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Educate Your Propane Customers About Energy Assistance Rebates This Winter
The Winter 2021 edition of Propane Living will be packed with seasonal propane information for your current customers to help increase their propane winter wisdom, as well as information on financial relief and propane rebates.
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With record high heating bills forecasted, the Propane Council of Texas will again be covering Texas’ Energy Assistance Program for consumers in the Winter 2021 edition of Propane Living. Also, we continue our consumer education campaign to spread the word on the Texas Propane Appliance Rebate Program. Your customers can jingle, jingle all the way to the bank. We estimate over 100,000 Texas consumers will receive this upcoming edition of the Propane Living newsletter. Is your customer one of them?
You can sign up to have the Propane Living newsletter sent to your customer base.
It’s easy. All you need to do is go to the Propane Council of Texas’ homepage at www.propanecounciloftexas.org and click on the Propane Living calendar entry to be taken to an online registration page. • You can choose to upload a mailing list and the Council will mail it for you as well as cover the postage; or • You can choose a quantity and we can ship in bulk to your office, and you hand it out at your location or on bobtail routes, or you can use it as a bill stuffer. Shipping is FREE. Your cost. There is $49 fulfillment fee per quarter as well as less than 4 cents per newsletter cost to imprint your name on the newsletter.
Keep your customers up to date and subscribe to the Winter edition of Propane Living.
Deadline to subscribe and to receive mailing lists is Monday, November 22, 2021.
For questions, please call (800)325-7427 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org.
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People in Propane
Santos “Sonny” Hernandez, Jr., of Poth, passed away on August 29, 2021. After graduating from Poth High School, Sonny became a certified automotive maintenance technician and was an experienced driver on tankers and bobtails. After spending a large portion of his life in California with the Teen Challenge Ministry, he worked for a propane company where he learned installation/maintenance of residential propane systems, fabrication skills and propane office management. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
The Young Gassers 30 Under 30 program was developed in conjunction with National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in 2020. This industry program recognizes 30 individuals under the age of 30 that have shown great potential within the propane industry. Congratulations to David Wells for receiving this honor. David was born and made for the propane industry. He grew up in Angleton, Texas, and graduated high school in 2016. After that, he went straight to work at Baygas Propane in League City, Texas, serving Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties, digging trenches, and setting tanks. Since working at Baygas, David has earned multiple LPG certifications from the Railroad Commission of Texas, including as service tech, bobtail driver, DOT cylinder, and motor/mobile fueler. He has an exceptional knowledge of propane systems at such a young age and is never afraid to get his hands dirty.
Gas Equipment Company, Inc. (GEC) announces Gijs Majoor has been appointed CEO of the company effective October 1, 2021. He succeeds M .J . “Skeeter” LaDue who will retire early 2022.
Gijs brings a strong business acumen to GEC. He earned MBAs in both Logistics and Finance during his 12-year military career in the Royal Netherlands Navy. For the last four years, Gijs has been VP of Supply Chain & Sustainable Fuels with Pinnacle Propane, LLC headquartered in Texas, an SHV Energy company – a global leader of propane supply.
M.J. “Skeeter” LaDue is the last of three generations of LaDues to guide and grow GEC. While Skeeter is retiring, he will still have a role in the company. He will move into an Advisory position, which will allow the company to still access his vast knowledge accumulated over the many years.
EnLink Midstream Donates Propane to Louisianans Impacted by Hurricane Ida
In September, TPGA member EnLink Midstream, LLC, donated 50,000 gallons of propane to support residents of Southeast Louisiana experiencing extended power outages as a result of Hurricane Ida. EnLink partnered with O’Nealgas, a full-service propane company, which delivered the propane directly to first responders and local residents via onsite service trucks, and the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry Foundation (LABI) to ensure the propane served those in need.
“EnLink has a 60-plus-year history in the state of Louisiana, which has seen severe devastation in the wake of Hurricane Ida,” EnLink Chairman & CEO Barry E. Davis said. “We want to assist our neighbors in this trying time and are thankful for the partnership of O’Nealgas. This propane normally would be sold into pipeline markets but now will go directly into the hands of people in need, helping run generators, cook food, and power on-the-ground response operations, while they await the return of electricity to their communities.”
EnLink operates a large network of assets in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast, including one of the largest gas transmission pipeline systems in Louisiana. O’Nealgas, which was founded in Louisiana, initially reached out to EnLink about obtaining a donation of propane to help residents. O’Nealgas and EnLink have had a strong working relationship for many years.
“When I approached EnLink about helping us get desperately needed propane to the hardest hit communities in south Louisiana, they agreed without hesitation,” said Tom O’Neal, President of O’Nealgas. “The only surprise was the incredible generosity – donating 50,000 gallons of propane to the residents of those communities was an amazing, Texas-sized lifeline that literally helped people keep the lights on and feed their families.”
The EnLink donation made it into hands of Louisianans, as O’Nealgas and LABI delivered donations to lines of eager residents this past September.
“This is just another example of our members representing the best of Louisiana,” said LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack. “The overwhelming generosity of these two companies will help families get back on their feet and on the road to recovery following Ida. It’s what Louisianans do, and LABI is incredibly proud and honored to serve alongside them.”
National Media Tour Promotes Propane for Home Generators
From backyard barbecues to patio heaters at local eateries, heated homes, and barns – there are powerful stories of how this clean energy source is bringing people together. As part of PERC’s Together with Propane Campaign targeting homeowners, popular home designer, developer and contractor Anthony Carrino gave 28 TV and radio interviews across the country talking about clean, reliable propane and propane generators in October 2021. Carrino communicat-
ed to homeowners the option of using propane generators as a backup power source.
See one of his home-preparedness TV interviews at https://vimeo. com/632960297.
Carrino will also be featured in newspaper articles highlighting propane backup generators during Q4.
Carrino, a 20-year veteran in the home building industry, is readily recognized from his many series appearances on HGTV, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Rachel Ray Show, and the Today Show.
His 1960s stone house sits on 3.9 acres of land in the Catskill Mountains. He said he recently installed a 20kW Kohler standby generator because “We lost power 11 times in the last year!” His buried 1,000-gallon propane tank now powers the pool heater, tankless water heater, kitchen stove, clothes dryer, and outdoor kitchen. Finally, the renovation project of the Stonehouse is now airing on his personal channels.
You can follow all influencer content on social media platforms using the hashtag #TogetherWithPropane and #EnergyForEveryone and follow Anthony Carrino on social media at
The Build TV Blog at https://www.thebuild.tv/
https://www.instagram.com/ carrinoanthony/
https://www.facebook.com/ carrinoanthony
https://twitter.com/carrinoanthony
https://www.pinterest.com/ carrinoanthony/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c arrinoanthony
$409.6 million FTA Grant to Upgrade Transit Buses Open
grant program administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with $409.6 milion available to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase transit buses or related equipment and to construct transit bus-related facilities.
Eligible Entities: Public entities, fixed bus route operators, & government agencies (state, local, or tribal)
Eligible Vehicles or Station Types: Vans through full size transit buses are eligible. Must meet Buy America requirement.
Eligible Fuels: All Fuel Types (including propane)
Eligible GVWR: Between 0 and 80,000 lbs.
Maximum Vehicle/Infrastructure Funding: For vehicles, up to 80% of diesel or gasoline buses and up to 85% of alternative fuel buses. For facilities, up to 90% of eligible facilities costs.
Stackability: Funds may be stacked with state grant programs (state programs may have their own restrictions).
Scrappage Requirement: Scrappage is not required.
MEMBER Disability Insurance • Farm & Ranch • Employee Benefits • Long Term Care Financial & Estate Planning • Home & Auto • Life Insurance
Is the missing piece worth THE RISK
Other propane owners have come to our agency to get help with connecting their insurance pieces:
1) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent. 2) Many have discovered a missing piece of coverage after meeting with us.
3) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available.
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Past TPGA President “We chose Marshall Young as our insurance agent because of the personal service, value and the ability to meet all of our insurance needs. When we need anything we get immediate and personal service with just a phone call.”
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Special Lease Provisions: Leasing is allowed
Operational Requirement: Buses must be publicly accessible, operate on fixed routes, and be operational within three years of award date.
Reporting Requirement: Applicants will be expected to collect and provide raw, unaltered vehicle performance and maintenance data, meet with FTA evaluators on a quarterly basis, and provide evaluators access to the project site and to project team members.
PO and Deployment Timing: Reimbursement may happen up to four fiscal years after award date. Applicants must obligate funds within three years of award date.
Due Date: November 19, 2021 by 11:59pm ET
Learn more at : https://www.transit. dot.gov/bus-program or contact the Propane Council of Texas at (800)325-7427 or at info@propanecounciloftexas.org.
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Paratransit Vehicles are Ideal Autogas Prospects. Find Them!
Paratransit fleets provide critical public transportation for tens of millions of riders annually, primarily persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
These vehicles, which are mostly vans and shuttle buses with wheelchair access equipment, operate in every county nationwide. They are also proving to be the next high-growth segment of propane autogas adoption and expansion.
More than 7,000 paratransit vehicles run on propane autogas, averaging about 600 gallons of fuel per month per vehicle and saving fleet operators big bucks in operating costs.
The remaining 45,000 units still running on traditional fuel offer a prime opportunity to displace millions of gallons of gasoline and diesel with a timely clean energy that meets fleet sustainability goals, according to PERC Director of Autogas Business Development Steve Whaley.
“Like the popular propane school buses, propane autogas really is a perfect fit for paratransit fleets,” Whaley said. “These are heavily used vehicles – both in miles and long idle times – that return to central refueling stations. That’s our sweet spot both for replacing old units or converting newer models to run bi-fuel.”
Whaley says the millions of dollars in savings realized by those agencies that have already switched to autogas provides powerful testimony to sway others. PERC has documented several written case studies and videos that can be downloaded from propane.com and shared with local paratransit fleet prospects.
PERC’s online Paratransit Market Data Tool in the Propane Providers tab on propane.com identifies local agencies in every state and lists a complete roster of the vehicles in their fleets. Using the Federal Transit Administration’s annual database of all paratransit vehicles, the tool lists the city, agency name, vehicle type, model year and fuel type in a downloadable data summary spreadsheet.
Record Turnout at Pros4Care Charity Tournament
Pros4Care, a group started by propane industry professionals, held their 13th An-
nual Golf Benefit October 11, 2021 at Stonebridge Country Club in McKinney, Texas.
A record turnout raised funds to help prostate cancer patients, as well as raise awareness of the disease. Golfers and sponsors from several industries participated in the event.
Dallas Cowboys legend Flozell Adams, Olympian Bobsledder Johnny Quinn and other news personalities from FOX4DFW including recent prostate cancer survivor and anchor Steve Eager attended and supported the event.
Next year the 14th Annual Golf Benefit will be held on October 10, 2022 at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas.
Pros4Care is a nonprofit organization that not only focuses on raising prostate cancer awareness, but also helps to educate patients with vital information and financial support when needed.
Since 2006, Pros4Care has helped raise over $250,000 to support research for a cure for prostate cancer through the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Please visit www.pros4care.org for more information.
Sign-up to get safety information to your customers!
About the Texas Duty to Warn Propane Safety Mailing Program
The Propane Council of Texas’ Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Programis a servicebased project thatuses a Texas specific comprehensive safety brochurewith scratch n’ sniffthat covers numerous important safety topicsincluding 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 https://pct.ginnysprinting.com
2. Complete the online registration form & upload your Texas propane customer mailing listto the form.
3. Registration package is automatically sent to a third-party mail house.
4.You will receive email confirmation as soon as yourregistration is received.
5. Your company name is ink jettedon to theTexassafety mailer.
6. The safety mailer is sent to your Texas customerswithin 30 daysby non-profit bulkmail.
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 postageto TX customers.
EachTexas retailer participant is responsible for two pass-through fees. You, theretailer, are only responsible for a small $35 fulfillment flat fee and .08 cents list processing fee per address.
Time is running out to get your mailing out before the end of the year!
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Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 936-756-2222 www.garrettinsurance.com
PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons
FOR SALE (2) 90,000 gallon, 250 psi, saddles, 2006 (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2011
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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
CHERYL@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM or WENDY@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM, 830-964-2525
NOVEMBER
4-5 Fall Benchmarking Council Meeting
Houston, TX
9-10 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings
Austin, TX
9-10 API Cybersecurity Conf for Oil & Gas Industry
The Woodlands, TX
10-11 PERC Council Meeting
Destin, FL
19 FTA grant deadline 22 Winter Propane Living Signup Deadline 25-26 TPGA & PSC Office Closed for Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
1 NPGA Award Nominations Due
3 2021 Texas Duty to Warn Registration Deadline 5-9 23rd World Petroleum Congress
Houston, TX, USA
10 Deadline to advertise in January Texas Propane magazine 15 NPGF Scholarship Application Round Opens 24 TPGA & PSC office closed for Christmas
31 TPGA & PSC office closed for New Year’s 2022
JANUARY
30 - February 1 2022 NPGA Winter Meeting
Rancho Mirage, CA
FEBRUARY
2 PERC Council Meeting
Palm Springs, CA
8-9 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings
College Station, TX
ANOVA Inside Front Cover
BLT Tanks 17
Cunningham Gas Products 31
Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover
Gas Equipment Company 19
Lone Star Energy Group 19
Longhorn Propane 28
Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 31
Marshall Young Insurance 25
Meeder Equipment Co. 5
Propane Council of Texas 27
Propane Service Corporation 18
Quality Steel Corporation 23
Rural Computer Consultants 26
White River Distributors 29
Japanese Taxi Operator Offers Relaxation, Sleep Service with LPG-powered Car
In collaboration with relaxation drink brand Chill Out, the Japanese taxi-operator Daiwa Motor Transportation launched the #SleepingTaxi service with a Toyota JPN Taxi-based vehicle powered by Autogas, which was roaming the streets of Tokyo for a limited time in September, offering a free-of-charge relaxing experience to people.
The Toyota JPN Taxi is a purpose-built vehicle, which was unveiled in production form in 2017, featuring a tall body, a spacious cabin, and a 1.5-litre LPG hybrid powertrain. This vehicle served as the perfect base for the #SleepingTaxi with a series of modifications. Given that the Toyota JPN Taxi has huge legroom, it is not hard for someone to find a relaxing seating position. Gentle music playing through the speakers and calming videos on the screen help passengers forget their worries while a disposable sleep mask is offered for those with sensitive eyes. Citizens of Tokyo made good use of this promotional service since it was completely free of charge, offering a nice experience outside of the daily routine.
The JPN Taxi, assembled at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Plant in Japan, features an LPG hybrid system (THS II), combining an LPG engine with an electric motor. It offers a 19.4 km/L fuel economy and sharply reduced CO2 emissions.
This article is reprinted with permission from Autogas.net.
