March 2023 Texas Propane magazine

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8 PROPANE AUTOGAS: SOLUTION FOR PROPANE INDUSTRY FLEETS & EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

convert

compelling. What

fleet

The cover photo: TPGA/ProCOT Executive Director Bill Van Hoy’s truck is powered by a propane system by Alliance Autogas/Blossman.

Highlights from Headquarters

Bill Van Hoy

Director

Our feature article this month reveals the findings of two studies commissioned by PERC regarding propane autogas savings in comparison to other fuels. The first study compared data from two industry trucks – one diesel, one propane autogas in a head-to-head savings comparison. The second study looked at the financial outcome when a propane autogas vehicle and a diesel vehicle, nearly identical except for fuel, are tracked for cost-of-ownership over their lifecycles. Propane autogas vehicles include EPA- and CARB-certified bobtails, service trucks, rack trucks, and other medium-duty vehicles in both OEM dedicated and aftermarket conversions.

We have an article on TERP that gives you it’s history, programs, and opportunities for propane. The article explains how it came about, how it is funded and what programs are available for propane. Stakeholders have big plans for TERP in 2023. Stay tuned to TPGA for updates on legislative plans for TERP this legislative session.

TPGA members, don’t miss the upcoming board and related committee meetings later this month. The meeting is in Round Rock, Texas. RSVP now!

TPGA staff

Bill Van Hoy ................. bvanhoy@txpropane.com

Executive Director

Jackie Mason................... jmason@txpropane.com

Education & Marketing

Regulatory & Legislative Affairs

Debbie Simpson......... dsimpson@txpropane.com

Executive Assistant

Membership Meeting Planner

Publication Coordinator

Julie Novinger...........accountant@txpropane.com

Bookkeeper

Propane Service Corporation

Debbie Simpson.. sales@propaneservicecorp.com 800-392-0023

Publisher

Kim Scheberle ............. kscheberle@austin.rr.com

Account Manager/Managing Editor

Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892

Joanne Pantaze ................. jpantaze@zochnet.com

Advertising Sales 512-273-2639

Kiki Pantaze ....................kpantaze@zochnet.com

Art Director 512-924-7566

TPGA Executive

2023-2024 TPGA Board of Directors

President: Allen Wells, Wells Propane, 281-332-2630

President Elect: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654

Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347

Treasurer/Finance Chair: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001

District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488

District 1 Alternate: Open

District 2 Director: Matt Brock, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444

District 2 Alternate: Open

District 3 Director: Open

District 3 Alternate: Open

District 4 Director: Danny Meyers, Bellville Butane 979-865-2698

District 4 Alternate: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946

District 5 Director: Ryan Tudyk, Howdy Propane Services, 361-771-1900

District 5 Alternate: Open

District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063

District 6 Alternate: Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas Sales, 956-423-9178

District 7 Director: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103

District 7 Alternate: Open

District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044

District 8 Alternate: Open

District 9 Director: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 817-295-1091

District 9 Alternate: Larry Hearn, Yellow Rose Propane, 870-648-8241

District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481

District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225

District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402

District 11 Alternate: Open

District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

District 12 Alternate: Open

District 13 Director: Lane Worthington, WTG Fuels, 432-682-4349

District 13 Alternate: Casey King, WTG Fuels, 432-894-4240

District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780

District 14 Alternate: Open

District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501

District 15 Alternate: Open

District 16 Director: Mark Garrison, Fred Garrison Oil, 806-296-6353

District 16 Alternate: Open

Past President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444

Past President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946

Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885

Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121

Vice President: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402

Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001

Vice President: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-560-5418

Sr. Vice President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-2915

Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078

Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414

Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Kirk McGarrah, Cox2M, 713-897-1740

Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Open

Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155

Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jim Fulton, 4J Energy, 281-728-8567

Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Co, 214-683-8018

Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401

Assoc. At Large Director: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757

Assoc. At Large Alternate: Crystelle Markley, Superior Energy Systems, 512-944-4177

Nominating Chair: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121

NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

SAVE THOUSANDS ON FUEL REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS

GAIN CREDIBILITY BY USING YOUR OWN FUEL DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGY

THE PROVEN AUTOGAS SOLUTION FOR THE PROPANE INDUSTRY

PROPANE AUTOGAS:

Solution for Propane Industry Fleets & Everything You Need to Know

Diesel medium duty vehicles, like bobtails, can only meet EPA and CARB certification levels with complex, expensive technology. These technologies cost even more when you consider investments in wages, maintenance, repairs, and other hidden costs. Propane autogas costs significantly less than diesel (especially these days). Plus, propane autogas vehicles do not require additional fluids, filters, or rigorous maintenance and reduces the most emissions, making it not just great for your customers, but the right solution for your own fleet.

Why Propane?

Many industry fleet owners already understand that propane autogas can generate better savings than other fuels. There are two recent studies by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to back up this claim.

The first study compared data from two industry trucks — one diesel, one propane autogas — in a head to head savings comparison. The report examined two trucks operated by Delta Liquid Energy, a California propane company. The propane vehicle was a 2014 Freightliner S2G 8.0L; the diesel vehicle was a 2014 Freightliner M2 ISL9. Delta tracked and supplied the data for this comparison, and a detailed cost analysis was conducted.

Records were also collected on the preventative maintenance and repairs of

the engines and fuel systems. Across the board, the propane autogas truck was better for the company’s bottom line than the diesel model, in terms of fuel and maintenance savings.

The numbers in figure 1 represent the results of the two vehicles on each side of the comparison.

These numbers validate the savings that propane industry fleets can achieve after switching to propane autogas. When multiplied across thousands of miles and an entire fleet of vehicles, the savings add up fast.

While the average total cost-of-ownership data for each truck tells a compelling story about propane autogas savings, a deeper dive into the two vehicles studied reveals the true propane autogas advantage.

In order to accurately account for fluctuating fuel costs from year to year and market to market, an average price per gallon was established using national four-year average fuel prices of diesel and propane autogas. Fuel for the propane autogas vehicle cost the company less than fuel for the diesel vehicle. In fact, the fuel price per mile

Figure 1. Autogas vs. Diesel cost per mile

for propane autogas was less than half of that for diesel. See figure 2.

To compare maintenance costs, all invoices were collected for every preventative maintenance service as well as all engine and fuel system related repairs. This included diesel particulate matter filter replacements and diesel exhaust fluid, as well as propane fuel pump replacements. See figure 3.

A second study looked at the financial outcome when a propane autogas vehicle and diesel vehicle — nearly identical in every way except for fuel — are tracked for cost-of-ownership over their lifecycles.

To make a fair and informative evaluation, four trucks were compared that were similar in almost every way — two

propane autogas models and two diesel models equipped with the same body and within just one model year of each other. Data was supplied by Superior Plus Propane in Rochester, New York. Then, a detailed cost analysis was conducted comparing propane autogas Ford F-550 trucks to similar diesel vehicles.

Between 2015 and 2020, the study tracked and compared two important data points:

1) how much fuel the vehicles consumed during their lifecycle, and

2) how many miles they traveled within that timeframe. That produced an accurate miles-per-gallon calculation for each vehicle.

In addition, records were collected on the preventative maintenance and repairs of the engines and fuel systems in order to factor maintenance costs into the equation.

Again, across the board, the propane autogas trucks delivered bottom-line benefits that diesel models couldn’t match — specifically with maintenance and fuel costs.

The numbers in figure 4 represent the results of the two vehicles on each side of this comparison over their lifecycle.

Explore Your Options

Propane autogas vehicles for the industry include EPA- and CARB-certified bobtails, service trucks, rack trucks, and other medium-duty vehicles in both OEM dedicated and aftermarket conversions.

Bobtail & Cylinder Exchange

Propane autogas is perfectly suited for the versatile demands of these vehicles, whether you’re running a short route to residential customers or hauling a highvolume delivery to a commercial business.

Flatbed Crain & Tank Set

Safely transport, load, and unload propane cylinders and tanks for your customers without an added trailer or multiple operators.

Maintenance & Service

Propane autogas vehicles ensure your fleet will respond on time, every time, to routine and unexpected maintenance and service calls.

Pickup, SUV, Sedan And Van

Switching to propane autogas will reduce total fuel and maintenance costs, improve vehicle performance, and make your fleet more efficient. EPA-certified bi-fuel systems are available for many new and late model vehicles ensuring your fleet has a choice.

Considering the variety of options available to propane providers, operating your vehicles on propane autogas as the primary fuel is an opportunity you can’t ignore. You’ll not only maintain the efficiency you need for business and lower your total cost-of-ownership, but you’ll show customers how much you trust the fuel. If you've been contemplating a change for your fleet, the time to make the switch to propane autogas is now. What are you waiting for?

Figure 2. Autogas vs. Diesel using national four-year average fuel prices.

Figure 3. Autogas vs. Diesel tracking maintenance costs.

Figure 4. Autogas vs. Diesel including both maintenance and fuel costs.

Vehicle availability data provided by Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

BOBTAIL & CYLINDER EXCHANGE

While Freightliner is still offering support and maintenance, it has currently suspended production of the S2G. *Cummins also entering this space and will release a product in in Q2 of 2025.

FLATBED CRAIN & TANK SET

MAINTENANCE & SERVICE

PICKUP, SUV, SEDAN, AND VAN

NEW Propane Autogas Service Network

Propane autogas is the fuel of choice for more than 60,000 vehicles in the U.S., primarily because it boosts profitability by providing fleet owners the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any fuel.

In 2022, the cost of traditional fuels hit record-high levels while propane autogas remained 30-50 percent below the cost of gasoline or diesel. Factor in comparative maintenance and service costs and the total savings vs. diesel registers a whopping 53 percent.

“For propane marketers, the most profit-

able way to combat the high costs and poor performance of diesel is to make the switch to propane autogas. Not only will you enjoy the lower fuel costs and total cost-of-ownership, with every trip you’ll be proving to prospective fleet customers just how much you trust our fuel,” says Steve Whaley, PERC’s director of autogas business development.

Yet recent surveys show that more than 90 percent of the propane industry’s roughly 60,000 assorted fleet vehicles run on gasoline or diesel.

Propane autogas vehicles include EPAand CARB-certified bobtails, service trucks, rack trucks, and other medium-

duty vehicles in both OEM dedicated and aftermarket conversions. So why aren’t more propane marketers using the product they sell as the primary fuel in their own fleets?

Support and service after the sale is critical to the success of any fleet program. Despite steady advances in vehicle technology, EPA-certified conversion systems, and refueling infrastructure, marketers say the perceived dearth of expertise to service them is a persistent hurdle. But that’s changing.

PERC has been working with vehicle and system manufacturing partners to make information about technical support, replacement parts, training, and service locations more readily accessible to the industry.

A growing network of more than 500 autogas OEM-certified service centers nationwide has been identified on a new, interactive map hosted on PERC’s website at Propane.com/IndustryFleets. Fleet directors can use the map to find the nearest Alliance AutoGas, Freightliner Custom Chassis, ICOM or ROUSH CleanTech facility and contact information.

“It’s important to identify and contact a service center in your area before making the commitment to propane autogas for your fleet,“ Whaley says. “This new tool makes it simple to make that vital connection.”

Don’t want to part with your current

Texas Autogas Service Centers

service team? Whaley says OEM propane vehicle solution providers are willing to train and certify additional sites to meet fleet adoption needs.

Meanwhile, PERC is partnering with Cerritos College to add autogas service technician training to its Advanced Transportation Technology & Logistics program lineup. The Los Angeles-based school has been a leader in alternative fuel technology training for 25 years in CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles.

The partnership will produce basic courses and training resources that focus on theory, operation, general maintenance, safety procedures and protocols of propane autogas.

The training targets both students and existing service technicians. It will be shared with two-year vocational schools and technical colleges nationwide, and also used by OEM partners as a prerequisite to their brand-specific training as a way to grow their service networks.

Explore PERC’s Propane Industry Fleet Vehicle Fact Sheet that covers every available make and model of propane autogas-powered fleet vehicle. You can find it, and other valuable propane autogas resources, at Propane.com/IndustryFleets.

PERC Webinar on Autogas Network

In late February, PERC hosted a new webinar, “Propane Autogas Service Center Network,” as part of its Propane Presents Technology Series to educate marketers about the new map of over 700 dealers and facilities that service propane-powered vehicles, and discussed how to take advantage of other resources to grow their fleets.

During the webinar, PERC’s Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development, was joined by Josh Budworth of Alliance AutoGas and Mario Genovese of Roush CleanTech to discuss the service platforms their companies offer. Jannet Malig of Cerritos College rounded out the panel discussing the organization’s new training program. Every fleet that is adopting autogas for the first time will be provided fuel system training for the fleet staff, local dealer, or local service center of your choice, by the OEM provider.

PERC’s “Propane Presents Technology Series” focuses on new and emerging propane technologies, education, and best practices to approach the ideal customer.

If you’d like to watch the recorded webinar, go to www.propane.com.

Texas Emission Reduction Program (TERP)

Its History, Its Programs & Opportunities for Propane

In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 5, establishing the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). Over the last 20 plus years, the TERP Program has grown, and it is offering many opportunities for propane as an alternative fuel to help them meet those state implementation goals.

Since NOx is a primary precursor to the formation of ground-level ozone, the TERP targets areas in Texas designated as nonattainment for ground-level ozone under the federal Clean Air Act (FCAA), as well as other affected counties for ozone. Lowering NOx emissions from the TERP-eligible sources remains an important component of the State Implementation Plan (SIP), which details how the state will meet federal Clean Air Act requirements.

Revenue & Funding

The TERP is funded from fees and surcharges on obtaining a certificate of vehicle title for all vehicles, purchase or lease of heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, and registration and inspection of commercial vehicles. Revenue for the TERP Trust during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022–2023 biennium is projected to be nearly $500 million. A projected $324 million will be available for TERP programs and administration, after the statutorily required transfer of no less than 35% of the fund to the Texas Highway Fund for the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to implement congestion mitigation projects.

TERP Program Highlights

OPEN NOW

Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant

Program (TNGVGP). Since 2012, TNGVGP has provided $54,012,006 in grants for 140 projects replacing 1,145 vehicles. The TNGVGP is projected to reduce 1,668 tons of NOX emissions at an average cost of $32,372 per ton.

Propane was added to the program as an eligible fuel in 2017 during the 85th Texas Legislative Session. Since then, 24 grantees and 120 vehicles have been awarded $3.6 million in grants for propane autogas projects in Texas.

Due to past undersubscription, for 2022-2023, the TCEQ increased the grant amounts offered for TNGVGP projects to provide greater incentives for participation in the program.

The latest TNGVGP grant round opened October 14, 2022, with a projected

$32 million in available funding over the biennium. Eligible projects will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through March 31, 2023, or until all available funds are awarded. The Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program, popular for funding propane bobtails, school buses and medium duty vehicles, grant round for 20222023 will be ending soon, Don’t miss out on this grant that gives you the opportunity to apply now and buy by 2025.

Vehicle must operate at least one of these eligible counties in the Clean Transportation Zone 75% of the time: Anderson, Aransas, Atascosa, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Chambers, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Denton, Dewitt, Duval, El Paso, Ellis, Falls, Fay-

ette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Howard, Hunt, Hutchison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Johnson, Karnes, Kaufman, La Salle, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Live Oak, Madison, Matagorda, Medina, McLennan, McMullen, Milam, Montgomery,Navarro, Nueces, Orange, Panola,Parker, Refugio, Robertson, Rockwall, Rusk, San Patricio, Smith, Tarrant, Titus, Travis, Upshur, Victoria, Walker, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Williamson, Wilson & Wise.

Learn more at https://www.tceq.texas. gov/airquality/terp/tngvgp.html.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Incentive (DERI) Program. Since 2001, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Incentive Program has provided over $1.1 billion to replace or upgrade 20,450 vehicles and pieces of equipment. These projects will reduce NOX in the nonattainment areas and other affected counties by 189,151 tons.

quisition and installation of refueling infrastructure for grant eligible equipment.

Since 2001, the ERIG Program has provided $905,845,741 in grants for 5,652 projects. The ERIG Program is projected to reduce 156,281 tons of NOX emissions at an average cost of $5,796 per ton.

TCEQ opened the next ERIG grant round in February 2023, with an estimated $45 million in available funding over the biennium. TCEQ anticipates that the ERIG Program will be oversubscribed in FY 2022-2023. The deadline to apply for this program is April 4, 2023.

Eligible counties include: Anderson, Bastrop, Bexar Brazoria, Caldwell, Chambers, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Freestone, Galveston, Gregg, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hood, Howard, Hunt, Hutchinson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Liberty, Montgomery, Navarro, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Parker, Rockwall, Rusk, San Patricio, Smith, Tarrant Titus, Travis, Upshur, Waller, Williamson, Wilson, and Wise.

Learn more about ERIG at https://www. tceq.texas.gov/airquality/terp/erig.html.

Waiting On Next Grant Round

Governmental Alternative Fueling Fleet (GAFF) Program. The GAFF Program provides grants to state agencies and political subdivisions, who operate a fleet of more than 15 vehicles, to help offset the difference in cost of purchasing a new alternative fuel or hybrid vehicle versus a traditional vehicle powered by diesel or gasoline.

Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Incentive Program (DERI) has funded 3,486 pieces of propane equipment, totaling $42,064,637 in grants, primarily for propane forklifts.

Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) Program. The ERIG Program part of DERI provides grants for the lease or purchase, replacement, repower, or retrofit of non-road equipment like forklifts, heavy-duty on-road vehicles, marine vessels (e.g. commercial fishing boats, tugboats), line-haul & switcher locomotives, and stationary equipment. Grants may also be available for the ac-

Since 2021, the Governmental Alternative Fueling Fleet Program has provided $6 million in grant funds to one governmental entity for the purchase of vehicles and refueling infrastructure.

LPG Success Story. Last grant round, out of the 24 applicants, only one applicant won the entire $6 million pot, that was Cy-Fair ISD, who received funding for 80 propane school buses and LPG refueling infrastructure for those buses.

TCEQ anticipates opening the next GAFF Program grant round in Spring 2023, with an estimated $4 million in available funding over the biennium. TCEQ anticipates that the GAFF Program will be oversubscribed in FY 2022-2023.

Learn more about the GAFF program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/gaff.

Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Incentive Program (DERI) has funded 3,486 pieces of propane equipment, totaling $42,064,637 in grants, primarily for propane forklifts.

Texas Clean Fleet Program

(TCFP).

The TCFP provides grants to owners of at least 75 vehicles in Texas to replace a minimum of 10 diesel vehicles with new alternative-fuel or hybrid vehicles. Eligible alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other alt fuels.

Since 2010, the TCFP has provided $69,363,635 in grants for 37 projects. The TCFP is projected to reduce 704 tons of NOX emissions at an average cost of $98,594 per ton.

LPG Success Story. Of those 37 proj-

ects, 19 of them were for propane, funding 356 vehicles and totaling over $21 million for propane.

The latestTCFP grant round was open fromJuly18,2022,andranthroughSeptember 16, 2022, with a projected $16 million in available funding over the biennium. TCEQ received 12 applications requesting a total of $24,477,683.

Learn more about this program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/ airquality/terp/tcf.html.

Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP). The AFFP, established under THSC Chapter 393, provides grants for the construction, reconstruction, or acquisition of public and private facilities to store, compress, or dispense alternative fuels including propane. Since 2012, the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program has provided over $31 million to construct or expand 311 propane, alternative fuel, or electric charging facilities.

LPG Success Story. Over the course of 10 years, the AFFP funded 58 propane refueling station projects totaling $1,086,727 in the Clean Transportation Zone, eighty plus county area in Texas.

The program closed in July of 2022 and a new grant round has not yet been announced.

Learn more about this program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/ctt.html.

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program. TCEQ administered the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program after the Texas Legislature reinstated the program in 2017. The program has provided over $16 million in rebates for the purchase or lease of lightduty alternative fuel including propane and EVs.

This is one of the few statewide programs providing $5,000 per propane vehicle including bi-fuel conversions. This underutilized program has only awarded $45,000 in propane vehicle rebates over the last few years. The program has strict convert under 500 miles provision and the requirement to purchase the vehicle within the state of Texas that has had a hand in hampering viable applications. The 2022 round recently closed on January 7, 2023, and 2022 applications are not included in that total.

Learn more about this program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/ld.html.

Texas Clean School Bus Program (TCSB). Since 2008, the Texas Clean School Bus Program has provided over $53 million, including over $4 million in federal funds, to retrofit or replace 7,860 school buses in Texas.

The program only recently started allowing for school bus replacements versus tailpipe retrofits. Since its expansion in 2018, school districts have been

awarded $2.3 million in grants for propane school buses. The latest TCSB Program grant round closed this October 2022. In 2022, propane accrued quite a lot under the program, over $1.5 million to include: Georgetown ISD received $385,700.00+$332,500.00, Hays CISD received $332,500.00, Dickinson ISD received $199,500.00, Roby ISD received $172,900.00 and both Alvin ISD and Denton ISD received $66,500 all for propane school buses.

Learn more about this program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/school-buses.html.

Rebate Grants Program. The Rebate Grants Program provides a streamlined and simplified process for the submission and approval of grants for projects to reduce NOx emissions from heavy-duty on-road diesel vehicles and non-road diesel equipment.

Since 2006, the Rebate Grants Program has provided $208,674,493 for 3,221 projects. The Rebate Grants Program is projected to reduce 22,852 tons of NOx emissions at an average cost of $9,131 per ton.

The Rebate Grants Program is part of the DERI Program and propane has thrived under this program in the past.

The latest Rebate Grants Program grant round closed in November 2022 and its next grant round has not been announced.

Learn more about the Rebate Grants Program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/ airquality/terp/rebate.html.

Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program (SPRY). Since 2015, the SPRY program has provided over $28 million to replace 363 drayage vehicles and pieces of cargo handling equipment operating at seaport and rail yard facilities in nonattainment areas. These projects will reduce NOx in those nonattainment areas and other affected counties by 1,303 tons.

Since the program was started, $75,000 in off-road propane equipment was funded through Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program.

The program recently closed in November 2022 and a new grant round has not been announced yet.

Learn more about this program at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/spry.

Take Advantage of Grants

Are you interested in taking advantage of one of these grants? TPGA and ProCOT are here to help! Reach out to our contracted grant experts to help you understand the grant process, evaluate if you qualify and complete the grant paperwork.

Contact our TPGA/ProCOT grant expert and advisor Heather Ball at 512-4848535 or at heather@txng.org. She is here to help you navigate this process and take advantage of these incredible opportunities.

2023 & Beyond

Clean air stakeholders have big plans for TERP in 2023. Stay tuned to the TPGA members only Monday Morning Messenger for legislative plans for TERP this Texas Legislative Session.

This article was created from the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Biennial Report (2021-2022) Report to the 88th Texas Legislature and historical reports found at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/terp.

3.

How To Write a Formal Demand Letter Learn how to use a demand letter and what information to include

By Brette Sember, J.D.

the letter provides proof that you have notified the other person of this outstanding debt and have requested payment.

If you skip this step and go right to court, then the person you are seeking to collect from could claim not to have any knowledge that you’re trying to collect the money. In many cases, simply writing the demand letter lets the debtor know you’re serious about collecting and they will pay without your having to go to court.

What to Include in a Demand Letter

A demand letter is a letter that explains why a person or company owes you money and formally requests that they pay it to you. A demand letter may also be referred to as a debt collection letter.

You might need to write such a demand letter to a service person or company, such as a contractor, who took your money and then didn’t do the work promised. You might also need to send a demand letter

to someone who has sold you a defective product and will not accept a return. Or perhaps your small business has provided a service and a client is refusing to pay you, so you need to collect what you’re owed.

Importance of a Demand Letter

Writing a demand letter is an important first step in legally attempting to collect money owed to you. Writing and sending

Make sure you type your demand letter so that it is easy to read. Keep your tone polite, straightforward, and businesslike. Include the following details:

• The date the letter is being sent

• Your name and address, and the name and address of the debtor

• A description of the facts of the case (such as, you signed a contract for a new roof dated X date and the contractor didn’t do the work)

• The amount you are seeking to collect (see below)

• A date by which you are requesting payment (two weeks is normally a good time frame) and a statement that, if you do not receive payment, you will pursue legal action

• Your signature

• Specific to the amount you are seeking to collect, at a minimum, this is the amount of the debt, but you can ask for more if you have had expenses caused by this (and if so, be sure to detail how this additional amount has arisen). Asking for more money creates room for negotiation, but be aware that it might also mean the debtor will simply refuse to pay anything.

Keep several copies of the demand letter and send it certified mail, return receipt requested so you can have proof it was received by the debtor. You can write

a debt collection letter yourself or you can hire an attorney to write one for you. Another option is to use an online service provider to help ensure you address all the necessary points.

10-day demand letter

A 10-day demand letter is a type of demand letter that is sent out by a collection agency on behalf of the person or company who is owed the money. It’s basically the same as a demand letter, except that it states that if payment is not made within 10 days, the debt will be handled by the collection agency. Generally, collection agencies charge no fee to the person owed the debt (the person hiring the collection agency) if the debtor pays within this 10-day period. If not, then it becomes a collections matter and the agency will pursue the debt and charge fees for their work.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies to debt collectors who attempt to collect a debt. If you as a consumer receive a demand letter from an at-

torney or debt collection agency, it must comply with this law, which requires that the notice must state it is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. As an individual or company, if you seek to collect a debt owed to you personally, you

are not required to comply with this law. A demand letter is the first formal step in collecting a debt. It clearly lays out the amount owed and the circumstances that led to it. Sending a debt collection letter makes it clear that you are serious about collecting on the debt.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Demand Letter

You’ve decided it’s time to file a small claim. You’ve heard it’s relatively easy and pain-free. But you realize that you have no idea where to start. How do you even initiate your claim? Well, you begin by writing a demand letter. A demand letter is key to getting your dispute off the ground and into the small claims courthouse.

First Step in Filing a Small Claim

A demand letter is the layperson’s version of a legal complaint. In it, you state what your dispute is and why you want to handle it in court.

The demand letter must also contain the amount for which you are suing or the specific relief you seek. You submit this letter to the person with whom you have the dispute. If and when you prepare to file, submit a copy to the clerk of court. While you don’t need legal drafting experience to compose a demand letter, it does need to be clear and well organized.

You’ll want to give a brief history of the dispute. Explain why there has been no agreement so far. While your opponent may know exactly what happened, a judge or court clerk who may end up reading it will not.

Organize it chronologically, but be brief. That way, an uninvolved observer will be able to follow it easily.

Be polite, concise and specific about what you want and what your next step will be if the problem is not resolved. For example, if it is a debt settlement, include the amount owed and the date it was due. If you are willing to accept a lower amount in settlement, say so. If not, make that clear as well. Let the other person know that if you are not able to come to

an agreement, you will file in small claims court. Hopefully, he or she will decide it makes sense to compromise.

What to Avoid When Writing a Demand Letter

Avoid threatening or disparaging the other person. Do not use language that will convey your frustration or anger.

Creating a negative mood will only lessen your chances of reaching an agreement. The idea of the letter is to show the other person you are serious and give them the chance to consider their legal choices. It is not an opportunity to insult them or create an adversarial relationship. If the dispute ends up in court, remember that the same judge who will hear your case will read your demand letter. This is another reason to keep it objective and professional. The last thing you would want is for the judge to perceive you as being antagonistic.

How Long Should the Letter Be?

There is no minimum or maximum length for a demand letter. However, shorter is better. It should only be long enough to clarify your intent, not a page more. A letter that gets to the point will show your opponent that you are serious about the lawsuit. It will also help the court clerk and the judges who are extremely busy. The less you give them to read, the better it will be for your case.

Finally, make and keep several copies of the letter for yourself and to use in any future court appearances. If you are lucky, you will not end up in front of a judge but if that happens, you will be prepared.

Setting Up Google My Business Account

Business page, you’ll need to enter your business information. This includes your business name, address, and phone number. You’ll also need to add a category for your business and upload a profile photo.

4. Verify Your Business

Google My Business is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to create an online presence on Google, manage your business information, and engage with customers. Plus, as an added bonus, it is tied to the Propane Education & Research Council's Find a Propane Retailer tool. Setting up a Google My Business account is a great way to get your business seen by potential customers and increase your online visibility. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to set up a Google My Business account.

1. Create a Google Account

The first step in setting up a Google My Business account is to create a Google ac-

count. You can do this by going to the Google Account creation page and entering your information. You’ll need to provide your name, email address, and a password. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll be ready to set up your Google My Business account.

2. Go to Google My Business

Once you’ve created your Google account, you’ll need to go to the Google My Business page. You can find this page by searching for “Google My Business” in your web browser. You’ll then need to click the “Get Started” button.

3. Enter Your Business Information

Once you’ve reached the Google My

Once you’ve entered your business information, you’ll need to verify your business. Google will send a postcard to your business address with a verification code. You’ll then need to enter this code in the Google My Business page in order to complete the verification process.

5. Set Up Your Profile

Once you’ve verified your business, you’ll be ready to set up your profile. You’ll need to provide information about your business, such as hours of operation, services offered, and more. You can also add photos, videos, and other content to your profile.

6. Start Engaging with Customers

Once you’ve set up your profile, you’ll be ready to start engaging with customers.

Inside the Industry

PERC Participates in 2023 International Builders’ Show

Chef Dean Sets Record Straight About Gas Stoves

He appears regularly on such shows as Access Hollywood, CBS The Talk, Fox’s Good Day LA, and Hallmark’s Home and Family; he also contributes to Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, and The Daily Meal

Sheremet is a certified nutritionist, chef partner and healthy living advocate for Wellness in The Schools, part of Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools initiative.

Efficient tankless water heaters and spectacular fire features were among the propane equipment on display at the 2023 International Builders’ Show (IBS) hosted by the National Homebuilder’s Association this past February 2023 in Las Vegas. The event hosted over 400 booths and attracted builders from across the country and world.

At the Propane Energy for Everyone, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) shared how propane can help builders achieve sustainability goals while giving their customers

PEOPLE IN PROPANE

Renowned Chef Dean Sheremet has cooked with gas stoves in many prestigious kitchens and, like most chefs, prefers them over electric models.

Sheremet graduated top of his class from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and has worked in the kitchens of Nobu 57 and the 3-Michelin starred Jean Georges. He holds a certificate of food and beverage management from Cornell University. After a decade spent in the NYC restaurant scene, Dean moved back to California to star in FOX’s hit show, My Kitchen Rules, and The CW’s Terry Crew Saves Christmas.

Last month, Chef Dean went live on TV stations across the country to dispel common myths about gas stoves and share some safe cooking practices, like proper ventilation and equipment maintenance, that improve indoor air quality.

"When people think about cooking with gas indoors, some suggest it leads to poor air quality. "It's not the source that is the problem, it’s what they are cooking. Most often people use the wrong oil and cook at the wrong temperature." - Chef Dean Head to propane.com/chefdean to learn more and get some delicious recipes.

the quality and comfort they demand. A highlight for PERC was the presentation of the inaugural Energy for Everyone Hero Award to one outstanding builder/remodeler in the country. Bill Owens, the recipient, owns Owens Construction, a residential design/build and remodeling firm in central Ohio. He calls propane an ideal energy solution.

Larry Wayne Watkins, 73, longtime resident of Big Spring, passed away on Feb. 5, 2023. Larry spent many years delivering propane throughout the Howard County area for various companies. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

P3 Propane Safety announced that John Horner has joined the Safety Services Team as a senior consultant of training and safety.

Horner is currently based in Texas, and he will assist new and existing clients with the implementation of the P3 Compliance System. He will also provide local training approved by the Texas Railroad Commission as well as CETP, DOT and HAZMAT training across the region. Horner will help marketers fulfill their regulatory compliance requirements by developing policies and procedures, DOT security plans, operations and maintenance manuals, and fire safety analyses.

John was the former director of safety compliance and training for Meritum Energy Holdings and has also worked at propane companies spanning the south-central United States and the East Coast, such as Pico Propane and Fuels and Ferrellgas.

Propane vs Electric Source Energy Graphic Available

A graphic that showcases how propane delivers more energy from site-to-source to a home than electricity, proving its efficiency benefits is available to download off of the PERC Resource Catalog.

Visit the resource catalog at https://propane.com/ resource-catalog/ and search propane vs electric-source energy-graphic to find, download and use this graphic.

New Safety Training Programs in the PERC Learning Center

for each new home or remodel completed between January 2023 and December 2032, if builders include qualifying propane appliances. Builders can also earn a $500 bonus for installing propane appliances specified for their region. That’s $1,500 per home. Certain restrictions apply.

To be eligible, a home must include at least one of the following propane appliances: a boiler or furnace; hydronic air handler; combi boiler; tankless or storage tank water heater; a hybrid heat

pump with propane gas emergency heat. Visit Propane.com/ConstructionIncentive to learn more.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s safety team has created three new programs now available in Learning Center. They are:

• Lighting Appliance Pilots. Whether you’re restoring service or starting up a new appliance, you’ll need to light the pilot or “cycle” an appliance on if the appliance is equipped with an electronic ignition. This program reviews the steps to lighting appliance pilots .

• New Gas Appliance Startup. The purpose of this course is to help learners identify the code requirements for starting up new appliances to be certain these appliances will operate safely once they are put into service.

• Gas System Performance Testing (flow and lockup). Gas pressure that is too high can cause over-pressure situations and pressure that is too low in the system can cause inefficient and potentially unsafe operation of gas appliances and equipment. This program covers how to verify that the gas piping and regulators are sized and adjusted to supply the correct gas pressure to the piping system and appliances. You will learn how to perform gas piping system and regulator flow and lockup tests as well as checking appliance manifold pressure. Visit the PERC Learning Center at http://www.training.propane.com today for these and other valuable training opportunities.

2023 Propane Construction Incentive Program Open for Builders

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will pay builders and construction professions up to $1,000

• You will receive good old fashioned customer service.

• You will be educated about your policy coverages and shown where you might be vulnerable.

• You will receive multiple options for your insurance.

Yellow Rose Propane

401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 817-645-9155

Isn’t it time to trust that your insurance works as hard as you do?

DFW Clean Cities Survey Due

If you operate a fleet in the DFW area, we want to learn more about your organization and how your fleet is working to reduce total energy used and use of alternative fuels. By submitting an Annual Survey, you’re helping DallasFort Worth Clean Cities coalition accurately track our region's progress toward cleaner air and greater energy independence while showing your commitment to these advancements.

The survey is an online form with the ability to save your survey as a draft to complete later and once complete, submit directly to DFWCC.

You can find a link to the 2022 Annual Survey and the instructions document at: www.DFWCleanCities.org/ annualreport We would like all surveys submitted by March 10.

Please consider submitting an Annual Survey this year, and please reach out to us at cleancities@nctcog.org with any questions you may have.

Paradise Grills Recalls Outdoor Kitchens

Georgia and Alabama should immediately contact Paradise Grills to schedule a date for completion of their free repair. This includes labor and a new vent.

The firm has received two reports of the grill exploding, causing severe burns to the consumers.

2023 Texas Appliance Rebate Program Returning This Spring 2023

At the February 23, 2023 Propane Council of Texas meeting, the ProCOT Board approved the $150,000 for propane appliance rebates. The 2023 rebate program will launch March 31, 2023. If you would like additional information and news about this rebate program, go to www.txsaveswithpropane.com.

Paradise Grills has issued a recall on its outdoor kitchens due to fire and burn hazards. This recall involves First Generation Paradise Grills Outdoor Kitchens. They can have cabinets, sinks, refrigerators, and other features such as LED lighting, Tiki Huts, commercial grills, granite and other additional options. The recalled models are the GX-3, GX-4, GX-5, GX-6, GX-7, GX-8, GX-9, GX-10, GX-11 GX12 and GX14, Tahiti, Fiji, Tropicana, Aruba 6 and Aruba 8. The model name is listed on the sales agreement.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills and contact Paradise Grills to receive a new 16”x 4” stainless steel vent to be installed on the First Generation Outdoor Kitchen.

Consumers located in Florida, Texas,

The units were sold at Paradise Grills showrooms and at home, boat and RV shows nationwide from January 2009 through December 2020 for between $4,000 and $15,000. westmor-ind.com

MARCH

5-7 Spring NPGA TS & S Committee Meeting

Kansas City, MO

6-8

13th Annual OPIS NGL Summit San Diego, CA

7-10

NTEA Work Truck Week Indianapolis, IN

9-10 Spring NPGA Benchmarking Meeting

New Orleans, LA

10

DFW Clean Cities Surveys Are Due

21-22

TPGA Board & Committee Meetings

Round Rock, TX

21 ProCOT Board Meeting

Round Rock, TX

27–29

PERC Environmental Ambassador Conference

Sarasota, FL

31

Texas Natural Gas/Propane Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP) Deadline

APRIL

4

TCEQ ERIG Grant Deadline

7

TPGA & PSC office closed for Good Friday

23-25

NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo

Nashville, TN

Alliance AutoGas 6

BLT Tanks 21

Energy Tech Solutions 23

Enterprise Products 22

Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

Gas Equipment Company 19

Legacy Energy Consulting Inside Front Cover

Lock America 17

Lone Star Energy Group 28

Longhorn Propane 7

Marshall Young Insurance 25

Meeder Equipment Co. 5

METSA 27

OmegaFlex 31

Propane Plus LLC 5

Propane Service Corporation 18

Quality Steel 16

Rural Computer Consultants 19

Tarantin Industries 31

Westmor Industries 26

White River Distributors 20

For advertising opportunities, please contact Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or at jpantaze@zochnet.com

Propane-Fired Maple Syrup

highlight our propane-fired process, and that we should tell people about it. We think the maple syrup lovers out there in the propane industry might like the idea.”

with

Fans of maple syrup might not know: Propane often has a role in producing it.

Bill Overbaugh of Trumansburg, New York, is marketing propane-fired maple syrup from central New York State. Overbaugh and his father, Tom, have been making the syrup for years from the sugar maples on their property.

The boiling process, which renders the sap from the sugar maples, is fired exclusively with propane.

Overbaugh is a former propane and heating oil

marketer from central New York State, and is currently the Executive Director for the New York Propane Gas Association (www.nypropane. com).

The product, sold as “Halsey Hill Maple Syrup,” is sold in 250-ml, 500-ml, half-gallon and one-gallon containers. New packaging and labeling touts a prominent addition: an eye-catching “Propanefired” emblem.

“We have been making maple syrup from the trees here in Central New York for almost ten years,” Overbaugh said. “Shane Sweet suggested we

Maple syrup is a cottage industry dating back hundreds of years. It’s said that Native Americans drank the sweet sap fresh from the tree. When colonists were faced with sugar taxes, they began processing the sap into a shelf-stable syrup. Maple syrup can be made anywhere maple trees will grow, but it is primarily in the northeast and upper Midwest, Overbaugh said. “Sugaring Season” is generally in the spring of the year, and it is then that the raw syrup from sugar maples is collected, distilled and packaged.

The product is available to anyone and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. “If pancakes and waffles are your thing, here’s your chance to get it right and support the propane industry as well,” quipped Overbaugh. The product will be available online and for purchase using a variety of generally accepted payment methods. Anyone interested can go to www.propaneandoiltraining. com where there is a link to be notified when PropaneFired Maple syrup is available. Or email info@ propaneandoiltraining.com

This article is reprinted with permission and originally appeared in Fuel Oil News.

•

Jenkins

— Chris Jenkins, Fireplace & Gas Services, A Blossom Company