May 2023 Texas Propane magazine

2023 Crossroads

Expo & Conference Registration & Exhibit Sales Are Open

ProCOT Unveils

2023 Projects & Programs

Last Chance to Apply for the TPGA Scholarship!

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Highlights from Headquarters

Registration and exhibit sales are open for the 2023 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference, August 3-5 in The Woodlands! Early bird registration ends June 30, 2023, and the cut-off for the group block is July 13, 2023. The Expo is shaping up to be another great show with a lot of wonderful exhibitors from all aspects of the propane industry. So don’t miss out!

Once again, we will offer training classes led by experienced personnel from various state and federal agencies that oversee the propane industry. Lunch will be served to training session participants.

The Silent Auction will have an amazing selection of items for you to bid on during the Expo on August 5. Don’t miss your chance to support this great cause, the TPGA Scholarship Fund.

You will have time to explore the multitude of options during your downtime – visiting The Woodlands Waterway, going shopping at The Woodlands Mall, exploring the trails and parks, the Children’s Museum, and visiting Market Street, an upscale shopping and dining destination that offers a mix of local-owned boutiques and national retailers.

And I want to thank our sponsors who with their contributions will help to make this event a great success!

This past April 2023, TPGA Executive Director Bill Van Hoy met with U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington, who represents West Texas Congressional District 19. The Congressman serves as Chair of the Budget Committee and serves on the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee, which oversees rural America’s most critical issues like agriculture, energy and healthcare. TPGA is glad to have a friend like Representative Arrington representing us in Washington, D.C.

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 8408

Bill Van Hoy

TPGA Executive Director

2023-2024 TPGA Board of Directors

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

President Elect: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 972-771-8654

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

Treasurer/Finance Chair: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 214-629-5118

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

ENDS

6/30/23

Texas’ Premiere Propane Event in a Unique Part of Texas

The Woodlands offers a variety of residential neighborhoods, commercial and retail areas, parks and green spaces, and entertainment venues. The community features over 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, and over 140 parks. During your downtime from Crossroads, you will have a multitude of things to do like visiting The Woodlands Waterway, going shopping at The Woodlands Mall, exploring the trails and parks, and visiting Market Street, an upscale shopping and dining destination that offers a mix of local-owned boutiques and national retailers. You can also take the kids to The Woodlands Children’s Museum.

Early Bird Registration

2023 Crossroads Propane

Expo & Conference Sponsors

Golf Tournament • Targa Resources

Beer & Wine Pavilion • McAdams Propane

Tote Bags • Cargas Systems

Lanyards • Enterprise Transportation

President’s Cocktail Reception • Quality Steel

Expo Floor Refreshments • Rural Computer Consultants

The Expo provides marketers and those in the propane space a chance to discover new products and services that could be beneficial for your business. Crossroads brings together propane suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and other stakeholders

Schedule at a Glance

to share knowledge and promote the use of propane as an alternative fuel source. You can compare products from different vendors and get a sense of what is available in the market. The Crossroads Expo is an immersive journey through the latest trends and advancements in the propane industry and is a forum for sharing knowledge and sparking advancement. Overall, attending the Expo can be a great way to stay up to date with your industry, meet new people, learn new skills, and discover new products and services.

At Crossroads, attendees can expect to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the propane industry, network with other professionals and catch up with colleagues and friends in various activities like the Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by Targa Resources, and the closing dinner.

Participating in the TPGA golf tournament is an opportunity to connect with fellow propane industry professionals and build valuable relationships while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of The Woodlands, TX.

Silent Auction

Benefitting the TPGA Scholarship Fund

Join us at the Expo for a day of fun and fundraising at our silent auction! We will have an amazing selection of items up for bid, including vacation packages, artwork, technology, special liquor packages, and much more. All proceeds will go towards supporting the TPGA Scholarship Fund.

Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament

Sponsored by Targa Resources

AUGUST 4, 2023

8 a.m. shotgun start

$250/player includes greens fee, breakfast and awards lunch

The annual Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament provides a great opportunity to meet and network with other players. You can connect with people from different parts of the industry, companies, and backgrounds, and make new contacts that could potentially lead to business opportunities. This year the tournament will be played at The Trails at the Woodlands Country Club – North Course, located just two miles from the hotel. This par 72 course (formerly known as the Panther course) runs just over 7,000 yards and has all the ingredients for a scenic and thrilling round of golf: deep woods, water around the greens, and exceptional Bermuda fairways.

Do not miss your chance to win some incredible items while supporting a great cause. Items will only be open for bidding during the Expo on Saturday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regulatory Compliance Training Sessions at Crossroads

AUGUST 3, 2023

noon – 5 p.m.

Lunch included for session registrants

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering training sessions to enhance your knowledge in various areas of the propane industry. These sessions will be led by experienced personnel from various state and federal agencies that oversee the propane industry. All sessions will be held at the Waterway Marriott Hotel. Include these sessions on your event registration. Lunch will be served for participants, and you will have time to ask those burning questions.

Registration Categories for Attendees

Registration Clarifications

Child Over 12: not an employee of your propane business. Past TPGA Presidents who are no longer in the propane business may attend the event for FREE.

"The North Course has been ranked one of the top golf courses in Houston."

Hotel cut-off is July 13, 2023

Host Hotel

Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

1601 Lake Robbins Dr.

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Hotel rooms in the discounted group block are reserved for attendees, their attending family members, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and Show staff.

TPGA 2023 Crossroads Expo & Conference to receive the discounted rate. July 13, 2023, is the cut-off date for hotel reservations at the discounted group rate. Please make your reservations early! After July 13, rooms are at a “space and rate as available” basis.

No third-party providers are used for rooming at this conference. If you are contacted by a travel agency about this conference, note that they have no affiliation with this event.

General Information

Guestrooms are offered at a discounted rate of $209+tax per night. Self-parking is discounted at $22 per vehicle, per night; valet is $29 for overnight, per vehicle. Check-in: 4 p.m.; check-out: 11 a.m.

Participants are responsible for reserving their accommodations. Contact Reservations directly at 281-367-9797 and mention the

Go to www.txpropane.com and click on 2023 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference to go to the event website to register online and make your hotel reservations. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800.325.7427 or info@txpropane.com.

It’s not too late to show your support for the Texas propane industry by becoming a sponsor!

Jason Erwin National Sales Representative

Shopping

Things to Do in The Woodlands

• The Waterway (connects all the attractions along its path through the township’s center; offers a vibrant nightlife, performing arts, dining, and outdoor green space)

• George Mitchell Nature Preserve (spans nearly 1700 acres and includes a two-mile hiking trail, three miles of bike trails, and scenic paths along the lake; Creekside Park Village Green has a splash pad, an all-weather turf field, an HEB, and several eateries nearby)

• Splash pad (everyone can cool off with a splash at Waterway Square and search and find all the hidden treasures that have fallen from Grandma’s Purse)

Arts & Culture

Art in all forms – festivals, events, educational programs, galleries, and free public installations by artists from around the world.

With its abundance of luxury boutiques, high-end department stores, and locally owned gems, The Woodlands has some of the best shopping in Texas.

Music & Nightlife

Any time of the year, you’ll find some of the most talked about concerts, performance art shows, festivals, and free live music all happening in the Woodlands. The nightlife is equally eclectic, with everything from swanky rooftop bars and wine lounges to cocktail bars and bustling happy hour spots.

Outdoors & Recreation

The Woodlands was uniquely built as a metropolitan area surrounded by thousands of acres of protected pine forests and two scenic bodies of water. Your visit will be far from complete without experiencing the outdoor attractions and beautifully preserved Texas nature.

• Texas Treeventures (a three-level outdoor aerial adventure at Rob Fleming Park featuring 70 challenging elements)

• Water recreation (kayak, paddleboard or choose from a variety of rentals for water recreation on The Woodlands Waterway at Riva Rowboat House or on Lake Woodlands at Lakes Edge Boat House; catch-and-release fishing is also offered on Lake Woodlands)

Children’s Museum

A local non-profit museum where kids can put out flames at the Fire House, put on productions at the Read-A-Lot Kingdom, splash around Water Play, construct a castle in Dream+Build, learn healthy food choices at The Market, and develop life skills at The Remax Playhouse.

Kids can participate in hands-on workshops with topics like robotics, art, and science. The Woodlands Children's Museum is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network. Guests who have an ACM membership received 50% off general admission to the museum.

The Carousel at The Woodlands Mall

Located near the Food Court area of the mall. Tokens to ride are available for purchase at a nearby machine and the more tokens you purchase the better the discount. One token is $2, three tokens are $5, and eight tokens are $10. You only need one token per ride. To ride the carousel, guests must be at least 42 inches tall. Younger children or those shorter than 42 inches will need to be accompanied by an adult.

The Propane Council of Texas Unveils 2023 Projects & Programs

At the February 23 and March 21 Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) meetings, the ProCOT board approved the following projects and programs for 2023 to increase consumer awareness, guide perceptions and enhance propane industry, emergency responder, and consumer safety:

Docket 23952 Consumer Awareness Campaign. ProCOT will run a statewide consumer awareness campaign that will include web, video and radio ads from May 1, 2023, to July 31, 2023. The campaign is set to hit 8.9 million Texans statewide and complement the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s national campaign that will be running simultaneously on NBC Nightly News, as well as unwired broadcast and cable news.

Docket 24022 Appliance Rebate Program. The Council has approved the extension of the Texas Saves with Propane Appliance Rebate Program for 2023, on a first-come first-serve basis to provide propane appliances rebates to end users. Propane water heaters, boilers and furnaces purchased between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, may be eligible while funds are available. Learn more about the rebate program at www. txsaveswithpropane.com.

Did you miss the April rebate webinar? Watch the archived webinar once logged into the rebate portal to learn how to submit rebates.

annual newsletter to HVAC and propane plumbers educating them on propane appliance rebates, as well as propane compliance matters. Additionally, ProCOT will promote different propane ag equipment and incentives to the agricultural industry through the Texas Farm Bureau.

Docket 24068 Propane Gas Employee Guide. The guide was first developed in 1995, last updated in 2010, and will be updated again in 2023 and released. The Propane Gas Employee is designed for CSRs, front-office staff, and anyone answering the phone at a propane company to help them answer propane frequently asked questions from consumers and callers. The guide is in development, and order information will be released by the end of the third quarter of the year.

Docket 24061 Market Outreach to Agriculture, Builders, HVAC & Plumbers. The program will cover the cost for the Propane Council of Texas to do several outreach items to the different market segments. With this docket, the Propane Council of Texas will be able to participate in the Sunbelt Builder’s Expo hosted by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), as well as promote propane to builders through Texas Builder magazine. ProCOT will also continue our bi-

Docket 24068 Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program. Last year, the Propane Council of Texas sent out a record-breaking 298,000 propane safety brochures to consumers all over Texas through their participating Texas propane marketers. The program hopes to reach just as many, if not more, in 2023. The program is slated to run from September – December 2023. Safety expert Richard Gilbert recommends to “Develop a duty to warn program that is based off either an industry standard like ProCOT or PERC. Develop it across your entire company.” Watch for more information on how to enroll in this safety mailing program this heating season at www.procot. org/dutytowarn.

Docket 24064 Propane Living newsletter. The Council has renewed this popular consumer publication for two issues for 2023. ProCOT will publish a Spring/ Summer and Fall/Winter edition in 2023. Learn more about the upcoming issue and

how you can sign up in the Inside the Industry section of this issue or learn more at www.procot.org/propaneliving.

Docket 24066 Propane Emergencies Training. The Propane Council of Texas will again host a two-day propane incident management training for the propane industry and emergency responders, including firefighters, this November 6-7, 2023 at the TEEX Brayton Training Field in College Station, TX. Watch for more information later in the year at https://www.propanecounciloftexas.org/ propanefiretraining.

ers and vendors. The Expo and Conference provide a platform for attendees to learn about the latest trends, innovations and regulatory changes in the propane industry. Those wanting to attend the expo & conference can sign up at www.txpropane.com

Docket 24067 Consumer Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar. The Council will once again produce a wall calendar for consumers to help remind them of propane safety year-round. The popular wall calendar covers such important safety topics as what to do if you smell gas, interruptions of service, check gas gauge reminders, and more. Watch for order information this summer at www.procot. org/calendars.

Docket 24076 State Association Conference Support. ProCOT will help support the 2023 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference scheduled for August 3-5, 2023, in The Woodlands, TX in hopes to get more Texas propane industry participation. The event brings together industry leaders, propane distributors, retail-

Docket 24002: ProCOT Websites & Digital Subscriptions. The docket will allow the Council to maintain www. propanecounciloftexas.org as well as manage subscriptions. This will involve a range of communication channels, including press releases, social media, and maintaining their Google Ad Grants. By utilizing these tools, the Council will be able to share their mission and accomplishments with a broader audience than ever before, promoting propane as a sustainable and reliable energy source for today and the future.

Docket 24021 Low Emissions Technical Expert. For the last few years, the Propane Council of Texas has contracted with a grant expert to assist the propane industry, as well as Texas fleets, to apply for state and federal on- and off-road grants. ProCOT just started the program for 2023, and just in the first quarter of 2023, we have leveraged $1.9M in grants for fleets. For free grant help and grant opportunities, please contact Heather Ball at 512-484-8535 or by email at heather@txng.org.

The Propane Council of Texas would like also welcome New Board members elected in the first quarter of 2023 to serve through February 17, 2026:

• Jamie Bakondy, Grammer Logistics, Houston, TX

• Brody Newton, Busters Butane, Corpus Christi, TX

• Clay Crist, Crist Fuel, Amarillo, TX

• Sean Caney, Douglass Distributing, Sherman, TX

• Garrett Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, Houston, TX

• Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, Ranger, TX

• Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, Cleburne, TX

• Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, Dallas, TX

• Lane Worthington, WTG Fuels, Midland, TX

CONGRATULATIONS, AND THANK YOU FOR SERVING.

Scholarships Available for TPGA

Member Student Employees, Employee Children & Grandchildren

About the TPGA Scholarship

Over the last 25 years, the TPGA Scholarship Foundation has dedicated itself to providing scholarships for exceptional students who will be pursuing higher education. TPGA is awarding scholarships for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic school year.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Has not previously been awarded a

scholarship from the TPGA Scholarship Foundation.

• A Texas high school senior or an undergraduate student who has completed high school in Texas;

• Plans to be a full-time student for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year in an undergraduate degree program by an accredited college or university or enrolled in a vocational or technical school;

• A child or grandchild of an employee of a current member of the Texas Propane Gas Association or a student employed by a TPGA member company;

• The student's, parent’s or grandparent’s work must be directly related to the Texas propane industry; &

• GPA (needs to be in the upper half of class for consideration).

About the Scholarship Application

All eligible students must submit our online application to be entered into the scholarship competition. All required documents, including transcripts, can be uploaded directly to the online application.

The deadline to submit all applications, including all required documents, is 11;59PM CDT on Monday, May 15, 2023

Scholarship winners will be notified in the early summer of 2023.

Learn more, download FAQs & access the scholarship application at https://www.txpropane.com/scholarship.

Questions?

Please contact the Texas Propane Gas Association Scholarship Foundation at (800)3257427 or at tpgascholarship@txpropane.com.

Boost Your Social Presence with Instagram

In today’s social media age, small businesses are increasingly turning to social networks to reach current and potential customers. Instagram is quickly becoming one of the most popular platforms

for small businesses to reach their target market. With more than 800 million active monthly users, Instagram offers small businesses an effective way to market their products and services.

it time to trust that your insurance works as hard as you do?

• 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.

One of the main benefits of using Instagram for small business marketing is its visual appeal. The platform allows businesses to showcase their products and services in an attractive and engaging way. By creating eye-catching photos and videos, businesses can draw attention to their brand and attract new customers. Additionally, businesses can use Instagram’s Stories feature to share behind-the-scenes glimpses into their operations, giving followers an inside look at their business.

Instagram also offers businesses the ability to interact with their followers. Through comments, likes, and direct messages, businesses can engage with their audience and build relationships. These interactions can help businesses build trust and loyalty, which can lead to increased sales.

Another benefit of using Instagram for small business marketing is its ability to target specific audiences. Businesses can use Instagram’s Ad Manager to create ads that target users based on their location, interests, and other factors. This allows businesses to reach exactly the right people and maximize the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Finally, Instagram provides businesses with the ability to track their performance. By using the platform’s analytics tools, businesses can measure the success of their campaigns and adjust their strategies accordingly.

In conclusion, small businesses have much to gain by using Instagram for marketing. With its attractive visuals, interactive features, and ability to target specific audiences, Instagram can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach new customers and grow their business.

John Walter Schneider Distributing/ Past TPGA President

Debunk Gas Stove Myths & Promote Heating Appliance Rebates

Subscribe Your Customers to Spring/Summer Propane Living

For over a decade, the Propane Living newsletter has informed propane customers about propane innovations, propane appliance advantages, rebates and propane safety. Propane Living is back for 2023. Sign your customers up to receive this propane educational newsletter. In 2023, the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) will produce two editions, the Spring/Summer, and a Fall/Winter edition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to edu-

cate customers with this valuable tool.

The Spring/Summer 2023 will highlight the launch of the 2023 Texas Saves with Propane Appliance Rebate Program, but also set the record straight on a lot of disinformation spread about gas stoves.

You can get this educational newsletter to your customer in one of two ways:

1) By mail by providing us with your customer mailings list or 2) ProCOT shipping it to you and you passing it out on delivery routes and at your store.

Your cost is just $49 twice a year and a little over 4 cents per address.

The Spring/Summer Propane Living newsletter subscription deadline is Friday, May 5, 2023.

Sign up for the newsletter and upload your mailing list or shipping information at www.procot.org/propaneliving.

Propane Construction Incentive Program Reduces CO2E

Real-world findings show building with propane is better for the environment

than 1,000 homes across 25 states helped make this achievement possible,” said Bryan Cordill, director of residential business development at PERC. “Many people believe using more electricity is the answer to reducing carbon emissions. But this data clearly shows that construction professionals can make a significant environmental impact when building with propane and utilizing a hybrid approach to home energy decisions.”

The 2022 program awarded $1 million in funding to construction professionals who provided data from the Energy Planning and Analysis Tool comparing the emissions of the propane appliances they chose to their electric alternatives.

Installations include:

• propane furnaces

• water heaters

• fireplaces

• cooktops & ovens

• clothes dryers

• outdoor grills

• standby generators

The 18 million pounds of CO2 that the Propane Construction Incentive Program helped eliminate is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from any of the following:

• 1,839 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.

• 1,038,249,446 smartphones charged.

• 1,075 homes’ energy use for one year.

In 2022, the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) Propane Construction Incentive Program helped eliminate more than 18 million pounds of

carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent from the environment annually. This statistic nearly doubled the program’s impact in 2021.

“Installing propane appliances in more

The Propane Construction Incentive Program offers a baseline incentive of up to $1,000 to builders or remodelers who upgrade to propane appliances in a new build or a remodel. Applicants can also earn a $500 bonus for installing propane appliances specific to their region of the country. Funding is limited, and certain restrictions apply, so complete your application today at  Propane.com/ConstructionIncentive.

“Builders and remodelers who participate in the Propane Construction Incentive Program and install propane

41 Texas Project Awards in 2022

appliances in their customers’ homes are not only creating a competitive advantage for themselves, but they are also helping decrease greenhouse gas emissions,” said Cordill. “Propane is available right now, and its use is having an immediate, positive impact on the environment.”

About the Propane Construction Incentive Program

For 2023, $400,000 is remaining in the Propane Construction Incentive Program. The Propane Education & Research Council will pay builders and remodelers up to $1,000 for each new home or remodel completed between January and December in the current calendar year if the builder or remodeler includes qualifying propane appliances. They can also earn a $500 bonus for installing propane appliances specified for your region. That’s $1,500 per home.

Who Can Apply

In addition to meeting the baseline propane installation requirements, participants must also meet the following criteria1:

You are a U.S. builder or remodeler and be at least 18 years of age.

The homes for which you are applying were built or remodeled between January and December in the current calendar year. Incentive funding is limited, so the sooner you submit your application, the better.

How It Works

Qualifying and selected construction professionals receive a monetary incentive2 for building or remodeling homes using propane appliances. 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.

Verification of installed appliances should be provided by a completed gas check or similar form performed by a propane supplier.

Earn Up To $1,000 In Incentives

At least one of these applications is required

• Boiler, Furnace, Hydronic Air Handler, or Combi Boiler (not a heat

pump) $500

• Water Heater (tankless or storage tank) $300

• Hybrid Heat Pump with Propane Gas Emergency Heat $300

Additional propane applications ($100 Per appliance include) cooktop or range, clothes dryer, standby generator, fireplace or gas log set, and propane gas piping for outdoor equipment.

Earn A $500 Regional Bonus

No matter where in the country you’re

building, including Texas, you can earn an extra $500 on top of the baseline incentive. For the South-Central region (which includes Texas), to get the bonus, builders can add a furnace or a backup to the air source heat pump.

For questions regarding specific scenarios or what qualifies, contact PERC at 202-452-8975 or constructionincentive@ propane.com.

To learn more about the incentive program and qualifications, as well as propane applications, visit Propane.com/

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Let Your Voice Be Heard

Join TPGA on Capitol Hill this June for Propane Days in DC

advocacy day, Propane Days.

The U.S. Capitol and Congressional offices are once again open to the public, and this year marks a return to the traditional advocacy day programming, including a federal legislative breakfast and briefing on the association’s top legislative priorities and best practices for Congressional meetings, in-person meetings on Capitol Hill lead by the state propane gas associations and a Congressional Reception with Congressional offices and leaders.

areas by reducing burdens on propane marketers associated with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and providing agriculture producers with low-interest loans for additional propane tanks in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization.

• And other pertinent legislative matters.

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) are excited to announce Propane Days 2023 on June 4-7 in Washington, D.C. NPGA will host its Annual Board of Directors meetings, as well as the Marketers Section and other meetings, guest speakers, and the annual

On Capitol Hill, with the help of their state association, NPGA members from Texas, as well as across the nation, will advocate for the most pressing issues facing the propane industry like:

• Fighting back against recent government actions to limit consumer choice for energy sources and household appliances, such as stoves, furnaces and water heaters.

• Promoting propane storage in rural

The advocacy day will end with a reception on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn House Office Building, which will be attended by numerous members of Congress, their staff and the propane industry.

Schedule (subject to change)

Sunday, June 4, 2023

• 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Presidential Forum

Monday, June 5, 2023

• 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Marketer & State/District Directors Meeting

• 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. NPGA Board Meeting

• 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. Board Reception

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

• 7:30 a.m. Propane Days Breakfast

• 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Legislative Briefing

• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meetings on Capitol Hill

• 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Congressional Reception in Rayburn Cafeteria

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

• Optional additional Congressional meeting day and Senate Coffees. No NPGA scheduled events this day.

TPGA and NPGA invite you to us for this exciting event in Washington, DC, in June.

“So much has changed since the last Propane Days three years ago, and now is possibly the most critical time in our industry’s history to represent ourselves and communicate our message with the in-person Capitol Hill meetings. With numerous federal legislative and regulatory proposals and agendas being pushed impacting our way of life, I encourage all to make the trip to have our voices heard,” said NPGA Chairman-Elect Tom Van Buren Meritum, Chief Meritum Energy Holdings LP based out of San Antonio.

To register for Propane Days, visit https:// www.npga.org/event/npga-summer-boardmeeting-propane-days/.

Inside the Industry

Sign Up to Engage Texas Builders

Join ProCOT at Sunbelt Builders Expo

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Quantifiable Hazard of Cooking with Electric

of kitchen fires, injuries and deaths. And an unattended appliance was the leading factor contributing to a kitchen fire.

The Sunbelt Builders Expo is one of the largest building industry events in North America. Held annually in Texas, the Expo attracts thousands of builders, developers, architects and industry professionals from all over the United States. The event features an expansive exhibit hall, showcasing the latest products, services and technologies from leading industry suppliers. The Sunbelt Builders Expo is a mustattend event for anyone involved in the building and construction industry, including energy providers like propane retailers.

Join the Propane Council of Texas in Booth #800 at the Sunbelt Builders Show on July 13-14, 2023, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX.

Sign up to work the ProCOT booth by visiting the calendar section of the ProCOT website at www.procot.org. Badges are available first come, first serve. One per Texas propane company.

PEOPLE IN PROPANE

With so much recent focus by the government and media on cooktop hazards, let’s take a moment to reflect on a real, quantifiable danger in the kitchen. We’re talking about fires. Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conducted an in-depth study on the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, namely kitchen fires. Published in 2020, NFPA looked at a 5-year stretch of fires in America and found that cooking caused an average of 172,900 reported home fires per year. These kitchen fires resulted in 4,820 injuries and 550 deaths per year.

Results of the study include that cooking oil, fat, grease and related substances account for a majority

The study also delved deep into equipment involved in kitchen fires. Ranges and cooktops were involved in 61% of reported cooking fires, 78% of injuries and 87% of deaths. Ovens and microwaves showed much lower rates. A key finding was that electric ranges are more hazardous than gas ranges. As per the NFPA study: Although 60% of households cook with electricity, 4 out of 5 (80%) ranges or cooktops involved in reported cooking fires were powered by electricity.

• The rate of cooking fires is 2.6 times higher with electric ranges than gas ranges.

• The rate of injury by fire is 4.8 times higher with electric ranges than gas ranges.

• The rate of death by fire is 3.4 times higher with electric ranges than gas ranges.

• The average dollar loss was 3.8 times higher in households with electric ranges.

Reprinted with permission from the National Propane Gas Association.

Propane: Planting a Cleaner Future

Ron Layland, 78, of Cleburne, TX, passed away on April 3, 2023. Mr. Layland was the owner and operator of Layland LP Gas from 1973-1990. He was president of TPGA from 1986-87. He was a huge advocate and supporter of the Railroad and Layland museums and Cleburne in general. He joined the Lions Club in 1976 and logged 46 years of perfect attendance. He started four of the club’s main fundraisers – White Cane, Rattlesnake Roundup, Wild Game Dinner and Auction, and the annual truck raffle. He served as Lions Club president from 1983-84, secretary five times, director, and every vice president position. He was named Lion of the Year twice. Ron also served several positions with the Organ and Eye Bank board, extension chairman International Understanding board, and Leader Dogs for the Blind Chairman. He holds the record for the most guide dog trainees in one year at 17 and the record for the most funds raised in a year. He had a hand in establishing and assisting in the forming of over 100 charter clubs in Texas, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana. He served on numerous boards and committees for the city of Cleburne, Cleburne Chamber of Commerce, Cleburne Community Education, Meals on Wheels North Central Texas and Cleburne Yellow Jacket Booster Club, United Way of Johnson County, Walls Regional Hospital, and the Cleburne Christian Business Club.

Propane's earth-friendly story includes a tree-planting program in U.S. national forests. Trees are not only beautiful and majestic, but trees produce oxygen, reduce carbon in the atmosphere, preserve soil and water, and support wildlife. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s Path to Zero podcast guest chooses a national forest for a tree to be planted in their honor. 64 trees have been dedicated to national forests in 26 states including Texas.

New PERC Learning Center App Launches

The new PERC Learning Center app allows you and your propane employees to access all the educational resources in The Learning Center administered by the National Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) wherever you go. Use your iPad, phone or tablet to take hundreds of propane training classes, from cathodic protection to cylinder requalification.

To get started, download the PERC app for Apple or Android. Once the app is downloaded, you will need to log in using your Learning Center username and password, enter your phone number and click to save when prompted.

You can additionally watch a video highlighting the vast array of courses available and see why more than 50,000 propane industry professionals already have a Learning Center account.

Don’t Risk Your Favorite ProCOT Projects Getting Cut

Complete the PERC Sales Report

help ensure Texas receives an accurate amount of state rebate funding from 20 percent of PERC’s annual revenues and to see that your assessment dollars are used in the most efficient way to support market trends.

Individual responses are kept confidential and anonymous. Only summary statistics are presented like appliance rebates, duty to warn and others in the final report, and data is never disclosed to third parties.

Your favorite ProCOT projects and programs like appliance rebates, duty to warn and other could be risk of not being funded next; ensure you report today at propane.com/salesreport.

If you’re unsure which person at your company is responsible for submitting, please email PERC at salesreport@propane.com.

URGENT! Texas propane retailers are asked to respond to the annual retail propane sales report directly on PERC’s website, propane.com/salesreport.

In March, every propane retailer was sent an email and a letter directing them to visit a secure portal on propane.com to complete their company’s report for 2022 retail propane sales.

Submit your survey by May 31 to

3.

CALENDAR

MAY 5

Spring/Summer 2023

Propane Living Deadline

6 El Paso!

Vote NO to Prop K

9-10

PERC Advisory Committee Meeting

Charlotte, NC

15

TPGA Scholarship Deadline

16

TCEQ Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program (GAFF) Deadline

23-24

TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings

Waco, TX

29

TPGA & PSC Office closed for Memorial Day

31

Propane Sales Survey Due to PERC

JUNE

4-7

NPGA Board Meeting & Propane Days

Washington, DC

27

Gray, Gray & Gray Survey Deadline

27-28

HVAC Train the Trainer at Collin County Community College

McKinney, TX

30

Crossroads Expo & Conference

Early Bird Deadline

JULY 4

TPGA & PSC Office Closed for Independence Day

11-12

PERC Council Meeting

Big Sky, MT

13-14

Sunbelt Builders Show (ProCOT booth 800)

Fort Worth, TX

THE PROVEN AUTOGAS SOLUTION FOR THE PROPANE INDUSTRY

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DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGY

Propane-Powered Heat Tools for Heavy-Duty Shrink Wrapping Jobs

Dr. Shrink, Inc., a global leader in heat tools within the shrink wrap market, relies on propane to get the job done. All of their heat guns use propane power.

The Shrinkfast and Ripack heat tools are their two flagship models for the most heavy-duty jobs the shrink wrap world can throw at you. Items that their tools are prepared to shrink wrap include (but are not limited to) boats, construction sites, modular homes, and roofing.

The use and application of shrink wrap to protect against additional structure damage after natural disasters, or while remediation/restoration work is being done, is becoming a popular choice in this industry. Shrink wrap can be used to easily cover entire

buildings, roofs, or other specific areas that are damaged.

For beginners and seasonal shrink wrap enthusiasts, the Rapid Shrink 100 (RS100) and Shrinkfast MZ (SHFASTMZ) are the recommended heat tools that provide enough power to get the job done, but are more beginner-friendly.

The Shrinkfast MZ Heat Tool generates 50,000 BTUs of power. The less intimidating flame provides an even heat that will eliminate those annoying holes created by the powerful industrial strength heat tools. A standard 40" x 48" x 60" pallet can be shrink wrapped in less than 4 minutes!

The more industrial option, the Ripack 3000, which retails at $780, puts out 260,000 BTUs of heat.

All of Dr. Shrink’s tools can use a variety of propane tank sizes. In fact, they sell composite propane tanks supplemental to their product on their site in 11-pound, 17-pound and 22-pound options.

The BTUs generated and propane used directly correlates to how heavy the user’s finger presses the trigger (much like a barbecue tank depends on the temperature setting), so the length a propane tank lasts varies depending on both the user and the job. But any size of portable tank can be used for all of Dr. Shrink's product.

For information and examples of uses, go to: dr-shrink.com. Their Facebook page additionally shows you many real-life examples of ways shrink wrap is used for industrial products.

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