PERC Publishes 2017 Budget And Calls for Public Comment
Thursday, August 4, 2016
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has published its 2017 budget plan for public comment. The plan includes the probable costs of all programs, projects, and contracts as well as a recommended assessment rate sufficient to cover costs. After public review and comment, PERC must submit the spending plan to the secretary of energy and to Congress. The blueprint is available for viewing at propanecouncil.org/uploadedFiles/2017_Budget_for_Public_Comment.
Spots Advance by Fractions, Crude Oil Gets Bounce
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Propane trading edged higher Thursday during a week when oil first fell into a bear market, then jumped sharply higher after a big drop in gasoline inventories. Propane spot prices at the Mont Belvieu markets gained a quarter cent and 0.375 cents compared to the Monday email Update, while deals in the Group (Conway, Kan.) also advanced three eights of a cent.
Enterprise Adds Propylene Exports To Houston Ship Channel Facility
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Enterprise Products Partners LP (Houston) has loaded its first two vessels with polymer-grade propylene (PGP) for export at the Enterprise Hydrocarbons Terminal (EHT) along the Houston Ship Channel, adding a new service at the facility. The company said it is expecting an increase in the number of PGP export cargos in response to growing international demand.
NAFTC, PERC Hosting Free Autogas Training in Alabama
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will host a free propane autogas vehicle technician training course Oct. 18-20 at Lawson State Community College in Bessemer, Ala. The course is designed for professional, experienced automotive technicians and automotive trainers seeking to learn about propane autogas vehicles.
Blue Bird Premieres New Vision School Bus at STN Expo in Reno
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Those attending this year’s STN Expo July 23-27 in Reno, Nev. had their first opportunity to view and drive Blue Bird Corp.’s (Fort Valley, Ga.) new Vision Gen 4 propane bus and the company’s new Vision CNG bus. “At Blue Bird we have an unwavering commitment to be the best in passenger safety and total cost of ownership, as well as robust service and support,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Bluebird.
Fuel Standards Would Reduce Medium-, Heavy-Duty Diesel Use
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Proposed fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards would increase fuel economy and reduce diesel consumption in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) comments. Unlike light-duty vehicles, which have been subject to fuel economy standards since the 1970s, the first phase of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle standards was recently implemented, starting with model year 2014. The proposed Phase 2 standards, issued jointly by the U.S.
Global Energy Intensity Declines; Industry, Climate Weigh Heavily
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Worldwide energy intensity, measured as energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (GDP), decreased by nearly one-third between 1990 and 2015, reports the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Energy intensity has decreased in nearly all regions of the world, with reductions occurring both in the more developed economies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and in the non-OECD emerging nations.
Oil, Natural Gas Exploratory Drilling Down in 2nd Quarter
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
The American Petroleum Institute (API) reports that estimated U.S. oil well completions decreased by 69% in the second quarter of 2016 compared to year-ago levels. API’s 2016 Quarterly Well Completion Report, Second Quarter also said estimated exploratory gas well completions in the second quarter decreased 84% year on year. So far this year, development well footage has fallen 53% and exploratory well footage has dropped 64%.
Vaquero Midstream Commissions Caymus I Gas Processing Facility
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Vaquero Midstream (The Woodlands, Texas) has commissioned its Caymus I natural gas processing plant in Pecos County, Texas. The new facility is supported by long-term commitments with major producers in the area. The UOP Russell 200-MMcfd cryogenic processing plant is located on 330 acres, allowing for expansion to four additional 200-MMcfd processing trains.
NPGA Receives DOT Clarification On Bobtail Requalification
Friday, July 22, 2016
On July 8, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) received formal clarification from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on several key segments of the final rule to extend the hydrostatic pressure test requalification period from five to 10 years for certain types of bobtail delivery trucks. PHMSA clarifications include confirmation that the effective date of the final rule is July 5, 2016.
People on the Move
Monday, July 18, 2016
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has announced its Executive Committee for the 2016-2017 association year. Association chairman-elect, Jerry Brick of North Star Energy LLC (Aberdeen, S.D.), is executive committee chair. Serving with him are NPGA officers Stuart Weidie, Blossman Gas Inc. (Swannanoa, N.C.); Chris Earhart, Dixie Gas & Oil Corp.
Energy Distribution Partners Welcomes Mark Crone
Monday, July 18, 2016
July 18, 2016 — Chicago, Illinois-based Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”) is pleased to announce that Mark Crone has joined the company as General Manager for Lyons LP Gas, which serves residential, commercial and agricultural customers in Ohio and Michigan. In addition to maintaining the current residential and agriculture markets in the service areas, Crone will be responsible for growing the company’s industrial and commercial business segments. Lyons LP Gas was acquired by EDP in May of 2016.
PERC Raises Assessment Rate
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
(Napa Valley, Calif.) July 13, 2016 — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) at its July 12, 2016 meeting in Napa, Calif. approved an assessment increase from 0.4 cents per gallon to 0.45 cents per gallon.
In Memorium — Dan Blake, 40-year industry veteran
Thursday, July 7, 2016
(Warren, Michigan) July 7, 2016 – It is with profound sadness that we inform you that our longtime friend, colleague and mentor, Dan Blake, passed away suddenly on June 25, 2016. Dan was vice president of Jomar Group and a well-known figure in the propane industry. He travelled the country for nearly 40 years, not just calling on customers but also his friends.
Dan Blake
Modest Changes Expected After Expanded Panama Canal Opens
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
On Tuesday, June 26, 2016, the Panama Canal Authority opened a third set of locks that will double its capacity and allow the transit of larger ships, the first such expansion since the canal was completed in 1914, notes the Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, because of the economics of shipping, trade patterns, and the types of ships used to transport crude and petroleum products, the latest expansion is expected to have limited effect on most petroleum markets.
Look to Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Jobs as Source for Drivers
Friday, June 24, 2016
The propane industry has been experiencing a shortage of qualified bobtail drivers for years, a trend that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, writes Stuart Flatow, vice president of safety and training at the Propane Education & Research Council. The propane industry is not alone. In fact, there is, and has been, a shortage of all kinds of qualified over-the-road drivers nationwide.
Affiliate of Enterprise Selling Western U.S. Infrastructure
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
An affiliate of Enterprise Products (Houston) is selling rail terminals located in the Western U.S. Details of the transactions were not released. United Pacific Energy (Reno, Nevada) has entered into an agreement for the purchase of Enterprise’s Bakersfield, Calif. LPG rail terminal.
U.S. Remains Top Producer Of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
The U.S. remained the world’s largest producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons in 2015, according to Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates. U.S. petroleum and natural gas production first surpassed Russia in 2012, and the nation has been the world’s top producer of natural gas since 2011 and the largest producer of petroleum hydrocarbons since 2013.
Research In Biosynthesis of Renewable Propane Moves Step Closer
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Researchers at the University of Manchester and Imperial College in England have edited the genome of an algae enzyme and produced propane. e researchers are reported to have made signi cant advances in the search to develop a way of making renewable propane through bioengineering, a promising economic prospect that is also good for the environment.
Recall of Pressure Relief Devices Expanded by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a safety advisory regarding pressure-relief devices that were not manufactured or intended for use on cargo tank motor vehicles. In 2013, Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc. issued a voluntary recall on Fisher pressure-relief device models H732 and H832. In 2014, the recall was expanded to include models H282, H882, H5112, and H8112.
New Propane Industry-Related Products Announced
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
VERTICAL DISPENSER TANK. The new vertical Trinity Dispenser Tank from Bergquist Inc. provides numerous advantages that a traditional horizontal tank can’t offer, Product Bergquist 1according to the company. The skid-mounted unit requires less space, giving marketers more room for additional tanks and other propane accessories.