From the Propane Education & Research Council
Our new advertising campaign Your Power Play shows energy decision-makers how they can gain the ultimate energy advantage by choosing propane. Ready to make YOUR Power Play? Host a customer appreciation event and share National Propane Day resources in your communications and with your community to show why abundant, affordable, reliable, and safe propane is a smart energy solution for homes and businesses.
For more information, click here. 
WASHINGTON – With affordability remaining a top concern for households and businesses, the American Gas Association will release its annual Winter Heating Outlook during a media briefing on September 17, examining what customers can expect this heating season and steps natural gas utilities are taking to continue to deliver budget-friendly energy for American families and businesses. AGA experts will discuss projected commodity costs, winter weather forecasts, natural gas supply and storage conditions, utility preparedness efforts and available bill assistance programs, while highlighting how natural gas helps customers manage winter energy expenses.
WHAT: AGA provides an annual outlook on natural gas markets and customer prices for the winter ahead
WHO: AGA Vice President of Energy Markets, Analysis and Standards Richard Meyer, Senior Director of Energy Analysis Brendan O’Brien, Director of Economic and Regulatory Analysis Liz Pardue, and Senior Market and Regulatory Analyst Lauren Scott
WHEN: Thursday, September 17 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual
RSVP to Emily Ellis at eellis@aga.org or Michael Atkinson at matkinson@aga.org to receive a link to attend.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Ferrellgas employee-owners joined companies across the country to help pack 18 million meals for families facing hunger, with our teams on the ground in Raleigh and Kansas City, part of what organizers are calling the largest single-day meal pack in history.
“Today, some of our employee-owners spent the day packing meals alongside volunteers from across the country,” said Tamria Zertuche, CEO of Ferrellgas. “It’s a small way of living out something we believe at Ferrellgas, that showing up for others is worth doing, especially on the days it matters most.”
Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who made today possible. A quarter century later, this is how we choose to remember: together.
Canada’s propane and butane are reaching higher-value markets in Asia—giving Western Canadian producers better prices and reducing reliance on the US. A recent post on LinkedIn details the market changes.
MONTREAL, CANADA, September 1, 2026 – Otodata Holdings Inc. (“Otodata” or the “Company”), a market leader in remote monitoring and vehicle tracking solutions, announced today that GI Partners, a leading private investment firm, has closed on a majority investment in the Company. Existing shareholders, including Renovo Capital (“Renovo”) and management, will retain a minority stake in the Company.
Founded in 2010 and based in Montreal, Canada, Otodata provides full-stack remote monitoring solutions for distributed tank assets, with an installed base of more than 3.5 million monitored tanks globally. Its solutions enable Otodata’s customers to monitor tank levels remotely, delivering real-time, insightful data to optimize asset utilization and workforce efficiency while helping to prevent costly runouts. The Company’s products enable large-scale implementation of remote monitoring, delivering a compelling return on investment for its customers worldwide. Otodata also operates Tag Tracking, the leading provider of vehicle tracking, theft prevention, and stolen vehicle recovery solutions through its proprietary communications network in Canada.
“We’re excited to welcome GI Partners as our new majority partner,” said Jeremy Eaton, CEO of Otodata. “GI Partners’ deep experience investing in Internet of Things (“IoT”) businesses, paired with its operational and digital infrastructure expertise, will help us strengthen our current offerings, better serve current and new customers, and accelerate our expansion into new verticals.”
Jerry Stapp, Managing Director at GI Partners, said, “Otodata is a best-in-class business that we have admired for a number of years, operating in a mission-critical category. We see strong tailwinds in IoT from artificial intelligence, automation, and digitization, and Otodata is well positioned to capture them. The Company’s track record speaks for itself, and we’re excited to partner with Otodata and Renovo to accelerate that momentum through continued investment in the team and product roadmap.”
Matt Farrell, Partner at Renovo, commented, “Working alongside the Otodata management team since our initial investment in 2020 has produced incredible results. From building out manufacturing capabilities to expanding both geographically and into other verticals, the team has executed flawlessly. We are excited to be part of the next chapter with GI Partners and are looking forward to what the combined team can accomplish.”
Evercore served as financial advisor and DLA Piper served as legal advisor to the Company.
Robert W. Baird & Co. served as financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisor to GI Partners.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Otodata
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Otodata provides industry-leading remote monitoring hardware, software, and applications for various industries. Its solutions enable distributors to monitor their tanks remotely, delivering real-time, insightful data to optimize asset utilization and workforce efficiency. The company has an installed base of more than 3.5 million monitored tanks across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Otodata also operates Tag Tracking, a leading provider of vehicle tracking, theft prevention, and stolen vehicle recovery solutions in Canada. For more information, visit www.otodata.com.
About GI Partners
Founded in 2001, GI Partners is a private investment firm with over 150 employees and offices in San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Greenwich, Scottsdale, and London. The firm has raised more than $50 billion and invests on behalf of leading institutional investors around the world through its private equity, real estate, and data infrastructure strategies. The private equity team invests primarily in companies in the healthcare, services, and software sectors. The real estate team focuses primarily on technology and healthcare properties as well as other specialized types of real estate. The data infrastructure team invests primarily in hard-asset infrastructure businesses underpinning the digital economy. For more information, please visit www.gipartners.com.
About Renovo Capital
Renovo Capital is a Dallas, TX-based lower middle market private equity firm comprised of seasoned operating and investing professionals. Renovo makes control investments in technical product and service businesses that have the potential to generate meaningful value through operational improvements and strategic initiatives. Since its founding in 2009, Renovo has completed over 43 transactions and raised over $750 million of committed capital. Renovo is currently investing out of Renovo Capital Fund IV, LP, a $350 million committed capital fund raised in 2024. For more information, please visit www.renovocapital.com.
Last week, propane powered the generators at the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA. Power Progress shared an article on propane usage at the show which can be found here.
Fleet Equipment Magazine shared information on LinkedIn detailing the challenges of rising diesel prices for school districts all over the country. The article mentions propane is an alternative that is being adopted rapidly by districts.
From the Propane Education & Research Council
Applications for the HVAC Technical School Grant Program and the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program are now open! Encourage technical schools and community colleges in your area to apply and add propane-specific curriculum to their classrooms and labs, and consider becoming a Propane Advisor for grant recipients. Serving as a Propane Advisor is an opportunity to build relationships with the future workforce—the technicians who will one day support your customers and their appliances and vehicles.
The Gray, Gray & Gray 35th Annual Propane Survey results are in! To see the results of the survey, click here.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
This week, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York struck down the state’s Climate Change Superfund Act and declared it illegal. The Court stated that the New York law was preempted by the Clean Air Act and other federal powers.
In 2024, New York enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act to charge billions of dollars in financial penalties to responsible parties, include companies that extract, refine and process fossil fuels, that emitted more than one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018. The funds would then be used on “climate change adaptive infrastructure projects” to increase infrastructure resilience and safety.
Notably, many other states have also introduced climate superfund bills to charge companies for their historic emissions, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Virginia. Vermont’s bill, which was signed into law in 2024, is the subject of ongoing litigation.
New York officials have yet to announce whether or not they will appeal the ruling. For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Advocacy & Affairs, Jacob Peterson, at jpeterson@npga.org.
Recently, Tucker Perkins, President & CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council discussed with Andrew Maderia of Navara Marketing
the role of trust as key to propane sales. A link to the full discussion is here and in comments below:
How American farmers are shielding their margins from volatile energy prices
From the Propane Education & Research Council
American farmers and agricultural operators are seeking ways to shield their balance sheets from the impact of volatile global oil markets and extreme weather.
Recent data highlight the challenge: In a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation, most farmers reported their financial situation has worsened over the past year, largely driven by climbing diesel and fertilizer prices. In May 2026, the average farm diesel price reached $5.41 per gallon, up 95% from the previous year. According to a Farm Policy News report a new report, U.S. farmers spent $1.4 billion more on diesel during the 2026 planting season compared to 2025, costing an average of $1,538 more to refill a farm diesel tank.
For corn producers, this price shock is especially devastating when measured in the “currency of corn.” The National Corn Growers Association recently reported that it now takes selling 1.18 bushels of corn to offset the cost of a single gallon of farm diesel, which is nearly double the 0.59 bushels required in 2025. The NCGA estimates that during spring and summer fieldwork, farmers are spending roughly $16 per acre on diesel — before even accounting for harvest and grain hauling.
Offset high diesel prices with propane equipment
Leveraging propane for building heat, irrigation, and more can help protect farmers’ margins when diesel and gas prices rise. Learn how to earn up to $10,000 toward new propane equipment through the Propane Farm Research Program: Apply Today
Lowering Daily Fuel Spend with a Farmer-Trusted Energy Source
In response to this severe fuel volatility, there has never been a better time for producers to reconsider long-held assumptions about energy and look toward a strategic, budget-protecting solution: domestic propane.
Unlike diesel, the United States produces more than enough propane to meet demand, ensuring an abundant, reliable supply even during peak harvest seasons or extreme heatwaves. By proactively incorporating propane into their operational energy mix, farmers can effectively insulate themselves from disruptions to the global supply chain while lowering their daily fuel costs.
For those exploring alternative energy sources, propane is already a proven, farmer-trusted fuel, currently used by more than 800,000 U.S. farms, representing about 40% of all farming operations.
Beyond heating homes and drying grain, expanding the use of propane can improve the bottom line of daily farm operations. For example, propane-powered irrigation engines offer significantly lower purchase and operating costs than diesel and completely bypass the massive utility line fees required to run a new electric drop for a center pivot. Additionally, as rural grid instability and brownouts become major concerns, propane provides crucial on-site backup power to prevent severe financial risks, such as shutting down livestock heating, ventilation, or irrigation during an unexpected outage.
“Fuel volatility and extreme weather have created a landscape where producers have to look at alternative energy sources to survive,” says Mike Newland, Director of Agriculture Business Development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “Propane isn’t just an alternative; it’s a strategic advantage. It allows farmers to gain control, maintain predictable operating costs, and reduce their exposure to future market disruptions.”
Take Control of Your Budget with the Propane Farm Research Program
For farmers looking to make the switch and gain budget control, the Propane Farm Research Program currently offers up to $10,000 toward new propane-powered equipment in exchange for sharing performance data. Additionally, farmers impacted by severe weather in nine states may qualify for doubled compensation — up to $20,000 — to help them rebound.
In an era where every penny counts, propane provides the reliability that American agriculture desperately needs to stay productive.
Several members of the Propane Peer Group Benchmarking Group recently visited Otodata in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Members as well as Otodata leaders walked through the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where every Otodata monitor begins its journey.
From laser-etched monitors on the assembly line to the precision of the cleanSurface Mount Technology lab, guests saw first-hand the craftsmanship behind each product.
“At Otodata, our purpose is simple: to make remote fuel tank monitoring effortless and reliable,” said Otodata President Andre Bouley. “We design our technology to help fuel providers optimize deliverfy, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction while keeping operations running smoothly.”
Participants visited Research & Development, Marketing, and Customer Service, and had discussions in the conference room regarding the company’s strategies as well as needs of the Otodata customers. Members and staff continued the discussion over dinner. Additional members of the benchmarking group who were unable to attend the Otodata event may visit in the first half of 2027. If you would have an interest in an event to share discussion with other retail propane marketers as well as learn about Otodata Tank Monitors, please contact Pat Thornton, Publisher of Trending in Propane and benchmarking facilitator, by phone or text at 913-909-7917.
To learn more about Otodata’s story, click here
RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Matador Gas LLC (“Matador” or the “Company”) announced today that it has completed the acquisitions of Action Propane, Inc. (“Action”), based in Leander, Texas, and Ozark Mountain Propane Company (“Ozark Mountain”), headquartered in Garfield, Arkansas.
These partnerships increase Matador’s presence to seven trusted propane brands serving customers throughout Texas and Arkansas, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to preserving the legacy, relationships, and service that have defined these businesses for generations.
Backed by private equity sponsor, Firmament, Matador has decades of proven experience in propane operations, acquisitions, and business management at both the corporate and local levels. They provide proven leadership and operational expertise while allowing each company to continue serving its customers under the name and reputation they have built over many years.
Founded in 1984 by Murray and Wanda Hoggarth, Action Propane has proudly served the Austin area and surrounding communities for more than four decades. Through an unwavering commitment to reliability and outstanding customer service, the company has become one of the Highland Lakes region’s most trusted energy suppliers.
“For more than 40 years, our customers have been at the heart of everything we’ve done,” said Wanda Hoggarth, co-founder of Action. “Finding the right partner to carry that legacy forward was incredibly important to our family. From the beginning, it was clear that Matador Gas shares our values and our commitment to taking care of customers and employees alike.”
Established as a family-owned company in 1994 by Bob Jackson, Ozark Mountain Propane is headquartered in Garfield, Arkansas and has proudly served residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers across Arkansas through its six full-service locations, building lasting relationships throughout the communities it serves.
“When we made the decision to sell the company after our father passed away, we were very selective about who we would trust with what our family had built,” said Jennifer Stowe, daughter of Ozark Mountain’s founder. “Matador was the only company we seriously considered because we believed they understood the importance of our business and would take the same care in preserving what my father and family created.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Action and Ozark Mountain to the Matador family of brands,” said Rusty Janssen, chief executive officer of Matador Gas. “We believe both companies have earned the trust of their customers through years of hard work and exceptional service and we are eager to build on those relationships and help both companies grow.”
About Matador Gas
Matador Gas is a full-service propane marketer and trusted growth partner dedicated to investing in established propane businesses throughout the southern United States. With extensive experience in propane operations, acquisitions, and management, Matador helps local companies preserve their legacy while investing in employees, equipment, technology, safety, and operational excellence. By combining hometown relationships with industry-leading resources, Matador empowers its family of companies to continue delivering exceptional service for generations to come while preserving the local brands customers know and trust.
About Firmament
Firmament (https://firmament.com) provides control equity, minority equity, and growth debt capital to lower-middle market businesses primarily in three core industry verticals: Technology, Healthcare, and the Environment. Within these verticals, Firmament invests in service, software, and specialty-manufacturing companies with significant scaling potential. Firmament seeks to be a value-added partner to entrepreneurs, management teams, and business owners, and curate solutions by deploying versatile capital in a user-friendly way. With offices across the United States, Firmament is focused on turning small business into big business.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce accepted written testimony and feedback on the state’s proposed version of the 2026 U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan (WAP). The WAP is the official document a state prepares to apply for and manage federal weatherization funding. Within the Minnesota State Plan, the Department of Commerce identified propane as a “high-cost fuel,” singling out propane in that way that was inconsistent with a fuel-neutral approach, and could have created the wrong perception about an affordable, reliable energy source that many Minnesota families depend on.
NPGA’s state affairs team assisted the Minnesota Propane Association in submitting comments to the Department of Commerce. Ultimately, the Department agreed to remove propane from the classification of “high-cost fuels,” and clarified that fuel type alone cannot justify fuel switching and that Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program does not permit fuel switching as a general practice. Dave Wager, Executive Director of the Minnesota Propane Association, has been engaged with the Department since the initial publication of the proposed State Plan. “This is a good example of how state associations and NPGA can work together to identify an issue, engage constructively with policymakers, and achieve a positive result for the propane industry and its customers,” said Wager.
For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Manager of State Government Affairs, Austin Wicker at awicker@npga.org.
From the National Propane Gas Association Bobtail
In July, President Trump signed a series of Presidential Proclamations imposing up to 50% import tariffs on a range of Canadian goods such as dairy, alcohol, and cement, asserting that Canada was unfairly restricting U.S. access to certain markets. Amid rising trade tensions, on August 24 President Trump threatened an increased tariff on assembled cars and trucks from 25% to 50% effective January 1, 2027 unless a new agreement is reached.
On August 25, Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced “countermeasures” against the United States. The Canadian measures take effect on September 8, 2026 and hit over 700 American product categories. Duties are tiered at 15%, 25%, and 50%, with the heaviest 50% penalty concentrated directly on metals and manufactured metal components like steel and aluminum to heavily penalize supply chains connected to the initial U.S. action. In particular, Canadian tariffs on HS Code 7311 liquefied gas tanks (inclusive of steel propane tanks and cylinders) crossing from Canada to the U.S. will rise from 25% to 50%, effective September 8, 2026.
Increased Canadian Tariffs Sept 8 2026
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) remains in close contact with the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) and we are aligned on working to ensure American and Canadian propane continues to flow across the border without tariffs.
For more information, visit the Tariffs portal on the NPGA Member Dashboard. Please note, member login is required.
