Last week, we shared Part One of the article regarding PERC’s “Energy for Everyone Hero” Award going to Ruby’s Inn at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park and that article can be found here.
This week, we’ll continue discussing the Syrett family’s history of providing lodging for visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park and we’ll delve further into the challenges of providing hot water that was resolved with propane and a modern energy system with tankless water heaters and other appliances provided by Rinnai.
In 1919, as word continued to spread throughout Utah, many visitors began to trek to southern Utah from Salt Lake City and other areas to see Bryce Canyon for themselves. The Syretts learned of a large crowd coming from Salt Lake City to see the Canyon. According to Minnie Syrett, “They wanted us to take a lunch up there and feed them. So we set up a tent and served them.” The group was so taken with what they saw, they asked if it would be possible to 
stay there that night. Ruby went back to the ranch, loaded five or six beds and food for dinner. They slept under the pines and were treated to a large breakfast the next morning. As people kept coming, the Syretts kept providing tent houses for their guests and preparing them meals from spring until fall. This allowed almost no time to take care of the ranch.
Word of the canyon continued to spread and roads were getting better. Friends encouraged the Syretts to build more permanent accommodations. They build a rustic lodge for tourists on the rim of the canyon with local timber and stone and were well on their way to becoming pioneers in Utah’s tourism industry. Activities for the guests were developed and tours of the canyon were offered. As the canyon became an official National Park in the 1920’s, the Syretts believed offering some of their land for what would be a perfect entrance to the park would help position them as the perfect lodging site for visitors. The inn was expanded and a sign above Ruby’s Inn read, “Everybody Welcome.”
The facilities continued to grow and evolve and roads to Bryce Canyon continued to be improved and more and more people traveled by automobile. By the 1970’s the third generation of Syretts was running Ruby’s Inn. While they enjoyed much success, a fire on the night of May 31, 1984 destroyed the original old lodge, 19 guest rooms, and the new restaurant. The monetary loss was over $4 million and the emotional loss was overwhelming. With hard work through the summer and winter, Ruby’s Inn reopened a year later on June 1, 1985.
The third generation made many investments to further expand Ruby’s Inn to many buildings that could accommodate up to 4,000 guests in one night. Today the campus includes 19 buildings, 700 hotel rooms, three restaurants, an RV park, a campground, three swimming pools, and a laundry facility handling 19 tons of laundry per day.
FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AT RUBY’S INN
Having been at Bryce Canyon since before it became a national park, the Syrett family prides itself for taking care of the canyon since before the Park Service has. “Being next to a National Park, we always think about our carbon footprint,” said Lance Syrett, Ruby’s Inn General Manager. Conservation of water, electricity and other energy resources are critical to success.
Water was always needed at the inn and a new well was drilled during the 1980’s, storage tanks were installed to provide a dependable supply of culinary water. A sewer system was also constructed. With Bryce Canyon located at the top of the Pansagaunt Plateau and because water runs downhill, Ruby’s Inn has to be as careful with water usage as possible. In addition, the climate at Bryce Canyon is classified as an “Alpine Desert”, meaning most of the annual precipitation comes in the winter and through sparse storms during the short summer monsoon season.
Some initiatives include a linen/towel reuse program which allows guests to choose whether they want towels and linens replaced; a natural landscaping plan which includes many grasses, trees and bushes that don’t use too much water; a waste water reuse plan which uses natural processes to treat wastewater to be safe for farming uses; and state of the art systems with all daily processes such as dishwashing, laundry or other water intensive processes, utilizing the latest and most advanced technology to minimize water usage.
An electric usage plan includes Ruby Inn being the largest provider of Electric Vehicle Charging stations for visitors to the Bryce Canyon area. In addition, Ruby’s Inn continues to upgrade and embrace the latest and most efficient systems to reduce electrical consumption.
PROPANE IS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND COST EFFECTIVE ENERGY FOR RUBY’S INN
“It is important to Ruby’s Inn to use an energy source that is cost-effective, reliable and efficient,” said Syrett. “Propane fulfills those needs and it helps keep the beautiful environment clean. It just makes sense.” Propane use at Ruby’s Inn has helped to eliminate 5,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. This is equal to greenhouse gas emissions from:
* 1,410 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
* 771,822,585 smartphones charged.
* 795 homes energy use for one year.
The “Energy for Everyone Hero” Award was given to Ruby’s Inn by PERC to recognize their environmental stewardship as well as to celebrate the success of improvements to customer satisfaction and efficiency. “The hospitality industry knows how important reliable water heating units are for a successful operation,” said Jim Bunsey, director of commercial business development at PERC. “Water heating represents seven percent of all energy use in commercial buildings. Six building types – lodging, healthcare, retail, education, food service and office represent 85 percent of all commercial building water heating energy consumption.”
As the resort grew to the size it is now, the resort’s hot water was under a tremendous amount of strain. A few years back, customer dissatisfaction with cold showers led to financial loss for the resort to the tune of 
approximately $60,000 a year in guest discounts and refunds. Ruby’s Inn fixed its hot water demand issues by removing older model open-flame boilers and replacing them with several high-efficient 199,000 Btu storage tank water heaters, and 183 propane-powered tankless water heaters from Rinnai – giving the Inn a completely revitalized system. The propane tankless water heaters also support the Inn’s environmental focus. Based on an energy and environmental analysis of different energy sources, propane tankless systems reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 percent compared with electric storage tank systems.
Next week in Part Three, we’ll discuss in further detail the processes between Ruby’s Inn, Rinnai and other industry leaders to redesign the new propane energy plan that helped the environment, cut refund requests to nothing, cut spending and saved valuable energy resources.
Last week, we shared Op-ed comments ahead of Climate Week from Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, which can be found here.
IN addition to Climate Week activities, Perkins was able to do an interview with ‘The Watch List.’ He wrote a message on LinkedIn stating:
Always a pleasure to join host Nicole Petallides on The Watch List. This week we talked about energy markets and inventory trends, took a look ahead to how winter might play out, and discussed the continued growth of low-carbon renewable fuels, like renewable propane, from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during #ClimateWeekNYC.
You can watch the full interview here.
On September 18, Perkins moderated a LinkedIn Live panel discussion with Rebecca Groen, Keith Kerman, and Jennifer Holmgren to explore how renewable fuels can not only reduce emissions and accelerate decarbonization, but also provide reliable power and energy security.
You can find a the Climate Week discussion here.
Recently a Vermont local television news station did a report on renewable propane being offered by Bourne’s Energy based in Morrisville, VT. The news feature can be seen here.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
Last week, members of the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE) were on hand to welcome the first delivery of renewable propane to the Massachusetts market. A welcoming ceremony was held at the NGL Supply Wholesale terminal in Springfield.
While chemically identical to conventional propane, renewable propane is derived from non-fossil feedstocks including vegetable oils and natural fats. As a result, it has a carbon intensity score much lower than traditional propane or other energy options, including grid electricity. As states across New England seek to reduce emissions from thermal sources, renewable propane will play an increasingly larger role in the region’s energy future.
Leslie Anderson, Executive Director of PGANE, was on hand to witness the delivery. “I was thrilled to see over 60 members and a half dozen legislators turn out to learn more about renewable propane,” Anderson said. “We are cleaner than electricity in Massachusetts today, and with these innovative propane blends, we will be cleaner than electricity tomorrow, fighting climate change and making the environment healthier!”
As of the 2021 sales report, Massachusetts was the 22nd largest propane market in the country, with 141 million gallons sold annually.
For more information, contact NPGA’s Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson, at jpeterson@npga.org.
Propane suppliers across the nation celebrate the importance of the propane industry.
PERC and the propane industry are excited to kick off their second-annual National Propane Day on Saturday, Oct. 7.
National Propane Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the propane industry and the contributions it makes to our daily lives. It’s a time to highlight the economic, environmental, and practical benefits of this fuel, as well as to educate the public about its various applications.
The Versatile Fuel
Propane is a versatile and efficient energy source that is widely used for various purposes. One of its most common uses is as a heating fuel. Propane-powered furnaces, boilers and water heaters provide reliable and efficient warmth during the cold months, making it an essential component of many residential and commercial heating systems.
Propane is also the fuel of choice for cooking in homes, restaurants, and catering businesses. Chefs around the world appreciate its precise and instant heat control, allowing them to create culinary masterpieces with ease.
And when used as a fuel source for backup generators, propane keeps the lights on, appliances running and critical lifesaving equipment operating during blackouts and other electrical disruptions.
Environmental Benefits
National Propane Day is not only about celebrating the convenience and versatility of propane but also about recognizing its environmental benefits. Propane is considered a clean-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Furthermore, propane is not harmful to soil or water, making it a responsible choice for various applications. Its low emissions and non-toxic nature contribute to a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife.
Innovation and Progress
Propane continues to evolve, with advancements in technology leading to even more efficient and sustainable uses. Propane-powered appliances have become more energy-efficient, helping consumers save on energy costs while minimizing their impact on the environment. And with the advancement of renewable propane, with a carbon-intensity as low as zero, the future looks even brighter.
Celebrating National Propane Day
From educational events and workshops to community gatherings and promotional campaigns, National Propane Day is celebrated in a variety of ways across the country. It’s a chance for propane providers, environmental advocates, and consumers to come together and share their enthusiasm for this vital energy source.
Check with your local propane supplier to see what programs they’re planning for National Propane Day on Saturday, October 7.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
Help your business run smoothly during the winter season! Join the discussion on best practices during peak season during NPGA’s Propane Supply and Logistics (PS&L) Committee webinar on September 26th at 2 pm ET. Gain an understanding of current and potential market outlooks and corn harvest predictions and prepare for discussions with your suppliers and customers. Register for the event here.
For more information on the PS&L committee, contact NPGA Senior Manager of Industry Affairs Twana Aiken at taiken@npga.org.
On Thursday, September 14, Jim Bunsey, Director of Commercial Business Development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), presented an “Energy for Everyone Hero” Award to Lance Syrett, General Manager at Ruby’s Inn, Inc. Industry leaders and Editors from several publications including ‘Trending in Propane’ toured the facilities with Syrett and several representatives of Ruby’s Inn to fully understand improvements that were made at Ruby’s Inn to be considered an Energy Hero.
“We are here this week to celebrate Ruby’s Inn and its commitment to using products that are better for the environment,” Bunsey said. “Propane is a clean energy option and is a vital component to the Inn’s sustainability efforts and operations. Propane is used in a variety of large and small applications here.”
THE CHALLENGES RUBY’S INN FACED
A big problem at Ruby’s Inn for several years was keeping hot water flowing to the showers and sinks in hotels rooms throughout the 19-building resort. In a small town with just 195 permanent residents, as many as 4,000 visitors may be on the property on any given night between April and October.
The visitors, including many of whom arrive all at once in tour groups, tested the limits of Ruby’s Inn’s previous water heater infrastructure. That infrastructure couldn’t handle so many guests showering at the same time. Plus, there was no redundancy system in place, so when one of the boilers would go down, it would take close to an hour before it could recover. This led to complaints from hotel guests about hot water issues. “We can have six tour buses check in at one time, so there can be a lot of demand for hot water for showers all at once,” said Ron Harris, health and safety manager at Ruby’s Inn. “I have been here over 25 years and we had always had hot water trouble.”
“We’ve had all kinds of boilers over the years,” Harris said. “When a boiler went down, we would go two hours without hot water. You can imagine how unhappy that made the guests. We were giving away $60,000 a year in discounts and refunds.”
In several parts, ‘Trending in Propane’ will detail the process Ruby’s Inn went through to make hot water consistently available, cut energy costs, and eliminate the demand for refunds. The project became the largest project for tankless water heater manufacturer Rinnai and the project is fueled by propane. The success of the project led Ruby’s Inn to use Rinnai appliances in other applications. It has also led other, similar businesses to add propane-fueled Rinnai appliances as well.
“I would recommend a similar project as ours to other hotels and resorts, apartment buildings, hospitals and
penitentiaries who are struggling with hot water issues,” Harris said at the award ceremony.
THE HISTORY OF BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK AND RUBY’S INN
Bryce Canyon and propane have a similar timeline for discovery and growth in public interest although it would be many years before the value of propane as a primary energy source for Bryce Canyon would come into focus. Around the time French chemist Marcellin Berthelot discovered propane in 1857, Mormon pioneers had arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and were scouting the Utah territory to discover suitable lands to settle and farm. A book by A. Jean Seiler, Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon, describes Ebenezer Bryce, a convert from Scotland, and his wife, Mary, who were sent to St. George to help build the Mormon temple. In 1875, Ebenezer, Mary, and their 10 children moved from St. George to the upper Paria Valley and built a home at the canyon that would later bear his name. Times were hard and the need to provide food, shelter and safety were a major focus and little attention was given to the immense beauty of the canyon. Ebenezer himself had simply described it as “a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
In 1911, propane became available commercially as one of a group of liquified petroleum gases (LP gases) and people started using propane to heat their homes. In 1916, Reuben “Ruby” and Minnie Syrett left their home in Panguitch, Utah, and ventured to the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau to homestead a quarter section of land and build their ranch.
After six weeks, a cousin and rancher from Tropic, stopped for a neighborly chat. He asked if they had seen Bryce Canyon and Ruby said, “No, what is it?” The cousin replied that it was just a hole in the ground, but you should see it. Once they finally saw it, they were amazed at the coloring and the rock formations. From that day on they thought everyone should see it. Little did they know when they settled near Bryce Canyon that providing hospitality to visitors from all over the world to their quiet secluded area would be a family business for many generations for many years to come.
Next week, in Part Two we’ll discuss further how Ruby’s Inn evolved into a thriving resort in Southern Utah as the demand for hospitality grew. We’ll also discuss further how that new fuel, propane, would be put to work to provide the hot water that was so critically needed for customer satisfaction as well as many more benefits!
This announcement was released on Friday, September 15 from Gray, Gray and Gray:
We are pleased to announce the release of this year’s Energy & Propane Industry Survey results!
This year, we introduced a streamlined survey, while still providing the important benefits of helping to establish the most up-to-date industry benchmarks and the standards by which company performance is measured. We also placed an increased focus on two important and timely topics – workforce development and key business concerns, such as electrification. We were pleased to partner with Angus Energy, a respected energy services firm, who provided statistics and data to supplement survey responses, and with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs.
“This year’s survey tackled some of the most immediate and pressing issues facing energy and propane dealers,” says Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA, the Partner leading Gray, Gray & Gray’s Energy Practice Group. “Hiring, vehicle costs, rising operating expenses – all are common challenges faced by companies in the industry. Yet there remains significant optimism about being able to resolve these issues and remain viable in the years ahead.”
We invite you to download the complete results online today and compare these “industry average” results with the performance of your own business.
The results of the Gray, Gray & Gray Propane Survey can be found here.
Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council is attending Climate Week NYC this week and wrote an Op/Ed, “You Can’t Reach Net Zero Without Us.” He will also lead a LinkedIn Livestream panel discussion which you can register to watch online 2 pm to 3 pm EST Monday, Sept 18 at
https://lnkd.in/gWhaUjp4
Details on the panel discussion: Energy-dense liquid fuels have an important role to play in the energy transformation, especially in transportation, shipping and power generation. In their renewable forms, these fuels release few or no carbon emissions, and even conventional liquid fuels are significantly cleaner than diesel. Major oil and gas companies are already investing billions to transition to cleaner fuels made from cooking and agriculture waste products. In this LinkedIn Live panel discussion, energy leaders will discuss how renewable fuels can dramatically reduce emissions while also ensuring energy reliability and security.
Moderator:
Tucker Perkins, President & CEO, Propane Education & Research Council: Nonprofit providing education, research, and innovation of propane-powered technologies
Panelists:
Rebecca Groen, CEO, Futuria/SHV Energy: Multinational company making major investments in sustainable fuels, including BioLPG and rDME
Keith Kerman, Chief Fleet Officer, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services: Using biofuels to decarbonize one of the nation’s largest municipal fleets
Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech: Specializing in carbon recycling technology
The Op/Ed from Tucker Perkins is here:
Former Vice President Al Gore—who has earned his reputation as a climate catastrophist through his film work and TED Talks—recently took me by surprise when he said we know how to fix climate change and the extreme weather events we’re experiencing this summer.
He’s almost right. We know we can fix this. Where the agreement often frays is in the details of how we reduce carbon emissions to zero. Gore wants you to believe that eliminating fossil fuels is the answer. The reality, which is becoming more widely accepted, is that we need fossil fuels for energy reliability and security, at least for the foreseeable future. As part of the energy transformation, many oil and gas companies are already investing billions to transition to cleaner fuels made from cooking and agricultural waste products.
Let’s not wreak havoc on humankind by resisting beneficial energy resources that are affordable, abundant, BTU-rich, and portable. When people are pushed, quite literally, into the cold or left to bake in the heat due to government-imposed restrictions, they will actively resist.
Climate Week, the annual climate event in New York City, is set for mid-September, and I will be there meeting with other energy leaders and representing the propane industry. I don’t expect to meet Mr. Gore, but I do hope to speak with as many people as I can to understand their approaches to the challenges we face, while also sharing the exciting progress we are making with the development of renewable propane. I believe we can eliminate carbon emissions by harnessing the power of a thousand different ideas, without placing undue hardship on the communities we serve.
There is no perfect solution on this path to net zero, and it shouldn’t matter how large or small the solution is. What matters is that we are taking incremental steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We will achieve our climate goals when we stop marginalizing certain industries and begin accepting a wider path to decarbonization.
Energy-dense liquid fuels like renewable propane have an important role to play in the energy transformation, especially in transportation, shipping, and power generation. In their renewable forms, these fuels release few or no emissions, and even conventional liquid fuels are significantly cleaner than diesel. Replacing diesel is more than an incremental change—it significantly reduces air pollution.
I’m concerned about the environmental and human damage lithium batteries cause—from mining and transport to disposal—but I support electrification as a part of the solution. I also support more responsibly sited solar and wind projects to help the grid shift to cleaner energy resources.
Carbon capture is frowned upon by some for the seemingly marginal difference it can make in reducing CO2 emissions. Not by me. If it helps, it’s welcome. Likewise, hydrogen, both manufactured and geologic, and small modular nuclear reactors should all play a role in the energy transformation. Each solution comes with its own set of challenges, but they also help us draw down carbon emissions, so they ought to be part of the solution.
The big question I’ll be asking at Climate Week is whether there is room in the conversation for practical solutions. My fear is that we have lost our ability to take on hard questions and cultivate small but important gains as we go. The quest for a silver bullet—one answer that solves everything—is impeding real progress. I hope to find reasonable voices ready to work together to set a pragmatic course for change.
-Tucker Perkins, President & CEO, Propane Education & Research Council
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
On September 13, 2023, NPGA’s coalition partner, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers announced a compromise with the Department of Energy on standards for consumer conventional cooktops. The compromise would allow for gas cooktops to use 1770 kBtu/year, a significant change from the standard proposed in the February 2023 rulemaking of 1204 KBtu/year. The compromise is only a minor deviation from the baseline standard reviewed by DOE in the proposed rulemaking, which was initially 1775 KBtu/year. This compromise should result in consumers having access to all of the features in their stoves and ranges that they have come to expect and enjoy, and have no meaningful effect on the gas stove market.
For further information on the compromise, which includes product classes beyond consumer cooktops, please contact NPGA Vice President of Regulatory & Industry Affairs Benjamin Nussdorf at bnussdorf@npga.org.
Harvest season is here! PERC invites you to join us on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. ET for our latest webinar in the Propane Presents Technology Series to learn about how marketers can utilize the grain drying demand models to evaluate propane needs and trends in your state or trade area and see how your area is tracking.
PERC’s Mike Newland, director of agriculture business development, will be joined by Brian Grete, editor of Farm Journal Magazine, to discuss the latest updates in corn drying technology, as well as which districts are primed for the wettest and driest crop drying seasons. Whether you currently sell to ag customers or are looking to expand your business into the ag market, having a better understanding of crop drying in your area is crucial to meeting the demands of the harvest season.
Register for the Webinar here.
PDI TECHNOLOGIES’ BLUE COW SOFTWARE HOSTS LARGEST EVER USER GROUP MEETING
ATLANTA, GA – Blue Cow Software, a PDI Technologies company offering propane and commercial fueling solutions, hosted its largest ever annual user group meeting on September 12-13, 2023. With 514 registrants on day one, and 494 registrants on day two, Blue Cow nearly doubled the previous year’s numbers.
The virtual event consisted of eight sessions over two days that included interactive presentations from experts in PDI’s Propane and Commercial Fueling group. These sessions were designed to educate its customers on the company’s products and services. In addition, P3 Propane, a PDI Propane and Commercial Fueling integration partner, presented a session on propane regulatory compliance.
“We have always been focused on educating our customers on how to make the best use of our software, and our annual User Group Meeting has been a real focal point for bringing these ‘best practices’ to the fore,” said Mike Procopio, PDI Technologies Enterprise Productivity Operations Manager. “Looking forward to 2024, we are excited about being a big part of PDI Technologies’ Connections Live event next August in Washington, DC.”
About PDI Technologies and Blue Cow Software
PDI Technologies’ acquisition of Blue Cow Software in 2023 expanded and enhanced the scope of services offered by company’s Propane and Commercial Fueling division.
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Today, we serve over 200,000 locations worldwide with solutions like the Fuel Rewards® program and GasBuddy®, two popular brands representing more than 20 million active users.
NEW MILFORD, Conn. –
Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Eastern Propane Gas, Inc. (Eastern Propane), a New Hampshire corporation, has acquired the business assets of R. B. Sahagen, Inc. DBA Blue Flame Gas Company (Blue Flame), headquartered in Rangeley, Maine. Blue Flame is a full-service propane sales, delivery, and appliance business which also owns and operates a retail store offering a wide range of products for the home. The transaction was completed on August 29, 2023.
With expertise in the propane industry, Robert and Jeannine Sahagen established Blue Flame in 1998. From their initial home-based operations, they grew the business to include a bulk plant that houses an office, vehicle-repair and inventory space, and a 30,000-gallon storage tank. After extensive on-the-job training, the Sahagen’s son Aaron Vryhof and his wife Meagan Vryhof took on leadership roles and joined Robert and Jeannine as owners in 2008. Blue Flame grew by acquisition of a local competitor, Rangeley Propane, and a stove shop, Rangeley Fireplace & Stove Co. Growth continued for the company while building relationships with builders and contractors in northeast New England. By putting their customers first, Blue Flame is now the primary propane business serving residential and commercial customers in and around Franklin, Oxford, and Somerset Counties, Maine. Co-owner Robert Sahagen comments, “Building Blue Flame Gas has been a united family effort to guarantee our customers get the best service possible. We know Eastern Propane will carry on this legacy well.” Co-owner Meagan Vryhof states, “We don’t know how we could have made it through this process without the amazing and constant support of the Cetane team. We put our faith in the right team.”
Eastern Propane is a fourth-generation family business established in Danvers, Mass. in 1932. Under the leadership of the Clement family, the business evolved from a hardware store to selling bottled gas under the name Country Gas Distributors and expanded to become a four-state LP gas retailer and wholesaler in 1969, when the business was renamed to Eastern Propane. Their growth has been enhanced by providing the same reliable and customer-friendly service the Clements envisioned in the 1930s. President and co-owner Chuck Clement III comments, “We are pleased to welcome the Blue Flame Gas Company team to Eastern. Their customer service focus is a perfect fit with ours. We look forward to having their employees join the Eastern family.” He added, “We enjoyed working with Tamera Kovacs and the Cetane team on this project. Their expertise and support was appreciated.”
Tamera Kovacs, Director at Cetane Associates, said, “Working with the Sahagen and Vryhof families was a pleasure. They’ve built a successful business through their professionalism and smart business practices. I wish them well as they enter their next chapter.”
Cetane served as the sole arranger to Blue Flame. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in negotiating the final deal terms, and coordinating the due diligence process. The transaction was managed by team members Tamera Kovacs, Fred Lord, Duncan McMurchie, and Dalton Brooks.
About Cetane Associates
Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in home services industries. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs, and acquisitions, as well as perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments. For more information, please visit www.Cetane.com.
ELKIN, NC – Another year of sunshine and clear skies greeted over 150 golfers and volunteers participating in the 31st annual G&B Energy Irons in the Fire golf event. The tournament, held on Thursday September 8, 2023, at Cedarbrook Country Club, is an annual charity fundraiser benefitting the Yadkin Valley United Fund. A record total of $42,000 was raised to jump start the YVUF 2023 fundraising campaign. This donation equates to 21 percent of the YVUF annual fundraising goal of $200,000.
A major highlight of the Irons in the Fire event is the food prepared by G&B Energy’s employee grill masters. Grilling and beverage stations scattered throughout the 18-hole golf course feature grilled pineapple and ice cream, smoked chicken wings, tender pork ribs, shrimp, 
pulled pork quesadillas and everyone’s favorite, a sloppy hot dog with all the trimmings. As an added treat, Shelton Vineyards hosted a wine tasting paired with charcuterie compliments of Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital.
The tournament is funded through the sponsorships of local community minded businesses, G&B Energy’s valued supply partners and individuals as well as the participation of over 125 golfers.
“I am honored and continually amazed by the support for this annual charity event,” said G&B Energy President Jeff Eidson. “With so much uncertainty in our current world, it’s refreshing to see so many give so much, creating another record-breaking fundraising event. The hard 
work of the G&B employees, the giving spirit of our sponsors and volunteers and the continued participation of golfers, continue to make the Irons in the Fire tournament a success. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work by everyone that participated in today’s event,” continued Eidson.
G&B Energy’s inaugural charity golf tournament was held in 1993 at Cedarbrook Country Club. The event is held annually on the first Thursday following Labor Day. To date, the tournament has generated over $643,700 in donations for charity and the event continues to be a significant fundraiser for the YVUF.
The YVUF serves the communities of Elkin, Jonesville, Mountain Park, Ronda, State Road, Thurmond and Traphill, by 
providing funds for 24 local non-profit agencies who assist residents of the Yadkin Valley. The YVUF also offers three scholarships to high school seniors at East Wilkes, Elkin, and Starmount.
Progressive Farmer, a leading publication in the agriculture industry, is reporting factors including ample propane supply and limited demand for propane for crop drying are contributing to a likely favorable year for buying propane. The article notes exports continue to rise but cites an unusually cold winter as the main factor that could spike prices.
For the article from Progressive Farmer, click here.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
A multi-drug urine testing kit, designed for use at home sits next to two hand-rolled joints and some raw marijuana. The results slots are blank for you to add “negative” or “positive” symbols, if desired. two lines indicates negative, one line positive.
This research report assesses the impacts of legalization on the trucking industry’s workforce and includes:
A review of the latest demographic trends in marijuana legalization;
An overview of research and data related to highway safety and marijuana use;
A summary of workforce and hiring implications for the trucking industry; and
An analysis of available national data for positive marijuana drug tests.
The report also analyzes data derived from two ATRI surveys on the industry impacts of marijuana—one focused on motor carrier perspectives and the other focused on driver perspectives. Finally, the research offers a review of possible near-term outcomes intended to help the industry navigate through the complex safety and employment issues that have resulted from state-level legalization of marijuana.
Read the full ATRI report here. For more information, contact NPGA’s President and CEO, Stephen Kaminski, at skaminski@npga.org
by Anthony Carrino
From the Propane Education & Research Council
When it comes to reducing emissions in building projects, there is currently no single energy source that is the magic answer. At present, using a diversified energy source mix is the best way to reduce emissions, increase resiliency, and stay within your budget.
At my Stone House Project I had to decipher this very thing, so I thought I would share my thought process with you in the hopes of making your decision easier when the time comes for your own project. Originally, this house burned oil for the heating system, and I knew I was not keeping that; making the change to cleaner and more efficient energy sources was a no brainer, but what was the best mix?
The first thing that comes to mind for most people is natural gas (NG). But what a lot of folks don’t realize is that:
If NG isn’t offered in your municipality you simply can’t get it.
NG is not the cleanest to use either because of the methane it contains.
Ultimately, that is why I choose propane as my fuel source. Propane is the cleanest choice when it comes to a proven energy source that would not compromise the safety of my home (But more on that in a bit!)
Why propane?
There are three main reasons why I choose propane as one of the main power sources for my home. First, it is a stable fuel that can be stored indefinitely with no degradation to the fuel itself, meaning it is as safe and efficient to use on day one as it is on day 1,000. Next, it is readily available from local suppliers in my area; what good is a fuel source if you can’t get it when you need it!? And finally, it does not contain any methane. Propane is actually a by-product of natural gas manufacturing, and is made up of only carbon and hydrogen, so it’s an organic compound. That means propane emits way less carbon as opposed to fuel oil. Please note, I said less, not none—remember there is no magic solution here.
What else is in the mix?
After two years in the house, I am proud to say that we have just added a 16kW solar array to our roof. I wasn’t able to do this at the time of the main renovation, as my funds were tapped, and I had a wedding to pay for. But I knew I would be adding it, and it actually worked out quite well, as having two years of electric bills allowed my solar installer to properly size the system for me. And since propane supplies energy to the major systems in The Stone House (cooktop, dryer, water heater, etc.), we don’t use as much electricity—meaning I didn’t need a bigger solar system. And by properly sized I mean we get our average usage over a one-year period to be net zero. This simply means that we produce more energy than we use in the spring and summer when the sun is higher in the sky and visible for more hours, and we use more energy than we produce in the fall and winter months, which comes out to a net zero usage by the end of the year.
Now let’s get back to what I said above about the safety of my home. The area I’m in is prone to four (sometimes more) day power outages during winter storms—it’s no joke. I looked into adding battery storage that also acts as a power source during power outages, but even with three batteries I could only power the house for 24 hours straight, and it was very cost prohibitive. Given the amount of time and money we invested into our home I just couldn’t take the chance of a frozen pipe in the dead of winter, so I made the decision to stay with my propane powered whole home backup generator.
My energy mix
At The Stone House, my current energy mix includes the following propane-powered applications: a backup generator, pool heater (which you can read more about here), outdoor cooking appliances, range, dryer, and tankless water heater.
Solar system is sized to allow for net zero usage over the course of 12 months, which doesn’t mean that I don’t pull power from the grid, as I explained above, but it greatly reduces it.
Bottom line: using propane and solar together further reduces emissions and increases reliability. When you’re looking at all the energy choices, from clean to dirty, propane is closer to cleaner renewables than it is to dirtier coal, oil, and wood. According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane produces 52 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated by the U.S. grid. The findings reinforce propane’s use as a relevant and clean-energy solution.
When builders combine propane alongside solar, they provide customers with added resiliency. Propane standby generators are permanently installed on-site, providing quiet, efficient, and clean peace of mind. Power kicks in almost instantly when needed so there’s no disruption to critical infrastructure.
For contractors interested in improving a building’s carbon footprint in an affordable and reliable way, propane is a viable energy solution. Using propane with solar power systems reduces emissions and increases reliability, which is what we want for our customers.
#LPGWeek 2023 featuring the 35th World LPG Forum & European Liquid Gas Congress will be held in Rome from 13 to 17 November 2023 and will host more than 110 countries from all continents. It is a unique and important event to talk about the future and evolution of our sector with exceptional guests and stakeholders.
A program for the 2023 LPG Week can be found here.
Millions more gallons pumped by dispensers outside company’s proprietary network
CLEVELAND – Superior Energy Systems, best known for its propane midstream and autogas installations around the country, has reached a milestone of more than 100 million gallons of fuel pumped through its line of PRO-Vend 2000 propane autogas dispensers. Propane autogas is the term used for propane used in vehicle applications like school buses, transit and paratransit vehicles, and Class 3-7 fleet trucks.
Superior Energy Systems’ line of PRO-Vend 2000 propane autogas dispensers feature a secure, cloud- based fuel management system that have the ability to connect to the company’s proprietary network and subsequently track the aggregated number of gallons pumped throughout the United States and Canada. The proprietary cloud-based network includes over 380 dispensers. There are also over a thousand additional Superior autogas dispensers across North America that do not utilize the network, meaning millions of additional gallons have been pumped beyond those tracked.
“Nearly a decade ago, Superior Energy Systems brought to market a new propane autogas dispenser innovation, the PRO-Vend 2000, that we felt at the time would be a game changer,” said Derek Rimko, vice president of operations. “That led to additions to the PRO-Vend line that can meet the needs of any propane autogas fleet, including top-of-the-line fleet management software. With the recent pumping of our one hundred millionth gallon through our proprietary cloud-based network, it’s clear that we’ve accomplished our objective.”
Every PRO-Vend 2000 Superior Energy Systems’ propane autogas dispenser allows fleet customers to easily track driver identification, gallons pumped and vehicle mileage and can create standard reports without the need to purchase and install separate technology. A self-contained, touchscreen system makes refueling a simple process and drivers can easily refuel with a key fob or access number.
The turnkey units, which use a ultra-low emission fuel nozzle, comply with all applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards and are also built to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards. This means the dispensers can be added to any existing fuel island, alongside conventional gasoline, and diesel dispensers. PRO-Vend units are also National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) certified and accepted by the Canadian National Conference of Weights and Measures.
“One hundred million gallons of propane autogas pumped is a tremendous accomplishment for Superior Energy Systems, and we are pleased to play a role in that accomplishment,” said John Hutchison, director of operations for Prism Propane in North Baltimore, Ohio. “The ability of its PRO-Vend dispensers to track gallons pumped via its web-based fuel management system is a substantial help for our customers in managing both budgets and drivers.”
For more information about Superior Energy Systems’ propane autogas dispensers, visit https://superiornrg.com/autogas/.
About Superior Energy Systems, Ltd.: For more than 40 years, Superior Energy Systems has supplied propane infrastructure and services. We bring together engineering, manufacturing and construction expertise while focusing on operational excellence and turnkey systems. We build made-to-order propane vaporizers and mixers, portable and permanent rail towers, metering and odorant skids, and propane autogas dispensers. We have manufactured more bulk plants and trans-shipment terminals throughout the United States than any other company. Visit us at our Cleveland headquarters or learn more at SuperiorNRG.com.
PAIGE O’DELL JOINS EDP AS REGION VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE COMPANY’S CENTRAL REGION
Illinois-based EDP announced that Paige O’Dell has been named Region Vice President for the company’s Central region.
O’Dell brings more than 30 years of propane industry experience to her new role with EDP. Over the course of her career she served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Vice President of Customer Engagement and, prior to that, Vice President of Operations.
Throughout her career she has been recognized for her ability to execute business strategies, increase efficiencies, and foster business and operational resilience. Active in many industry organizations, including PERC, O’Dell has served in multiple leadership positions, including as Chair of the Women in LPG committee for the World LPG Association. She also served terms as both Vice-Chair and Membership Chair for the Women in
Propane Council.
According to Boyd McGathey, EDP’s President and Chief Operating Officer, “I am thrilled to have Paige O’Dell join our EDP executive team. She is a highly strategic industry executive with tremendous experience leading teams, and I am confident she will quickly make a positive impact on our organization.”
About EDP
Chicago, Illinois-based EDP is a rapidly growing company with deep experience in retail and commercial propane sales, operations and finance. The company provides safe, reliable propane service to residential and commercial customers in 19 states. EDP pursues a long-term strategy of purchasing/partnering with successful operations in propane and other fuels, retaining the brand name, preserving local management and delegating to leaders in local communities. EDP is actively seeking to expand its national footprint and diversify through the addition of new
retail propane and light fuels operations. For more information, please visit www.edplp.net.
Star Group, L.P., a leading energy, heating and home services provider, has announced the acquisition of Ideal Bottle Gas, Inc. in Bellport, NY. Star Group will operate out of the current Ideal Bottle Gas facilities in Bellport, NY.
Anthony Silecchia Jr, Vice President of Star Group said “We believe that our partnership with Ideal Bottle Gas is a great opportunity for our company and are excited to welcome their team to the Star Group family. This acquisition will be seamless for existing Ideal Bottle Gas customers, and we look forward to taking care of their propane needs on Long Island.”
“We had options when choosing which company to partner with to run our business and as a family, with the help of Blue Peak Resources, we chose Star Group,” said Raymond Casimano, President of Ideal Bottle Gas. “Sharing the same values and safety standards, we believe Star Group will help us continue to provide superior propane services with customer satisfaction as our number one priority.”
“This is a deeply personal process filled with emotion. Ray has built an incredible high-quality business, it was an honor that he selected our company to represent him and his family during this life changing event,” said John Armentano, Partner at Blue Peak Resources, LLC. “Star Group is the perfect company to help carry on the legacy the Casimano family have worked so hard to build over the past 27 years. They have a great presence on Long Island and understand this market very well.”
Blue Peak Resources acted as the sole consultant on the transaction.
About Star Group, L.P.
Star Group specializes in the sale of home heating products and services to residential and commercial customers. They are the nation’s largest retail distributor of home heating oil. With operations in states throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, Star Group has a suite of regional HVAC and home comfort service brands that serve more than 500,000 residential and commercial customers.
About Blue Peak Resources, LLC
Blue Peak Resources is a full-service consulting firm specializing in propane gas and fuel oil mergers and acquisitions. Clients engage Blue Peak Resources to sell their business or advise them on increasing the value of the business they have worked for so many years to build. John Armentano and Mike Gioffre began this new venture to help family-owned propane and fuel oil businesses plan for their exit, gain maximum value and continue their legacy for generations.
WYOMING, MINNESOTA – Lakes Gas, headquartered in Wyoming, Minn. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the propane and refined fuel operations of Northeast Oil in Rosholt, South Dakota.
Lakes Gas will sell propane and refined fuels from the Rosholt location to residential, agricultural, and commercial customers in northeast South Dakota, western Minnesota, and southeast North Dakota. The operations will be blended with the Lakes Gas Sisseton, South Dakota location.
The transaction marks Lakes Gas’s fifth acquisition in the past 18 months.
“We are grateful to add to our market presence in the tri-state area,” Lakes Gas CEO Trent Hampton commented. “We intend to provide local service from our Rosholt and Sisseton locations, and to be active in those communities.”
About Lakes Gas
Founded in 1959, Lakes Gas is now one of the largest family-owned propane providers in the country. Our 51 locations in the upper Midwest are staffed by employees who live in the communities they serve.
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and Sukup recently hosted a panel discussion at the August 29-31 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL that focused on the ways clean, reliable propane is revolutionizing the agriculture industry—contributing to enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and profitability for producers nationwide.
The panel featured several notable speakers and guests, providing a unique networking opportunity to discover potential collaborations, exchange ideas, and forge connections.
Featured speakers included (in order pictured above): Mike Newland, Propane Education & Research Council; Rob and Emily Sharkey, The Shark Farmer; Annaliese Wegner, Modern-day Farm Chick; Tork Whisler, This’ll Do Farm; Corey Hillebo, Farm4Profit; Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik, Discover Ag; and Kerry Hartwig, Sukup.
The concept of “Paid Influencers” is a fairly new trend in the social media era. As you can see from the web links, all of the influencers are experts in various aspects of agriculture and all are willing to share their feelings on the benefits that propane can bring to the table.
Events at the Farm Progress show included a dinner where various editors of publications in the Agriculture and Energy space, including Trending in Propane, were invited to visit informally with the influencers and the panel discussion the next morning where editors as well as attendees of the Farm Progress Show were able to hear from the influencers and ask questions on a wide variety of topics.
EDUCATING, DISPELLING MYTHS, ADDRESSING CONCERNS AND SHARING NEW TRENDS
As the influencers discussed their role representing the agriculture industry, a common theme could be heard that they enjoy sharing the story of the various aspects of farming with those who are far away from the farm but benefit daily from the agriculture industry.
“There is a myth that farmers just want to make a quick buck,” Wegner, a dairy farmer, said. “Farming is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle. We are very careful with resources and the environment.” Hillebo also dispelled the myth that all farmers are rich. “Margins can be very tight in farming,” he said. Emily Sharkey said many people have a fear of asking questions because they think they will be made fun of for what they don’t know. “Generally through our outreach, though, we find that people really do want to connect and learn.”
There was some general concern among the influencers that labels on food at the grocery store provide more useful information but can also add to confusion. “There is fear about food among many consumers,” Kovarik said. “We have to be empathetic as we hadn’t had this realization about people as they eat three times a day.”
Hillebo believes people start to learn about and trust those in agriculture as they get to know the influencers through regular podcasts. “We introduce them to the way 95% of pigs are raised on our farm,” Hillebo said.
In an era where technology is constantly changing everything, the influencers are sharing new techniques they are adopting. “We have new collars for our dairy cows that can track their movements,” Vander Dussen said. Whisler said new technology is allowing him to process his manure, filtering out water. “Salt and phosphorus can also be filtered out helping us with carbon credits.”
ENERGY AND AGRICULTURE: PROPANE HAS REAL-LIFE BENEFITS
Whisler noted that his farm now has solar panels on three of its four barns. “Propane generators provide back up as well as supplemental heat,” he said. Hillebo noted using propane for backup power at the hog site, brooder heaters and standby generators. “We also typically use 25,000 gallons of propane a year for corn drying.” Rob Sharkey stressed the benefits of power backup. “We can’t go long without power,” he said.
PERC’s Newland asked attendees if they realized how much cleaner propane is than the electric grid in midwestern states. “Coal plays a big role in creating electricity in Missouri, Indiana and my home state of Ohio,” he said. “Propane is cleaner than electricity across the country.” Kovarik and Vander Dussen hosted Newland on their weekly Discover Ag podcast in June. “I went into the podcast undervaluing propane’s environmental benefits,” Kovarik said. “My favorite sound byte was that propane represents 52% less greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent amount of electricity generated in the U.S. grid.” She stressed the value of no methane. “Propane doesn’t contaminate the soil,” she said.
Participants also discussed smaller uses for propane on the farm such as weed flaming noting that all weeds die from fire. What else is propane used for on the farm? Firepits and heating for pools were two additional benefits mentioned.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
Register today for NPGA’s Fall Board of Directors & Committee Meetings coming up on October 16 – 18, 2023 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The preliminary schedule is available.
Reserve your hotel accommodations online by Friday, September 8 to get the NPGA block rate, or call the Omni at 800-843-6664 and request the NPGA rate. The hotel is offering participants a group rate of $245 for single/double occupancy, plus tax.
Register for the meeting by Monday, October 2 to help ensure we have a badge prepared for you.
Remember to contact Kate Singleton, NPGA Manager of Political & Legislative Affairs, at ksingleton@npga.org to learn about how you can attend Bourbon & Bats with the PropanePAC, a ticketed event at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Tour the museum and factory to learn the history of Louisville Slugger, see the bat production process, and even take a swing in the batting cages — all while sampling some of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. Every attendee will take home a miniature Louisville slugger as a souvenir!
We look forward to seeing you in the Bluegrass State!
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
A recent leap in chemical innovation emerges as a beacon of progress for the propane industry. Spearheaded by visionary researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), this breakthrough ushers in an era that promises to amplify the already remarkable contributions of the propane industry to the global energy landscape.
At the heart of this transformation lies the innovative capacity to harness carbon dioxide (CO2) and transmute it into propane—a milestone that has eluded the scientific community for years. This watershed discovery embodies the spirit of ingenuity that is required to navigate the complex web of energy production and environmental sustainability.
Amid the imperative to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy, the goal to convert CO2 into larger, valuable molecules such as propane takes center stage. This pursuit aligns with the global mission to reduce CO2 emissions and catalyze a shift towards sustainable energy sources. For decades, scientists have been on a quest to unlock the secrets of CO2 conversion, and ITT’s breakthrough is a monumental leap towards realizing this vision.
The researchers at ITT have transcended conventional wisdom. Traditional approaches explored metal oxide-based catalysts for CO2 conversion and these endeavors often stumbled upon roadblocks, including catalyst deactivation and a lack of selectivity, or the ability to narrow production to a single molecule, such as propane. ITT’s brilliant approach embraces an unconventional methodology grounded in the utilization of economically viable materials. This innovative strategy, coupled with a shift to continuous processing, enhances efficiency and opens the doors to scalability—an indispensable facet of any solution aiming to reshape entire industries.
The Catalyst for Change: Molybdenum, Phosphorus, and Carbon
Central to the transformational process are the precisely engineered particles constructed from molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), and carbon (C). This triad of elements forms the backbone upon which the conversion of CO2 into propane rests. However, the complexity doesn’t stop there. The incorporation of imidazolium-based ionic liquids introduces a layer of intricacy that amplifies the selectivity of the catalytic process. This strategic integration guides the reaction toward the coveted output of propane, ensuring that the conversion process is both efficient and focused.
The significance of ITT’s breakthrough reverberates far beyond its laboratory confines. The conversion of CO2, a notorious greenhouse gas, into a valuable energy source like propane carries the potential to simultaneously reduce emissions and advance energy access. With sustainability at its core, this breakthrough speaks to a future where energy production and environmental preservation go hand-in-hand. In essence, a circular renewable hydrocarbon process has been discovered that can ensure the viability of propane into the future.
Charting a Course for the Future: Collaboration and Expansion
Industry partnerships, government initiatives, and global cooperation stand to amplify the impact of this discovery. The journey to refine the technology, explore novel applications, and integrate it seamlessly into existing energy infrastructure is a collective endeavor that transcends disciplines and borders.
The discovery of turning CO2 into propane stands as a testament to human innovation and determination. As the world strives for cleaner energy solutions, ITT’s pioneering electrolyzer device offers a ray of hope, a tangible example of how science and technology can align with environmental aspirations. The road to a sustainable energy future is complex and multifaceted. Achievements like this highlight the propane industry’s pivotal role in forging a path towards a better world for future generations.
Please contact Alex Smith, Director of Codes and Standards, at asmith@npga.org with questions or to share new information.
From the Propane Education & Research Council
Power outages don’t care what day it is or what’s going on in your life—they just happen. On the night of my wedding rehearsal dinner, I drove up the driveway and realized the generator was running. Instantly I knew the power at the house was out. Lucky for me, because of my propane generator, the lights were still on, the house was functioning, and a very important night of my life wasn’t ruined because of a power outage.
The frequency of power outages in the United States, like the ones that I witness at my house, are increasing. Right now, only about 27 percent of homeowners report having any source of backup power, but that number continues to rise and most of those generators that are being purchased are diesel fueled.
In areas where natural disasters have occurred, many builders, like me, know the value of building and marketing more resilient homes. Resiliency is about more than “sturdiness”, and builders that work with their customers to incorporate a propane-powered generator into their homes can make a huge difference. Propane generators supply homes with heating and cooling, lighting, refrigeration, and the amenities their neighbors are without, after the power is knocked out. These are what make families feel safer and more secure when the rest of the neighborhood is without power.
All backup power can provide customers with a sense of security, but propane-powered generators are more environmentally friendly compared to diesel systems. According to the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) data, compared to diesel, propane significantly improves local air quality by mitigating nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which are known health hazards. Propane also emits significantly less carbon dioxide on a per unit energy basis. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), propane is 16 percent cleaner than diesel when it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy.
My propane-powered generator is connected to my on-site propane supply, which means it starts automatically within 10 seconds of when the power goes out, no matter where I am or what is happening (like getting ready for my wedding). Once the generator starts, it can handle my entire home’s energy needs for several days, which is a benefit over solar or wind powered systems. And since propane doesn’t degrade over time and has an indefinite shelf life, I’m confident the energy source is going to work for me when it needs to.
Propane is an affordable energy choice capable of delivering efficient, on-site energy during power outages. I know this firsthand, and I encourage my colleagues and my customers to incorporate propane generators into their builds whenever possible.
From the Propane Education & Research Council
The developer of The Hollows in Central Texas turned to a low-carbon alternative to fuel a premier lifestyle community.
Developers do not need to be limited to building only on land with access to natural gas. Community propane systems have proven to be a viable alternative, opening possibilities for planned developments in places without existing gas infrastructure.
A community propane system fuels multiple homes with propane, a low-carbon, efficient and cost-effective fuel. Using this kind of system helps developers bypass costly and time-consuming approvals for natural gas service (it can cost more than $1 million per mile to extend a natural gas line) while equipping homes with efficient gas appliances.
Take The Hollows, for example.
The Hollows is a master-planned community on the shore of Lake Travis in Lago Vista, northwest of Austin, Texas. The development spans 1,400 acres of Texas Hill Country and offers luxury lake living within minutes of shopping, restaurants, entertaining, and major employers, along with resort-style amenities, miles of golf cart and hiking trails, and homes constructed by some of Austin’s leading homebuilders.
Gas appliances without the grid
The Hollows was made possible, in part, by propane. Natural gas wasn’t an option due to the area’s rocky topography, and the developer didn’t want to go all-electric, citing homeowners’ desire for high-performance gas appliances.
“They want to see the blue flame,” says Mark Baresel, operations manager at Meritum Systems, propane supplier to The Hollows.
Propane is used in homes and community buildings throughout the development for domestic heating, hot water, cooking, outdoor stoves and barbecues, and several back-up power generators. Private swimming pools are also served by propane, as is an amenity center with enclosed spaces and pools.
On-site storage
Community propane systems connect homes in a planned development to a centralized storage tank (or tanks) of propane gas through a network of underground pipes. Because each home is separately metered, the homeowner pays a monthly rate for the propane they use, just like they would for natural gas.
The Hollows straddles two municipalities: Lago Vista and Jonestown. The Lago Vista side of the development uses individual 500-gallon propane tanks buried on each of the 375 lots. On the Jonestown side, two centralized storage tanks will serve about 625 lots when the property is fully developed.
Meritum pays for the infrastructure but charges a connection fee to the builder.
A reliable fuel
With propane as the primary fuel source, some homeowners have expressed concern about running out of fuel. It’s an unlikely possibility. Baresel assures them: “Every tank has a monitor on it, and the servicer doesn’t let the level get below 30 percent for individual tanks or 40 percent for community tanks. The propane delivery truck arrives the next day to refill the tank. In addition, we are always watching the weather for ice storms or other weather systems that could disrupt power or service.”
Learn more about how developers and builders across the country have leveraged community systems to make their homes more competitive.
ALLEGAN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SWITCHES TO PROPANE TRANSIT BUSES
Pressure Builder-Economizer Regulator
Lighter weight and wider pressure range help optimize operation of cryogenic-storage vessels
ELON, NORTH CAROLINA – RegO Products is excited to announce the launch and availability of its new CBE504 Series Half-Inch Pressure Builder-Economizer Regulator, which has been designed to help achieve and maintain proper pressures in cryogenic vessels with minimal risk of product loss during their operation. RegO’s new CBE504 Series offers several advantages over the current CB504 model, including a more compact size and wider range of pressure settings. As a result, the existing CB504 model will be replaced by the new model.
Similar to the capabilities of RegO’s PB504 Series Pressure Build Regulator, the CBE504 unit can produce pressure-build speeds that are up to two times faster than competitive models. Additionally, because the CBE504 design combines the pressure-building and economizer functions in one unit, it saves space and simplifies installation in tight plumbing geometries, is 40% lighter than competitive models and reduces leak points.
Notable features and benefits of the CBE504 Series Pressure Builder-Economizer Regulator include:
• Maximum inlet pressure of 600 psig (41.4 barg) and a set pressure range of 25 to 550 psig (1.7 to 37.9 barg)
• Cryogenic temperature rating from -320ºF to 150ºF (-196ºC to 65ºC)
• Designed and suitable for use in various cryogenic industrial gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, argon, CO2 and LNG*
• Economizer setpoint linked to pressure builder setpoint, which helps ensure correct adjustment
• Lateral economizer port with 1.7 times larger flow area than competitive models for faster response time and reduced product loss
• Economizer seal design tied strictly to the PB Outlet function to prevent pressure runaways, further reducing potential for product loss
• Internal economizer-check function reduces potential for product loss by preventing reverse flow
• Calibrated pressure adjustment on bonnet cap allows for faster, more accurate pressure-set adjustments
• One-piece PTFE poppet seat provides better guidance for improved seating, which helps eliminate leak paths at cryogenic temperatures
• Monel screens on pressure builder help prevent accumulation of debris in the regulator seat, resulting in longer seat and seal life
• Copper gasket provides superior seal under cryogenic temperatures to help prevent leakage
• Unit can be mounted vertically with economizer port in sideways position or horizontally with economizer port in upward position
• PED (SEP) certified and CRN registered (#0C21549.25)
• 10-year RegO product warranty
* For optimum performance with CO2 and nitrous oxide, use in gas phase.
For more information on the new CBE504 Series Pressure Builder-Economizer Regulator, please click HERE. For information on any of RegO’s other gas-control products, please visit regoproducts.com.
About RegO Products
Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Elon, NC, USA, RegO Products is a premier manufacturer and worldwide supplier of gas-control products for use in the industrial gas and liquefied cryogenics industries, and in 2021 became a founding member of OPW Clean Energy Solutions. RegO specializes in the development of cryogenic valves, regulators, storage and containment systems, and recently completed development of a nozzle for use in the transfer of LNG. For more information on RegO Products, please visit regoproducts.com. For additional information on OPW, please visit opwglobal.com.
About OPW Clean Energy Solutions
OPW Clean Energy Solutions was formed in December 2021 when OPW acquired both Acme Cryogenics and RegO Products. Acme is a leading provider of mission-critical cryogenics products and services that facilitate the production, storage and distribution of cryogenics liquids and gases. RegO is a leading provider of highly engineered flow control solutions for cryogenic and liquified gas end markets. Together, they are taking OPW beyond conventional fueling solutions and helping define what’s next for alternative energy markets. For more information on OPW Clean Energy Solutions, please visit https://www.opwglobal.com/opw-clean-energy-solutions.
Safe, clean and economical propane buses begin routes this month
Allegan, MI — Allegan County Transportation now operates seven new buses powered by propane autogas to help the county meet air quality attainment goals and save taxpayer dollars.
“This month, Allegan County Transportation is excited to embark on propane autogas implementation for a number of reasons, including the improved air quality for all Allegan County residents along with substantial cost savings,” said Whitney Ehresman, transportation director with the county.
Propane autogas is a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic and non-corrosive fuel that poses no harm to groundwater or soil. The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies the fuel as a non-contaminant. Vehicles operated by propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases, less nitrogen oxides, less carbon monoxide and fewer particulate emissions compared with other fuels. Results from a study from West Virginia University’s Center of Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions show that propane buses reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 96%.
“The new propane vehicles, comprising a quarter of the county’s public transit fleet vehicles, are being used to serve our citizens,” said Dan Wedge, executive director of services for Allegan County. “The Board of Commissioner’s strategic plan includes ongoing expansion of transportation services county wide.”
The county estimates it will save about 50% on fuel costs and up to 70% on maintenance costs.
“Propane autogas is a popular alternative fuel choice because propane vehicles have lower lifetime ownership costs, reduce maintenance burdens, and help fleets meet upcoming emissions standards,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech, the propane technology manufacturer.
Allegan County Transportation’s propane buses, which are 90% cleaner than the Environmental Protection Agency’s current emissions standard, better prepare the county for additional national emissions requirements set to be implemented in 2024 and 2027.
“With propane vehicles, everyone benefits. Citizens, maintenance staff, drivers and taxpayers — everyone wins,” said Wedge.
There are more than 1,500 propane-powered transit vehicles operating in transit agencies around the nation, including Boyne City, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lapeer and Saginaw in Michigan alone.
About Allegan County Transportation: Allegan County Transportation is a reservation-based bus system providing accessible and barrier-free transportation for all residents in of Allegan County. Service is available on week days until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 – 3 p.m.
About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 37,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
Otodata recently welcomed Guy Lanrezac to its team. A company statement said, “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Lanrezac, as Otodata’s Western Europe Sales Director. Guy brings with him 28 years of experience in telecommunications and IoT technology. We look forward to his support as we continue to grow. Please join us in welcoming Guy to the team!”
Emerson Bernard Deese, Jr., 88, passed away on Thursday, August 17th, 2023, in Cary, North Carolina, a place he has called home since his graduation from NC State University.
Emerson, known as E.B. to all, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Priscilla Morgan Deese, his daughter Angela Deese Marshall and her husband, Bynum, daughter Susan Deese Hughes and her husband, Kevin, his beloved 5 granddaughters Amanda Dale Adams, McKinley Noelle Hughes, Sarah Marshall Orndorff and her husband, Devin, Jane Tyson Marshall and Grace Bynum Marshall, and the newest member of the family, E.B.’s great grandson, Tyson Charles Orndorff.
He was preceded in death by his father Emerson Bernard Deese, Sr., his mother Ruth Lathan Deese and his two sisters Willene Deese Presson and Rutha Jane Deese.
E.B. was born on a small farm in rural Monroe, North Carolina. His parents were both teachers and farmers, so the importance of education and a strong work ethic was instilled in him at an early age. He graduated from NC State University in 1957 with a degree in the Field Crops Division of the Soils Section. During college, he was also an avid and faithful member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and remained active in the fraternity by providing support for many years and cherished those friendships his entire life. With his educational background, E.B. planned to take over the family farm upon graduation. However, due to certain government initiatives during the 1950s, he was not able to farm as planned and instead, he pursued a job as a specialist in NH3 Liquid Fertilizer with the North Carolina State government. It was through that job that he was placed into a propane training class, which ultimately catapulted his successful career in the propane industry. He was eventually tasked with overseeing the entire state’s propane industry and dealing with all aspects of distribution, storage, and residential applications of propane gas. In 1965, he was employed by Gas Equipment Company as a Sales Representative, traveling across the Carolinas visiting propane dealers and by 1979, he became the Eastern Sales Manager, managing PA, NY, NJ, MD, and DE. During his 50+ year career, first as an employee of Gas Equipment Company, then later as a consultant in the propane industry, E.B. never lost his loves of traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people. He was best known by his colleagues and customers for being quick witted and traveling in his car with the North Carolina license plate ‘Gas 1’ loaded down with peanuts in his trunk – a can for his customers and, of course, a can for himself.
E.B. was a member of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for over 50 years, where he is remembered for showing up early to ensure there was fresh coffee for the members to enjoy every Sunday.
While E.B. juggled many roles professionally, it wasn’t until his later years when he stepped into one of his favorite roles, that of being a grandfather to his five granddaughters. E.B. chauffeured his granddaughters to countless sporting events and shopping trips, always being their biggest cheerleader. Some of their favorite memories with E.B. were shared at the card table in Cary, where he passed down his favorite hobby of playing cards and board games like Rummikub and Skip-Bo. He never showed up empty handed – he was always known for having pockets full of candies, including his favorite, Werther’s caramel.
E.B. will be missed dearly, but we trust he is in heaven playing his favorite card games and Solitaire on the computer, watching NC State sports, and saying ‘Go Wolfpack’ to anyone who will listen.
A celebration of E.B.’s life will be held at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 6th at 2:00 PM, with visitation with the family beginning at 1:00 PM in the Church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Greenwood Forest Baptist Church (110 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511) or Transitions LifeCare in Cary (250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607).
The Propane Education & Research Council recently shared a video featuring Lucy Shaffer with Shaffer’s Bottled Gas in their Marketer Spotlight:
In this Marketer Spotlight video, Shaffer explains how her company stays on top of the season with careful planning. She talks about how PERC resources help in the process and discusses the power of customer outreach in making sure everyone enjoys a safe, warm winter season.
What’s your winter preparation plan? A link to the video is here.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
Too often, we focus our attention solely on the harmful environment impacts of burning coal at power plants to generate electricity. However, as we pivot from summer to autumn and the start of heating season, marketers should not forget that Americans, in every state, are still utilizing coal furnaces to keep warm. In fact, coal is the primary heating fuel in more than 106,000 U.S. households. Incredibly, almost half of all these homes are located in Pennsylvania alone. These residences are located beyond the reach of natural gas infrastructure and are prime targets to grow residential LP gallons.
Unlike propane, burning coal is very harmful to the local environment and global climate. And it’s of limited utility to homeowners. In fact, once a customer switches from heating with coal to heating with propane, it opens up additional gallon growth opportunities, such as water heating, clothes drying, fireplaces, cooking and generator applications.
Coal has had its day. It’s a relic of the past, while propane will continue to be the fuel of the future. For additional data on households that heat with coal in your state, click here .
For more information, contact NPGA’s Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson at jpeterson@npga.org.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
NPGA’s State Affairs team recently exhibited at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) 2023 annual conference in Indianapolis. This year’s conference boasted over 5,000 attendees, including thousands of state elected officials. NPGA spent two days at the conference sharing the propane story with hundreds of legislators and conference attendees. NPGA provided information on the carbon footprint of propane, the benefits of building with propane, its agricultural applications, and the exciting developments regarding renewable propane. NPGA staff had dozens of conversations with state legislators about the contribution propane makes to their state economies, the role the industry plays in the larger energy market, and the necessity of keeping propane a clean, efficient choice for consumers.
For more information, please contact NPGA’s Manager of State Government Affairs, Austin Wicker, at awicker@npga.org.
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Cetane Associates announces completing its 100th sell-side transaction in July 2023. This milestone of providing expert financial advisory services to 100 business owners in the retail energy distribution and home services industries is a marker of continuing success.
Principal and Managing Director Barrett Conway states, “From our inception in 2006 to today, Cetane’s founding spirit remains the same: to deliver financial services that create a winning result for business owners. We celebrate this achievement with gratitude for our clients who put their trust in our team.”
Through its ongoing commitment to excellence, Cetane has achieved winning outcomes. As founder and Managing Director Steve Abbate says, “When I started the company it was a leap of faith. I always tried to live by a lesson I was taught by one of my favorite authors, Zig Ziglar, who said that in order to get what you want out of life, you have to help other people get what they want. We have now helped over one hundred owners achieve their transition goals. It’s more than getting the most money for an owner, it’s about getting the best transaction in every aspect, for both the buyer and the seller. That’s what makes a truly successful transaction.”
Transaction #100 (sell-side clients only) follows these recent Cetane accomplishments including:
• Meeting the needs of its growing client base, the company now includes a specialized team of 15 professionals with many years of experience in acquisitions, valuations, financial analysis, legal review, business development, marketing, and administration
• Geographic growth and expansion from the northeast region to nationwide coverage
• Enhanced digital communication, delivering its message through various online channels
Cetane Associates is a leading M&A advisory firm which also makes vital contributions to the delivered fuels and home services industries through membership, leadership, and sponsorship supporting multiple state, regional, and national trade associations. For more information, please visit www.cetane.com.
Recently Chelsea Uphaus, Director of Marketing for Roush CleanTech shared her Top 5 list of CleanTech Resources:
One of the reasons I love being a part of the innovative and collaborative ROUSH CleanTech family is that we are relentless about helping businesses, schools and government fleets be successful in their adoption of clean alternative fuels.
Did you know that we offer many free resources to customers and non-customers alike? Here are the top five resources you should know about:
1. Our customer success team is the number one resource I can recommend. The dedicated team of professionals guides customers through adoption processes, growth strategies and more. This team leads our Contact Center, helps with warranties, supports field service and oversees training, among others. The customer success team can be reached at 800.59.ROUSH, #2 and is always ready to answer your call!
2. Our service hub includes access to training modules, manuals and installation guides, the free ROUSH Diagnostic Tool (RDT), and a listing of the 750 service centers across the U.S. and Canada.
3. Our download center hosts the latest versions of brochures, handouts and more. Be sure to check out the newest case study about Florida’s Indian River County School District and some key facts about propane autogas.
4. Strong, long-lasting partnerships with Blue Bird and Ford open up many opportunities for support from other industry leaders.
5. Having the ability to learn from — and lean on — more than 45 years of engineering experience by being part of Roush Enterprises allows our team to share valuable innovations, collaborations and capabilities with customers of all shapes and sizes.
There’s certainly no shortage of resources available to you. And, there’s always more on the horizon. Wish there was something here that you’re not seeing? Please reach out! I’d love to hear from you and dream up something new together.
Here’s what I’m reading this month:
Propane on the wide path of emissions reductions
Choosing the right alt-fuel vehicle for your fleet’s location
Kingston schools to use propane fueled buses
Green Bus Fleet awards Announced at STN EXPO Reno
Chelsea Uphaus
Director of Marketing
ROUSH CleanTech
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
All NPGA marketer members are invited to attend these sessions to share any legislative or regulatory challenges and/or opportunities confronting the industry in your state. This open forum allows others within the district to learn of issues in neighboring states and share ideas and potential solutions based on their experience.
District breakout sessions will take place via Zoom September 19 – 28, 2023, prior to the Marketers Section meeting in Louisville, KY on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. See the full schedule with Zoom links and agenda here.
At the Marketers Section meeting, we will look back on the Winter of 2013-14 and how operations have changed. Please complete this survey to help NPGA with some research before the meeting.
We hope you can join one of the virtual breakout sessions or attend the Marketers Section meeting in Louisville.
The Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA) hosted its annual Marketer Appreciation Day and Technician Training in Santee, South Carolina last week. They had over 60 marketers and suppliers attend the event hosted by the SEPA South Carolina Advisory Council, which is chaired by Dugger Rimmer, owner of H&S Oil Company, Inc. The special guest of the event was Kevin A. Shwedo (Colonel, USA, Retired) from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.On the second day of the event, SEPA hosted training which was attended by over 100 propane service technicians. Also in attendance were guest speaking panelists Bruce Swiecicki and Kate Gaziano from the National Propane Gas Association, and Shawn Stickle, South Carolina Fire Marshall who provided insight on the latest gas ban, code, and safety regulations.
To close out the event, Trent Johnson, Cody Reeves, and Kevin Stalcup provided a lot of information relating to technical service topics.
If you’re interested in learning more about this event of SEPA you can go to www.southeastpropane.org
Over 240 members of propane associations from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma as well as others gathered in Rogers, Arkansas August 7-9 for the Mid-States Propane Convention. Participants enjoyed a sold-out trade show including additional equipment featured outside, great speakers, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Oklahoma Propane Gas Association and an outing to Top Golf sponsored by Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance.
Warren Martin of Kansas Strong kicked off the presentations with “Be Extraordinary! It is all about Consistency.” Listed among the top speakers in America, Martin said participants should never try to be normal. “You will succeed, and you will be miserable!” he said. Martin stressed the importance of understanding the extraordinary person you were meant to be, developing consistency in your life, and learning how problems empower leadership.
The topic “DOT Driver Regulations – Ask the Inspector” was presented by Gary Goeller of Aegis General Insurance who shared an overview of the main compliance tasks one should be aware of and covered the thresholds for compliance.
Brian Pachl of Westmor spoke on the topic “Choosing Equipment to Improve Driver Satisfaction.” Pachl discussed the need for more ergonomically designed equipment based on changing demographics of hazmat drivers. He discussed solutions such as Ergoload, Pathway delivery system, truck design and lighter material options used in production.
At lunch, attendees heard a “State of the Industry” update from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
Chairman Jeff Stewart and NPGA Vice-President, Regulatory and Industry Affairs Benjamin Nussforf who also serves as General Counsel for the NPGA.
Mark Porth, President of the Missouri Propane Gas Association filled in for Bridget Kidd of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) who was unable to attend due to weather to provide an update on PERC and its many ongoing projects.
The topic “Rollover – The Load Shift Factor” was presented by Bob Billen of the Oklahoma LP Gas Research, Marketing & Safety Commission. Billen has worked for Oklahoma State University as a hazardous materials subject matter expert and has developed several hazardous materials emergency response programs.
An Autogas Success Panel and Skeet/Clay Shoot was held on the final day.
The Mid-States Convention welcomed the following trade show booth exhibitors: One Tank, Meridian Liquids, AmeriGas Corporate Development, Squibb Taylor, Inc., MTankCo, TerraVest Industries, Westmor Industries, Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance, Cactus Tanks, Gas Equipment Co., LPG Ventures, Energy Tech Solutions, McGlynn & Associates Insurance Agency, Bergquist, Inc., Roush CleanTech, CHS, Inc., Fairbanks Equipment Co., Tiger Payment Solutions, CUI, Rural Computer Consultants, Inc., White River Distributors, Green LP, Jones Stephens, OtoData, FEI, Alliance Energy Services, and Cargas.
Sponsors of the Mid-States Convention included Nixon & Lindstrom, Diamond Sponsor; Bergquist, Silver Sponsor; Bronze Sponsors Westmor, Quality Steel Corp., and Rural Computer Consultants, Inc.; Red Sponsors Blue Flame Management Co. and McGlynn & Associates Insurance Agency; Blue Sponsors Gas Equipment Co., Cargas, Alliance Energy and CUI; Clay Shoot sponsor Gas Equipment Co.; President’s Reception sponsor Cactus Tanks; Lunch sponsor Callis; and Break sponsor Missouri Propane Safety Commission.
CETANE ANNOUNCES SALE OF SPERR’S FUEL & HEATING CO. (RESIDENTIAL DIVISION)
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that American Lease, Inc. (“American Lease”), a Delaware corporation, has acquired certain tangible and intangible assets related to the residential distillates delivery and service business of Sperr’s Fuel & Heating Co. (“Sperr’s Fuel”), a corporation based in Glen Mills, Pa. The transaction closed on June 28, 2023.
A family-owned business founded in 1983 by John L. Sperratore, Jr., Sperr’s Fuel grew first by word of mouth and from new accounts developed through LIHEAP. After 35 years John wanted to retire, coinciding with his son Mark and daughter-in-law Laura stepping into manage the business. By 2018, Mark and Laura became owners who made updates to the company’s website and digital marketing, relocated their facility, and hired new employees. Sperr’s Fuel co-owner Mark Sperratore comments, “We’re really pleased to have American Lease carry on the residential business our family built.” And, co-owner Laura Sperratore states, “We are truly grateful to the Cetane team for taking us through this transaction with such care and expertise.”
American Lease is the fleet arm of American Energy Supply, led by President Kristen Baiocco. The business has a history that dates back to the 1970s when Kristen’s father Russell J. Baiocco established a reliable fuel supply for construction projects. Today, the business is certified with The Women’s Enterprise National Council as a business owned and operated by two women, Kristen Baiocco and Maria Baiocco. Kristen says, “We are very happy to continue the strong record of excellent customer service at Sperr’s Fuel and welcome their team members and their loyal residential customers to the American Lease family.”
Doug Woosnam, a Director at Cetane Associates, commented, “Our thanks to Mark and Laura for working in concert with our team. I congratulate them on this milestone and wish them the best with all their future plans.”
Cetane Associates served as the sole arranger and financial advisor to Sperr’s Fuel. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in the negotiation of final deal terms, and coordination of the due diligence process. The transaction included severing the residential and commercial divisions of Sperr’s Fuel (Sperr’s Commercial Fuels is the remaining business entity). Team members Doug Woosnam, Barrett Conway, Trey Brasseaux, and Dalton Brooks managed the transaction.
About Cetane Associates
Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in home services industries. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs, and acquisitions, as well as perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments. For more information, please visit www.cetane.com.
Recently Forbes Magazine published an article which included thoughts from Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) CEO and President Tucker Perkins. The article, titled “Leaders Need to Swap Big Plans on Climate Change for Small Steps” can be found here.
The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) met recently and acted on three proposals that would impact the propane industry.
LPG-23.1, a proposal that would exempt analog/mechanical meters used to measure the volume of product dispensed into a propane vehicle was not approved. Concerns were expressed by a California delegate and the National Institute on Standards and Technology that the basis of the proposal was the implementation of the K15 connection, yet there was no plan to require retrofitting of vehicles with the K15 filler valve. However, NPGA did receive approval for its proposal to extend the timeout provision for bobtail meters from 3 minutes to 5 minutes.
In addition, a longtime objective of NPGA to utilize master meters to certify meters to the NCWM standards as an alternative to volumetric provers has finally been approved.
The last proposal will affect LPG dispensers and will require temperature compensation for meters with rated capacity of 20 gallons per minute or less to have temperature compensation when those meters are placed into service beginning in January 2026. As of January 2030, all meters must have temperature compensation capability, even those already in service. NIST maintained that temperature compensation was always required for all meters and this change is only intended to clarify that point.
For more information, please contact Bruce Swiecicki at bswiecicki@npga.org.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
With the House of Representatives and the Senate out of Washington, DC, for their summer district work period, numerous Members of Congress are taking time to learn about the impact propane has on the communities they represent.
Lake’s Gas hosted Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN-6) on July 31 to give a tour of their Clear Lake, MN facility. During the visit, Congressman Emmer spoke to employees about the importance of consumer choice and supporting legislation, such as the recently-passed “Save Our Gas Stoves Act” (H.R. 1640) and the “Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act” (H.R. 1615). As a member of the House Leadership Team, Congressman Emmer is an important ally of the propane industry.
On August 1, Burn’s Propane in Oologa, OK, hosted Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) for an hour-long tour. Bill Burns and his daughter Courtney gave the Senator an overview of the day-to-day operations of their propane business. As a freshman Senator on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, this visit provided an important first-hand experience of the value propane brings.
Caywood Propane hosted Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) on August 3 in Albion, MI. As part of their site visit, Christopher Caywood informed the Congressman of propane usage in the district. Rep. Walberg was surprised to learn about Autogas and other agriculture applications. In addition, Caywood stressed the importance of safety and training throughout the tour and even highlighted the Propane Education and Research Council’s training website. 
This site visit was not Rep. Walberg’s first, but it did provide an additional opportunity to engage with him and ensure he was up to date on the top legislative issues impacting the propane industry and the impact in his district.
Hosting a site visit at your company is a valuable opportunity to educate your elected officials on your company’s impact on the community – and NPGA is here to help. If your company is interested in hosting a Member of Congress at your propane facility, please contact Eric Sears, NPGA’s Manager of State Association Relations, at esears@npga.org.
The Traverse City, Michigan Mayor and Council Members got an explanation how propane is cleaning up the local environment. Scott Overholt and his daughter Lexy (Tri-Gas Distributing) explained how propane should play a major role in the region’s environmental plans. Learn More: https://bit.ly/45bcf1M
Recently BuilderOnline.com shared six commonly preferred community amenities.
A link to the article can be found here.
From the Propane Education & Research Council
By Anthony Carrino
When we purchased our home (we call it the Stone House) in the remote Catskills Mountains, we knew we would want to spend as much time outside as we do inside. In such a secluded and beautiful location, we want to be good stewards of the place we call home. It is essential for our family to use a clean energy source that is both efficient and reliable to power the indoor and outdoor spaces. Originally, the Stone House used oil to heat the home, but I wasn’t keen on using traditional oil because it doesn’t burn as cleanly as other resources. We are not near the local natural gas line, so that was not an option either. Propane quickly became the obvious choice for on-site energy that supports the many systems in our home.
With chilly mornings and evenings in Upstate New York, a dependable energy supply to warm the interior of our home was absolutely necessary. For outdoor living features like fire pits, patio heaters and outdoor kitchens, propane provides comfort, warmth and performance with greater efficiency and affordability. Propane even powers pool heaters, so we were able to extend the swimming season and enjoy our patio longer (check out the episode on BuildTV).
More and more families are expanding their outdoor living areas, but struggle to know where to begin. By choosing the right energy source, appliances, and systems, you can enjoy your outdoor space no matter where you live, even as the seasons change.
Below are the top questions to ask yourself before making an energy source decision.
What are the different energy costs in your area?
Energy costs are different across the country and can change based on peak times and other factors. It’s important to know how much power each outdoor element will require and what that could do to your monthly bill. With propane, homeowners can better estimate costs because a propane supplier comes to your home to fill your tank at a pre-determined cost per gallon. Plus, having on-site storage of propane is not only efficient, it’s reliable.
Enjoyable outdoor spaces are an investment. How can you get the most use out of your outdoor space?
Customizing a space to include things that make you happy is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most use out of it long-term.
One of my favorite additions to the Stone House is our heated pool because we can use it beyond just the hot summer months. Heating an outdoor pool is an investment, so it was important to get the most bang for our buck. Fortunately, propane-powered pool heaters warm pools and spas faster than electric heat pumps, plus they’re more efficient than electric systems and maintain temperature better. For example, our pool holds about 4,800 gallons of water and our 200 thousand BTU heater heats it up in just a few hours. Plus, it operates cleanly and takes up very little space despite its powerful performance. I can even control mine from an app on my phone – talk about handy.
How prone is your home to power outages?
At the Stone House, we lose power more than 12 times a year and because it is also a rental home, we want to be certain every amenity is fortified should the power lines go down. Propane was the only realistic option for reliable backup power. It’s cleaner than oil, wayyyy less expensive than battery (that was just cost prohibitive for me), propane powered back generator will also power my home much longer than battery backup, and ensures our home stays functional even when we’re not around.
For folks looking to maximize their outdoor space, propane is a great clean, efficient, and reliable option. With a low carbon footprint, propane is an environmentally friendly solution to power your outdoor oasis. Trust me, you’ll be blown away by the power it produces and how low-maintenance the equipment is.
Overall, the most important thing to understand when choosing an energy source is that there are many options that could work for you. What it comes down to is figuring out which energy source will work better and more efficiently over time.
PERC invites propane marketers to apply for its second cohort of Leadership in Energy Ambassadors in 2024. We are looking to identify individuals across the country to join the 44 energy ambassadors that were inducted into the program in 2023 and play a key role in telling propane’s story.
This educational program provides critical content, competency development, and tools to inspire our industry members to become ambassadors for our energy in the national energy conversation, which is both dynamic and growing. The select group of individuals who will be accepted into this program must seek nomination from their company CEO or owner, agree to pre-and post-meeting work, and be enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage with their communities and other industry colleagues.
Applications are open now through Dec. 1. For more information and the application, click here.
