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PERC Celebrates 25 Years: Looking Back & Moving Forward
PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL
PERC Celebrates 25 Years:
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Looking Back & Moving Forward
TPGA continues our series of Who’s Who of Organizations in the propane industry, and this month we focus on the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
The Propane Education & Research Council was created more than 25 years ago in 1996, when President Bill Clinton signed the Propane Education & Research Act (PERA). The national propane check-off program emerged following the hard work of Milford Therrell of Squibb-Taylor in Dallas and other propane industry champions. Therrell, known as the grandfather of PERC, was at the time about to enter his NPGA presidency in 1991.
“Without Milford’s vision and forceful nature, the Propane Education & Research Council would never have become a reality,” cited an article in LP Gas magazine published at the time.
Today, PERC supports the propane industry and 4,000 propane companies across the nation with safety and training initiatives, consumer education campaigns, and the research & development of emerging technologies.
The Council’s projects and programs are funded through an assessment levied on each gallon of propane gas at the point it is odorized in the United States. The assessment is currently $.005 per gallon. The program began with a budget of $8M in 1998 and has now grown to over $35.3M for 2022. A 21-member board appointed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Gas Processors Association (GPA) governs the Council, and PERC is led by a president and “Before PERA and PERC, anytime that the NPGA wanted to do something of major significance, the only way to raise money was to ask companies to contribute. The driving force of PERA was everybody would contribute fairly on a per gallon basis,” Darryl Mclendon has stated in the past. McClendon was another champion of PERC that helped in its establishment along with others.
PERC TIMELINE/MILESTONES
1996 1999 1999
Propane Education & Research Act signed into law Launch of Propane Emergencies Propane Exceptional Energy
chief executive officer. Tucker Perkins is the current PERC president and CEO; he replaced Roy Willis who came in to lead PERC in 1998 and retired in 2017.
Perkins has worked in the propane industry for 26 years, having served as the director of business development for Inergy, chief executive officer of Premier Propane, and the chief operating officer of Columbia Propane, a unit of the Columbia Energy Group. Perkins is also the former chairman of a PERC advisory committee on engine fuel matters and is active with the National Propane Gas Association and the Virginia Propane Gas Association.
The Council values industry involvement and has an Advisory Committee consisting of industry volunteers and other professionals. The Advisory Committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations on funding requests, evaluates projects’ effectiveness, and assists the Council with its proactive duty to develop programs and projects.
“Propane industry professionals serving on PERC’s Advisory Committee play a vital role assisting the Council in its mission to ensure that the industry receives maximum value for its investments. This diverse group of volunteers give generously of their
Tucker Perkins is the current president and CEO of PERC. time – at their expense – to help assess the needs and priorities across multiple markets and guide the Council with its duty to develop programs and projects that are most impactful,” said PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins. There was no Advisory Committee at the outset; today, more than 100 industry volunteers serve on one of its three working groups. The advisory working groups include: the Market Growth & Commercialization Working Group, the Research &Technology Development Working Group, and the Safety and Training Working Group.
2003 2004 2006
Brand adopted Find a Propane Retailer launches Energy Guys campaign First CETP e-learning programs released
How has PERC changed over the last 25 years?
While the mission and duties have not changed, the organization has grown from a single staff member to a diverse team of about 35 professionals, with several coming from the propane industry.
Initially, PERC exclusively conducted safety and training projects; it now leads projects in R&D, sales and technology training, marketing and communications, product commercialization, and workforce recruitment.
What products/applications would not exist today without PERC’s aid?
There’s no way to definitively say these would not be in existence, but PERC investment undeniably contributed to assorted product developments, improvements, and expedited arrival into the market, including a propane-powered school bus, commercial lawnmowers, direct-injection engines, and a dedicated propane bobtail.
Additionally, the propane industry likely would not benefit from national workforce recruitment and advertising programs.
What program or project has made the most significant impact on the propane industry?
Arguably, PERC’s most significant impact has been changing the safety culture within the industry. The continued investment in industry safety and education, starting with the Gas Check program evolving into the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) and eventually to its current form in The Learning Center, has facilitated marketers to perform and properly document vital leak checks and workforce training. Likewise, PERC’s popular Duty to Warn Important Safety Information for You and Your Family brochure has been distributed to reinforce basic safety awareness to millions of households all over the nation.
PERC research into the life expectancy of storage tank regulators led to changes in federal regulations that saved propane marketers millions of dollars.
State rebates. By law, 20 percent of PERC’s annual assessment collections are allocated to the states to spend on state valuable programs and projects based on the annual retail sales report submitted by propane retailers each year. Cumulatively, that represents nearly $170 million to the states to use for projects and programs over the last 25 years.
What are the extensive programs and projects that PERC is most excited about that PERC is working on right now?
Agriculture: Exploring solutions to tackle unique agronomic issues with soil-borne pathogens and weed resistance using propane; expanding our clean-burning engine offerings to farmers.
In addition to research and development initiatives, PERC also has a farm incentive program. For the producers, Propane Farm Incentive Program (PFIP) offsets a portion of the cost of new propane-powered equipment in exchange for information about its performance on their operation. For marketers, you have a powerful sales tool that can put more propane-powered ag equipment into the field for years to come. Incentives are available for propane irrigation engines, generators, water heating systems, flame weed control agronomic heat treating, and poultry, swine, and greenhouse heating systems.
2006 2009 2010
First propane OEM school bus produced with help of PERC Restriction on consumer marketing-imposed PERC launches online resource catalog formerly known as the PropaneMaRC
Learn more about the incentives available and encourage producers in your area to apply at Propane.com/ FarmIncentive.
Residential & Commer-
cial: Construction incentives, construction professionals training, promotion of Combined Heat and Power systems, onsite power generation, MicroGrids, and hydronic heating solutions.
Research & Develop-
ment: Over the useful life of the products that PERC has invested in over the years thus far, PERC estimates an ROI of more than $2 billion to the industry.
PERC is planning the expanded availability of renewable propane and exploring its applications across all markets.
Safety & Training: Industry education is central to PERC’s mission. The Learning Center was built out and expanded to both the propane industry and allied professionals, educating the industry about propane’s comparative impact on the environment. In 2021, PERC proudly added 14 new safety and sales-related training modules to its Learning Center to support professional growth. Everything from industry education
Over the useful life of the product that PERC has invested in over the years thus $2 far, PERC estimates an ROI BILLION of more than $2 billion to the industry. - 2020 Annual Report like the updated Dispensing Propane Safely available in both English/Spanish to the Fundamentals of Propane is available. Find out more about the Learning Center on Page 13 under Resources & Tools. “PERC is working with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) whose members are among the world’s leading experts in emergency services to develop a new Propane Specialist Certification Program for first responders and propane industry professionals. By updating the current Propane Emergencies
2011 2014 2014
Propane Farm Incentive established
Propane Builder Incentive established Clean American Energy brand debuted
program the new materials will be provided using Web-Based Training and Instructor-Led Training to increase knowledge, skills, and abilities for individuals responding to incidents involving propane. This program will establish a formal online training program for awareness, operations, and operation missionspecific responses. Once a student, whether in the fire service or the propane industry, has completed the online portion, they will attend a one-day instructorled classroom and hands-on session. After completing the one-day session, the student, if credentialed, will have an opportunity to take a certification test. The program is currently in development and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022,” said Eric Kuster, Vice President of Safety, Education, and Compliance for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane Emergencies was one of the first major programs released from the Council in 1998. Off-Road: PERC is currently working on a nextgeneration forklift and port technologies like hybrids and fuel blending in the off-road market.
Autogas: This year, PERC partnered with Cummins to develop and commercialize a 6.7-liter propane-fueled engine that can be used in bobtails and other medium-duty platforms.
Consumer Education: In 2021, PERC launched the “PROPANE: Energy for Everyone” brand and a national digital campaign to educate consumers on propane. The campaign consists
2014 2014 2014
Leave It to a Pro (anti-DIY) campaign Grilling for Heroes initiative Winter Prep campaign launches
of web ads, social media ads, and digital radio.
Thought Leadership: Additionally, PERC continues engaging with writers, social influencers, and thought leaders across the country in telling the story of how the use of propane helps decarbonization and with energy security. Our Environmental Thought Leadership campaign trumpets the message that propane helps Americans meet their emissions goals; and it keeps homes and businesses running when the electrical grid fails. Its affordability and access ensure equity on the path to zero carbon emissions. In other words, propane is just what we need for today and tomorrow. The campaign has resulted in presentations given to groups like the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and stories published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Financial Times, Environment + Energy Leader, Gothamist, and the Houston Chronicle.
For example, two stories that came out of the Thought Leadership campaign included “Natural Gas Came Up Short During Texas’ Freeze but Propane Delivered” published by Forbes, and “Texas Blackout sparks interest in generators to keep the power on, fight climate change” published in the Houston Chronicle.
Additionally, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is moving. It will share office space with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations and position NPGA to meet the challenges of tomorrow and work together with PERC to position propane as Energy for Everyone.
What are some of the exciting things PERC has planned
for the future? “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act creates an unprecedented opportunity for propane as an option for on- and off-road fleets switching to low-emission alternatives to diesel and gasoline starting in 2022. About $9 billion will be available for refueling infrastructure and clean vehicles – including those powered by propane autogas. Of that, $2.5 billion is designated for port tractors and mobile solutions for both inland and coastal ports. Given the new propane port tractor products we’re developing and expect to launch in 2022, it’s an exciting time for propane marketers to compete for these expansive new business opportunities,” Perkins said.
PERC is watching for these to open and plans to inform the propane industry as funding becomes available.
Resources & Tools
Propane.com
Over the last year, PERC’s website, Propane.com, has had over 1.8M unique visitors participating in over 2.6M sessions. The site is a one-stop shop for propane industry news, propane applications, market segment information, as well as tools & resources and industry training.
The Learning Center
By using the Learning Center at Propane.com, the propane industry can access all of PERC’s online safety and training materials through their PC or through the Absorb Learning mobile app.
Since its launch in 2019, the Learning Center has subscribed 27,500 users and uploaded over 400 training modules.
The center includes safety & technical training, industry & market training, as well as the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP). Although CETP is not used as training for initial certification in Texas, it can be used to augment Railroad Commission (RRC) rules-based training and Texas propane certification holders
2015 2016 2017
Consumer education restriction lifted Proudly Campaign with Blue the Dog launched Propane Can Do That tagline introduced
can use CETP for continuing education credit with the RRC.
Safety & Technical Training includes Cathodic Protection, Cylinder Requalification, Gas Check, OSHA & DOT Hazmat Training, CSR, Transport Operator Training, Preventing Bobtail Rollovers, Mobile Crane Safety, Propane Personnel Safety, and Static Electricity.
CETP Training includes: 1.0 Basic Principles and Practices of Propane Initial Course; 2.2 Bobtail Delivery Operations Initial Course; 2.2/2.4 Operating a Bobtail or Cylinder Delivery Vehicle to Deliver Propane (Combined) Initial Course; 2.4 Cylinder Delivery Operations Initial Course; 3.1 - 3.5 Basic Plant Operations Initial Course; 4.1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution System Initial Course; and 4.2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Initial Course. The Learning Center also includes shorter CETP courses for refresher learning.
PERC also recently added under the CETP curriculum: Introduction to the Propane Industry and the Fundamentals of Propane.
Industry & Market Training includes: a multitude of courses including sales & technology training.
Explore classes, get enrolled, and take charge of your training today at https://training.propane.com/.
Propane Resource Catalog
Sign up for an account at Propane.com and unlock the industry’s #1 resource for information, marketing tools, training, and more.
An array of educational and promotional materials are available at Propane.com on the resource catalog and you’ll need a login to order or download them.
There are 1,072 catalog items propane industry professionals can access, which include consumer education, B2B marketing materials, fact sheets, manuals, case studies, training books and other resources.
Join the 6,026 other resource catalog users now; PERC has made registering for an account easy.
How To Sign Up: • Visit Propane.com/Account. • Click the red “Sign Up” box. • Follow the instructions. • Select “Propane Marketer” in the drop-down menu when prompted.
Find additional tools and resources at https://propane.com/ providers/ a page dedicated for propane providers.
Stay Informed with PERC Newsletters
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has a number of newsletters that propane professionals can subscribe to. Available PERC Newsletter Subscriptions include: • PERC Update • Safety Matters • Build with Propane(Residential Edition) • Build with Propane (Commercial Edition) • Can-do Journal Updates • The Ag Post • The Lift • Autogas Refuel • The Cut
Subscribe at https://propane.com/newsroom/subscribe/.
2018 2019 2021
Propane.com launched PERC Online Learning Center launched PERC Propane Energy for Everyone brand & campaign launched
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Who’s Who at PERC
Need to contact PERC? Check out this staff directory:
Propane industry can contact the home office at 202-452-8975 to reach any of the following or email at the provided email:
EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE
Tucker Perkins, President & CEO tucker.perkins@propane.com
Contact Tucker for strategic plans, council initiatives, business development.
Sarah Ewing, Executive Assistant to President & CEO sarah.ewing@propane.com
Contact Sarah for President and CEO’s schedule.
Theresa Ryan, Director of Administration & HR Theresa.ryan@propane.com
Contact Theresa for staffing and PERC Councilors.
John L. Kerekes, Sr Contracts Manager & Counsel john.kerekes@propane.com
Contact John for legal issues, contracts and grants.
Michael Eason, Sr VP, Administration & Finance micheal.eason@propane.com
Contact Michael for budget, finance, accounting, and assessment.
Edward Kent, Finance Operations Manager edward.kent@propane.com
Contact Edward for budget, assessment revenue, and warehouse and inventory financial support.
Grace Willis, Director of Strategic Operations grace.willis@propane.com
Contact Grace for portfolio management, strategic planning, budgets and the advisory committee.
Anna W. Lombardo, Director, Meetings and Events Anna.Lomardo@propane.com
Contact Anna for council meetings, advisory committee meetings and councilors’ website.
SAFETY & TRAINING
Eric Kuster, VP, Safety, Education, & Compliance eric.kuster@propane.com
Contact Eric for propane safety, compliance, education and training.
Lyndon Rickards, Director of Safety and Compliance lyndon.rickards@propane.com
Contact Lyndon for safety and compliance; regulations, codes, and standards; safety and regulatory programs; and safety technology.
Christopher Hanson, Learning Management System Administrator christopher.hanson@propane.com
Contact Chris for LMS Access, LMS Integration and E-Learning.
Garrett Johnson, Learning Center Coordinator garrett.johnson@propane.com
Contact Garrett for propane training programs; Learning Center support; safety and training helpdesk inquiries; safety and technical training working group and training programs.
Margaret Hiatt, e-Learning Developer margaret.hiatt@propane.com
Contact Margaret for e-Learning programs, course content, recommended technology, and electronic performance support.
Elena Scott, Manager, Industry Training Programs elena.scott@propane.com
Contact Elena for Marketer Sales Training Program, Can Do Marketing Training Program, CSR Training and Sales Summit.
IT & RESOURCE CATALOG
Erin Lee, Industry Relations Coordinator erin.lee@propane.com
Contact Erin for fulfillment center, industry meetings and general industry relations queries.
Sophi Sandoval, Office Assistant sophi.sandoval@propane.com
Contact Sophie for general PERC Inquiries and Propane Catalog Help Desk.
Tameka Bias, Web Technologies & Network Administrator tameka.bias@propane.com
Contact Tameka for IT and website questions.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Joseph Calhoun, Associate Director, Business Development joseph.calhoun@propane.com
Contact Joseph for new partnerships, new market development, and new product ideas.
Rachel Hrabik, Business Development Coordinator rachel.hrabik@propane.com
Contact Rachel for requests for information about propane in your market, questions about the farm incentive and construction incentive programs and new business development opportunities.
Bryan Cordill, Director of Residential & Commercial Business Development bryan.cordil@propane.com
Contact Bryan for residential and commercial business partnerships, product development and construction incentive program.
Gokul Vishwanathan, Director of Research & Sustainability gokul.vishwanathan@propane.com
Contact Gokul for, engine technologies, power generation, technical data and research and regulatory questions.
Stephen Whaley, Director of Autogas Business Development stephen.whaley@propane.com
Contact Steve for propane autogas business applications, fuel tax and incentive database and propane autogas calculator.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Erin Hatcher, Sr VP, Communications & Marketing erin.hatcher@propane.com
Contact Erin for communications & marketing, public relations and thought leadership.
Gregg Walker, Director of External Communications gregg.walker@propane.com
Contact Gregg for public relations, media requests, PERC update, and industry communications.
Ingrid Bechard, Director of Market Communications ingrid.bechard@propane.com
Contact Ingrid for media requests, digital strategy, and B2B market outreach.
Jeremy Wishart, Director of Technical Communications jeremy.wishart@propane.com
Contact Jeremy for agriculture, material handling, and off-road marketing programs, public relations, technical reports and media requests.
Patrick Hyland, Director of Industry Communications patrick.hyland@propane.com
Contact Pat for Partnership with States Program, marketer sales training program, state assessment rebate program, general state association support and industry-facing communications.
Emily McComas, Communications Manager emily.mccomas@propane.com
Contact Emily for the PERC Update, press release, media inquiries, and social media. INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Bridget Kidd, Senior VP, Industry Relations bridget.kidd@propane.com
Contact Bridget for industry engagement, industry initiatives & programs, marketer training & industry meetings.
Paula Wilson, Director of Industry Engagement paula.wilson@propane.com
Contact Paula for general marketer support, engagement with marketers & company leadership, questions and general feedback on programs & resources and sharing your marketer success story.
Kristen Rice, Director, State Support & Grants kristen.rice@propane.com
Contact Kristen for the National Grant Program, State Rebate Grant Program, PERC Grant system and state association speaking opportunities.
Ginna Moseley, Projects Coordinator, Demonstrations & Tradeshows ginna.moseley@propane.com
Contact Ginna for tradeshows, demonstration programs and collateral materials.
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