“Prepare with Propane” Amid Growing Grid Instability

Richmond, Va. (Oct. 1, 2025) — As the nation faces growing challenges with electric grid reliability, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is marking the fourth annual National Propane Day by reminding Americans of the importance of being prepared for life’s everyday moments and the unexpected by investing in a reliable energy source.

Recognized on Oct. 7, this year’s National Propane Day theme, “Prepare with Propane,” emphasizes propane’s critical role in powering American homes, businesses, farms, fleets and communities with the reliable, on-site energy they need to stay resilient.

The theme is especially timely following a recent U.S. Department of Energy report that projects blackouts in the U.S. could increase 100-fold by 2030 as the electric grid struggles to meet rising demand from home energy use, manufacturing and AI-driven data centers. That leaves home and business owners more vulnerable to disruptions as demand for electricity climbs and outpaces production. Propane fills the gap as a portable energy source that’s stored directly on site for increased reliability. Because it doesn’t degrade over time, propane is always ready, even during widespread power disruptions.

“In a time when the nation’s electric grid is under strain, propane is already there working quietly in the background to keep families warm, farms productive, the supply chain running and emergency services in operation,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “Propane is more than a fuel. It’s the foundation for energy security and preparedness across the country.”

Every day, propane powers emergency backup generators for hospitals and public safety buildings. It fuels buses that provide a clean, safe, healthy ride to school for more than 1.3 million students. It runs agricultural grain dryers and irrigation systems used to produce the food on our tables. And propane delivers reliable energy to millions of U.S. households that depend on it for cooking, home heating, hot water, backup power and more.

Propane’s reliability isn’t possible without the hardworking members of the propane industry; behind every gallon of propane are thousands of people ensuring their communities have the energy they need.

“From drivers to technicians to local retailers, the people in the propane industry keep America running with clean, safe, dependable energy,” Perkins said. “These are people who live and work in the very communities they serve. They’re neighbors who often mobilize like first responders, delivering fuel and restoring power in the aftermath of storms. That commitment is what makes the propane industry so essential to our national energy security. Their work makes it possible for families to prepare with confidence.”

National Propane Day was established in 2022 to increase public awareness of propane’s role in powering the nation with clean, reliable energy. For more information, visit Propane.com/nationalpropaneday.