SEPA Announces Hurricane Helene North Carolina Propane Relief Fund

RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 20, 2024) — Recovery efforts in western North Carolina (WNC) are ongoing as the region grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Despite significant progress made in the wake of the disaster, much work remains to be done. Many communities have been left without power and essential infrastructure, with limited road access in numerous areas.

The Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA), SEPA North Carolina Advisory Board, North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation (NCPERF) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) have combined financial resources and staff to establish the Hurricane Helene North Carolina Propane Relief Fund.

The Hurricane Helene North Carolina Propane Relief Fund is available to any North Carolina-based dealer within the FEMA-established region requesting assistance with propane filling operations. Initially, the program is for propane-filling efforts but may be extended to include other items (e.g., tanks) at the discretion of the approval committee. A special committee will approve each request and may grant exceptions to cap amounts and uses on a case-by-case basis. If the voucher is approved, the fund will reimburse propane dealers at $1.25 per gallon with a cap of $5,000 per dealer location. The approval committee may address special circumstances.

An online voucher at propanenorthcarolina.com is available to North Carolina-based dealers within the FEMA-established region requesting assistance.

“These funds will go a long way to support the propane dealers who are donating thousands of gallons of propane to folks in western North Carolina who have been devastated by Hurricane Helene and need propane to keep warm in RVs, campers, tents, tiny homes and sheds,” said John Jessup, president and CEO of SEPA.

These funds will be available retroactively starting Dec. 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, or while funds last.

Those interested may contribute to the North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation. As a 501(c)(3), contributions will be tax deductible: The Southeast Propane Alliance, SEPA North Carolina Advisory Board, North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation, and Propane Education & Research Council do not charge administrative or management costs, fees or charges. Contact SEPA to contributer. All contributors will be acknowledged by name in future SEPA publications.

The following reminders, a disclaimer and a warning regarding the distribution and use of propane are provided for this program:

As a propane dealer, you are responsible for ensuring the safe and responsible distribution and use of propane. By using the Hurricane Helene North Carolina Propane Relief Fund, the dealer agrees to adhere to safe practices for the distribution and usage of propane. The dealer also assumes responsibility for any risks associated with propane distribution and use. The Hurricane Helene North Carolina Propane Relief Fund, the Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA), the SEPA North Carolina Advisory Board, the North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation (NCPERF), and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will not be held liable for any issues related to the distribution or use of propane.

For more information or to offer your support, contact John Jessup at SEPA: 919-787-8485 or [email protected].