit to include the poultry house sanitizer and row crop flamer from Flame Engineering. With the new bio-security procedures, the poultry house sanitizer offers effective, efficient sanitation to the poultry industry.”
Kentucky
“The year 2015 was successful for the Kentucky Propane Gas Association (KPGA), writes Bill De Priest of AmeriGas, association president. Throughout the year, the association did a great deal of work to promote propane and provide ample opportunities for its membership.
“KPGA celebrated with long-time member Glenn Miller of Miller’s Bottled Gas this past spring as he was inducted in the LPGas Hall of Fame. KPGA is extremely proud of his many accomplishments.
“This year, KPGA continued its partnership with the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) located in the western part of the state. This college is the first in the nation to develop an alternative fuels training curriculum for its students and was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for $745,602. Thanks to funding from KYPERC, a Toyota Tundra truck has been converted to run off autogas, and the college is in the process of converting a second vehicle for students in the automotive technician program.
“KPGA has also continued its strong involvement in the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition throughout the year. It has had a representative on the board of directors and also saw the implementation of a propane and natural gas workshop this fall. Legislators and other prominent leaders from around the state gathered to hear about propane-related projects, including autogas use in school buses and police cruisers.
“In preparation for the 2016 legislative session, KPGA has been meeting with House Local Government Committee chair Steve Riggs (D-Louisville) discussing his interest in encouraging local governments to move to alternative fueled vehicles and fleets. Riggs spoke during an interim committee meeting about his desire to encourage the switch to alternative fuels, including propane. As a result of these meetings and conversations, he has requested KPGA to present to the House Local Government Committee in January when the General Assembly returns for the 2016 legislative session.”
Louisiana
Ira Cleveland, president of the Louisiana Propane Gas Association, writes:
“The Louisiana Propane Gas Association took the lead in developing legislation that would put taxation of autogas on par with federal, state, and local taxation of gasoline and diesel. Beginning in January of 2016, on-road propane vehicles will no longer be issued ‘tax stamps’ but will be required to pay a gasoline energy equivalent tax per gallon for autogas fuel sold in the state. This change was made in coordination with the natural gas industry, which also switched to a standard energy equivalent tax for natural gas fuels. We also worked with NPGA and PERC to coordinate necessary revisions to school bus technologies that will allow propane-powered vehicles to be purchased and operated in Louisiana.
“We are once again producing radio and TV public service announcements with our spokesperson April Nelson (Miss Louisiana 2015 and 3rd runner-up to Miss America). The Louisiana propane dealers have been sponsors of the Miss Louisiana Pageant for the past five years and have used this sponsorship to have our winners promote the safe, affordable use of propane gas in all applications. She has proven to be a valuable spokesperson and role model for young women interested in the oil and gas industry and STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] careers throughout our state. She has also appeared in conjunction with our sponsorship of high school athletics to emphasize the fact that today’s propane is ‘not your grandma’s propane.’ We reach a new, young audience that is interested in clean, affordable energy sources by having these incredible young people speak on behalf of our industry.
“Our future efforts in the legislature will be to remind lawmakers and regulators that Louisiana is the number two producer of propane in our country and that our industry adds greatly to our country’s economy and security.”
Michigan
“The Michigan Propane Gas Association is active this year in several areas that support its members and the overall propane industry,” writes Blaine Cronn of AmeriGas, president of the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA). Some of the highlights of the year include the following:
“Construction professionals training is a major component of the MPGA outreach program. The strategy includes participation in ‘best value’ builder trade shows and other construction professional events around the state of Michigan that offer training and speaking opportunities. This year, MPGA expanded its work with Habitat for Humanity by funding the conversion of a Ford van to propane for one of the local affiliates. MPGA also participated in an annual Habitat affiliates conference and is working with Habitat on placing more gas usage points in Habitat homes. Approximately 50% of Habitat homes built in Michigan use propane for their primary energy source.
“Televised safety messages: The ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ television show airs on all 11 Michigan Public Broadcasting Stations and features MPGA members in various ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ TV segments focusing on the safe use of propane and related applications inside and outside the home. This television show is aired during primetime on Thursday evenings with an estimated weekly audience of 200,000 and is the most-watched sportsman show in Michigan. MPGA also has a logo and link on the ‘Michigan Out-of-Doors’ website for further safety information.
“MPGA is deeply involved in a grass-roots lobbying effort against the subsidized expansion of natural gas. So far the multi-media effort — partially funded by the National Propane Gas Association — has kept a bill allowing for that expansion tied up in committee. The website, www.MIgasoptions.com, and a social media platform are major components of the campaign.
“Fire training for firefighters and other first responders is a popular and well-respected part of MPGA activities. This year, 543 firefighters from 121 local fire departments received training that included live-burn firefighting activity and classroom training. CETP training, a state requirement for all field employees, is an important part of the MPGA education activities. MPGA also hosts several non-certified training courses as well to ensure that the industry is trained in all facets. MPGA hosted 21 CETP training courses and another 15 non-certified courses. In all, 562 propane personnel were trained.
“Future plans for MPGA include the addition of a consumer outreach component to our education activities and putting more emphasis on autogas and off-road uses of propane.”
Minnesota
Association president Dave Wager of Central Valley Co-op reports:
“Our year started out with action in the legislature. We fought a bill for natural gas expansion. The bill would allow natural gas companies to pass up to 33% of an expansion cost to unserved or underserved customers back to their existing rate payers. We lost the fight in the legislature, won it when the governor vetoed the bill, and lost it again in a last-minute vote in a special session. We are currently working on mitigating the situation.
“On to the positives: We have been running a water heater rebate program in our state for several years. The current program pays consumers $650 to replace an alternative fuel water heater with a propane water heater. It also pays consumers $200 to replace an existing propane water heater with a new propane water heater. We have been expanding this successful program and are working toward making it available year-round.
“We have also been working on autogas. It has not developed as we had hoped in the private sector, but is starting to make ground primarily in school buses. Recently the St. Francis school district in Minnesota was featured in PERC’s Propane Daily News. This school district had tested three propane buses and was so impressed that it ordered 41 new buses that equals about 80% of its fleet.
“We have made some changes at the MPA office also. We have done away with a monthly newsletter. Instead Roger Leider, our executive director, sends out a biweekly email news brief to our board members and on alternating weeks, a news brief email to the entire membership. Along with that we are working on restructuring our committees. The goal is to have fewer committees, combining tasks and operating more effectively.
“On the training side, we had over 800 participants in classroom sessions held around the state. This included new employees for companies taking their CETP courses and conducting refresher training for seasoned employees.”
Missouri
Quentin Salley of Salley’s Propane Inc. (Bates City), who serves as president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association (MPGA), says:
“As MPGA president, I’ve been fortunate to serve with an outstanding executive director, and follow a committed line of past presidents and engaged boards. We all support outreaches that benefit the industry at large, our companies, and customers. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened commitments in industry safety, market outreach, and member engagement.
“On the safety side, we’re finding ways to be a resource for a wider range of partners, from the fire service to HVAC and plumbing technicians. Our HVAC training included more than 500 students from that industry in the last year, and our class is approved by St. Louis County. HVAC training is also in the process of being approved by NATE [North American Technician Excellence]. Our Propane First Responders event in September was standing-room-only. We provide a monthly safety meeting packet to members, and we believe that our MPGA classroom training, which has strong attendance, has benefits that outweigh any digital or on-line class. We’ve also gone on the offensive by filing a complaint against a natural gas provider, Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, over what we view as egregious safety and tariff violations.
“Our market outreach remains a coordinated effort between the association and MOPERC. MOPERC’s mower outreach is second to none, and we’re promoting the national “Pull the Plug” water heater campaign with Facebook (please Like us!) and radio ads.
“Member engagement is a moving target. Everybody is busier, so our approach incorporates multiple mediums. We have two weekly emails, a magazine every other month, regular in-person safety and board meetings, and other special events. We’re excited about the growth of the Mid-States Expo, which will include Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma when it convenes June 27-30, 2016 in Branson. With more than one billion gallons of propane sales in a handful of Midwestern states, the Mid-States is truly an opportunity for all of us to learn, network, and grow.
“A very large part of our association’s achievements are a direct result of the hard work and extreme dedication of our executive director, Steve Ahrens, and staff members Estelle Zewe, Mike Maupin, and Julie Benusa. They are the people who do the work.”
New England
Cassandra Barry, chairwoman of the board for the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), comments:
“It has been a busy year in New England. We’ve been working hard to promote autogas and hot water heaters to [encourage] year-round growth. Many marketers are having great success with school buses and municipal fleets. As you know, the Boston Public Schools just rolled out 86 new propane school buses this September.
“We continue to offer rebates for hot water and central heat as well. This has been a very successful program that we have run for years,” notes Barry of Ray Murray Inc. (Lee Mass.).
“We are fighting natural gas expansion in Vermont and Connecticut, as well as the carbon tax in Vermont and Massachusetts. We are also trying to fix a new interpretation to the gross receipts tax collection on standby generators in Connecticut. We continue our work on permitting for new storage facilities (Finger Lakes, Sea-3, and Grafton).
“We have been starting to plan for the Northeast Propane Show in Boxboro, Mass. Aug. 10-11, 2016. Booth spaces are getting assigned quickly.
“Lastly, we will be updating our strategic plan as the first phase of our transition process. Association president Joe Rose is targeting October 2017 as his retirement date. The process to fill his position will take up the majority of 2016, with full membership involvement to make sure we are planning properly for PGANE’s future.
New Jersey
“NJPGA [was scheduled to] promote the clean energy and cost saving benefits of propane autogas at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City in November, where more than 16,000 people attend,” says Ed Mulcahey of Ferrellgas, president of the New Jersey Propane Gas Association (NJPGA).
“A propane-powered 2015 Ford Transit 250 with a bi-fuel system will be displayed by ICOM North America within the booth, as well as an autogas dispenser pump from Tarantin Industries.
“NJPGA continues to fight for parity with the natural gas industry with regard to New Jersey’s State Energy Master Plan, Transportation Trust Fund, and various pieces of pending legislation.
“An updated economic impact study of the propane industry in New Jersey is being considered in the near future.”
Nevada
Nevada Propane Dealers Association’s (NPDA) president Lisa Thomas of AmeriGas (Grass Valley, Calif.) reports:
“The Nevada Propane Dealers Association has had a very busy year in terms of providing consumer education and industry training and education to the public and our industry members.
“The common goal of our association is to enhance safety throughout the propane industry. Our sponsorship of the CETP program is one example of how NPDA is working with the State of Nevada LP Gas Board in a joint partnership in educating 50 to 100 propane industry personnel through the training program. This past spring and summer our CETP committee worked with our industry association members to encourage the enrollment of their employees in the CETP classes, and it was one of our most successful programs this past year.
“[In] October, NPDA, through our PERC committee, sponsored PERC’s Marketer Technology and Sales Training Seminars for the ‘Residential Plus’ and ‘Expand Your Sales Through Customer Service’ classes, which enhanced the ability to positively increase the general public’s perception of the propane industry; to help demonstrate and promote propane not only as an environmentally friendly safe fuel, but also the fact that propane is a domestically produced alternative fuel manufactured in the U.S. During the training sessions, the industry students learned how to relay to our consumers the many different applications that can use propane in their homes, businesses, and industries.
“Our most successful programs that our association sponsored through the PERC committee is further educating the public through the Consumer Safety Material Program, and the Consumer Safe Appliance Rebate Program.
“Our most active committee this past year has been our Legislative Committee, and during the 2015 legislative session for the state of Nevada, NPDA started with 33 Bill Draft Requests, which could have potential impacts to the propane industry. By the end of the Session, 19 Bill Draft Requests were dropped from the list. The Legislative Committee worked very hard to monitor, and in some cases testify against, bills that adversely impacted our industry. One such bill was SB151, which dealt with the expansion of natural gas, and unfortunately even with the many efforts of our association members, we were unable to defeat the legislation.
“The Nevada Propane Dealers Association is a small association, but our members are actively involved in the promotion of industry safety, consumer and industry education, as well as promoting our propane industry as a clean, safe, and valuable business industry to our local and state legislatures.”
New York
Association president Rick Cummings of Mulhern Gas Co. Inc. (Hudson) comments:
“2015 was a very productive year for the New York propane industry and the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA). Both the organization and the industry continue to reap the benefits of New York’s changing energy landscape as more and more New Yorkers choose propane as their primary home heating source and our autogas efforts begin to take root.
“Internally, NYPGA witnessed a changing of the guard in our front office with the retirement of long-time executive director Barbara Roach and her replacement by our new executive director Shane Sweet. NYPGA will be forever grateful to Barb for her hard work and dedication over the years. Her efforts have placed the organization in an excellent position to take on the challenges of the years ahead. Shane in turn has ‘hit the ground running’ with a flurry of new member initiatives and improvements. Indeed, 2015 was a record year for new membership in the association. Many thanks to both Barb and Shane for working together to create a virtually seamless transition in leadership.
“Legislatively, NYPGA scored a big victory with the passage of the ‘E-Ticket’ bill. This piece of legislation, signed by Gov. Cuomo over the summer, allows the consumer the option of receiving his or her delivery ticket in the traditional manner, by email, or both. A win-win for all concerned, the bill is good for the environment by reducing the amount of wasteful paper delivery tickets, it streamlines the delivery process for our dealers, and often times is more convenient for the consumer.
“Some of the other projects NYPGA has been working on in 2015 include: an outreach to the New York Association of Convenience Stores to augment the propane training of their members, working closer with Railroads of New York on better communication between our industry and the ever more important railroad industry, and continued support and advocacy for the extremely important Crestwood Finger Lakes Storage Project in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Also of note in 2015 was the creation of a New York-specific disaster plan to aid NYPGA and its individual members in the event of a serious natural, man-made, or industry disaster. Indeed, the plan comes complete with a mobile app that is free to association members. Special thanks to Crystal DeStefano and the folks at Strategic Communications for all their efforts on the disaster plan project.
“As you can see, the New York Propane Gas Association continues to move to keep pace with the needs of its membership. We look forward to a successful and profitable 2016.”
North Carolina
North Carolina Propane Gas Association [NCPGA] chairman of the board Cyndi Kibler writes:
“The North Carolina Propane Gas Association was quite busy in 2015. In the past 12 months, North Carolina has:
1. Led grass-root efforts to get legislation passed. The Gas Gallon Equivalency legislation for autogas is saving 9.9 cents per gallon on state gas tax.
2. We processed 1672 Safe Appliance Rebates totaling $459,100, with an average of $275 per rebate.
3. Developed a comprehensive marketing campaign to grow residential gallons.
4. North Carolina attended every NPGA & PERC board meeting and has representatives on PERC Marketing Outreach Technology as well as Benchmarking and TS&S. NCPGA will continue to be active in our state and at a national level.
5. Actively participated with all three Clean Cities Coalitions in North Carolina. (Grant for new state-of-the-art dispensing station.)
6. Were granted hours-of-service waivers by the governor.
7. Worked closely with Department of Agriculture (AHJ) on adherence to NFPA 58.
8. Met with Department of Public Instruction (propane school buses) and North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Advisory Council. (LPG as an alternative fuel.)
9. Held our Annual Legislative Day in Raleigh to promote our industry to the legislature.
10. Attended Propane Days in [Washington] D.C.
11. Made some changes with titles this past September. Executive director John Jessup is now president/CEO, and I am the elected chairman of the board.”
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Propane Gas Association executive director Richard Hess writes:
“Oklahoma’s LP Gas Research, Marketing and Safety Commission [state PERC since 1994] was privatized effective Nov. 1, 2015, meaning it transitioned from a state agency to a private, nonprofit association empowered with the same authority and charged with the same responsibilities.”
Pennsylvania
“After years of discussion, the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association held its first Emergency Responder Conference this past July. The event, with support from PERC, was extremely successful. We were able to train emergency responders/fire service and propane marketers over a two-day conference. Forty-four fire/rescue and towing companies were represented. The Pennsylvania Fire Academy, Dauphin County (Harrisburg) Emergency Management Agency-Hazmat, and Graterford State Correctional Institute were also in attendance, along with more than 30 propane companies,” says Mike Mutter, Eddinger Propane (Bally), president of the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA).
“This well-planned conference allowed the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association to build better relationships between the propane industry and our emergency responders/fire services, helping to eliminate misunderstandings about propane, and if an incident does occur, to reach out to us for guidance and support.
“Our marketing committee initiatives include supporting the Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors; Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association; and PennAg Industries, sponsoring their Poultry Progress Day.
“We continue our 14-year relationship with Penn State Sports Properties that includes entitlement of the post-game radio shows for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, [and] a register-to-win promotion to drive the public to our Facebook page. New for 2015 is ‘Celebrate Agriculture’ sponsorship, with a portion of our investment donated for a scholarship to the Penn State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“PAPGA has a 16-week digital marketing program running through Dec. 26, 2015, with a minimum of 6 million online geo-targeted impressions to adults 25-54 with Pennsylvania state-wide coverage. We also ran a six-week radio schedule, August to September 2015, 60 spots, 10 spots per week, Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., 30-second commercials reaching all throughout Pennsylvania, which also includes a minimum of 60 bonus spots.
“The education/training committee held 18 training classes throughout Pennsylvania, training more than 275 students. Our total students trained during the year have remained consistent with plans to continue with offering training classes in 2016.”
Tennessee
Stuart Arnold of AmeriGas (Franklin), president of the Tennessee Propane Gas Association (TNPGA), sent a written report to BPN stating that several TNPGA-sponsored events were successfully completed during 2015. The events were aimed at promoting propane safety and growth throughout the state.
“In August, approximately 100 servicemen participated in the Annual Tennessee Serviceman’s Convention. Servicemen and vendors spent two uninterrupted days focused on technical training curriculum. Training was structured to promote a ‘hands-on’ learning opportunity. Servicemen are essential to providing safe, customer-focused propane service to consumers. Continued education delivered during this event enhances the industry’s safety and customer service reputation.
“The association invests significantly in building key relationships within state government. The year 2015 was relatively quiet for propane industry-related legislature in Tennessee. Two events headline the association’s governmental affairs outreach program. First, marketers from across the state join to serve barbecue at the legislative plaza each year. Several hundred legislators, aides, and staff members participate in the luncheon. Second, we continued our commitment to visit Congress members locally in 2015. Legislators are briefed on matters having impact on our industry. Our goal is to ensure lawmakers understand the impact propane has on [their] constituents. We call this event In-State Propane Days. These two events significantly raise awareness around our causes and we look forward to continuing this work in the future.
“The summer convention is the climax of the TNGA calendar year. The convention is a family-oriented event enjoyed by all who attend. We recognize member contributions, participate in continued education seminars, and award scholarships to students attending college. The association proudly instituted its fifth educational scholarship during this year’s ceremonies.
“The year 2016 promises to be another exciting one. The NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo is being held in our very own Music City. We look forward to welcoming industry visitors to this highly anticipated event.”
Western
Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) president Terry Ayres of Kamps Propane (Manteca, Calif.) reports on some highlights for the association:
“Cap and trade: The start of the year ushered in new regulatory requirements for California fractionators, refiners, or importers with certain CO2 emissions thresholds. The broad guidelines for the regulation left many of our members with questions as they sought to comply. WPGA hosted member webinars, provided FAQs, and other resources to help address the matter.
“Propane irrigation engine sales: The association continued to seize upon opportunities resulting from new Tier 4 regulation in the irrigation engine market. Many farmers made the transition to propane, a lower-cost and cleaner-burning alternative to diesel. WPGA partnered with both PERC and local marketers to exploit synergies between all stakeholders. At the association level, plenty of outreach and incentive funds were made available. This was complimented with PERC’s training, marketing materials, website development, and incentive funding. By early June, the association had approximately 30 participants in the irrigation incentive program. The association expects this market to continue to flourish in 2016.
“California wildfires: The summer brought an onslaught of fires throughout the state, including what has been coined “megafires,” which traverse the landscape at unprecedented speeds and ferocity. WPGA hosted webinars and conference calls inviting representatives from [the Office of Emergency Services] to help ensure marketers were informed regarding how to obtain critical information and the latest fire safety practices.
“Strategic plan: WPGA embarked on the creation of our first strategic plan. There are many challenges and competitive technologies entering the marketplace that are unique to California, as well as new opportunities including the lifting of the [PERC] marketing restrictions. The association went into planning mode, seeking input from all of its members, then had a strategic planning committee sift through research data, trends, and other key inputs to develop its plan titled ‘E3 — Engage. Excite. Enact.’ This two-year plan [comprises] four key goals that all work together to increase the consumption of gallons and combat the numerous forces that stifle propane’s expansion in California. The plan was unanimously approved by our board in October and will guide WPGA through 2016 and 2017.”
West Virginia
Caroline Hensley, president of the West Virginia Propane Gas Association, writes:
“This year has been one of accomplishment and challenge for the West Virginia Propane Gas Association. WVPGA has continued to provide quality educational programming in such areas as residential gas sales, bobtail driving safety, and updates to codes. These have been utilized by owners, managers, sales, service, and drivers throughout the year. We have continued publishing our quarterly safety newsletter, which includes a quiz that makes it ideal for safety meetings.
“On the legislative front, we participated in the governor’s Energy Summit, helping legislators and regulators understand the importance and versatility in uses of all the propane that the Marcellus Shale fracking is producing within the state. Adverse natural gas legislation has hit West Virginia as it has many other states, and we have a major education effort facing us. Fortunately, the volunteer involvement of our members makes this task manageable.
“Plans for next year include the running of our bi-annual Bobtail Truck Rodeo, which was first started in 1994.”
Wisconsin
One of the top priorities in Wisconsin right now is the continued effort to establish a state PERC program. “The Wisconsin Propane Gas Association (WPGA) continues to educate legislators on the importance of the programs we can offer to our marketers with a state PERC,” writes Chris Tews of Dale Gas and Oil (Dale) and president of WPGA. “WPGA members will need to be very involved to help educate their local representatives and host legislative visits at their businesses. When elected officials understand the nature of our industry and what it takes to serve our customers, the more likely they are to want to help the propane industry.”
WPGA is also working on a variety of other issues that are impacting propane marketers in the state. These include continuous monitoring of potential natural gas threats, consumer safety education, and the promotion of autogas. The association is in the process of establishing a task force that will work to identify new opportunities to expand the use of propane as a motor fuel. “Autogas remains a focal point in the majority of WPGA’s communications. It is a great opportunity for our members,” said Tews.
The outlook for next year is positive, with new and improved member benefits. In 2016, WPGA will roll out a new website and association management software that will provide members with an abundance of resources and will allow for greater control over its membership.
WPGA members are eagerly anticipating the 2016 North Central Convention, a three-day convention and trade show hosted by Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. “The North Central Convention is one of the most highly anticipated industry events in the region,” said Emma Shultz, WPGA’s executive director.
The following are excerpts from interviews BPN conducted with several state association presidents and executive directors:
Arizona
The Arizona Propane Gas Association (APGA) was active in strengthening a container law passed in the state that changes the penalty from a petty offense to a Class 3 misdemeanor. The law increases penalties if a marketer fills a tank of another marketer’s customer. “This was done, in part, since county attorneys seemed reluctant to prosecute a case that was just a petty offense. A Class 3 misdemeanor can mean 30 days in jail,” said association president John Wilfong of Sierra Propane (Springerville).
APGA continues to focus on education, networking, and representing the interest of Arizona’s propane industry before the state legislature and various regulatory agencies. It helped pass Good Samaritan legislation to protect propane marketers who assist first responders in propane emergencies. The association also holds a Propane Safety Day every other year at the state capitol, where it displays propane vehicles and appliances. It is proactive in facilitating training and safety programs that positively impact the Arizona propane industry. Recent events include training for service techs; hazmat, refresher, and leak-check and pressure-test training; regulator training, and office 101 training.
APGA is now part of the Western Propane Education and Research Council scholarship program.
“If there is one thing that I am particularly proud of it would be the propane emergency training we provide firefighters.” Wilfong said. “Over the last three years we have trained over 400 firefighters. I really appreciate what the instructor, Dennis Cruise, said to me: ‘It’s about prevent, prepare, and working together’. I think those words sum up what the association is all about.”
Colorado
Several years ago the Colorado state legislature enacted a law that added a tax to all home heating fuel. Propane marketers were most affected by the legislation. Marketers could apply for a rebate on non-motor fuel uses, but the state was slow in processing the rebates. Colorado Propane Gas Association (CPGA) president Charlie Brown said, “We heard there were waits up to three to four months just to get their rebates back, and that was just an undue hardship on the Colorado marketers.”
The association has a good working relationship with the Colorado energy office and Colorado department of revenue, and had help from its lobbyist in getting a new law signed this past June that rectified the situation, commented Brown of Independent Propane (Granby).
There has been a strong focus on fire training in the state, with the Colorado Propane Education & Research Council taking an active role in that area. Charmin Heimel of Plains Marketing and Rob Upton of Blue Flame Gas have taken leadership roles, traveling to various fire departments to train fire professionals and first responders on how to handle a burning tank. Heimel is also developing a transport trailer training unit.
Larry Osgood of Consulting Solutions (Colorado Springs) and Marshal Younglund of AmeriGas have promoted autogas throughout the state, displaying the association’s propane-fueled pickup truck, participating in area alternative fuel presentations, and traveling to school districts to promote and exhibit propane-fueled school buses.
CPGA has worked with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) to make its new blended Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) available to Colorado marketers. The new version allows marketers to do online work and then go elsewhere for the hands-on portion of the certification process.
Like many associations, CPGA is also working to slow natural gas expansion in the state.
Florida
The Florida Propane Gas Association (FPGA) worked with Florida’s state legislature during the past legislative session, and will try again in the upcoming session, to allow propane marketers in the state to disconnect and reinstall water lines while installing a propane water heater. Customers currently must call a plumber to disconnect and then reconnect the water lines after the propane marketer installs the hot water heater.
The association has continued to work on various rebate programs, including a whole-house appliance rebate program with the help of the Florida Propane Education & Research Council and the Propane Education Foundation of Florida. “We’re also sort of following the lead of the national PERC with additional irrigation rebates and lawn mower rebates for conversions,” said FPGA president Todd Lawrence of Farmers Cooperative Inc.
Autogas gallons also continue to grow in the state. Three years ago the association was able to get the state legislature to appropriate $6 million per year to cover 50% of conversion costs for government and private fleets.
Attention is also focused on safety. FPGA has sponsored first-responder training as it relates to propane for more than 5000 first responders in the state. The annual Propane Gas Safety School provides 30 hours of Continuing Education Unit credits to about 130 propane company employees from all over the state each year.
Illinois
Preventing natural gas expansion is one of the most urgent issues the propane industry in Illinois and nationwide is facing, said Illinois Propane Gas Association (IPGA) executive director Aaron DeWeese. The state general assembly passed the Natural Gas Consumer Safety and Reliability Act of 2013, which allowed utilities to place an additional surcharge on each ratepayer. Natural gas companies are supposed to use the surcharge exclusively for repair and replacement of aging infrastructure and by statute are prohibited from using this new revenue source for the purpose of new natural gas expansion projects. However, DeWeese noted that since 2014, Illinois has seen a significant increase in natural gas expansion activities, especially in rural residential territories. The natural gas companies in the state are also telling their prospective customers about the propane industry’s supply and infrastructure problems of winter 2013-2014. IPGA is working with NPGA on a consumer awareness campaign to help Illinois and other states paint a better picture of the propane industry and to increase propane industry engagement on the issue.
“We’re now proactively challenging any expansion requests,” DeWeese said. “It’s definitely a turn for our industry. Natural gas had not been a threat — especially in rural areas, but the economics have changed on that.”
IPGA is also working to pass limited liability legislation to provide protection for propane marketers against negligence claims for situations beyond their control, such as if an HVAC tech or resident compromises the propane system without the knowledge of the propane marketer.
The association has taken an active role in promoting its propane mower rebate program. “We are seeing more and more landscape contractors turning to propane for their mower fleets,” DeWeese noted.
Indiana
A few years ago, the Indiana Propane Gas Association partnered with the Midwest Petroleum and Convenience Tradeshow (M-PACT) of the convenience store industry for its annual convention. The partnership has been a success, said association president Dick Widdicombe.
Widdicombe, who works out of the Waterloo, Ind. office as director of administration for Crestwood Transportation, said that the Indiana Association is working on a separate gathering for propane industry representatives at M-PACT. He expects to see increased propane industry participation at next year’s M-PACT because of the cancellation of the Midwest Propane Gas Convention. The Illinois Propane Gas Association is also a partner in the show, and he stressed that the Illinois association has renewed its commitment to working with the Indiana association on the convention.
The Indiana association has steadily increased its appliance rebate program over the past three years. Widdicombe noted that it has had such great participation that appliance rebate funds usually run out by October.
He also reported that the state is looking forward to a fairly stable propane supply situation this winter after the supply Issues experienced the past few years.
The state is going into this winter with a fairly confident feeling that supply is very much on our side. “Luckily, that’s not an issue we’re really hearing [about] this year. Two winters ago in Indiana, we had a lot of farms only getting partial deliveries. It was a concern, especially with livestock,” he added.
Iowa
The Iowa Propane Gas Association (IPGA) is working to build a propane inspection fund to assist its state fire marshal in hiring three people to inspect propane tank installations. The fund would be set up similar to PERC’s, with a percentage of all odorized propane sold going to the fund. Association president Roger Gruwell explained that IPGA saw that many installations were probably not up to code. The inspection fund will also be important as the association looks to expand the autogas industry in the state.
“I think you could argue that, in some cases, the person going out and inspecting say a storage tank installation for final approval might be a volunteer fire chief who may or may not have any knowledge of whether the installation is correct or not,” stated Gruwell, area director for AmeriGas (Valley Forge, Pa.), who manages the company’s retail operations in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, western Illinois, and southern Minnesota. “In order for us to push autogas, we’re going to have to be able to put these installations in cities and towns and have a consistent way in which they should be done, and then have someone come in to do that inspection who understands the rules and regulations.”
Marketer training is also an important activity for the association, as well. IPGA provides PERC’s CETP at an affordable cost. Training is held in the training center located in Pleasant Hill, near the center of the state, an easy location for marketers to travel to for training. The building, which the association is pleased to say is completely paid for, also houses the association office, and is where IPGA conducts its annual and seasonal meetings.
Kansas
Challenged by declining membership numbers, the Propane Marketers Association of Kansas (PMAK) passed a dues increase at its August meeting. “We’ve been losing quite a few members due to acquisitions and everything else,” said Chris Klein, of AV Energy (Dodge City), who has been president of PMAK since July. He added that the dues increase will take place incrementally over the next three years.
On behalf of the association, he is working to see that insurance companies focus more on safety when writing their policies. Klein is discouraged to see that some marketers conduct safety checks, mail propane safety information, and follow the various regulations while other marketers do not. He is in the early stages of talking to insurance companies to see what can be done.
The association is also working on details of its participation in the Mid-States trade show. In the past, the show has included the Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska associations, but plans are for 2016’s event to include Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Mid-Atlantic
Getting as many of its members CETP-certified as possible is a top priority for the Mid-Atlantic Propane Gas Association. MAPGA president Kim Tucker notes that the association has trained about 175 members and non-members so far through the program.
“We’ve been trying to entice HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] industry members to bring in more membership, because the HVAC people need to get the same certification for working on propane,” said Tucker, who is district manager for Griffith Energy Services. “We’re trying to spread the safety campaign, offering it to non-members at a different fee [than for members]. The hope is that they see the benefit of being part of our organization.”
MAPGA also hosted an engine fuel road show this year. The event highlighted propane-fueled vehicles to educate attendees about the benefits of propane autogas. A mower demonstration was held at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland to encourage landscaping companies to convert their mowers to propane or buy new propane mowers.
Tucker noted that since MAPGA has heard positive feedback about emergency responders courses held by other associations, it plans to hold a similar conference in 2016.
This year, MAPGA updated its logo and website to be more user-friendly, and it is working to increase its participation at the annual Propane Days event in Washington, D.C.
Ohio
Brian Buschur has only been president of the Ohio Propane Gas Association since August, but he and the association have already set goals to increase membership, take better advantage of PERC funding, and to start a state Propane Days event. He reports that like marketers nationwide, the propane industry in his state has seen a decrease in gallons because of improved efficiency of equipment and other reasons. “But the shale gas in the eastern part of the state has been really good for Ohio,” he said.
In regard to PERC funding, he and association autogas chair Eric Sears recently met with a representative from Ohio State University about using grant money to purchase new mowers that run on propane. The university currently uses Exmark mowers, so it would switch to Exmark mowers that use propane.
“The PERC committee in Ohio views this as a way to get good exposure for propane from the flagship university in the state,” said Buschur, who is with McMahan’s Bottle Gas (Dayton). “I know other states are doing this.”
He is committed to getting a state propane days event before the end of his term as president because he feels establishing relationships with legislators is important. “We are going to do this, so now it’s a matter of setting the date, but there is interest in Ohio and I’m really optimistic that membership will get behind this.”
Texas
The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) is working to resolve permitting issues in the city of Houston. The city is attempting to require engineers to approve certain propane installations. John Kelly, who took over as TPGA president in August, noted the association is against the special permitting. The Texas propane industry already follows the rules set forth by the Railroad Commission of Texas, which follows NFPA 54 and 58.
“We shouldn’t have to have a city inspector come out and inspect our installations,” said Kelly, who is the owner of Kelly Propane & Fuel LLC (Holliday). “City inspectors don’t really know the guidelines of distances and how far the tank should be from a building or property line.” —Daryl Lubinsky
