October 2020 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Texas Propane October 2020

Volume 76 No. 10

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

Duty to Warn Registration Open

What Transfer of Motor Fuel Regulation Means for LPG? Fight Electrification: Environmental Messaging Tools Students Awarded Nearly $20,000 in Scholarships

Maintaining the Legacy You’ve Built

You have worked hard to build your business. Pinnacle Propane is committed to preserving your legacy.

Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees. We focus on providing local service to our customers and empowering our employees via competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and advancement opportunities.

As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.

Bill Webb Senior Vice President Business Development 936-329-1440

Matt Terry Director Business Development 210-560-5418

Call us today for more information and a confidential assessment of your business.

About Pinnacle Propane: Pinnacle Propane is a leading propane distributor in the U.S. and is part of a global group of

LPG companies owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Pinnacle Propaneʼs operations include bulk gas storage and delivery, cylinder filling and distribution, and community gas systems. Learn more at www.pinnaclepropane.com.

TexasPropane October 2020

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com

Features What the Transfer of Motor Fuel to TDLR means for LPG?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A Conversation with TDLR Head

Propane Service Corporation

Highlight Propane’s Clean Energy Attributes with PERC’s New Environmental Toolkit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com

Top 10 Reasons All-Electric Is A Bad Idea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Risky Proposition Of Rushing Electrification Six Outstanding Students Awarded Nearly $20,000 in Scholarships. . . . 16

Publisher

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Old Farmer’s Almanac Calls for Mild Winter, Spring for Texas. . . . . . . . . 18 Better Business Bureau Scam Tips: Protect Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ProCOT News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Fall is Here Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director It must be fall because pumpkin-spiced everything is showing up everywhere imaginable, and the temperatures are becoming a little milder.

With September behind us, a lot has happened with regulations for the propane industry here in Texas. This month’s feature article explains one of those big changes that took effect recently. This agency change will affect those of you who sell autogas, but it is worth a read from the Texas industry as a whole.

Recent research done for NPGA and PERC indicates consumers view propane in a more favorable light than other non-renewable energy types, but electricity tends to have a stronger association with environmental benefits. PERC has responded by creating a propane environmental toolkit and other resources to better equip the industry with the resources to tell our story better.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has a prediction for this winter and spring nationwide. Since its weather forecasts have been about 80 percent accurate throughout the years, we have included the information in this issue, and focus mostly on Texas. Note that it is important to see the predictions for the rest of the country for

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a supply point of view.

As always, we have incorporated important safety meeting topics for your employees for both residential and bulk deliveries. Even if your employees have been delivering propane for years, it serves to reiterate safety precautions and steps they should take to keep themselves and customers safe, as well as, the customer’s property.

Also this month we introduce you to this year’s six TPGA scholarship winners.

Learn more about these exceptional students and what the future holds for them.

2019-2020 TPGA Board of Directors President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 President Elect: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 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: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 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: Open

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

District 13 Alternate: Open 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: Open District 16 Alternate: Open 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 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, SHV-Pinnacle Propane, 210-560-5418 Vice President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Sr. Vice President: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 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: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, 972-406-3817 Assoc. At Large Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Nominating Chair: John Kelly, Kelly Propane 940-586-1208 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

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Autogas station Hamburg, Geremany

Feature

What the Transfer of Motor Fuel to TDLR means for LPG? A Conversation with TDLR Head Effective September 1, 2020, oversight of “Motor Fuel” Metering and Quality was transferred from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) as the result of Senate Bill 2119.

The Texas Propane Gas Association worked with TDA and TDLR staff over the last several months to better understand how this “motor fuel” regulatory authority change will impact the propane industry.

Check out TPGA’s Q & A with TDLR Executive Director Brian Francis on how this shift will affect propane industry members who may sell propane autogas. Thanks to Mr. Francis and his staff for taking the time to answer our many questions.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Pictured is an autogas station in Hamburg, Germany. Not a site you see every day in the U.S, but TPGA wanted to bring your attention that this new transfer is only specific to motor fuel.

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

7

Tell us a little basic information about the TDLR. For instance, what is the agency’s charge and how many other business sectors does TDLR regulate?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses and regulates 39 different occupations and more than 1 million licensees. We are a small agency with big responsibilities. In carrying out our mission, we rely on our innovative, hard-working and down-to-earth staff to protect the health and safety of all Texans and ensure they are served by qualified and competent professionals. We believe in providing consistent, predictable, common-sense guidance to our customers at all times.

Our philosophy is that smaller, smarter government—which is efficient, innovative, and minimizes interference with the business affairs of licensees—best serves the citizens of Texas.

Tell us a little about you. What has been your journey to TDLR? After my father retired from the Air Force, we landed in my parents’ hometown of Giddings. Small-town life probably shaped me more than anything. I know what respect, hard work and kindness look like. I saw that first-hand with my mom and dad.

I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southwest Texas State University with a major in General Business and a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University with a concentration in Financial Management.

I became the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on September 1, 2016 and had been Deputy Executive Director of the agency since October 18, 1999. Before joining TDLR, I was the Assistant Administrator of the Texas Real Estate Commission and a Senior Securities Analyst at the State Securities Board. I started my public service at the Texas Savings and Loan Department.

Regulating Motor Fuel Metering & Quality is a recent development. Tell us about the transition from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) regarding regulatory authority for “motor fuel.” What will this regulation look like for gasoline and diesel gas stations? vs. propane providers.

What will propane providers be required to do if they sell propane as an on-road motor fuel?

Senate Bill 2119 (86R) transferred oversight of Motor Fuel Metering and Quality from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to TDLR. TDLR has granted an initial 6-month extension of the registration expiration date for currently registered motor fuel devices with accounts that expired on or after August 1, 2020. When the new registration is due, facilities will register their motor fuel devices per type and flow rates. Facilities must have a 2-year Device Performance Review (DPR) to register or renew (this was previously known as calibration). The DPR must be performed by a service company and technician licensed by TDLR. Starting in 2021, facilities will be issued a 2-year registration for motor fuel devices. Fuel Quality fees are included in the

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

2-year registration fees as indicated per device type.

Facilities and Service Companies are required to report skimmer(s) found at a facility within 24 hours of discovery using TDLR’s online Skimmer Complaint form (https://www.tdlr. texas.gov/skimmers). Merchants are also required to report to the local law enforcement immediately.

Service Companies are licensed with TDLR by device category and will have 2-year licenses. All controlling persons of the service company must undergo a criminal history background check. The company must have liability insurance and maintain a certificate of calibration for each test standard per device category.

Service Technicians, who perform Device Performance Reviews, will be licensed for 2 years and must undergo a criminal history background check. Technicians must pay a $30 fee, and are not required to take exams for renewal; technicians are only required to take an exam if they are a new applicant or are seeking to add a new device.

Currently, all LPG meters and scales, regardless of use, are still required to register with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) since it is extremely rare for a meter to have a dedicated use just for on-road propane motor fuel unless it is a private stations like school district refueling their own buses. A majority of fuel pumped from these devices is for residential and commercial businesses. Only 1.6% of odorized propane sales in Texas is attributed to “on-road” motor fuel. That said. If the propane retailer registered that device with the TDA, do they also have to register that same device again with TDLR, or is that device exempt from TDLR oversight since it is already registered with the TDA and subject to registration, inspection, and calibration?

Facilities operating devices that deliver LPG for use as a motor fuel must register with TDLR. Facilities operating motor fuel devices will register by device type with associated fee and will be issued a 2-year registration. Beginning in September 2021, LPG devices will need to have a 2-year Device Performance Review to register or renew.

I understand there is a 6-month waiver to register with TDLR; if current TDA registration expires on or after August 1, 2020, can you tell our readers more about that?

TDLR will be sending out a certification letter to all LPG fa-

cilities that have devices registered. The retailer must respond to notify TDLR whether they sell LPG as a motor fuel. It is important that the business responds, especially if they do not sell LPG as a motor fuel, they will be removed from the TDLR licensing database and they will not receive any further correspondence or renewal invoices. If the facility responds that they do sell LPG for motor fuel, or fails to respond, a renewal notice will be sent prior to the expiration of their registration.

Currently, all LPG meters are required and will still be required to have a TDA sticker. Will those same LPG meters also need to have a TDLR sticker? What is there is only room for one?

If a device is delivering LPG as motor fuel, it is required to have a TDLR consumer information sticker. If it is also used to deliver LPG for another use, it must have both the TDLR and TDA consumer information stickers.

I know this is not ideal. Do the best you can with placement. We will exercise common sense.

With limited propane motor fuel sales in the state of Texas and not all marketers sell motor fuel. For those propane marketers that receive a notice from TDLR but do not sell motor fuel, what should they do? Is there a form they should complete to report they do not sell motor fuel?

TDLR will be sending out a certification letter to all LPG facilities that have devices registered. The retailer must respond to notify TDLR whether they sell LPG as a motor fuel. It is important that the business responds, especially if they do not sell LPG, and if they do not, they will be removed from the TDLR licensing database and they will not receive any further correspondence or renewal invoices. If the facility responds that they do sell LPG for motor fuel, or fails to respond, a renewal notice will be sent prior to the expiration of their registration.

Some propane marketers only federal taxable motor fuel use is fuel for their own vehicles. Since they sell the fuel, many marketers only motor fuel use is due to refueling their own vehicles. Will those propane providers have to register the device if the only motor fuel they use is for their own vehicles?

Devices used to deliver LPG for use by private companies in company-owned vehicles using company-owned equipment do not need to be registered. A propane marketer that delivers LPG in bulk must be registered with TDLR if metering measured amounts at retail.

Tell us more about the Motor Fuel Metering & Quality working group and how can the propane industry can get involved.

This workgroup is so important. They are made if of people who are in the motor fuel industry. The statewide workgroup provides input, advice and recommendations to TDLR to help with rules, criminal conviction guidelines and penalty amounts. You can find a list of workgroup members on the TDLR website (www.tdlr.texas.

September 21, 2020

TDLR ID

LPG Company ADDRESS CITY RE: Liquid Petroleum Gas Registration Dear Sir/Madam: The Motor Fuel Metering and Quality (FMQ) Program was transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) on September 1, 2020. Your company is listed as a facility that has at least one registered Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) device.

If your facility sells LPG for use as a motor fuel, your device(s) must also be registered with TDLR. If you do not sell LPG as a motor fuel, you are not required to register your device with TDLR. For TDLR to determine whether you must continue to register with the Department and receive renewal invoices, you must answer the following question and return a copy of this letter. If you fail to respond, your facility will receive a renewal invoice from TDLR when your current LPG device registration expires.

Do you sell liquid petroleum gas for use as motor fuel in highway vehicles?

YES ________ Signature:

NO ________ Title:

First, Middle Name, Last, Suffix (Jr., Sr., III)

Printed Name:

Date:

First, Middle Name, Last, Suffix (Jr., Sr., III)

Please return a copy of this letter within 30 days from receipt of this letter. You may send it by fax to (512) 463-5984 or via secure email through our website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/help.

If you have questions about this notice, you can contact us by phone at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202, or email Tools.Team@tdlr.texas.gov.

For more information about the FMQ program and to sign up for updates, visit the program webpage: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/fmq/fmq.htm.

Thank you, Licensing Division Motor Fuel Metering and Quality Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

gov/fmq/fmqgroup.htm). Be sure to sign up for important notices relating to Motor Fuel Metering & Quality, especially meeting notices for the workgroup (https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ TXDLR/subscriber/new) . Meetings generally happen in Austin, but during the pandemic, they have been held via videoconference and carried live on TDLR’s YouTube channel. In “normal” times, visitors are encouraged to attend meetings in person.

Anything else you’d like to add to help propane providers during this new regulation?

TDLR is here to serve. We do not come in with an attitude that we have all the answers, but instead we believe in listening and learning. Our employees work hard every day to foster a predictable regulatory climate by minimizing government interference while ensuring the safety of all Texans. We will do our part to streamline regulation of propane providers when it’s possible and we will work even harder to earn your trust.

Questions? Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) members can call TPGA at (800)32-LPGAS for any regulatory and compliance questions whether it be on LPG meters and scales with the Texas Department of Agriculture or inquiries on motor fuel regulation with the TDLR.

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

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PERC Corner

Highlight Propane’s Clean Energy Attributes with PERC’s New Environmental Toolkit Fight Electrification

One vision of a cleaner, more sustainable planet is pushing out all traditional fossil fuels. Nationwide, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is already tracking more than 600 proposals at the state and local level to limit or outright ban the use of gas in favor of electricity. NPGA is seeing a lot of action in more liberal communities, especially college towns and more affluent suburbs, to either ban gas connections in new construction, or eliminate the possibility of gas in any sort of renovation.

NPGA is part of a coalition with about a dozen other groups – including the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, AARP, and others – to challenge these proposals on the state and local level.

Meanwhile, the debate rages over the benefits and shortcomings of wind, solar, biomass, nuclear and a dozen more sources to provide clean, affordable energy today, tomorrow and into the future.

Realistically, there is no single answer

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

or energy source that will solve our complex challenges. But propane’s low-carbon, high-energy output produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most competitors, including electricity.

That means our time-proven fuel can help meet the world’s increasing energy needs while reducing carbon in our atmosphere.

It can be part of the solution.

Yet propane is largely missing in the influential forums of scientific and academic discourse where our energy future gets evaluated. It’s often an afterthought among green policy makers at the state and local levels. And even loyal propane customers might be surprised to know the many environmental benefits their trusted fuel delivers.

It’s a shortcoming that needs to be bolstered across that wide spectrum of audiences.

“We have the science to prove that propane delivers climate-protecting power.

We can make a strong case that meeting America’s growing energy demand and climate-protecting goals requires a smart balance of power solutions, and that propane has a vital role to play,” says Tina Wilson, PERC’s senior vice president of

communications. “We need to get that message out.”

Recent market research done for NPGA and PERC indicates consumers view propane in a more favorable light than other non-renewable energy types. But it also shows that electricity tends to have a stronger association with environmental benefits.

Those misperceptions need to be aggressively challenged, according to Wilson.

“Our industry members need to be able to defend propane as a viable solution within the communities they serve. They need to be able to have an informed discussion with concerned consumers who make energy choices in their homes and businesses,” Wilson says.

In this new world of electrification, fossil fuels are being demonized. The Propane Education & Research (PERC) has responded by creating a propane environmental toolkit and other resources to better equip the industry with the messages and resources that help us all tell that story better regardless of who we’re talking to. the Propane Education & Research Council has compiled this environmental messaging kit that includes marketing tools and communication resources emphasizing the environmental benefits of propane.

Some of the items you will find in this tool kit include:

Propane & The Environment Video —A video showcasing propane’s positive impact on the environment and its role as a clean energy source for a variety of uses.

This video can be used on your company website or shared on social media.

New Customizable Clean Energy Door Hanger Available. PERC has produced another customizable door hanger that propane marketers can leave behind with their customers to reinforce the message that they’ve made the smart decision to use a clean energy for their home. This can be personalized with the driver’s signature and company information.

Customizable op-eds, letters to the editor and guest columns for your local publication to share propane’s environmental benefits.

The toolkit also includes event resources like handouts.

Download these resources at https:// propane.com/resource-catalog and search “environment” Propane Environment Public Page.

You can also check PERC’s public facing page tackling environmental issues at https://propane.com/environment/.

There, site visitors will find stories, fact sheets, myth busting and more.

NPGA Fight Electrification Tool Kit

In addition to PERC’s environmental resources, in 2020 the National Propane

MEMBER

Gas Association has also introduced a tool kit to fight electrification that it has added to Member section of its website to assist members.

The toolkit includes a variety of tools you can use to combat the push towards electrification and/or local bans on the use of gas or installation of gas infrastructure including sample testimony, answers to questions you might get from local officials, and other helpful resources.

NPGA members can go to www.npga. org to view and download all materials.

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October 2020 •

Texas Propane

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Feature

Top 10 Reasons All-Electric Is A Bad Idea The Risky Proposition Of Rushing Electrification

In a recent article published on PERC’s Environmental News, Matt Chester, a Department of Energy consultant breaks down the risks of rushing to electrification. The story may give you some talking points when talking to your local officials.

1. Electric systems are awfully wasteful. The most climate-friendly way to approach energy is not to waste any of

it, but centralized electric systems actually bring with them great inefficiencies. These inefficiencies start at the source, with EIA noting that more than 60% of the energy used for electricity generation is lost in the conversion process. Add to that the 8% to 15% of the power that’s lost due to inefficiencies during transmission and distribution. And if an operator needs to use

energy storage, which becomes more and more necessary as intermittent renewable generation is added the grid, tack on another 10% to 60% of energy losses during that round trip.

2. Weather makes electrical transmission even more inefficient. The dream of a 100% electric-based energy system, full of renewable energy, ignores weather-related challenges. Clean sources of electricity, solar, wind and even hydropower are all reliant on weather patterns cooperating, which history has shown is tough to count on. But further, the heat of the summer months will lead to greater inefficiencies in transmission. This impact can amount to transmission capacity dropping by 2% to 6% during the summer, at a time when the grid must already contend with downed power lines, excess demand from cooling needs, and even in-

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terruptions from hurricanes and wildfires.

3. Coal-powered electricity isn’t leaving quickly enough, elevating the carbon intensity of the grid. Transitioning to 100% electric assumes that fossil fuels can be wiped from the grid. However, coal-fired power plants still represent a significant portion of the nation’s generating capacity and account for nearly one-quarter of total annual generation.

Even regions that are forward-thinking on clean energy can’t just shake coal out of their systems. For example, in Austin, Texas — the place Elon Musk dubbed an ecological paradise — the dirty secret is that the Fayette Power Plant provides a big chunk of the city’s power. So, even ecological paradises would find that as soon as they shifted to all-electric, they would end up replacing coal with gas and other fuels, resulting in lower, but not zero carbon emissions.

4. Electricity simply isn’t practical for all energy needs. Over the past decade, innovation and progress have made the idea of electric vehicles not only feasible but also a practical choice for many people. That shift represents a great suc-

cess in replacing gasoline with electricity, but it doesn’t mean we should put the carriage before the electric-powered horse for all means of transportation. For large electric ships, studies show to sail from Asia to Europe, 40% of the ship’s cargo weight would have to be replaced with batteries.

Replacing long-haul trucking with electric vehicles in the EU would require 10% of the continent’s power generated alone.

And given the inefficiency of burning fossil fuels to create power and the stubborn part of the generating capacity stuck on fossil fuels, experts say this change would be economically and ecologically pointless. Electricity may work for some use cases, but many industries would not thrive under an all-electric paradigm.

5. Common “clean electricity” sources, such as biomass, carry environmental questions of their own. Much of the transition to all “clean electricity” turns out to be more accounting exercise than actual benefit to the environment, and the biomass industry represents that issue well. Biomass supporters claim that burning trees, wood mass and other biofuels is technically carbon neutral, because all the carbon that is

emitted was first vacuumed out of the atmosphere by the plants in the first place, meaning there is no net effect. Experts call that conclusion into question. Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, notes, “Burning wood to generate electricity expels a big puff of carbon into the atmosphere now.

Eventually, if the forest regrows, that carbon will be sucked back up. But eventually will be too long … we’re going to break the back of the climate system in the next few decades. For all intents and purposes, in the short term, wood is just another fossil fuel, and in climate terms, the short term is mostly what matters.” So even the clean electricity sources we’re looking to shift to could be doing more damage than good in the long term.

6. Rural and disadvantaged populations have specific reliability needs electricity can’t meet. The energy needs between rural and urban residents come with inherent differences, and so the best solutions for them will naturally differ as well. Across the world, 940 million people don’t have access to electricity. Although that might not seem like a problem in the U.S., many rural and low-in-

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

13

come areas across the U.S. find themselves with poor electricity service, even when it’s available. Within these areas, access to nonelectric sources of energy means they can continue to heat their homes, cook their food and ensure reliable energy use.

Given the limited amount of funds available for the electric sector, money in these regions would be better spent to tackle a whole-energy system approach that recognizes electricity isn’t always the best option for them.

7. The grid isn’t equipped to handle full-blown electrification. Clean electricity generated is only as good as it can be reliably and affordably delivered to end users, and the state of that transmission and distribution system today is well behind where it should be. In the rush to advocate for an all-electric system, advocates may be overlooking the reality that the deployment of electric cars, heat pumps and other electric technology is poised to increase power consumption by 40% by 2050. Given that the present-day demand on the grid has led to blackouts, brownouts and unreliable power, this shift towards greater electricity consumption will only make these painful interruptions more frequent.

8. Individual buildings need energy resilience. If a customer, a building or even an entire community are forced to rely just on electricity for all of their energy needs — heating and cooling, food storage and preparation, transportation, etc. — then a single point of failure can

interrupt all of those systems. Customers are unlikely to accept a nonresilient energy system and the idea that all their modern amenities could go down in the blink of an eye because of a single downed powerline. In contrast, customers who still retain a gas line will still have heating and cooking options, and customers without electric cars can still fill up at the gasoline station.

9. All-electric homes, on average, have greater carbon footprints. Assuming the goal of addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions, the move to electrify all homes and actors on the grid is a short-sighted idea. When comparing all-electric homes with homes of comparable size and profile that use natural gas, studies find that the gas homes are responsible for about one-third fewer greenhouse gas emissions. So, if you’re seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of a building, required electrification is not considered a win. And given the common knowledge that the time remaining is narrowing to suitably address climate change before the effects are irreversible, pumping extra emissions into the atmosphere now does those efforts no favors.

10. Customer preference doesn’t lie with electricity for many applications. Consumer choice is a good thing, and the simple fact remains that for many applications requiring energy, customers prefer the efficacy and results they get with gas. Surveys show that almost 70%

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of customers prefer natural gas for home heating, water heating and cooking. Similarly, in homes with cold environments, many customers refuse to give up their wood-burning household heating because of the ability to store the wood in their home and the comfort this heating method gives them. Forcing all these nonelectric uses to be electrified limits application, effectiveness and utility that these customers desire for important reasons.

For the full article, please visit https://propane. com/environment/stories/the-top-10-reasonsall-electric-is-a-bad-idea/.

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Texas Propane

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Feature

Six Outstanding Students Awarded Nearly $20,000 in Scholarships The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Scholarship Foundation awarded $18,000 in scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year, in the amount of $3,000 each to six outstanding students. Narrowing down such an exceptional applicant pool was challenging for third-party reviewer Access College America, especially when it is composed of so many highly qualified candidates.

Since 1997, the TPGA Scholarship Foundation has awarded $145,000 in scholarships to members’ children and grandchildren from Texas.

TPGA awards a scholarship for students seeking to attend a 2-year college, 4-year university, or technical school.

Learn more about 2020-2021 scholarship winners: Chloe Tang is following in her sister’s footsteps, and like her sister, Desiree, is earning a TPGA scholarship. Chloe is attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she will be entering as a freshman and majoring in electrical engineering.

Chloe is the daughter of Sandy Tang, of AmeriGas in Houston. Chloe attended Langham Creek High School in Houston and graduated as Valedictorian. In high school, she was president of the National Honor Society and selected to be on the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Advisory Council.

Chloe was a member of many school organizations, including being on an award-winning Science Olympiad team, where she earned three state medals, and Mu Alpha Theta, where she tutored kids in math. Outside of school, she worked throughout her high school years for Kumon as Lead Assistant Instructor.

Matthew Pevehouse is attending Hill College in Hillsboro, where he will be majoring in business to carry on the tradition of helping to run his family’s propane business, Independent Oil Co. - Dixie LP-Gas, also located in Hillsboro. His great grandfather started running the company in 1944, which is currently run by his grandfather, Lynn, and uncle, Chad Gray. Matthew has also worked for the company for the last four years.

Matthew is a graduate of Abbott High School in Abbott, Texas, where he excelled in sports. He was a member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams. Matthew also played select baseball for the Ft. Worth Gators.

In addition to sports, Matthew was a member of several school organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Farmers of America.

Jacie Oltjendiers will be attending the Home of the Fightin’ Aggies at Texas A&M University as a freshman, where she will major in marketing.

Her grandmother, Roslyn “Roz” Ortmann, works in customer service for Smith Gas Company of Floresville, Texas.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Jacie graduated from Floresville High School in the spring of 2020. In high school, she was a section leader in the Tiger Marching Band and extremely active in several organizations, including the Student Council, Gifted and Talented, National Honor Society, the FHS Theatre Company, and was the president of the Thespian Society. She also held other officer positions in other school organizations.

In addition to busy school extracurriculars, Jacie worked multiple jobs and was very involved in her local community.

TPGA member company Shaw Butane has produced two 2020-2021 scholarship recipients.

First, from Shaw Butane is Braxton Terry. Braxton is the son of Brandy Harrell, who works as an office assistant for the Groveton propane business. Braxton’s brother, Haden, is also a former recipient of a TPGA Scholarship.

Braxton is attending Sul Ross State University as a freshman, where he will pursue a degree in Sports Management. He would like to someday be a high school football coach and later go on to coach college football.

Braxton graduated from Groveton High School in Groveton, Texas, in the spring of 2020, where he was an All-Star Athlete playing football, basketball, track, and field as well as baseball.

When he wasn’t busy with high school sports, he served as a Little League baseball and softball umpire.

In addition to sports, Braxton was active in many other school organizations, even serving as an officer in the National BETA Club, the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.

Jordan Brooks also has ties to Shaw Butane. Her dad, Daniel Brooks, works for Shaw Butane in Groveton as a technician.

While in high school, Jordan was an all-star athlete, playing on the volleyball, basketball, softball, cheer, and track and field teams.

Jordan was very active in many other school organizations, including FFA, National BETA Club, Student Council, Family,

Career, and Community Leaders of America.

Jordan will be attending Sam Houston State University this fall, where she is majoring in accounting and hopes to one day become a CPA. Jordan is currently working for Trinity County Appraisal District prepping for her degree in accounting while balancing school.

Cassidy Rollins is the daughter of Angie Rollins, an office clerk at Buster Brown Propane in New Caney, Texas.

During this 2020-2021 college school year, Cassidy will be a sophomore at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where she will major in Business.

Cassidy hopes to one day own a cheer gym with her business degree, a love she discovered while cheerleading at New Caney High School and coaching youth cheer over the years.

In addition to cheering, Cassidy was on the tennis team, Student Council, and a member of the National Honor Society in her high school years.

At Sam Houston State, she is a member of Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) sorority, where there was participation in a multitude of philanthropic projects like Domestic Violence Awareness. She is active in intramural sports in college, including volleyball, racquetball, flag football and kickball.

Cassidy is no stranger to hard work balancing her high school and college work and holding down a job, so we know she will do well in her future endeavors, as will all of our 2020-2021 scholarship recipients.

Shop Amazon Support the NPGF Scholarship Fund You shop. Amazon gives. It is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.

Go to https://smile.amazon. com/ to designate the “NPGF Scholarship Fund” as your giveback organization. At no extra cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the National Propane Gas Association Scholarship Foundation.

When you shop at https://smile.amazon.com/, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that you are supporting propane industry scholarships.

Turn to Page 27 to find out more about applying for NPGF Scholarship.

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

17

Safety Talk

Selecting Safe Delivery Routes and Protecting Property Safety Meeting

As a propane delivery driver, you are responsible for protecting people and property in the course of your job. The following tips can supplement your company’s safety plan and help you prevent any unnecessary issues.

deliveries and service. Understand the size and restrictions of your vehicle, and always exercise good judgment.

3 Keep your vehicle on roadways, driveways, or surfaces adequate to support its weight.

3 Avoid attempting travel over small private bridges or culverts — Park your vehicle and use a dolly to transport cylinders to the delivery location. If you’re driving a bobtail, use the full length of the delivery hose to reach across the bridge to the LP-gas containers. Be aware of landscaping/decorative items that the hose may damage when pulling it to the container.

3 Close all gates after driving through to prevent loss of pets or livestock. Park in a location that allows room for other vehicles to come and go freely.

3 Stay alert to the activities and movement of children and pets.

3 Upon job completion, conduct a vehicle walk-around to ensure your exit path is clear. Know the locations of telephone poles and utility boxes to confirm you can clear them.

PLANNING AND SETTING OFF ON YOUR ROUTE: 3 Plan for the issues of delivery vehicles — Know the

height and weight of your vehicle and any bridges or road sections that require extra safety measures.

3 Drive with caution and vigilance — Follow all recommended instructions at railroad crossings and drawbridges and posted hazmat route signs, and be prepared for any detours due to local restrictions.

3 Adjust for weather — Maintain speed appropriate for conditions. Plan ahead if you need to change your route for easier travel, and make customer appointments accordingly.

Vehicle flashers must be used at all railroad crossings and any time the vehicle is stopped except for routine traffic stops.

PROTECTING CUSTOMER LANDSCAPING, PROPERTY, AND STRUCTURES:

You will encounter a variety of issues and obstacles in day-to-day

18

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. The customer tells you other propane drivers have crossed his bridge without issue, but as you approach, you feel it might not be secure. What is your best course of action?

2. As you are exiting, you collide with an old birdhouse the customer has at her site. How do you proceed?

LEARNING ACTIVITY Discuss a recent incident in a propane delivery or gas related event.

Discuss what was handled properly and what should have received more attention. Ask participants for input and suggestions.

Feature

Old Farmer’s Almanac Calls for Mild Winter, Spring for Texas

For more than 200 years, the Old Farmers’ Almanac has published long-term weather forecasts that many tout as remarkably precise. And while many consider the Almanac “useful, with a pleasant degree of humor,” the weather forecasts have been about 80 percent accurate throughout the years, which is considered a high mark.

So what does the 2021 Almanac have in store for Texas?

For this coming winter Texas weather will mix intervals of tranquil weather with occasional shots of cold and wintry pre-

20

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

cipitation, but overall may seem to be a bit “temperamental.”

“The coldest periods will be in mid-November, early to midDecember, and late January. The best chance for snow will be in late January.”

The Almanac goes on to predict that April and May will be cooler and rainier than normal, and summer will be cooler than normal with the hottest periods in mid-June, mid- to late July, and mid-August. Rainfall will be below normal in the north and above normal in the south.

This same pattern holds for next fall, as well, with below average temperatures in September and October predicted.

On a national scale, winter will be colder than normal in Maine, the Desert Southwest, the Pacific Southwest and eastern Hawaii, and near or above normal elsewhere. Snowfall will be greater than normal in the Northeast, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, the High Plains and northern Alaska. It will be below normal in most other areas that receive snow (including Texas).

While spring will be milder here in Texas, it will be warmer than normal in the northeastern corner of the country, from Iowa northward through the Upper Midwest and westward through the southern Intermountain region, the western Desert Southwest, Alaska and western Hawaii.

The Almanac additionally says to “Watch for a tropical storm threat in Florida in mid-May.”

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

21

Business Beat

Better Business Bureau Scam Tips: Protect Yourself

By Rob Starr 5. Investment Schemes

“Some investment scammer might try to pull you in with making a lot of money by investing a little,” writes Lindsey Maxwell, Co-Founder at Where You Make It. “If it sounds too easy, chances are it’s a scam.”

Offshore investment scams are big. The BBB suggests you watch out for jargon.

Words like “guaranteed” should be a red flag.

6. Employment Scams

Small business owners can be the victim of scams and frauds just like individual consumers. Crooks might see you as a softer touch than big businesses but with deeper pockets than typical consumers.

We reviewed the Better Business Bureau (BBB) scam reports to identify scams targeting business owners. We found at least ten. And we’ve supplied tips for how to protect yourself and your business.

Here are some tips to protect your business from fraudsters and scammers.

These are based on the BBB tracker reports and other information: 1. Fake Checks

There are a few scams small businesses need to watch for. These are often the same as ones directed at consumers, like fake checks.

Keep an eye out for overpayments. A new supplier sends you a payment for more than you charged. Scammers will ask for the difference back. Make sure the name and business address line up.

Watch out for shipping scams. Fraudsters hire businesses to ship out of state products.

They ask you to pay for certificates and reimbursement, checks bounce. Bad checks are missing signatures or bank logos.

The BBB also cautions against sending or transferring money to people you don’t know.

2. BBB Impersonators

These fraudsters claim they are from the BBB. They tell small businesses they

22

can get on a referral list for a fee. Watch out for phony emails that say a complaint has been lodged against your enterprise.

That’s another way these cheats try and scam you.

Don’t click on or respond to anything you are suspicious of. Phone the BBB contact number to verify the information is real.

3. Phony Debt Collection

Brian Patrick, CEO of Pest Strategies, describes how this works to rip businesses off.

“Sometimes, bogus invoices find their way in your list of ‘to-pay’ transactions,” he writes. “Hiring a reliable bookkeeper or accountant is an excellent way to check their credibility.”

4. Password Phishers

Scammers use business tools like emails to steal data like passwords. They use them to get into online bank accounts, cloud-based business files, or social media profiles. Look for texts or emails telling you to provide personal information. Fake invoices and generic greeting s like ‘Hi Dear’ are red flags too.

Think you’re the victim of a phishing attack? Set your security software to update automatically. Use multi-factor authentication on accounts. Passcodes you get via text messages are good.

The BBB also advises you to check privacy settings on all social media accounts.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Are you self employed and looking for work? You might be a target for scammers according to the BBB. Here are a few things to watch for.

If you’re offered a job straight away without even an interview.

You’re asked for credit card numbers to get a project underway.

There’s no valid website or proper contact information. Small businesses need to look for the same info as consumers.

An email, address, snail mail address, and a website are good.

Not sure of the project or job you’re being offered.? There are Better Business Bureaus all across America. Look to see if the company making the offer is listed with the BBB in your area. You’ll see what their rating is.

The BBB even reports there’s a scam whereby the cheats try and charge you for training.

7. Fake Government Programs

More and more these come at small businesses through social media. Still, fraudsters use email and text messages too. Watch out for debt collectors from fake agencies that look real. The BBB says you should be suspicious of calls to your business saying you’ve won government sweepstakes too.

These days business needs to be wary of bogus COVID related relief programs.

Fake economic impact checks where businesses need to pay fees are common.

Only get info about stimulus payments from the IRS. Look for notifications at your local BBB too. The bureau has good resources.

8. Identity Theft of Owners or Businesses

This is like identity theft for consumers.

But it involves stealing a company’s assets, credit information and quite often client lists. Beyond legal penalties, a business’s reputation can be damaged. You can even be held personally liable in some situations.

Getting good cybersecurity software is proactive. Fake invoices are a red flag If you think your business has been victimized, submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.

9. Fake awards or recognition

Scammers know that business people like to be recognized. Unfortunately, that can lead to trouble. Eric Sachs, the CEO at Sachs Marketing Group. explains: “This scam comes via email usually but sometimes phone calls,” he writes.

Business people get told they’re on a list for something like a high-achieving status club.

“Only you have to pay a fee to accept and the recognition is non-existent.”

Look for the right contact information.

Find the URL and make sure there’s more than just an email address on the website.

Follow up on phone numbers and snail mail addresses.

10. Too Good To Be True Leasing

“The contract typically constricts the business owner to a long-term agreement,” writes Erik Rivera, CEO of ThriveTalk.

This one’s a scam because leasing is a competitive industry and better rates are always around the corner.

“A longer contract can legally bind the businesses to continue using an almost obsolete item or equipment.”

Reading trade publications will help you stay on top of innovations in your industry. Staying informed can help you avoid this scam.

Why Would the Better Business Bureau Call Me?

The BBB might call your small busi-

ness. There are legitimate reasons to contact you this way. Like explaining the benefits of BBB accreditation.

Still, you need to be suspicious if the caller asks for personal information like credit card or bank numbers. Best to call the local BBB office if you suspect the call is a scam.

How Can I Verify A Company is Legitimate?

Verifying if a company is credible is important. Especially for a smaller enterprise that wants to network or take a new supplier on. Go to BBB.org and use the front page search for businesses. In the search results, you can then filter by those that are BBB accredited. The BBB rating as well as complaints and reviews will be listed there.

Article reprinted from https://smallbiztrends. com/, an award-winning hub of more than two million entrepreneurs, business owners, influencers and experts. Created in 2003, the site has grown into a hyper-engaged community of small business owners who learn from each other.

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Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Bryan Jones began his career as a RRC Inspector with the LP Gas Division in 1988 and retired from the Railroad Commission (RRC) as Inspector Manager in September of 2020. In addition to being an inspector for the RRC, Bryan taught fire school annually at Texas A&M University. With his retirement, he has moved to Oklahoma with his wife and will be travelling more.

Robert Wayne Talbott, 72, of Victoria passed away on March 7, 2020. Robert was the owner and operator of Talbott Propane. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Edmund Ernest Henry Patschke, 91, passed away in August 2020. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 654 in Spring Branch, Texas. In October 1975 he bought Charles Butane and changed the name to Pat’s Propane, Inc. Edmund worked in the business until his retirement in 2008. The company is still family-owned and in operation today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Patrick Lee Hodges, 67, of Dallas, passed away on August 22, 2020. Pat worked at Squibb-Taylor for 47 years and was considered an industry expert when it comes to anhydrous ammonia equipment and safety. He was an avid sports fan and a great athlete. Pat was a family man – he never missed a swim meet, football or soccer game, and he was the first person his kids looked for in the stands. He was a man of faith and showed his family the spirit of Christ, teaching them to love unconditionally. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Bryan Ray Pratt, 60, of Amarillo, TX passed away September 9, 2020. Mr. Pratt graduated from Canyon High School and attended West Texas State University, and took courses at Texas State Technical College in Amarillo. He worked at Iowa Beef Processors and in residential construction early on, and TXDOT as a traffic signal technician crew chief. Bryan later drove commercial trucks for an area construction company and a rural propane company. He later joined Bill’s Backyard Classics, an Amarillo-based vintage car museum founded by his father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Roy Edwin Reed, Sr.,93, passed away on September 9, 2020 at his home.

Edwin graduated from Flynn High School and attended Sam Houston College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving during WWII. After the war he, along with several relatives, formed Leon Gas Company in 1948. In 1967, Edwin and his wife, Audee, bought the remaining interest in the business and dedicated their lives to building a friendly, professional propane company. Edwin and Audee enjoyed going to TPGA conventions every year and spending time with other members. He continued going to the office every day, having morning coffee with friends, and keeping up with the propane industry until shortly before his passing. Edwin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

New Online Sales Training: A Green

Message Can Help Your Business

As more conversations about the environment take place, propane needs to be a part of the solution if our industry is going to be sustainable in the future.

Secure the future of propane by learning how to position propane as a clean energy now.

Take the How to Talk About Propane

24

and the Environment training module and learn how to share key environmental messages with residential customers, local community leaders, students, and three other audiences.

Visit the Learning Center at https:// training.propane.com/, log in or register for an account. The module is under the Featured section on the homepage.

Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Virtual Expo

With the ACT Expo being postponed to 2021, ACT decided to go virtual for 2020 and is holding a series of modules

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

and sessions online August 2020 through November 2020.

Module 5 will focus on Ultra Clean HD Vehicle Summit.

This usual standing room only ACT session features the top executives from vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, and fleets sharing (and debating) what the future will hold for the vehicles and technologies that power our nation’s goods movement and passenger transportation sectors.

On October 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

PDT, ACT will host the Propane & Natural Gas Innovations & Opportunities session as part of module 5.

Sign up for the session or see additional sessions www.act-virtual.com.

Do You Have Microsoft Office 2010?

Many businesses, including propane companies, may be using an older version of Microsoft Office, which is why the association wanted to alert you that Microsoft Office 2010 will be retired on October 13, 2020.

Your Office 2010 will continue to operate, but Microsoft will no longer provide phone or chat technical support for Office 2010. Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes or security updates for Office 2010 vulnerabilities.

This includes security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Microsoft recommends updating to a newer version of Office.

November 2-6, 2020 is WLPGA e-LPG Week

Register for your delegate pass to WLPGA e-LPG Week that takes place the first week of November. The LPG industry from around the world have a unique opportunity to meet, learn and do business during e-LPG Week.

The conference will include comments from global industry leaders and influenc-

By Texas for Texas

First come, first serve while stock available.

What is Duty to Warn? A duty to warn is a concept that arises in the law of torts in a number of circumstances, indicating that a party will be held liable for injuries caused to another, where the party had the opportunity to warn the other of a hazard and failed to do so.

A lawsuit by a party injured by a product, where the manufacturer failed to properly warn, is usually brought as a "negligence" action.

How Can My Company Comply?

There are numerous ways that you can provide your customers with product warnings. This could be in the form of monthly bill stuffers, warning labels, safety calendars, newsletters, door hangers, on the back of meter tickets as well as through annual comprehensive mailing like the Propane Council of Texas’ Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program.

Annual Safety Mailing Program The Propane Council of Texas’ Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program is a servicebased project that uses a Texas specific comprehensive safety brochure with scratch n’ sniff that covers numerous important safety topics including: how to detect propane’s odor, what to do if you smell gas, carbon monoxide safety, lighting pilots, appliance maintenance, running out of gas, and Texas consumer safety notification statement.

How does it work?

1. Texas propane retailers go to http://pct.ginnysprinting.com/

2. Complete the online registration form & upload your Texas propane customer mailing list to the form.

3. Registration package is automatically sent to a third-party mail house.

4. You will receive email confirmation as soon as your registration is received.

5. Your company name is ink jetted on to the Texas safety mailer.

6. The safety mailer is sent to your Texas customers within 30 days by non-profit bulk mail.

7. Once mailed and payment is received, you will receive a postage receipt and notarized affidavit from the mail house that your mailing is complete.

What does it cost?

The biggest savings to you is there is no cost for the mailed brochure and the Council covers postage to TX customers.

Each Texas retailer participant is responsible for two pass-through fees.

You, the retailer, are only responsible for a small $35 fulfillment flat fee and .08 cents list processing fee per address.

Inside the Industry ers, the latest market updates, the newest technical innovations and much more. Everything will be live streamed and available as catch up on a world leading digital platform which will enable our industry to engage as never before.

Find agenda and more at Agenda & More Information www.lpgweek.com.

Secure your e-ticket. Register at www.lpgweek.com/registration Gas Check Course Now Available Online

The Propane Education & Research Council recently updated its Gas Check

course and made it available to take online on the PERC Learning Center.

This course provides voluntary guidelines for conducting residential and small commercial safety inspections. It includes two types of inspections: • A Gas Systems Check that can be completed on the exterior gas distribution system, including the containers, regulators and gas piping.

• A Gas Appliance System Check that can be completed on the interior

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gas distribution system and all propaneburning appliances.

These two sections can be used together or independently, depending on individual company policy.

The video includes simplified guidelines and instructions to properly fill out forms to document each inspection. Take the course at https://training.propane.com/. To find your course, log in and enter the name of the course in the search tool located in the upper righthand corner of the page.

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APPLY TO TH NPGF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM!

The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) offers college scholarships to children of employees who work at NPGA or state propane gas association member companies.

NPGF offers $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to students who intend to pursue continuing education through two-year and four-year colleges as well as vocational, technical, and trade school programs.

The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Program opens September 15, 2020, and closes February 15, 2021.

Email info@npga.org to obtain your company NPGA member number.

For more information on eligibility visit: https://bit.ly/NPGF-Info Start your application today at https://bit.ly/NPGF-Apply Have questions or want to donate to the scholarship program? Contact the NPGA Scholarship Coordinator at 202.466.7200 or email scholarship@npga.org

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons

Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 936-756-2222 www.garrettinsurance.com

THE FUEL MANAGER Comprehensive Computer Software for Small to Medium Size Propane Dealer • A/R Billing • Inventory • Tank Control • Routing • Management Reports • Customized Programming • Can Convert Your Records C & P Associates Texas Owned & Operated 888/FUEL- MGR

FOR SALE (2) 20,000 gallon, 300 psi, NH3, 2001 (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2008 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

FOR SALE 2001 Chevy C7500 2500 gallon Dal-Worth tank 7 liter LPG engine Only 39k miles

BOBTAILS FOR SALE T exas trucks, no rust, good to excellent condition: • 1998 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2500 gal, tank, LC Register, Steel deck, Aluminum wheels, 45,386 miles on new motor in 2009 • 2003 Kenworth, 6 speed, 2800 gal. Whiteriver built tank, Neptune meter, steel deck, vapor reel, Guidemaster, Self-load plumbing, 17,248 miles on new motor in 2017.

• 2005 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2800 gal. tank, 300,000 miles.

• 1964 Transport Trailer, 10,600 gal., Hydraulic pump, Rear load, Runs daily, Freshly repainted and Ready to go.

Call or email for Pictures and Pricing @ 512-276-7800 or 1-800-696-3493 or sturner@directpropaneservices.com

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE Asking $40k 979-836-2331

CHERYL@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM or WENDY@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM, 830-964-2525

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar OCTOBER

1 PERC Technical School Grant Deadline 7-8 PERC Virtual Advisory Meetings 15 PERC Propane Technology Series Webinar on Mobile Standby Generators

NOVEMBER

Index to Advertisers 26-27 TPGA & PSC office closed for Thanksgiving

Bergquist 26 BLT Tanks 21 Cunningham Gas Products 17 Ferrellgas 14

DECEMBER

4 ProCOT Duty to Warn Registration Deadline 6-10 23rd World Petroleum Congress Houston, TX

2-6 WLPGA e-LPG Week

8-10 Power-Gen International Orlando, FL

10-11 PERC Council Meeting Destin, FL

24-25 TPGA & PSC office closed for Christmas

15-17 AC, Heating & Refrigeration Institute Leadership Forum Palm Springs, CA

BAM 10

POSTPONED

JANUARY 2021

1 TPGA & PSC office closed for New Year’s Day

18 PERC Project of the Year Deadline

Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover Gas Equipment Company 12 Insurors of Texas 14 Lone Star Energy Group 15 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 23 Marshall Young Insurance 11 Meeder Equipment Co. 19 Otodata 15 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 26 PT Risk Management 13 Rural Computer Consultants 26 Total Energy Corporation 5 Total Energy Corporation Inside Back Cover White River Distributors 20

Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1

Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN TEXAS PROPANE MAGAZINE?

For Advertising, contact: Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or by email at jpantaze@pvco.net

October 2020 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Recirc Systems Go Mainstream

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) highlights domestic hot-water recirculation systems stating how they help conserve water and give consumer faster hot water at the tap.

Once considered an obscure technology, hot-water recirculation systems are becoming a default spec in some drought-prone regions, Plumbing & Mechanical magazine recently reported in a May article on Recirc systems.

PERC reports as consumers, construction pros, and code officials look at water efficiency with a new sense of urgency, there’s a growing awareness of these systems that promise to save an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 gallons of water a year for a family of four.

“The longest drought in Texas lasted more than five years, from 2010 to mid-2015. That’s a long, long time to be with little or no water,” Plumbing & Mechanical magazine goes on to state.

“While homeowners say they want hot water at the tap in five seconds or less, many homeowners are stuck waiting a minute or two, and sometimes much longer, for their shower to heat up. Recirculation systems are one way to address that challenge and help your projects protect one of the planet’s most precious resources,” PERC touts.

The Plumbing & Mechanical magazine article spotlights how one Texas mom who was concerned with the “dire conditions of fresh water reserves in Texas” writing legislators with concerns found a solution with recirc systems to fit her hot water needs for her and her family.

Find more information on recirc systems at www.propane.com and stay tuned to PERC’s Online Propane Technology Series, we are sure this will be a subject they might cover in the future: https:// propane.com/propane-presents-technology-series/.

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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