From the Propane Gas Association of New England

Bonny Eagle Schools Grand Opening of the Largest School Bus Refueling Station in Maine Makes History with Renewable Propane!

PGANE member Pitstop Fuels/Stone Road Energy hosted a grand opening celebration of the largest propane Autogas school bus dispenser in Maine on May 12th. Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, joined PGANE leaders as well as leaders from Bonny Eagle Schools.

This occasion also marked the first delivery of renewable propane into the state of Maine!

Ray Energy delivered a 5% renewable propane blend to fuel the Bonny Eagle propane school buses. This use of renewable propane in school buses, means that Maine students are the first ones east of the Rocky Mountains to transport students to school with renewable propane.

Bonny Eagle MSAD #5 is leading by example, at the forefront of Maine’s energy initiative commitment to educating and engaging Mainers to choose clean energy options. PGANE congratulates Pitstop Fuels/Stone Road Energy on their leadership and initiative!

“PGANE has the most innovative members, and I am so proud to lead this association. I put out a challenge to introduce renewable propane in every New England state, and Stone Road Energy and Ray Energy go above and beyond, and put renewable propane in the first school bus east of the rocky mountains, making Maine the third state in the nation to use renewable propane in school transportation!” said Leslie Anderson, President and CEO of PGANE.

Advertise

Event Calendar

Directory

Article Archive

Take a Survey

Showcase your latest scientific developments on production of renewable Liquid Gases at the very first Global Science Conference (GSC2023)

LPG Week 2023/Rome marks the inaugural GLOBAL SCIENCE CONFERENCE (GSC), bringing together research scientists from both academia and industry.

GSC is designed to provide a platform with a selection of exceptional innovators for the presentation of cutting-edge advancements from academic institutions, research establishments, and developers from around the world on production pathways of renewable Liquid Gases.

GSC will take stage during LPG Week in Rome on Friday, 17th November 2023.

Be part of GSC and a catch a glimpse at the early-stage ideas and scientific breakthroughs shaping the LPG industry with world-class scientists and a 200+ audience.

Compete for the WLPGA GSC Awards

The WLPGA GSC Award will be given to the most outstanding scientific contribution selected from the papers presented in Rome.

An additional award will also honour contributions from an early-stage researcher (under 35 on the conference day).

With a wealth of benefits to the winners, this is the opportunity to showcase a paper and take home the ultimate prize in LPG science.

Submit your paper to GSC2023 in three steps

Take the chance to present your paper at GSC2023. The countdown to GSC is On!

Think of your most recent scientific development on renewable Liquid Gases production, renewable LPG and renewable DME
Describe how it can enhance the LPG industry
Complete the abstract and submit it
Explore some examples of topics that might be presented in the submission guidelines.

Abstracts will be reviewed by the WLPGA Global Science Council based on scientific content with an emphasis on the potential contribution to the LPG industry.

Click here for Full Guidelines and Submission

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

On May 8, NPGA submitted a comment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in response to their Request for Information on Chronic Hazards Associated with Gas Ranges and Proposed Solutions. NPGA explained that the “Chronic Hazards” suggested did not exist in fact, and provided over 200 pages of research to support this argument. NPGA coordinated its response with leaders from other trade associations, many of whom will be joining NPGA at Propane Days for our panel on gas stoves. For additional information, questions, or concerns, please contact NPGA General Counsel Benjamin Nussdorf at bnussdorf.org.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

Last week, the New York Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul reached an agreement on the state’s budget for State Fiscal Year 2023-24. The budget amends the state construction building code and prohibits the installation of fossil fuel equipment in most newly constructed buildings beginning in 2026 for structures less than seven stories in height, and 2029 for all remaining applicable building stock. It also lays the framework for a cap-and-invest program (i.e., carbon market) whereby total state greenhouse gas emissions would be capped, and emission allowances would be purchased by covered entities. Taken together, these provisions will greatly impact the future marketplace for thermal fuels, including propane.

Bill Overbaugh, Executive Director of the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA), has been engaged with legislators and governor’s office since these concepts were first proposed following passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019. “The recent gas ban on new construction and carbon tax were both setbacks in our legislative efforts. But there was also a major win in delaying the implementation date two years. This is a clear indication that the governor and legislature have heard our message and acknowledge that the majority of New Yorkers are not ready for such a drastic, expensive and unpredictable change in such a short period of time,” Overbaugh said. “The bill also includes carve outs for buildings that are inherently difficult to electrify or have a high need to maintain reliability, such as hospitals, industrial buildings and crematoriums. This shows us a potential path forward for our fuel. NYPGA looks forward to continuing our efforts to educate consumers and lawmakers on the benefits of propane and how propane can fit into the landscape of a cleaner future.”

If you’re interested in materials to counter electrification efforts in your state, please visit the Fight Electrification section on NPGA’s member dashboard. For more information, contact NPGA’s Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson at jpeterson@npga.org.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

NPGA is excited to announce Propane Days 2023 on June 4-7 in Washington, DC. The Capitol and Congressional offices are once again open to the public! This year marks a return to the traditional advocacy day programming, including a federal legislative breakfast and briefing on the association’s top priorities and best practices for Congressional meetings, in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, and a Congressional Reception.

To prepare for Propane Days, NPGA’s Legislative Affairs team will host a webinar on May 23rd at 2:00 PM ET to review best practices for conducting a meeting and discuss our industry’s top federal legislative priorities. This year our advocacy efforts will focus on:

Fighting back against recent government actions to limit consumer choice for energy sources and household appliances, such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters
Promoting propane storage in rural areas by reducing burdens on propane marketers associated with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and providing agriculture producers with low-interest loans for additional propane tanks in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization
Urging Congress to continue to make propane eligible for grants and funding at airports for vehicles and resiliency applications through the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization
Requesting Department of Energy funding for research and development of renewable propane, propane vehicles, microgrids, and combined heat and power in this year’s appropriations bill
Advocating for the Department of Defense to adopt propane-powered backup- and primary-power generation and to initiate a pilot program to adopt propane vehicles at non-combat military facilities in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act
We are very excited to have you join us in Washington, DC and hope to see you at our upcoming webinar. If you have any questions, contact Kate Singleton, NPGA’s Manager of Political and Legislative Affairs, at ksingleton@npga.org. Click here to register for the best practices webinar.

Remember to register for Propane Days and the summer Board of Directors meeting by Friday, May 19 and reserve your hotel accommodations, too! The Renaissance Downtown DC is offering participants a group rate of $299 single/double occupancy, plus tax. The NPGA block rate will be available until Friday, May 12 or until the block is sold out. Reserve online or call 800 228-9290 and request the National Propane Gas Association rate.

State governments and the Biden Administration appear to be putting their finger on the scale in favor of using more electricity and less fossil fuels. Last week, New York was the latest state to make a move; in this case to curtail the use of gas stoves. Despite problems with their electric grid in recent years, the LA Times Editorial Board actually is upset New York beat them to the gas stove legislation.

The LA Times story and a cut from a CNN interview are here. The CNN interview assumes all fossil fuels create more to global warming than electricity regardless of the fossil fuels with larger carbon footprints that are used in creation of the electricity.

An Editorial found here discusses how the New York action is nothing but a green bait and switch.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

A recently released peer reviewed study published in Global Epidemiology on April 18, 2023, by Li et al, entitled “Gas Cooking and Respiratory Outcomes in Children: A Systematic Review” has concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to demonstrate causal relationships between gas cooking and indoor NO2 and asthma and wheeze in children. The authors systemically reviewed 66 previous epidemiology studies and found that there was generally low study quality and high heterogeneity and highlighted the fact that previous studies have numerous quality flaws, making a meta-analysis inappropriate.

The propane industry proudly provides our customers with low-carbon, clean fuel that provides them with affordable, reliable energy. As an industry, we support evidence-based science in order to provide the public and lawmakers alike with objective facts when choosing which energy source is best for them. For additional information, please contact NPGA’s Manager of State Government Affairs, Austin Wicker at awicker@npga.org.

From the Propane Education & Research Council

The Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo is the “Super Bowl” of North American propane industry events. Hosted yearly by the National Propane Gas Association, Southeast Expo brings together the latest in propane innovations with extensive education and networking opportunities.

This year, the 75th Southeast Expo was held in Nashville, Tennessee and drew a huge crowd of nearly 4,000 attendees and exhibitors. PERC was among those exhibitors, spreading the word about the new PERC mobile app, equipping marketers with educational and environmental materials, holding a giveaway for an RTIC® cooler, and handing out Energy for Everyone-branded swag items.

The star of the show, however, was the New Product Showcase pavilion. Located just across the way from the PERC booth, the New Product Showcase featured five pieces of equipment that highlight propane’s role in providing clean, versatile, and reliable energy to homes and businesses across the country:

• The Wright Stander ZK propane-powered mower from Propane Power Systems is a powerful and eco-friendly solution for lawn care. Its new springless EFI regulator mounted to a Vanguard 37HP EFI engine ensures a consistent fuel supply, reducing emissions and delivering power. Durable and easy to use, this mower is ideal for professionals and homeowners who want a reliable and efficient lawn maintenance experience.

• Enviropower’s SmartWatt boiler is the next-generation heating technology that enables building owners to produce efficient heat, generate free electricity, and enjoy backup power, all in one system. At 95% heating efficiency, the SmartWatt Boiler SW600-6 is one of the most efficient heating solutions for homes and buildings in the market.

• The Hybrid Heat Pump Solution from Rinnai, Bosh, Duramax, and Bindus is a whole-home upgrade solution that will offer homeowners the comfort, reliability, and affordability they desire. The system is powered by a propane tankless water heater or boiler that turns on a circulator pump to provide radiator-quality heat through a central air system, warming homes more efficiently than the strip heat that an individual electric heat pump provides. The system guarantees peace of mind with a year-round comfort solution and contingency plan to combat electric grid failure while saving energy and money and reducing emissions.

• The Juice Box generator from Evergreen Mobile Power is a 25KW, eco-friendly, propane-fueled generator. Featuring patented interchangeable distribution panels, GPS with cell phone smart technology, and on-board hot water heater hookups – with none of the fumes associated with diesel generators – the Juice Box is a smart solution for both indoor and outdoor power generation.

• A Gas Heat Pump Furnace Combi from Anesi and Stone Mountain Technologies replaces both the furnace and the water heater in a propane-powered home. It reduces heating bills by 30-50 percent and is ideal for cold weather heating, operating down to –40°F/C without backup, providing warmth and comfort without any alterations to the home.

As the products in the New Product Showcase demonstrate, propane is a low-carbon energy source that puts us on the path to zero emissions today. Simply swapping diesel for propane in markets like power generation, material handling, and transportation would drastically reduce emissions, both now and in the future. Incorporating propane equipment in residential and commercial uses ensures reliable power, even when the electric grid fails. Additionally, propane partners with and enhances other clean energy sources such as solar and wind to provide environmentally friendly power, and advances in renewable propane will deliver a sustainable energy solution for generations to come.

Learn more about propane’s environmental benefits and all the products that propane can power.

A video showcasing new innovations can be found here.

By Jerry Schimmel of P3 Safety

Let’s face it: Providing service in the propane industry is difficult. Schedules are hectic, technicians don’t love paperwork, and there’s never enough time for training. These barriers result in a shocking error rate in propane safety documentation. Getting back to the job site to correct errors is also a huge challenge. So how do you ensure your technicians get the job done right the first time?

Provide Better Tools for Technicians
By using technology for entry of critical safety documentation, you can:
* Provide clarification and guidance on desired information within form fields.
* Reduce error rate by providing multiple-choice answers instead of blank write-in fields.
* Warn technicians in real time if information is incomplete or if critical operating tests do not meet NFPA code requirements.

Provide Better Tools for Management

Technology allows your management team to:
* Review inspections in real time and provide your field technicians with immediate feedback.
* Put together reporting that specifically identifies individual training opportunities for employees.
* Use Photo Documentation

Photo documentation is critical for three reasons:
1. Documenting that your tank set is NFPA 58 compliant. If there is a catastrophic incident and your word is put up against the homeowners, that is a horrible place to be.
2. In the instance that your original tank set is NFPA 58 compliant, but the homeowner makes a modification that puts the tank set out of compliance, you have documentation that it was compliant when you installed it.
3. It provides detailed, visual information for training purposes, which can help you to offer feedback and coaching immediately.

In a report at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) meeting a day after the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Southeast Convention in Nashville, Steve Kaminski, NPGA President and CEO reported that 3,800 industry members attended the event. Throughout the trade show, industry vendors reported high traffic and plenty of good contacts with retail propane marketers.

While industry members seemed very glad to gather again in person, as in 2022, there was once again a lot of talk about the serious challenges the industry faces especially amid the “Electrify Everything” movement. At a session on the first day titled “The Fight for our Future, One Year Later: A Panel on Electrification,” panelists compared those trying to force the world from fossil fuels to electricity as trying for force vehicles traveling at 100 miles per hour on a six-lane highway onto a small exit ramp. EPA regulations and new requirements in California and New York were major topics.

Introductory comments by NPGA President and CEO Steve Kaminski discussed new challenges but also included light-hearted humor suggesting the Federal agencies that have historically focused on confiscating drugs and weapons would be adding removal of gas stoves to their mission. Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of PERC, shared a message of hope that propane would be needed for many years to come in the United States despite efforts to move toward electrification. Noting lyrics in a song by Singer and Songwriter Taylor Swift who famously sings, “What you’re looking for has been here the whole time,” Perkins offered a slightly revised quote to create a more forward-looking message, “What you’re looking for will be here the whole time.”

Nashville: Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and home to Vanderbilt University. Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music. Nashville is known as Music City.

Next year, a new city, Charlotte, North Carolina will be host to the 2024 NPGA Expo. Industry members will have yet another chance to check out a new venue to explore. Regardless of the venue changes, there is no doubt the issue of the environment and electrification will follow propane industry members there. Fortunately, propane industry members are finding more and more that there is a positive story to tell regarding a clean, low carbon future.

Pictures from Nashville were included in last week’s issue and can be found here.

Recently, Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, was interviewed on the Green Business Impact Podcast. Introductory information is here:

Does propane play a role in our energy “transformation” as Tucker Perkins calls it, not energy “transition”?

Yes.

And make sure that you stick around for this entire episode to figure out just what role that propane and natural gas will play during this energy transformation that is currently taking place.

Because we need to make this transformation happen as soon as possible, so we need to explore all potential avenues.

and plus, if we can get a win where we are burning a much cleaner gas, with extremely reduced carbon footprint, and that allows us to reach our goals of NetZero faster around the world than we have to do it.

Plus, as Tucker mentions during this interview, there are 13 new ways of sourcing RENEWABLE propane, and through some methods may even be carbon negative.

So all I can say is don’t discount the role that propane will play in our energy transformation, and stay tuned for this entire interview to find out how the future of propane as part of our journey to fight the climate crisis.

Chapters
0:00 – Propane’s role in the energy transformation
2:52 – PERC intro
3:54 – Distributing information about innovations
5:26 – Why propane should be included in a low carbon future
7:14 – Mediator between diesel and electrification
11:14 – Reason for the emphasis on last-mile vehicles
12:48 – Why not passenger vehicles?
14:44 – Architecture of engines
16:10 – Renewable propane
18:24 – Example pathway for renewable
20:17 – Where Camelina crop is in the development process
22:18 – Scale of energy production for propane
24:44 – What led Tucker to become president of PERC
26:39 – Future of propane
28:35 – Global reach
30:15 – Path to Zero podcast
32:07 – Favorite episode: Diesel’s last decade (link below)
32:51 – Podcast goals
35:12 – What Tucker is currently learning
37:15 – Tip for Ecopreneurs
38:06 – How to get in touch with PERC: propane.com

Check out PERC’s website:

https://propane.com

Make sure to listen to Tucker’s podcast Path to Zero:

https://propane.com/environment/podcast/

And don’t miss out on the episode that he mentioned during our interview today about making this the last decade of diesel:

https://propane.com/environment/podcast/episode-8-could-propane-be-the-new-diesel/

A link to the Green Business Impact Podcast with the interview of Perkins is here.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

On April 19, 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) denied NPGA’s application for a 5 Year Special Exemption to Hours of Service regulations, submitted in September 2022. FMCSA claims in its denial that NPGA’s application does not provide an analysis of safety impacts the requested exemption may cause, or countermeasures to ensure that the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent or greater than the level achieved by the current regulations. FMCSA claims that they cannot ensure that the exemption would achieve the requisite level of safety. FMCSA further stated that the scenarios NPGA outlined as justification for the exemption do not warrant a categorical exemption. NPGA is reviewing the decision, evaluating its options, and will continue to engage FMCSA on hours of service regulations. For questions or additional information, please contact Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs Benjamin Nussdorf at bnussdorf@npga.org.

The Eastern Energy Expo is just around the corner May 21 – 24, 2023 in Atlantic City.

The Trade Show and all Business and Technical Education Track programs will be held at the Convention Center.
Sunday evening Welcome Reception, Monday Hospitality Night and Tuesday OESP Awards Banquet will be held at Harrah’s Resort.

Sunday, May 21
EEE Welcome Reception

Monday, May 22
Exhibitor Setup
Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Outing
Business/Technical Education Programs
Hospitality Night/OESP Opening Reception

Tuesday, May 23
Business/Technical Education Programs
Trade Show Hours
Noon – 6pm
OESP Awards Banquet

Wednesday, May 24
Business/Technical Education Programs
Trade Show Hours
10am – 2pm

For more information, visit www.easternenergyexpo.com

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Reit Fuel Oil Co. (“Reit Energy”) a Pennsylvania corporation located in Warminster, Pa. has acquired assets related to the delivered fuels, HVAC, and plumbing business of Walter A. Dwyer, Inc. (“Dwyer”), of Ambler, Pa. The transaction closed on April 25, 2023.

With beginnings dating back to 1875, merely ten years after the U.S. Civil War, Dwyer has a lengthy history that includes selling building materials, coal, oil, heating services, boilers, and plumbing. Its founder, Edward Dwyer, was born in 1826. Over the years, members of the Dwyer family have continued to expand the company through diversification and acquisition, creating a well-recognized brand beyond its origins in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Today the sole survivor in a long line of Dwyer family owners is John L. Dwyer, Jr., president and principal. John commented, “Our Dwyer team has provided outstanding service to our residential and light commercial customers in Northwest Philadelphia and Montgomery County for decades. We’re pleased to make this significant transition and know that Reit Energy will carry on a tradition of excellence.” John added, “We’re especially grateful to the team at Cetane for their guidance and expertise to take us smoothly across the finish line.”

As one of the largest full-service home comfort companies in the Delaware Valley, Reit Energy sets itself apart by providing its customers the best value along with courteous and professional service. With an experienced team of technicians and the latest equipment, Reit Energy has served its community since 1945. Reit Energy’s president, Kurt Haab said, “We’re excited to welcome the Dwyer team and their customers to Reit Energy. The fit between our companies is great as we both genuinely care about our customers and keep our promise to serve them personally and professionally.”

Doug Woosnam, Director at Cetane Associates, stated, “It was a pleasure to work with John through this successful transaction with the Reit Energy group. I congratulate both parties on achieving this outstanding result.”

Cetane served as the sole arranger to Dwyer. 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. Team members Doug Woosnam, Fred Lord, and Dalton Brooks managed the transaction.

About Cetane Associates

Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the 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.

What a weekend!! The Southeast Convention in Nashville is in the books!! We’ll have more thoughts from Nashville in the next few weeks. Here are some images of the NPGA Southeastern Convention and Expo April 23-25, 2023!! Congratulations to the LP Gas Magazine Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023: Steve Ahrens of the Missouri Propane Gas Association; Tom Jaenicke of ATomiK Creative Solutions; Billy Prim, formerly of Blue Rhino; and Don Schultz of former retailer Schultz Gas Service!

Nashville: Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and home to Vanderbilt University. Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music. Nashville is known as Music City.

In a newsletter to constituents, Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas shared that he led the writing of a letter signed by 14 Senators regarding stringent regulations that would effectively ban gas stoves from new sales by the year 2030.

Marshall wrote:

This week, I led a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, on the Biden Administration’s misguided ban on the sale of nearly all gas stoves in America.

This proposed ban on gas stoves is wildly out of touch with the American people and insensitive to the financial hardship the White House has pushed on families from their reckless economic policies. We will not accept this direct assault on consumer choice. Millions of Americans rely on natural gas and propane for their daily needs, Which is why I’m calling on the DOE to find energy standards that help Americans instead of restricting them.

The letter can be found here.

As the gas stove challenge heats up, an example of right-leaning messaging here stresses the urgency of the matter emphasizing that regulations would effectively ban the stoves from being installed at a future date. Left-leaning messaging here downplays the concerns saying that what is happening with regulations is not really a ban and saying that right-wing media is hyping the gas stove bans to make people literally think someone is coming to their home very soon to take away their gas stove.

Updates from NPGA President & CEO Steve Kaminski from several weeks ago on the unfolding challenges can be found here and here. Earlier this month, we shared this news on NPGA endorsing Senate Legislation that would alleviate agency overreach that affects propane stoves and other products.

ThompsonGas Autogas Bobtail, Service Truck in ROUSH CleanTech Booth

LIVONIA, MICH. — ROUSH CleanTech showcased two propane autogas-fueled vehicles used by ThompsonGas in its booth at the 2023 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, April 23-25 in Nashville.

ThompsonGas, based in Frederick, Md., operates 10 2021 Ford F-750 bobtails and this year is adding five 2022 F-550 trucks for delivery, service and sales. The bobtails run about 10,000 miles annually, while the service vehicles will operate between 25,000 and 30,000 miles per year. ROUSH CleanTech manufactures the propane fuel system for the vehicles.

According to Monte McLeod, ThompsonGas director of autogas, the company initially received autogas vehicles through an acquisition, and “decided to double down on it by making an autogas-focused division.”

McLeod said the bobtails handle transportation of propane autogas without issue while promoting the fuel they sell.

“ThompsonGas recommends all marketers should be driving vehicles with the fuel they sell not only for the fuel savings and environmental benefits, but also that it shows they are walking the walk and really believe in the fuel,” McLeod said. He added that “our drivers are always asking when they’ll get to drive one.”

For more details, check out a LinkedIn post by ROUSH CleanTech President & CEO Todd Mouw here.

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.

Atkinson, NH – Palmer Gas & Oil (PGO) officially launched its new technical training lab with the goal of fostering innovation, promoting hands-on learning, and advancing the technical skills of its staff.

Designed and developed by well-known technical trainer Terry Rickards, and managed by industry veteran Don Lamprey, the lab is designed to provide real-world HVAC training in a comfortable and familiar environment.

Says Peter Iacobucci, PGO General Manager, “We are thrilled with the way this lab turned out and excited to train our office and field staff in the latest technologies and techniques. Terry has done a fantastic job designing a lab that will help to keep our PGO team ahead of the competition, and Don has some great vendors scheduled.”

The lab includes state-of-the-art technology, tools, and equipment that combine traditional classroom training with vendor demonstrations and hands-on coaching to accommodate different learning styles.

Award-winning Palmer Gas & Oil provides propane and oil, as well as related equipment and services to customers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. For more information, please visit PalmerGas.com.

About Palmer Gas & Oil

Palmer Gas & Oil (PGO) is a family-owned and operated propane and oil delivery and service company based in Atkinson, New Hampshire with over 90 years serving New Hampshire, Northern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine. PGO’s automatic delivery, easy payment, and scheduled maintenance plans make it simple for its customers to keep their tanks full and their equipment serviced. A full sales, service, and equipment installation business, PGO is unique to the industry in that it is truly a one-stop shop. PGO is a Business NH Magazine Business of the Decade winner in the Retail/Wholesale category, a multi-award winner of the Best of Business (BOB) awards for best fuel provider as well as a multi-award winner in the Union Leader Readers’ Choice award for oil and propane delivery, a Business Excellence Award winner in consumer services for large organizations from NH Business Review and has an accredited A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the City of Berkeley, California’s ban on gas hookups in new buildings, finding that Berkeley’s ordinance was preempted by federal law. By banning new gas hookups, Berkeley’s now-overturned ban on gas piping into new buildings effectively prevented those appliances from using gas, but the federal government already governs the use of gas under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and cities are not empowered to enact conflicting regulations. The panel’s unanimous decision that Berkeley’s ban on gas piping is preempted by EPCA sets an important precedent for future cases, especially with other cities and states considering restrictions on consumer energy choice. NPGA is examining how the decision will affect existing regulations in states that the Ninth Circuit covers (Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam, and Hawaii) and will continue to advocate against bans throughout the country. For more, read NPGA President Steve Kaminski’s Op-ed, view the legal summary in the Member Dashboard, or contact Director of Regulatory Affairs Kate Gaziano at kgaziano@npga.org with any questions.

Ford DuBose and Dalton Brooks Join Cetane Associates

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Ford DuBose and Dalton Brooks have joined its financial advisory firm as Associates, effective April 1 and April 11, respectively. DuBose brings a specialization in appraisals to his role while Brooks contributes a legal background to his position. They both provide analytical support to Cetane’s M&A deal execution team.

Prior to joining Cetane, Ford DuBose was a certified general real estate appraiser with more than six years of experience in the valuation industry. Most recently, he was a senior valuation specialist at Colliers International (Dallas office), where he specialized in appraising multitenant retail centers. He has also appraised a variety of asset types, including office and industrial buildings, land, special purpose properties, subdivision, and recreational facilities. During his tenure at Colliers, Ford was involved with the north Texas chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in real estate from Texas A&M University. A native Texan who enjoys landscaping, hunting, and fishing, Ford is married and lives in a Dallas suburb.

Before Dalton Brooks joined the Cetane team, he was a project manager at Southwest General Contractors in Amarillo, Texas, doing large scale commercial construction. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University (2014) and a law degree from Texas Tech University (2017).

Also a native Texan, Dalton was born, raised, and still lives in Amarillo. Married and father of a son, Dalton is a runner, golfer, hockey player, fly fisher, and occasionally remodels houses.

Barrett Conway, Managing Director and Principal of Cetane commented “It’s exciting to welcome Ford and Dalton to the Cetane team. Each of them brings valuable experience to assist our clients through their transactions. Their addition to our team strengthens our client support as we expand our reach in home services industries across the country. They will enhance Cetane’s value to our clients.”

About Cetane Associates
Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the 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.

It’s more important than ever to communicate how propane is the environmentally friendly Energy for Everyone. At the 2023 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, PERC’s Erin Corning Hatcher will share how and why to talk about propane as a clean energy of the future. The seminar will be held at the Southeast Propane Convention and Expo in Nashville Sunday, April 23 at 12:30 pm.

From the Propane Gas Association of New England Newsletter

It was literally standing room only when PGANE held its first standing committee meeting for the newly created Renewable Propane committee meeting April 5th in Providence, RI at the PGANE Spring Meeting. “I was expecting about 12 people to attend, but this attendance really highlights the importance and interest within the industry around renewable propane.” Committee Chair Stephen Heffron said.

Over 90 PGANE members rubbed elbows around the meeting room as the group met for the first time. The committee is responsible for studying and promoting renewable propane opportunities, and its 2023-2024 priorities include:

* Increase public awareness about the benefits of renewable propane on the path towards carbon neutrality.
* Increase availability of renewable propane in New England.
* Educate propane professionals about renewable propane.
* Strategize renewable propane advocacy in New England.
A copy of the presentation is available here. The second meeting will be held June 13th at the PGANE summer meeting.

. From the Propane Education & Research Council

As electricity demand rises, generating capacity is at risk of serious decline. Coal and natural gas plants are being forced to close due to federal requirements and other commitments. The resulting gap – the electricity supply gap – is the challenge PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins tackles in his latest op-ed.

The piece was published in two Virginia newspapers, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Roanoke Times. It’s a good read and a resounding call to embrace low-carbon energy like propane to close the gap without sacrificing progress on climate issues. The editorial can be found here

Opinion by NPGA President & CEO, Stephen Kaminski

On April 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed tailpipe emissions rules designed to exponentially increase the number of electric vehicles on the nation’s roads within a decade. EPA EV Rulemaking / EPA Proposed Rule / EPA Press Release

The greenhouse gas emissions-based regulations would phase-in starting with model year 2027 and aim to make up to 67% of new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. “carbon-free” by 2032. The plan would also electrify roughly 50% of new medium-duty vehicles and between 25-35% of heavy-duty trucks by 2032. The EPA proposes to use tailpipe emissions methodology, but—as we’ve seen time and again from the Biden Administration—ignore source emissions and transmission losses. And to further stack the deck, most new and used EVs are eligible for hefty tax credits. That’s on top of billions in EV infrastructure giveaways at the expense of American taxpayers.

Yet, even those egregious forced-choice tactics—and the relentlessly increasing strain on an already overtaxed electric grid—in my opinion, pale in comparison to the abject human rights abuses that this misguided policy promotes. It is simply appalling.

EV batteries depend heavily on cobalt and lithium. Child labor for cobalt mining is well documented (see, e.g., Amnesty International, Fortune, Cobalt Red) and the left-leaning, nonprofit Business and Human Rights Resource Centre has uncovered human rights violations in the lithium mining industry as well (BHRCC EV Mineral Study).

The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre tracks company-by-company human rights violations. It’s tracking the largest cobalt and lithium mining companies in the world and what it has found is astonishing. Of the top cobalt mining companies, 80% have human rights allegations lodged against them. And that number rises to 100% of the top lithium mining companies, including two American-based companies operating overseas. BHRCC EV Mineral Study

And these human rights violations are poised to get even worse as the World Bank estimates a 1,000% increase in these minerals will be needed to meet the battery-first policies of Western nations. On NPGA’s initial pass of the 750+ page EPA rulemaking, we saw no requirements that minerals be mined domestically.

Rather, the EPA flippantly states: It is also our assessment that widespread automotive electrification in the U.S. will not lead to a critical long-term dependence on foreign imports of minerals or components, nor that increased demand for these products will become a vulnerability to national security. [T]he reason that these products are often sourced from outside of the U.S. is not because the products cannot be produced in the U.S., but because other countries have already invested in developing a supply chain for their production. (EPA Rulemaking, p. 382).

In my humble opinion, the Administration has barely given lip service to the mineral supply chain and is knowingly sticking its head in the sand on human rights implications, not to mention the risk of an OPEC-style embargo. This policy has the potential to give the blood diamond business a run for its money.

NPGA will, of course, be vigorously commenting on the rulemaking for the propane industry.

Stephen Kaminski

NPGA President & CEO

This is the year of “backyard bliss,” according to a new report from Yardzen. The online landscape design service collected responses from more than a million homeowners across the country, making it the most “comprehensive outdoor design report available.”

Bliss includes more plants and more places to play, as many homeowners are postponing vacations in favor of creating relaxing retreats at home, thanks to rising interest rates.

“A throughline in many of these trends is a fundamental shift in outdoor style — the clean lines of modernism give way to organic textures and forms, heavy on habitat-supporting and pollinator-loving plants and trees. This is good for the planet and good for the psyche — the emerging field of ‘green care’ demonstrates the significant therapeutic benefits of being outdoors and around plants, further emphasizing the trend toward creating enjoyment at home through outdoor spaces,” the report notes.

Among this year’s hottest trends are outdoor features that are, well, hot. These are the items that not only increase enjoyment of being outdoors but boast health benefits, as well.

Fire pits. Nearly 60 percent of Yardzen clients requested fire pits. Likewise, fireplaces are in demand as homeowners translate indoor amenities to the outdoors.
Saunas. People want to get their sweat on. Saunas and cedar tubs are on the rise as those who work from home seek more opportunities to step away from their laptops and take a “digital detox.”
Plunge pools. Designed for quick, refreshing dips, plunge pools are an affordable alternative to full-size swimming pools, and they can serve as a sauna when combined with a heat source.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are also surging in popularity. Looking for opportunities to expand square footage, homeowners are placing ADUs in backyards. These units — up 33 percent year over year — can be used as creative studios or guest quarters.

Clean-burning propane can be easily used to fire up these amenities or warm up ADUs. Even if the home is connected to natural gas, contractors can use propane as a supplemental fuel.

The full article and details are here.

EDP PROMOTES KATHY JOHNSON TO EXECUTIVE VP AND CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

BRADY JOINS PROPANE NINJA AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Kathy Johnson Portrait Shoot. Chicago IL. April 12, 2023. © 2023 Andrew Collings Photography.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Kathy leads the company’s Human Resources department and is a key member of EDP’s acquisition team. She and her staff of seven human resources and payroll professionals provide support to more than 700 employees across 19 states. Kathy and her team oversee payroll, employee benefits, compensation and talent management as well HR policies and compliance for EDP’s corporate office and its 40 retail operations. She has a
bachelor’s degree in human resources management from DePaul University and will be graduating in July from Tulane University School of Law with a Masters of Jurisprudence in Employment and Labor Law.

According to EDP’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Knauff, “Given our rapid expansion through acquisition, Kathy has played a critical role in EDP’s growth. She and her team are committed to providing a smooth HR integration process for our new acquisitions while ensuring we maintain the culture of each local operation. We are “people-focused” at EDP, and Kathy truly cares about our employees and their wellbeing. We are lucky to have her.”

About Energy Distribution Partners

EDP is an industry leader in America’s fast changing energy landscape, 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 and in the midstream energy sector, retaining the brand name, preserving local management and delegating to leaders in local communities.

The company is actively seeking partners for growth. For more information, please visit www.edplp.net.

Propane Ninga is proud to announce Dayne Brady as a new Team Leader.

“Dayne Brady will take on the role of Managing Director as Propane Ninja builds its business divisions,” Said Mike Dodd, CEO of Propane Ninja. “Dayne is a uniquely qualified individual with decades of experience in the right categories to push the Ninjas into another tier of business growth, size, and quality. We are excited to have Dayne’s skills to enhance this company’s trajectory.”

Some of Brady’s more prominent industry accolades include the NPGA Benchmarking Council member (10 years), Director for the International sector of the NPGA Board of Directors for 2010 (Incumbent), and voting member for NPGA TSS&S (Technology & Standards committee).

Brady recently spent 7 years building CleanGas of the Cayman islands from a startup to a prominent competitive company in the market.

“Dayne is ready to take the reigns at Propane Ninja and start building the business into a dominating full service propane company for the State,” Dodd said.

On March 30, 2023, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, along with Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), introduced S. 1043, the Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2023.

This legislation would:

* Require that DOE certify that any stove, water heater, or furnace energy efficiency rule would not result in fuel switching from natural gas to electric appliances;
* Specify that DOE may not put forward a rule that would limit the features of gas stoves, such as quick boil times, number and size of burners, and design of grates;
* Exempt small manufacturers from future energy efficiency rulemakings for stoves, water heaters, and furnaces; and,
* Require that existing energy efficiency labels displayed at the point of sale disclose full-fuel-cycle efficiency rather than point-of-use energy consumption.
Senator Barrasso, and the Republican Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued a press release that contained this quote from Steve Kaminski, NPGA’s President and CEO, “The National Propane Gas Association supports the Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2023, which protects consumer choice, prevents fuel switching, and provides transparency for energy efficiency labeling requirements. NPGA applauds Senator Barrasso’s efforts to provide reasonable protections for consumers to choose their preferred fuel and home appliances.”

The Republican Energy and Natural Resources press release, a copy of NPGA’s letter of support, and the legislation can be found HERE.

West Virginia Governor, Jim Justice, recently signed HB 3210, Relating to the Performance of Installation of Propane Gas Systems, into law. This legislation states that a propane container shall only be installed, filled or utilized upon authorization by its owner. Container laws, such as this, are an important mechanism to enhance safety and promote best practices throughout the industry. The majority of states already have these types of protections on their books.

Amber Perry, Executive Director of the West Virginia Propane Gas Association, spearheaded the bill through the legislature in Charleston. “The West Virginia Propane Gas Association thanks Governor Justice for signing HB 3210 into law. Our membership is very pleased to have this vital piece of safety legislation now in state statute. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Justice for the remainder of his term,” Perry said.

NPGA has compiled an overview of state container laws, which is available on the My State section of NPGA’s website. For more information, contact NPGA’s Jacob Peterson at jpeterson@npga.org.

Propane Supplier “Walks the Walk” by Relying on Industry Fuel

Frederick, Maryland. – ThompsonGas, LLC headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, plans to unveil new autogas powered vehicles at the National Propane Gas Association’s Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo in Nashville Tennessee, April 23rd-25th.

Showcasing ROUSH CleanTech autogas technology in a Ford F750 bobtail and Ford F550 service truck, ThompsonGas demonstrates how propane marketers can embrace their own sustainable fuel to power medium and heavy-duty vehicles. ThompsonGas’ propane vehicles operate on ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems, which are certified to the ultra-low nitrogen oxide level of 0.02 g, making them 90% cleaner than heavy-duty engine standards. “Time and time again, propane offers an economically smart choice for fleets of all sizes, especially propane suppliers,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president for ROUSH CleanTech. “Our technology helps companies like ThompsonGas meet our nation’s shared sustainability goals.” Furthermore, ThompsonGas’ featured Ford F750 autogas powered bobtail is identical to those the company used in supporting relief efforts after Hurricane Ian in 2022. “As stewards of the industry and our environment, the easiest way we can “walk to walk” is to embrace our own fuel in our fleet and take advantage of its reliability, cleaner emissions, and the cost savings it provides.” says Jon Loeb, senior vice president of sales at ThompsonGas.

Monte McLeod, director of autogas at ThompsonGas adds, “Propane is such a dynamic fuel and autogas is the turning point for our industry. We are just beginning to scratch the surface of how versatile propane truly is.” Visitors to the NPGA Expo can see this autogas technology firsthand in the ROUSH CleanTech booth, #118.

About ThompsonGas: Founded and operated since 1946, ThompsonGas provides propane services to more than 250,000 residential, commercial, and agricultural customers across 26 states in the East, Southeast, West, and Midwestern United States. ThompsonGas continues to operate under the business principles of trust, service, and taking care of their employees and attributes these values as the reason for their record growth. ThompsonGas is currently the 6th largest propane company in the U.S. For more information, visit ThompsonGas.com.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

Don’t miss the chance to network with thousands of propane industry professionals at NPGA’s 75th Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo™ being held April 23 – 25 in Nashville. With multiple opportunities to meet & greet, there is something for everybody — from bow ties to blue jeans! Add these to your Expo schedule:

LP Gas Hall of Fame Induction Dinner*, a black-tie celebration of the people who have helped establish, advance, and grow the propane industry
Prayer Breakfast* with inspirational guest speaker Becca Stevens
Expo Hall Welcome Reception and grand opening of the exhibit floor
WIP Roundtable & Reception with Bridget Piraino
All are welcome at these events. *Additional fee applies.

EventSphere is the official housing provider for the 2023 Expo™. EventSphere’s “PassKey” technology lets participants search hotel availability, compare rates, and reserve in one convenient location. Once the reservation is booked, participants can quickly and efficiently manage their reservations online. The NPGA room block is available until April 3, 2023. Book early for the best selection!

Check out the Official Hotel List, then click or call 1-866-446-3551 (Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST)

Note from Trending in Propane: Learn about Trending in Propane advertisers who will be sponsoring and/or displaying a booth at the NPGA Expo here.

Last week, Roger Caiazza, a meteorologist who has worked in the air quality industry for over 40 years, wrote an opinion discussing New York Governor Hochul’s recent proposed changes to the greenhouse gas emissions accounting approach in the Climate Act. Some describe the revisions as gutting the Climate Act and rewarding the evil fossil fuel industry while Caiazza suggests it injects a bit of sanity in the transition plan. He feels that misconceptions abound on both sides of all the ramifications.

The full article is found here. Note there is also a Citizens Guide to the Climate Act on the link.

When other businesses went dark, this tourist destination kept its lights on during Hurricane Fiona.

From the Propane Education & Research Council

In 2017, Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, requiring island residents to go without power for more than 100 days in what was the largest and longest blackout in U.S. history.

Today, Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure remains patchy, having never fully recovered from the devastation of the Category 5 hurricane. Blackouts and brownouts are common even in mild weather, which is why many property owners are seeking secondary power sources to minimize disruptions.

“An outdated grid infrastructure and inconsistencies with power production have been a hot topic of discussion for a long time, particularly when you look at industrial manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico but also resorts where livelihoods depend on attracting and keeping clientele,” says Jessie Howell, business development manager at 2G Energy.

The St. Augustine, Florida–based company has a regional office in Puerto Rico, where it’s installing combined heat and power (CHP) systems for businesses that no longer want to depend on an unreliable grid. CHP systems differ from backup generators in that they recover waste heat from the production of electricity and put it to use for a building’s hot water and space heating. CHP can be used either as robust backup power or a facility’s primary power source.

2G Energy’s most recent project is an installation at Rincon Beach Resort in Anasco, on the island’s west coast. Here at this secluded resort, a propane CHP system can operate independent of the grid to meet the heat and power demand of the property’s 112 rooms and 24 condos, as it proved in September 2022. That’s when Hurricane Fiona made landfall, causing widespread flash flooding. The island’s fragile electrical infrastructure — still recovering from Hurricane Maria five years prior — suffered significant damage. Nearly 850,000 power company customers — that’s more than half of the island’s businesses and households — were without electricity. Throughout it all, Rincon Beach Resort was able to keep its lights on.

“The 2G propane CHP system allowed us to continue operations through the storm while the majority of facilities struggled to remain online,” says Eduardo Somoza, the resort’s owner.

Determining CHP size and fuel type

Architects and specifiers should work closely with CHP vendors to determine the capacity to meet the critical loads of the facility. In the resort’s case, 2G specified a 240 kW package unit, which comprises a prime mover, generator, control panel, and heat exchanger in a 30-foot container. The system is tied to the grid but can operate on “island mode,” meaning independently of the grid, during blackout emergencies. Howell says the unit was operating at 130 kw during a recent visit “and it was meeting the entire needs of the resort. So, it has additional capacity available.”

The unit has the option to export excess energy to the grid, plus 367 kW of thermal capacity to supply the resort’s hot water.

Most CHP systems operate on natural gas or propane. While liquid natural gas (LNG) is available on the island, Howell says it would require specialized equipment to gasify LNG, “so before you know it, you have $160,000 to $200,000 worth of additional equipment for natural gas.” That’s why resort operators opted for propane. Propane is stored on site as a liquid. It turns into gas when the tank’s pressure is lowered to fuel the CHP’s engine.

CHP vs. backup generators

Backup power generators are prevalent in Puerto Rico — as they are stateside — but they’re not the best option for property owners desiring a cleaner energy source. Standby generators typically run on diesel, which produces significantly more NOx and particulate matter emissions than propane engines. Diesel has a limited shelf life in storage, requiring the use of additives to prevent the fuel from breaking down. In contrast, propane can last decades in a storage cylinder.

“Lots of places can maintain operation on diesel backup, but the question is how much diesel are you going to keep on site,” Howell says. “So propane was a great alternative for this particular site.”

In addition to being cleaner, propane CHP units are also much more efficient, converting more than 80 percent of fuel into useful electricity and heat.

For some facilities, operating on CHP has reduced operating costs, helping achieve a fast ROI, though that wasn’t the motivation for Rincon Beach Resort, Howell says.

“This was really more of a resiliency play,” he adds.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Generator and CHP Retrofits

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

North and South Dakota recently became the 22nd and 23rd states to enact state-level laws to protect energy choice. These bills ensure local governments cannot pursue policies to prohibit new gas infrastructure, including specifically propane connections, and artificially restrict the marketplace. As such, they safeguard energy freedom and consumer choice. And in the case of South Dakota, their legislature also passed a companion bill to ensure localities cannot prohibit the production or use of gas appliances, such as cooktops and fireplaces. Both the North Dakota Propane Gas Association and the South Dakota Petroleum & Propane Marketers Association worked diligently to ensure all three bills passed with broad, bipartisan support.

Around the country, local governments are taking steps to ban the use of thermal fuels in residential and commercial structures and enact all-electric building codes. Thus, these state protections are incredibly important. For more information, contact NPGA’s Jacob Peterson at jpeterson@npga.org.

NTEA extends Work Truck Week 2023 exhibit hours and brings back New Exhibitor Pavilion to give attendees more opportunities to check out the latest commercial vehicles, equipment and technology at North America’s largest work truck event. Work Truck Week runs March 7–10, 2023, at Indiana Convention Center. It encompasses The Work Truck Show, Green Truck Summit, Ride & Drive, educational conference, and more. Registration and housing are now open at worktruckweek.com.

North America’s largest work truck event was back to full strength for the first time since the pandemic, and attendees witnessed a clear transition from “electrify everything” to “get the right solutions, right now.”

Business was brisk at the PERC booth throughout Work Truck Week in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 7–10. A portable, dual-purpose fueling system from Propane Fueling Solutions drew steady stream of visitors and questions. The standalone unit allows fleets with various alternative fuel vehicles to refuel with propane autogas or recharge with DC level-3 fast chargers independent of the grid.

The booth also featured the Cummins B6.7-liter propane engine and an Alliance Autogas 7.3-liter bi-fuel engine.

“We were tied up the entire time in long, engaged conversations with people asking the right questions about how propane can help them,” observed Jim Bunsey, PERC’s director of commercial business development. “People are really ready to hear about propane.”

Meanwhile, at a sold-out Green Truck Summit, NTEA’s full-day advanced fuels and vehicle technology conference, propane Autogas was specifically cited by the first three presenters as a key component to balance emerging challenges with battery technology and electric vehicle deployment.

Cummins Inc. President and CEO Jennifer Rumsey delivered the event’s keynote. As a global power solutions technology leader, she reviewed Cummins’ plans for next-generation engines using diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and propane.

NTEA Show Attendees Searching for Solutions to EV Fleet Shortcomings

From the Desk of Steve Whaley, Director of Autogas Business Development

Mingling with trade show attendees is always an enlightening experience. Most want to pick your brain to learn ways to solve problems or get a jump on the competition through increased sustainability, productivity, and efficiency.

Almost 15,000 attendees at the NTEA Work Truck Week event were searching for those insights – and making deals when they found them.

At our PERC booth, a non-stop flow of work truck industry professionals, OEMs and government fleet representatives peppered us with questions about the latest propane Autogas technology. Most were searching for solutions to problems they’ve experienced pivoting from traditional diesel to electric fleet vehicles to meet imminent emissions goals. The conversations were energizing.

Visitors were particularly intrigued with the promise of the forthcoming Cummins 6.7-liter propane engine and the clean-burning, dual-purpose fueling system from Propane Fueling Solutions. That new system combines an efficient 60kW propane generator with wind and solar power to create a microgrid that allows fleets to affordably implement a drop-in charging solution. The skid also includes a refueling station for propane autogas vehicles.

For fleets that run propane autogas and EVs, it’s a solution that can’t be beat. It’s fully portable, scalable, runs reliably regardless of the weather, and can be installed in as little as 24 hours. No more worries about grid failure grounding a fleet because it can’t be charged with a clean, reliable power solution!

IPS Equipment, Inc., originally known as Industrial Propane Service, Inc., based in Byron, Michigan with product guide here, was founded in 1968 by Charles and Helen Vandemark. “Charlie” drove transports and worked on building plants in the 1960s for Pyrofax Co. In 1968, Charlie and Helen decided to give it a try on their own. Along with their son, Robert Vandemark, they started Industrial Propane Service, Inc.

In the beginning, the focus was on bulk storage plants for retail companies and stand-by systems for factories. With the gas shortages of the 1970s, the business boomed, especially in the propane stand-by systems. Charlie became known as “Propane Charlie” in the industry. He had a gift to “crunch” the numbers and design back-up systems for natural gas.

Eventually, Industrial Propane Service, Inc. began servicing and building bobtails. In 1983, the company became a wholesale distributor for RegO Products, Blackmer Pumps and LC Meters. Their product lines continued to grow to include almost everything needed for propane retailers.

Robert and Brenda Vandemark’s son, Jeff, joined Industrial Propane Service, Inc. in the spring of 1987. He began working with Robert and Charlie on installing bulk plants. In 1988, Charlie and Helen retired, and Robert and Brenda took over the company. In 1993, Robert and Brenda’s other son, Rob, joined the company and began working with the wholesale department. In 1996, the company was divided into Industrial Propane Service, Inc. (IPS) and IPS Equipment (IPSE). IPS would handle plant construction and service plus all the bobtail and transport work. IPSE would strictly manage wholesale equipment sales. The companies would remain at the same location and be operated by the same management team.

Robert and Brenda’s daughter, Kim Godlewski, joined IPSE in 2003. Kim had previous experience in wholesale distribution. Rob Vandemark transferred to bobtail sales and service, while Jeff continued to work with Robert on plant construction and service.

In 2008, Robert and Brenda retired, and Jeff, Kim and Rob (pictured) took over IPS and IPSE.

REBRANDING TO “IPS – A FAMILY OF SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROPANE INDUSTRY”

In 2018, the company began rebranding the company to IPS – A family of solutions for the propane industry. Although the companies are still separate operating entities, most people just refer to them as IPS so company leaders decided it would be best to brand it all that way. In addition, since it is a family-owned company, they thought the ‘family of solutions” was a fitting tagline.

In 2012, IPS started really getting into building Autogas dispensing systems partnering with the Gasboy and Gilbarco line of dispensers and was able to upfit them for LP Gas. IPS has since received NTEP and UL approvals for its units and continues to build and develop this product line. It has sold several of its systems across the country.

KEY OFFERINGS TO RETAIL PROPANE MARKETERS

IPS Equipment, Inc. is a wholesale distributor of propane equipment, including RegO regulators, Blackmer pumps, LC meters, Neptune meters, Worthington cylinders, Quality Steel tanks, Hannay hose reels, Mopeka tank monitors, Empire heating products, and Hot Dawg and LB White heaters. The company has distribution centers in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Industrial Propane Service, Inc. continues to grow in the bulk plant construction and service industry. The company also build propane bobtails, including the IPS exclusive design, the Clear Vision Enclosure (CVE). It also designs and builds the propane Autogas dispensing systems.

Both companies together offer a full line of equipment and service to the propane industry – The company offers everything but propane.

The customer base is mostly US, although they have done some international projects. They have sales representatives calling on customers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

Both companies are always trying to come up with unique and new products for the propane industry. Some come to them through manufacturers wanting them to market their products, but some they design themselves. Some of their IPS branded products are the CVE bobtail, and their cylinder evacuation system. Sometimes new products take a few years to really get going, but once they can prove the benefits and ROI, customers see what a win they are.

The company currently has 32 employees. Most are Michigan based, but some live in Ohio and Wisconsin.

BOB WILLIAMSON JOINS CETANE ASSOCIATES

PROPANE AMBASSADORS HAVE FIRST GATHERING IN SARASOTA

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Bob Williamson has joined its financial advisory firm as Director, effective April 1, 2023. Bob Williamson has spent the last thirty-plus years managing home services that include retail propane/delivered fuels, HVAC, plumbing, home security, swimming pool, lawn and tree care, and pest control industries. Much of his career has involved engagement in acquisitions, business consulting, and transition planning. Bob is a regular speaker at industry conferences and has served in leadership roles for industry associations.

Bob has worked with Moyer, a large Mid-Atlantic, residential service provider, for more than three decades. His role as General Manager of the company covered more than 25,000 customers and 250 employees. His breadth of experience and expertise developed as he traveled to visit many diverse service companies across the country looking for and sharing ideas that could help his company grow and prosper. Through this period, he handled over 40 pest control acquisitions. His skills bring value to Cetane clients who are seeking an experienced, professional advisor.

Currently, Bob serves on the Pennsylvania Pesticide Advisory Board, is Past President of the Lawn Care Association of Pennsylvania, and also is Past President of the Warrington PA Rotary Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Penn State University and an MBA from LaSalle University.

Barrett Conway, Managing Director and Principal of Cetane commented, “We are thrilled and fortunate to have Bob join our team. His interest in business excellence combined with his hands-on experience will add to Cetane’s strength as we expand our reach in home services industries. Strategically, Bob’s wealth of experience in the pest control M&A arena creates the ideal entry for Cetane into the pest management space. His credentials as a leader in pest control combined with his ability to connect with business owners—helping them achieve their goals—will enhance our value to our clients.”

About Cetane Associates

Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the 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.

Last week, representatives of propane industry companies all over the country gathered in Sarasota, Florida to attend the first gathering of “Propane Ambassadors” March 27-29. Representatives were nominated by their company President and committed to work prior to and after the gathering in Florida. Ambassadors are expected to be spokespeople for the propane industry in their market area and throughout the country.

2023 Energy and Propane Industry Survey is Here!

From Gray, Gray & Gray:

We are excited to announce that our 32nd annual Energy Industry Survey is now open. We are pleased to bring you a streamlined 2023 survey that will continue to provide companies like yours with key benchmarking data for their present and future success.

What’s changed? We have created a more efficient survey experience which you should be able to complete in just 15 minutes, 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. Plus, you’ll notice an increased focus on two important and timely topics – workforce development and key business concerns, such as electrification.

As always, YOUR thoughtful responses will help us to develop a “snapshot” of the retail oil and propane industry, assisting you with measuring the growth and development of your business.

Please complete this year’s survey with information from your company’s April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 results.

Submission Deadline: June 27, 2023

Gray, Gray & Gray has once again partnered with Angus Energy, a respected energy services firm. Data collected through this year’s survey will be augmented by financial and operational data developed by Angus Energy. Additionally, our new partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will help supplement our survey findings and maximize benchmarking abilities to assist companies in planning for the future.

Note: While completing the survey, you can save your responses by clicking the “Next” button on each page. Click the “Done” button on the final survey page to submit your responses.

Click here for more details and a link to the survey.

Last week, the Energy Information Agency (EIA) released data showing U.S. propane inventory at 58.7mm barrels, down 2.3mm barrels from a week earlier. More significantly, inventory levels are up a full 25.1mm barrels from the level of 33.6mm barrels a year ago.

Does this guarantee propane inventory will be strong going into the 2023-24 winter season? Experts believe there is a good change we will enter 2023-24 at healthy levels but warn that U.S. propane exports will hold the key and exports of propane have been strong lately. In the week ending February 10, exports reached a record 1.845mm barrels per day (bpd). Exports backed off to 1.675mm bpd, 1.571mm bpd and 1.377mm bpd during the next three weeks but were back up to 1.756mm bpd and 1.804mm bpd in the weeks ending March 10 and March 17.

Exports to Asia, especially China, may increase due to a likely economic rebound in the second half of 2023 as demand for chemical feedstocks builds. As many as 45 new LPG shipping vessels will be added to the global fleet in 2023.

For the most part, mild temperatures and decent inventory levels allowed 2022-23 winter to go smoothly across much of the U.S. There were short product outages in the West as high natural gas prices discouraged NGL production.

On Monday, March 27, propane ended the day trading near 79 cpg at Mt. Belvieu and 75 cpg at Conway, KS. Crude oil ended the day trading near $73 per barrel.

At the time of the NTEA Work Truck Show in March in Indianapolis, Derek Whaley of ROUSH CleanTech posted on LinkedIn details of McAbee Trucking adding more near-zero emission propane trucks to her fleet:

Whaley wrote:

The Postal Queen, Lisa McAbee, has added another jewel to her environmental industry leadership crown!

While adding another round of ROUSH CleanTech Gen 5 powered near-zero emission propane trucks to her fleet, she graciously has allowed 3 of her The National Star Route Mail Contractors Association peers to demo one of her brand new F-750 trucks from Rush Truck Center-Dallas equipped with a beautiful Mickey Truck Bodies.

Thanks to our partner Alliance AutoGas there’s nowhere this demo truck can go where they won’t be able to refuel

Case Study Written in Early 2022

Company: McAbee Trucking, Inc..
Industry: Trucking

Location: Blacksburg, South Carolina

Challenge

To cut emissions, lead the industry in the use of alternative fuels and “do the right thing” for generations to come.

By the Numbers:

26 Ford-750 propane autogas trucks.
8,000 miles per vehicle per month.
1,600 gallons of propane per year per vehicle.

Background

McAbee Trucking was established in 1971 and currently serves as a United States Postal Service contractor, delivering packages between USPS locations in North Carolina and South Carolina. The company has 68 employees and a fleet of 63 vehicles, which includes a mix of propane autogas, compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel trucks.

Powered by Propane

In 2014, Lisa McAbee, owner of McAbee Trucking, decided to investigate ways alternative fuels could benefit her company’s fleet and the world beyond by shrinking its carbon footprint. “I want my grandkid’s grandkids to have a clean environment,” said McAbee. “I have breathing issues, as so many others do. I want to do more than my part to help.”

Following the USPS’s vision of working toward sustainability, McAbee began researching emission-reducing vehicles. Making an environmental difference was a priority, and the company’s first alternative-fueled CNG trucks joined the fleet. “Everyone thought I hit the lottery the way I carried on,” McAbee recalled. “I was so happy to start working with clean alternative fuels.” Six additional Ford-750 propane autogas trucks from ROUSH CleanTech increased the impact. “ROUSH CleanTech allowed me to achieve goals even faster,” she said. “I’m not doing this for honors or awards. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”

For McAbee, doing the right thing doesn’t mean sacrificing performance: ROUSH CleanTech’s propane vehicles retain equivalent horsepower, torque, towing capacity and warranty coverage as gasoline and diesel counterparts and are certified by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.

Economic Savings

Making the switch to alternative-fuel vehicles had to make sense financially. One factor in choosing propane vehicles was the low cost and easy installation of a propane fueling station. “Propane is very favorable for us economically,” McAbee said.

Despite the lack of state grant funding for propane vehicles, McAbee’s costs for the company’s propane-fueled trucks were substantially lower than the cost of diesel. Once on the road, propane saves 40% in total ownership costs versus CNG, and 60 to 70% in total ownership costs compared with diesel. McAbee takes advantage of the federal excise tax of 36 cents per gallon for propane usage. With the money saved overall due to propane’s efficiency, the company has upgraded its facilities, vehicles and parking lots.

Maintenance

With propane added to its fleet, McAbee’s leadership lauds the ease of maintenance.

Propane removes the complexity and cost of after-treatment measures since it doesn’t require additional fluids or filters, exhaust after-treatment, particulate trap systems, turbochargers, intercoolers or regeneration. “Not having to worry about diesel regen is a huge bonus,” McAbee said. “Each regen can cost a couple thousand dollars. Diesel may call itself ‘clean idle,’ but it has so many problems.” Fueling with propane autogas gives McAbee savings in both time and money. And unlike with CNG, no special buildings are needed.

Maintenance tasks are more enjoyable for the company’s technicians, as well. “When they service our propane vehicles, there is no odor,” McAbee said. “Every oil change with diesel you smell like diesel.” In contrast, propane is a clean experience that requires no special service equipment.

McAbee Trucking’s team received training on fueling and how to use the shut-off valve. Since their launch, McAbee’s propane vehicles have been trouble-free to maintain. In the instances where the staff has needed help, ROUSH CleanTech has been responsive. “We are very satisfied with ROUSH CleanTech,” McAbee said. “We can always get in touch with them and they take away the stress.”

Powerful Results

With the addition of propane vehicles, McAbee Trucking is cutting harmful emissions, benefiting employees’ health and improving the local community’s air quality. Propane autogas is naturally lower in nitrogen oxides, which are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment. The clean-operating vehicles also produce fewer greenhouse gases and smog-producing hydrocarbons, and no particulate matter.

The propane vehicles performed during the pandemic, helping the company deliver more packages at a lower cost. “We delivered 40 to 50% more packages during the pandemic,” McAbee said. The benefits were clear again during the recent Colonial Pipeline crisis. “We didn’t have diesel issues like other organizations.” While other trucking companies faced fuel shortages, McAbee was able to keep delivering in propane vehicles.

Positive Response

McAbee drivers and leadership agree on the benefits of propane’s operation. Safety was demonstrated early on when one of the company’s employees first drove a propane truck. A boulder in the middle of the road broke the truck’s drive shaft, but the propane tanks remained intact and the mail inside the truck was unscathed. “The safety of the propane vehicle was incredible,” McAbee said.

What’s more, the quiet operation has turned drivers into propane fans. “One of my senior drivers said he’d never drive a propane truck; he stayed with diesel. But then one day, he had to take one of our propane trucks out. Now he won’t go back to diesel and smiles every day doing his job.”

With trucks governed to a certain mile-per-hour speed and drivers trained to maximize fuel efficiency, the propane experience has been embraced by all at McAbee Trucking.

Fueling Options

To fuel the propane vehicles, the company started with mobile fueling, which involved a propane supplier fueling McAbee’s trucks directly from a propane delivery truck. The company added an on-site station with two propane tanks and are currently leasing property with plans to install a second propane fueling station there.

In addition to mobile fueling and onsite fueling, propane vehicles can also be filled at any of the thousands of public stations located throughout the U.S. McAbee Trucking has made use of all the fueling options: The company also uses public stations when routes run outside of their normal operations.

Propane fleet operators often discover that their local fuel supplier can install low- or no-cost propane infrastructure on-site as part of a fueling contract. Mobile fueling can even bring propane to drivers’ homes so they are ready each day to run their routes. For companies with limited space for on-site infrastructure, public stations are a viable alternative, and can be easily located through the U.S. Energy Department’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

McAbee Trucking is committed to propane: Twenty new 2023 Ford F-750 propane trucks will replace aging diesel vehicles in the fleet in early 2022. “In warm and hot weather, in snow, sleet and wind,” McAbee said, “our propane vehicles work for us.”

Bryan Cordill, Director, Residential and Commercial Business Development at PERC, recently wrote a guest column sharing his thoughts on trends for the year in Custom Builder Magazine.

The column can be found here.

From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail

The Federal Highway Administration has announced the availability of $700 million through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program to strategically deploy alternative fueling infrastructure projects (including propane) in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. In addition, a portion of the funding will be reserved to deploy infrastructure along federally-designated refueling corridors. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, including port authorities, Indian tribes, and U.S. Territories.

NPGA has compiled a list of every federally-designated Autogas refueling corridor in each state, an FAQ on the program, and letter to send to local and state government entities on NPGA’s member dashboard under the Fight Electrification tab. Questions? Contact NPGA Director of Regulatory Affairs Kate Gaziano at kgaziano@npga.org.

Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council joined Cliff Callis, founder and CEO of Callis, a full-service advertising agency based in Sedalia, MO focused on marketing to rural America.

A description of the podcast:

The propane industry is changing and innovation and new technologies are driving this misunderstood clean energy to the top of the energy charts. In this fascinating episode, Cliff visits with Tucker Perkins, the President and CEO of PERC, the Propane Education and Research Council. Learn how the industry has evolved and how PERC is helping to educate the people of rural America through a podcast, social media and digital marketing.

Tune in to hear Tucker Perkins discuss how the propane industry has changed over the years and the exciting opportunities ahead for a cleaner future.

What you’ll learn:

Tucker Perkins’ knowledge of the propane industry and passion for educating rural America about propane

The importance of helping people understand why propane is a clean energy

How the propane industry has changed over the years and the science behind it

The perception of propane among the masses versus people who actively use propane in their daily lives

The future of autogas and the opportunity it can provide for the transportation market

Learn how PERC is engaging digitally with their audience to share educational messages about propane

How propane is used today and how it can play a big role in a cleaner, environmental future

Click here to listen to the podcast.

A group of retail propane marketers who have met each year since 2017 will gather again for a benchmarking meeting August 17-18 in St. Louis. Members typically discuss issues ranging from payment plans, fees, supply planning, marketing strategy, employee matters, company growth, software programs, trucks, assets, collections, building company value, banking relationship and much more. The meeting will take place all day Thursday, August 17 with an optional outing in the evening and until Noon on Friday, August 18.

Participants represent states including New York, Florida, Mississippi, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Georgia. Participants must not be a competitor of another participant. In addition to plenty of discussion facilitated by Pat Thornton, Publisher of Trending in Propane, two presentations and discussions will be led by Chris Caywood, President of Caywood Propane Gas Inc. with offices in Albion Coldwater, and Hudson, Michigan and Michelle Bruno, who recently sold her retail propane company, Cleburne Propane in Texas.

A fee of $500 covers the event and meals. If you have an interest in or questions about the Propane Peer Group, please call or email Pat Thornton at 913-909-7917 or thorntonpat@rocketmail.com.

Steve Everley will be presenting on the current discussion around gas stoves, including the national policy landscape; the history of how this issue went from relative obscurity to front page news; and what the current state of scientific research is on gas cooking and indoor air quality. Barrett Conway moderates the webinar including Q&A.

Register Today: https://lnkd.in/e5xRng4V