WASHINGTON, D.C.— In support of President Biden’s "Investing in America" agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $26.9 million to nine states, 27 local governments and one tribe for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). 

On May 1, the Department of Energy (DOE) published its final rule concerning new construction "Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings." The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has been engaged in this rule since DOE issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking in December 2022. 

NEW MILFORD, Conn. — April 25, 2024 — Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Whitney Parsley has joined its financial advisory firm as an associate, effective April 15, 2024. Parsley provides paralegal support to the firm’s M&A deal execution team. She will be based at Cetane’s Houston, Texas office. 

Canada's primary underground propane inventories decreased by 7.6% in April, according to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). The total represented a month-to-month decrease of 59.4 Mcm. Compared to a year earlier, stocks were higher, with 225.2 Mcm, or 45.7%, more product on hand.

Propane storages in the West started April a bit lower at 547.3 Mcm, which corresponds to 3.448 MMbbl, the agency reported. From March to April, volumes decreased by 14.5 Mcm, or 2.6%, and were 280.1 more the year prior's level of 267.2 Mcm.

San Diego (April 24, 2024) — Oberon Fuels, a renewable fuels producer, and Sunvapor, a renewable heat provider, commissioned a solar steam project under the first purchase agreement in the United States for industrial solar steam. This agreement will eliminate upfront capital requirements to deploy solar steam, while enabling Oberon to as much as double output capacity and slash the carbon intensity of renewable fuels — critical for industrial customers seeking renewable fuels to achieve pressing net-zero commitments.

 

PERC has hired David Walters as the new director of autogas business development. In his new role, Walters will advocate for the implementation of propane autogas in existing energy infrastructure, as well as drive new innovative products.
AGA and partners challenge DOE rules limiting access to energy-efficient natural gas products, citing legal violations and potential harm to consumers, especially seniors and low-income households. They urge the court to reconsider the rules for consumer options and affordability.

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) achieved successes at the recent ICC Fuel Gas code meetings, including substantial updates and clarifications to regulations that directly impact the propane industry. 

Nebraska recently became the 26th state to enact protections for energy freedom.

Legislative Bill (LB) 867 prevents local governments, such as a villages, cities, and counties from prohibiting or restricting access to a fuel source or a type of energy that is authorized to be supplied to customers, including specifically propane. These legal protections safeguard the marketplace for propane and ensure the fuel remains an energy option for consumers. The enactment of LB 867 follows more than a year of engagement on this issue in the Cornhusker State. 

DOVER, Del. — April 18, 2024 — Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced that Lucia Dempsey has joined the company as head of investor relations, effective April 15. 

Dempsey will be responsible for communicating Chesapeake Utilities' strategy to the investment community. Dempsey will serve as a key contact with the financial community, helping communicate the company's value proposition, investment opportunities and sustainability initiatives. 

Caleb Sheppard, a 30-year MID:COM veteran, is the new general manager, known for his deep company knowledge and strong customer rapport. VP Jim Reddington is confident in Sheppard's ability to excel in the role, given his track record of success and customer favor.

During the latest mid-month period, prices at Mont Belvieu, Texas, increased. The posted prices increased 1.25 cents/gal, from March mid-month to April mid-month, and the spot prices increased 1.75 cents. Conway, Kansas, postings increased 5.5 cents/gal, and spots increased 3.25 cents over the month.

Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2024) — The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) decreased its forecast for United States coal exports following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the resulting closure of the Port of Baltimore. In its April Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA reduced its forecasts for U.S. coal exports for April by 33% and for May by 20% from previous forecasts.

EDP has acquired Queen City Propane, a propane service and equipment provider that has served residential, commercial and industrial customers. The acquisition expands EDP's operations in the Cincinnati area.

Richmond, Va. (April 2, 2024) — As emissions regulations across the country get stricter, port authorities can take advantage of more than $650 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD). Grant dollars from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) can be used for projects that include environmental and emissions mitigation measures and terminal equipment upgrades.

SAN DIEGO (March 27, 2024) — Lytx Inc., a video safety and video telematics provider, recognized the winners of the 2024 Driver and Coach of the Year awards and their positive influence on roadway safety. Each winner successfully implemented the Lytx Driver Safety Program, which combines machine vision and artificial intelligence (MV+AI) technology with customizable coaching tools and reporting to advance fleet safety skills.

At this year's NPGA Southeastern Propane Expo, Women in the Propane will be recording a live podcast session. The podcast "Through the Leadership Lens" will feature conversation between leading figures in the propane industry and provide an opportunity for listeners to ask questions.