December 2019 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Texas Propane December 2019

Volume 75 No. 12

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

RRC Training Facility Opens Doors on New Facility Is On-Call Considered Hours Worked?

RRC Training and Exam Tips

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 December 2019

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 Propane Service Corporation

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

From the TPGA Staff Bill • Page • Jackie • Debbie The TPGA office will be closed 12/24-25/2019 & 1/1/2020

Features RRC Training Facility Opens Doors on New Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Propane Training and Exam Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Propane Council of Texas Hosts Statewide Fire Training During Fire Prevention Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Interactive Propane Emergencies Scenarios Online Training Available for Download. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Texas Energy Assistance for Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Black Ice Avoidance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Is On-Call Considered Hours Worked?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ProCOT Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Autogas News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Say Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Close of 2019 Draws Near Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director The Alternative Fuels division of the Railroad Commission has opened its new training facility. This location will provide more than double the space, which means double the student capacity. Traveling to this new facility will be much easier here in Austin as you will not have to endure the highway construction of the old locale, and the new facility is close to the airport. Read all about it starting on page 6.

ProCOT held its Propane Emergencies training last month at the TEEX Training Field in College Station. This year’s class had over 90 participants from the propane industry and emergency response community. Turn to page 12 for an

in depth look at this important training which includes classroom instruction and field training exercises.

We’ve come through a year that was filled with both challenge and victories.

How reassuring it has been to know that we count on all of you regardless of what faces us. On behalf of the TPGA staff, please allow me to extend my personal and genuine appreciation to each and every one of you for your valuable contributions to the association. Working with you this past year has been a pleasure and we’re proud to have you all with us.

We offer our best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all look forward to another successful year!

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2019 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Lunch Sponsor Propane Council of Texas Golf Tournament Targa Resources Convention Bags Enterprise Products Welcome Reception Bishop Energy Lanyards Keyera Energy Expo Floor Beverages Westmor Industries 4J Energy Cactus Tanks TPGA Partner Otodata Quality Steel Michelin/T&W Tire Propane Genius Bar PERC

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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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

YOUR BOBTAIL

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Railroad Commission Training Facility Opens Doors on New Facility If you or your staff comes to Austin for training with the Alternative Fuels division, you’ll be directed to a newly renovated education space.

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NEW LOCATION

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“The new training facility will provide more than double the space for students with two classrooms instead of the one classroom we had at the former site,” Richardson said. “Our student capacity will increase from 21 to 53 students at the new site.”

“During renewal period [the space] fills up quickly … It should help a lot during renewal period.”

One classroom will have a capacity of 32, the other will accommodate 21.

FY2019 By the Numbers

The new space, opened October 21, is located at 4044 Promontory Point. It is only about 6 miles away from the old Bolm Road location and offers a variety of upgrades. One of those upgrades is accessibility, as the Bold Road location has been enduring yearslong proximity to major highway construction. The new space is located just south of Highway 71 off of Burleson Road between I-35 and the airport.

Training had been done at the Bolm Road location for at least 20 years. When the Texas Facilities Commission made the space available, the Alternative Fuels division embraced the opportunity.

“It was just a great opportunity, and we were appreciative,” said April Richardson, Director of the Alternative Fuels Safety Department. She highlighted the fact that the new location offers plenty of parking and that the Texas Facilities Commission renovated the site before they moved in.

The new location offers two classrooms, an exam room and a shop used to build items. They also added an additional office space.

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The Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Licensing section set a record in Fiscal Year 2019 by issuing more than 7,300 licenses. Additionally, the Commission also set a record by registering almost 5,600 trucks to distribute liquefied petroleum gas (propane), and natural gas in FY 19.

“I’m extremely proud of our staff ’s hard work,” Richardson said. “Not only did we set records for ensuring operators are properly trained and licensed to protect public safety, but we did it with a shortage of personnel when two experienced licensing specialists retired. Fortunately, two new licensing specialists were quickly hired, trained and completed their tasks well ahead of schedule.”

Other highlights in FY 19 include:

Performed a record-breaking number of inspections—almost 19,000—exceeding the Texas Legislature’s performance measure of 17,000 inspections for FY 19.

Administered a higher number of exams than ever—almost 6,640 and renewed a record-breaking number of renewals for all certificate holders—more than 16,000.

Provided nearly 3,000 hours of training for LP-gas (propane) certifications.

Developed a pilot LP-gas online training class at the end of FY 19 and will be implementing LP-gas online classes statewide during FY 20.

Feature

Propane Training and Exam Helpful Tips

The Alternative Fuels Safety (AFS) Department of the Railroad Commission of Texas wants each person attending training and taking an exam to have the best chance for success. Here are some helpful tips on preparing an individual for a class and/or exam.

TRAINING:

• All training classes start at 8:00 am.

- The individual must register a minimum of seven days in advance for the class. A confirmation email with instructions is sent when the person is registered.

- Walk-ins are not allowed.

- All paperwork must be in order at the start time. The confirmation email will include all documents needed. This will need to be printed and completed prior to arrival.

- The host facility will not print or receive faxed versions of paperwork.

- No individuals will be admitted to class after 8:15 am.

EXAMS:

ALL EXAMINEES:

• All individuals should prepare for the exam.

- There are study guides available for each exam offered by AFS. Allow the individual time to study the material.

- Review the applicable books they will use. § This is especially important for employee-level certifica-

tions with open-book examinations. § Exams have time limits.

You do not want the person wasting time trying to figure out which book they should be looking in for each question.

Explain what each § book covers. § Explain the table of contents and index, if applicable.

• AFS provides the books to be used on all open-book exams.

- Individuals cannot use their own books.

- Individuals attending a training course can use the workbook provided

by AFS on exams taken the same day as the training class.

• Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted during the administration of exams.

• Individuals needing ADA accommodations for an exam can make a request for the accommodation needed.

- Please reply to your registration confirmation with this request.

- The individual must provide proof from a doctor that the accommodation is required due to a medical condition or learning disability.

EXAMS TAKEN OUTSIDE OF THE AUSTIN TRAINING FACILITY:

• Exam Events start at 8:00 am.

- The individual must register a minimum of seven days in advance for the exam.

- Walk-ins are not allowed. § This ensures the instructor will have enough copies of all exams to be administered that day.

- All paperwork must be in order at the start time. The confirmation email will include all documents needed. This will need to be printed and completed prior to arrival. § The host facility will not print or receive faxed versions of paperwork.

- No individuals will be admitted to exam after 8:15 am.

• A Form 16 is Required. It is VERY important for the person taking one or more exams to bring a completed Form 16 with them to their training class or Exam Event.

- An incomplete Form 16 will not be accepted and could reDecember 2019 •

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Feature sult in non-admittance to a training class or exam event.

- Examples of incomplete Form 16s brought to training classes and Exam Events are: § Blank form § Missing the company’s license number – The number listed is what determines the licensee who will receive the certification card and subsequent renewal notice. § No exam type selected – AFS staff cannot tell the individual which exam(s) they should take. § Wrong exam type selected. (I.e. selecting a manager-level exam when taking an employee-level training class.) § Missing the applicants mailing address – If the company address is listed here this could result in the company receiving a cease-ops notice even if the individual is marked through on the company’s certification renewal. § Missing the signature.

- To ensure information is correct, the Form 16 should include legible information; whenever possible please type in the information using the fillable PDF version of the form.

- To ensure information is correct the Form 16 should include legible information; whenever possible please type in the information using the fill-in version of the form.

PAYMENTS:

• Individuals will not be admitted to a training class or take an exam without proof of payment.

- The proof of payment must be ready by the 8:00am start time.

- Training classes and exams taken outside of the AFS Training Facility must provide proof of online payment.

• If paying for multiple exams on a single online payment Links to transaction, ensure that the paystudy guides, ment is only used for the numregistration, EXAMS TAKEN AT THE AUSTIN TRAINING FACILITY: ber of exams purchased.

Form 16s and payment • Exams are administered at the AFS Training Facility in AusThere have been in § can all be reached via the tin with start times from 8:00am-12:00pm. stances where payment RRC website: - All paperwork must be in order prior to starting the exam. was made for individuwww.rrc.state.tx.us • It is helpful for individuals taking an exam only at the AFS als to take one exam Training Facility to bring a completed Form 16 with them. each, but two exams Follow the links under - The individual cannot take the exam with an incomplete were selected on the the Alternative Fuels tab Form 16.

Form 16.

- An incomplete Form 16 can be frustrating for the individ § We can only administer the exams where proof of payment is provided. ual and affect their concentration during the exam. Please § Similar situations have happened with training classes. Where see incomplete Form 16 information above. the payment was used for more individuals than the payment covered. This delays the individual receiving credit for their training class and can delay their certification card.

- Payment for training classes and exams taken at the AFS Training Facility can be made with an online payment receipt, check or money order. Checks or money 2020 TPGA Crossroads Propane orders must be made out Expo & Conference to Railroad Commission July 23-25, 2020 of Texas. Cash will not be accepted.

Fairmont Hotel/Austin Conv Ctr - Individuals attending Austin, TX training classes for continuing education credit who are not lapsed, do not need to provide proof of payment to attend the training class.

- All payments are nonrefundable.

SAVE THE DATE

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Propane Council of Texas Hosts Statewide Fire Training During Fire Prevention Month To close out National Fire Prevention Month, the Propane Council of Texas hosted a two-day action-packed annual propane training school for Texas firefighters from across the state at the Texas A&M University’s Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Brayton Training Field on October 28-29, 2019 in College Station.

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Feature The Council hosted its largest Propane Emergencies Training pane in the classroom in the mornings and then moves to the proclass with over 90 participants from the propane industry and pane props each afternoon to implement what they learned in the emergency response community participating in the two-day classroom and apply to the field. Day 1 field exercises included: short course, abbreviated from the 40-hour Propane EmergenVapor control & liquid dispersion, leaking propane cylinder concies Course developed by the trol, and a residential tank fire.

Propane Education & ReDay 2 field exercises included a search Council (PERC) in bulk storage and transport fire. partnership with the National “To me the value is ensuring that emergency re- Fueled by propane, the class Propane Gas Association sponders have accurate information. Attending the used 1,440 gallons of propane (NPGA). ProCOT and proover the two-day period. pane industry members invited training allows for the propane industry employees Training Manager Mark fire departments, emergency to learn how to communicate effectively with emer- Hood of the Railroad Comresponders and propane in- gency responders.” mission of Texas attended the dustry from all over the state event. Any Railroad Commisof Texas (North Texas, East Mark Holloway, Amerigas sion LPG certified manager Texas, Central Texas, Texas or personnel who attended Hill Country, Brazos Valley, the course received continuing Gulf Coast, South Texas and education credit. even north of the Red River).

Every year a couple of proThe Council hosted all levels of emergency responders from fire pane industry members bunker up in fire gear and get the point chiefs to lieutenants, to those new to the fire service including of view of firefighters and participate in the live fire exercises, industrial fire, as well as paid and volunteer fire departments. where prop flames get as hot as 3,500 degrees.

This course has been designed to help emergency responders At the opening night evening reception, the Council recogdevelop the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively nized our veteran instructors who have dedicated their time since manage a propane emergency in transportation, as well as propane the inception of the class nearly a decade ago. Honored were storages. It is aimed towards firefighters and members of HazardTPGA Sr. Technical Director, Richard Gilbert, Rex Havron, ous Materials Response Teams, propane industry, and emergency Bryan Jones and Mark Holloway. response contractors and based upon commonly used practices, Also, a big thank you to PERC for donating the Propane references to nationally recognized engineering practices, regulaEmergencies books for the Texas training class. tions and consensus standards, and training programs.

More pictures from the training class can be viewed on Page 27 The abbreviated course begins with the fundamentals of proand at www.procot.smugmug.com.

Thank you to our Instructors & Resources Lead Instructor Mark Holloway

Amerigas Propane

Instructors Steve Martinez Marcus Malbroux Rocky Roccaforte Douglas Barnes Warner Preston Scott Strait Mark Allen Holloway Everett Holloway Jason Ingram Rex Havron Catherine Akkerman David Vire

Air Force/Poth Fire Department AmeriGas Propane ESTI Texas Engineering Extension Service Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office Harris County ESD 48 Harris County ESD 48 Houston Fire Department Lockheed Martin Fire Department Needville Volunteer Fire Department Princeton Fire Department Railroad Commission of Texas

Resources Richard Gilbert Bryan Jones

TPGA Sr. Technical Director Railroad Commission of Texas

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Propane Emergencies Resources The Propane Emergencies assets can be found on PERC resource catalog at https://propane.com/resource-catalog.

Resources available include: Propane Emergencies 3rd Edition book is a comprehensive textbook that is available for purchase, downloadable as a PDF or on USB. Propane Emergencies Marketer Outreach training toolkit is available on CD/DVD or for download to support a 2-3 hour training session with local emergency response personnel at your propane terminal or other facility.

The Propane Emergencies Facilitator’s Guide 3rd Edition can be ordered as a CD/DVD or on USB. It includes a 48-minute training video, an instructor guide, interactive scenarios and ready-to-use training slides for 4-, 8-, and 24-hour classes.

Interactive propane emergency scenarios (see next page).

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Interactive Propane Emergencies Scenarios Online Training Available for Download

The interactive Propane Emergencies Scenarios training modules are available on www.propane.com. Keyword search “emergency scenarios” for access to download the collection.

Marketers can either download each scenario individually, or order a USB drive that includes the entire collection. Following are the scenarios available to use for your training.

Scenario 1: Cylinder Overfill Incident in a Home. A 20-pound portable propane cylinder has been overfilled to more than 80%.

Scenario 2: Carbon Monoxide Incident in an Auto Shop. A 500-gallon ASME propane tank is used to supply an interior space heater at an automobile repair shop.

Scenario 3: Removing Exposed Propane Tanks from a Structure on Fire. A fire started in the kitchen area of a diner at an interstate highway truck stop.

Scenario 4: Underground Propane Tank Leak. A bulldozer accidentally struck the top access of a 500-gallon underground propane tank.

Scenario 5: MC-331 Cargo Tank Truck with Propane Liquid Leak. An automobile driver lost control of his vehicle and drove under the right side of an oncoming MC-331 cargo tank truck on a bridge.

Scenario 6: Barbecue Grill Fire Next to a Home. A barbecue grill supplied by a 20-pound portable propane cylinder has developed a leak at a loose connection and has ignited.

Scenario 7: Fire Involving Stationary Tank on a Farm. A broken gas line under a 1,000-gallon ASME stationary propane tank in agricultural service is feeding a propane fire.

Scenario 8: Propane Fueled Delivery Truck Fire. A propanepowered, box-type delivery truck has struck a utility pole.

Scenario 9: Fire Involving Bobtail Delivery Truck. A bobtail propane delivery truck has been involved in an accident on a twolane highway.

Scenario 10: Overturned Railroad Tank Car with Fire. A DOT-112 railroad tank car transporting propane has been involved in a high-speed derailment near a rural, two-lane road.

Scenario 11: Gas Release Involving Stationary Tank. A propane leak has occurred under the dome cover of a 1,000-gallon ASME stationary aboveground tank.

Scenario 12: Fire Involving Stationary Tank. A carelessly discarded cigarette has started a grass fire under a 1,000-gallon ASME stationary aboveground storage tank.

Scenario 13: Underground Propane Tank Fire. A lawn mower runs over the exposed riser of a 500-gallon underground propane tank and ignites the leaking propane.

Scenario 14: Barbecue Grill Fire on Third Floor Balcony of an Apartment Building. The resident of a four-story apartment building started a propane gas grill fire burning atop the cylinder.

Scenario 15: Automobile Leaking Propane in Parking Garage.

A shopping mall security officer smells a strong odor of gas and finds that the odor is strongest near the center of the garage.

Scenario 16: Overturned MC-331 Cargo Tank Truck. An MC-331 cargo tank truck was cut off by an automobile causing the tank truck driver to swerve sharply and lose control.

Scenario 17: Motor Fuel Cylinder Burning on a Forklift. A forklift operator was driving a propane-powered forklift by a warehouse loading dock when she smelled smoke.

Scenario 18: Leak on Intermodal Pressure Tank Container.

Your fire department responds to a marine terminal for a report of a gas leak involving an intermodal tank in a container yard.

Scenario 19: Emergency Planning for a Propane Bulk Plant.

You are the manager of a large propane bulk plant and receive a call from the Sheriff ’s Department about a fire at your facility.

Scenario 20: Developing Credible Scenarios for Emergency Response Planning. A propane fire has occured due to a direct lightning strike during the unloading process in a propane bulk plant.

Several scenarios are also outlined in print in the 3rd edition textbook.

Between the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC), there are several opportunities to educate emergency responders.

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Texas Energy Assistance for Propane It’s that time of year when Texas begins the big weather yo-yo.

Monday is pleasant, while Tuesday can be freezing. Thursday is downright hot. It’s a good time to brush up on your knowledge of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

CEAP is a utility assistance program designed to assist low income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and to encourage consumers to control energy costs for years to come through energy education. The CEAP involves integration of all LIHEAP-funded programs, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to clients and eliminating duplication of services. The CEAP is administered through subrecipients, which collectively cover all 254 counties of the state.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for CEAP, you must: be a naturalized or U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state of Texas; have an annual household income [pre-taxes] that is below 150 percent of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines [see chart]; be the renter or homeowner who is responsible for paying the home energy bills; and provide proof of income, as well as recent utility bills. You do not need to have an unpaid energy bill or receive other government assistance in order to qualify for CEAP.

How does it work?

Customers apply for CEAP through their local community action agency, which processes their application, determines eligibility, and is authorized to provide utility assistance totaling up to $1,200 per year per household.

One key objective of the program is to provide relief for lowerincome disabled, elderly, and families with young children – the Texans who are most vulnerable, both physically and financially – from fluctuations in cooling and heating energy costs. Households with these kinds of at-risk members may be eligible for additional assistance to ensure their power stays connected and their health is protected. CEAP also offers extra help to eligible customers during severe weather, energy-related crises, and fuel-supply shortages.

Households in crisis can also use CEAP funding to help cover some energy equipment service and repair – up to $3,000 per year. But propane customers need to know, while tank pressure testing may be covered, repair or service of propane valves, lines, and tanks is not eligible for CEAP funding.

Why is the propane-use cycle important?

Because propane has a cycle of use in many homes – particularly where it’s the primary heating fuel – it’s important for those lower-income households to remember CEAP will pay only the month’s highest utility bill. So if they want to make the most of their utility assistance, then they should aim to fill their tanks – and seek help from CEAP – during the winter months.

What can you do to make the most of CEAP?

Local community action agencies are the hub of the CEAP system. For customers requesting help, these agencies are the ones who accept and process their applications, as well as distribute approved funds. And for energy providers – such as propane marketers – these agencies are the ones who can connect you with federal dollars.

Step one is to identify which organizations in your service area administer CEAP funds. Go to the TDHCA website [www.tdhca.state.tx.us/texans.html], click the “Utility Bill Payment Help” button under “Home Expenses.” Type in the city or county you serve, and click “Submit” – and information for the local community action agency will appear.

On the other side of the equation, knowing the local agency that administers CEAP will also help you help your lower-income customers. Being able to refer someone in need to the proper agency that can assist them is not only great customer service, but also good for business.

Raising your profile within CEAP circles takes a little effort on the front end, but the payoff is the opportunity for underprivileged and vulnerable customers to have their propane tank filled once a year, and have the federal government help pay for it.

Program Year 2019 Income Limits for CEAP (Effective February 4, 2019) Persons in Family/ Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Families with more than 8 persons

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100% of Federal Poverty 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines Guidelines $12,490 $18,735 $16,910 $25,365 $21,330 $31,995 $25,750 $38,625 $30,170 $45,255 $34,590 $51,885 $39,010 $58,515 $43,430 $65,145 Add $4,420 for each Add $6,630 for each additional person additional person

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Eligibility for CEAP is calculated at 150% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Information about the program can be found at www. tdhca.state.tx.us under the community affairs tab.

SOURCE: U.S Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines https://aspe.hhs.gov/ poverty-guidelines

Safety Talk

Complete Combustion and Carbon Monoxide Safety Meeting 3 Excessive water vapor forms on cool surfaces in the house.

3 The odor of aldehydes is present.

USING PORTABLE CO DETECTORS:

The efficient combustion of propane requires a ratio of 1 part propane to 24 parts air. If this ratio is off or equipment is not working properly, propane may not combust completely. Incomplete combustion can be dangerous. It is your job to understand how to detect incomplete combustion and respond swiftly.

SIGNS OF INCOMPLETE PROPANE COMBUSTION: 3 Excessive water vapor — Can be harmful to appliances’

venting systems.

3 Soot — Potentially damaging to property.

3 Aldehydes — Toxic gas detectable by a sharp, penetrating odor, a metallic mouth taste, or a burning sensation in the nose and eyes.

If any of these are present, follow your company’s guidelines for action. Incomplete combustion may also result in the release of carbon monoxide.

Some propane companies handle carbon monoxide detection, while others refer calls to the fire department. If your company does address these issues, use the following guidelines: WHEN TO CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AT CUSTOMER LOCATIONS:

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be deadly. However, because CO is odorless and colorless, it can be difficult to detect. Check for CO if any of the following conditions exist: 3 A customer complains of chronic headaches or nausea.

3 Houseplants are dying.

3 There is a chronic odor and the source or cause cannot be located.

If your company provides portable CO detectors, it is important that you are trained in their use. Always follow manufacturer instructions.

Keep in mind: 3 Portable CO detectors should be at or close to room temperature before testing the air.

3 Samples should not be taken if the air temperature is above 125°F. Thus, it may not always be possible to check flue gases directly without additional equipment.

PLACES TO CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE:

Always test different areas in the house or building to determine the highest CO level. Tests for CO should occur: 3 In the air at head height 3 Near gas appliances 3 Close to heating ducts 3 Near appliance diverters and fi re doors on appliances in basements or utility rooms If an appliance is suspected as the source of CO, it may be turned off before your arrival. Take readings before it is restarted, 1–2 minutes after it is restarted, and 15 minutes after it has been on to ensure accurate CO detection.

DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. While servicing a dryer, you notice soot around the dryer vent. How do you respond?

2. Your customer asks about carbon monoxide and ways he can protect his family. What safeguards do you recommend?

LEARNING ACTIVITY Have participants stage a mock CO check at their building. Discuss where and how to test, and actions necessary if CO is detected.

Source: Basic Principles and Practices of Propane (PERC) December 2019 •

Texas Propane

17

Fleet Safety

Black Ice Avoidance Winter driving is tough enough without the worry of black ice. Roads covered in snow are challenging, but on most drives we can know what we are dealing with.

Black ice, however, is invisible and often appears where it is least expected.

Black ice is not, as the name might suggest, actually black. Although called

black, it is its transparency that permits it to blend into the road pavement no matter the type, whether asphalt, concrete or other. It forms when light rain or fog encounters a road surface whose temperature is at or below freezing. Black ice can form suddenly, so it is important to know how to prepare for, detect and handle this type of condition.

To help avoid accidents involving black ice, consider these tips: When can black ice form?

1. The air temperature need not be at or below 32 degrees; only the ground temperature must be at or below freezing.

2. Black ice is more likely to form during rain, fog, and mist in cold weather, when the ground is cold and there is moisture.

3. Black ice can form at any time, but tends to form most in the early morning and evening.

4. Bridges and overpasses ice over before roads do because they do not have the benefit of being surrounded by insulating soil, which can trap warmth. They are entirely exposed to the ambient temperature.

5. Black ice can form at tunnel entrances when there is a water source nearby, such as runoff. Because tunnel interiors are not lit by sun, black ice can form on the pavement within the tunnel if there is a source of water.

6. Black ice can form in the shadows of buildings if the ground temperature is at or below freezing.

7. Black ice can also form when roads are wet, but the temperature suddenly drops.

What are some signs of black ice?

1. Though the environment is wet, no water sprays up from the tires of nearby vehicles.

2. If the pavement shows signs of darker and duller color than other parts of road, there may be black ice.

3. If it is misting or raining, the back of the vehicle mirrors will start to freeze with no notable signs of water dripping off them.

What not to do?

1. Do not brake hard. If there is a concern that black ice exists, slow down and

18

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

gently apply brakes before approaching an icy patch. Lift the foot off of the accelerator and glide over the ice before braking and accelerating again.

2. Don’t make any sudden movement, such as turning or changing lanes, which could cause the vehicle to skid.

3. Do not tailgate. Safe following distance is essential to avoiding collisions under black ice conditions.

4. Avoid the use of cruise control in icy conditions.

What to do?

1. Evaluate the weather before starting to drive. Understand road conditions before the vehicle moves.

2. Increase the following distance from vehicles ahead. Allow for reaction time and plenty of gentle braking to stop or maneuver safely.

3. Downshift to a lower gear before coming upon black ice.

4. Keep the steering wheel straight. If the vehicle starts to slide, turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.

5. Evaluate the tires and make sure the tire tread is in good condition. Have the tires and brakes evaluated prior to the winter season and maintain proper tire pressure.

6. Start out slowly.

7. Use the car thermometer only as a gauge of determining temperature and the risk for black ice, as it might not always be accurate.

8.Wear your seat belt.

9. Drive with low beam headlights even in the daytime to help make your vehicle more visible.

10. Listen to the news and weather forecasts. It’s a good way to hear of icy conditions or even accidents that could indicate icy roads.

11. Communicate internally with management and drivers to discuss the weather and road conditions.

This article is courtesy of information compiled by Crum & Forster. This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster

THIS IS WHERE WE'VE BEEN. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE GOING.

MOVING FUEL AHEAD OF EXPECTATION

WWW.MKGAS.COM 1-888-MKGASTX

J LIQUID TRANSPORATION J TANK INSTALLATIONS

J LP GAS INSTALLATIONS J FUEL SUPPLY December 2019 •

Texas Propane

19

ProCOT Corner

ProCOT Ads Reaching Millions of Texans As temperatures across Texas dip, as part of their Propane Can Do That Campaign, developed by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is advertising in Texas Monthly magazine in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The objective of the campaign is to augment PERC’s consumer education campaign and spread the Propane Can Do That slogan highlighting all that propane can do including outdoor living, gas fireplaces and central heating.

Texas Monthly reaches over 2.5 million Texans each issue and delivers to more Texans than Vanity Fair, Travel + Leisure, Harper’s Bazaar, and Esquire combined.

Check out the Council’s ad in the upcoming December edition of Texas Monthly.

THE ART OF THE BOOT

20

W I L L T E X A S T U R N B LU E ? by R. G. RATCLIFFE / S U R G E R Y U N D E R F I R E by DAVID WOOD

★

Propane retailers can also use national PERC’s resources and implement their own campaign in their own local communities. Download the Propane Can Do That Campaign materials at https://propane.com/resource-catalog/resources/ homeowner-toolkit-collection/.

NOVEMBER 2019

12.19

Print is not the only way ProCOT is promoting propane to homeowners. ProCOT is also leveraging social media, with its popular consumer facing Facebook account, Propane Can Do That Texas, where we have over 15,000 followers.

On the Facebook account, ProCOT promotes propane uses inside and outside the home, highlights propane safety and recently held a propane fire table contest.

Thank you to RealFlame for their donation of the Ledgestone Propane Fire Table and congratulations to Mary Lopez of Mexia, TX on her win.

OCTOBER 2019

THE ART OF THE

BOOT Bolder, better crafted, and bigger than ever.

FEATURING SANDRA CISNEROS LYLE LOVETT CHARLEY CROCKETT KAM FRANKLIN . . . and more

Celebrated novelist Sandra Cisneros, in Luccheses, at her home in Mexico.

DECEMBER 2019 1219_cover_BOOTS_final.indd 3-4

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

11/8/19 10:03 AM

Employer News

Is On-Call Considered Hours Worked?

By Mike Kappel Some businesses need on-call employees. But if you require employees to be available when they’re not working, should you pay them? Whether or not you must provide on-call pay depends on a few factors.

If you’re not paying your employees while they’re on call, you might be violating FLSA hours worked, and thus overtime, rules. And we all know that violating FLSA regulations is a recipe for hefty penalties.

It’s time to spruce up your on-call labor laws knowledge.

TV, but their time is still considered hours worked. Why? Because they must stay at the hospital.

2. Employee can leave the premises

What are on-call hours?

Being on call means an employee is available to work if their employer contacts them. An employee who is on-call isn’t working, but they are available in case they need to. Employees who are on call may need to remain at or near their workplace.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, on-call hours may or may not be considered hours worked.

If on-call hours count as hours worked, you need to pay your employees for their on-call time.

If on-call hours are not considered hours worked, you do not need to pay your employees while they wait. However, you must pay employees when they respond to a call.

There are many factors that influence whether you must provide on-call compensation or not. Remember, FLSA regulations only apply to nonexempt employees. You do not need to provide on-call pay for exempt employees.

When should you provide on-call pay?

Federal on-call pay laws require you to compensate employees for hours worked.

And, hours worked depends on a number of conditions.

Oftentimes, the FLSA determines oncall pay requirements case by case. However, the Department of Labor offers general guidelines for determining on-call pay.

On-call work laws boil down to whether the employee is restricted or not. If the employee is restricted, their time is generally considered hours worked, and you

22

must give on-call pay. If the employee is not restricted, you likely don’t need to compensate them for their waiting time.

Restricted vs. non-restricted on-call status depends on two main things: location and the employee’s ability to use their time.

Location comes first. From there, break it down further to determine how the employee can use their time.

First, examine the employee’s location.

Ask yourself: 1. Does the employee need to remain on or near your business’s premises while on call?

2. Is the employee free to go where they’d like while on call?

1. Employee must remain on or near the premises

An employee’s time is considered hours worked when they are at or near your business. On-call hours are also considered hours worked if you control where workers can go.

Because the time is considered hours worked, you generally need to provide oncall pay.

Let’s say you require a nurse to stay at the hospital while they are on call. The nurse might be able to take a nap or watch

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

If the employee is not restricted to being at or near your business’s premises, determine whether they can use their time for personal activities.

To find out if the employee can use their time for their own purposes, ask questions like: • Can the employee use the time to engage in personal activities?

• How frequently do you call the employee while they are on call?

• After receiving a call, how long does the employee have before responding?

Restricted activities, frequent calls, and immediate action may prevent an employee from using their time for personal activities.

A. Employee can use their on-call time for personal activities

If the employee can use on-call time for personal activities, you likely do not need to pay them while they wait.

Again, you must pay the employee for the time they spend responding to a call.

Say an on-call employee spends the day at the mall. During a four hour on-call shift, they receive one call that requires them to stop what they’re doing for 30 minutes. Pay them for their 30 minutes of work. But, you don’t need to pay them for the other three hours and thirty minutes.

B. Employee cannot use on-call time for personal activities

When an employee’s personal activities are restricted, you typically need to provide on-call pay.

Let’s say an employee is reading a story to their child when you call them. The employee puts down the book and drives to work. After responding to the call, the employee returns home and continues reading the story to their child. Again, their phone goes off. The consistent phone calls prohibit the employee from engaging in personal activities. As a result,

Employer News you need to provide on-call compensation for the entire on-call shift.

Other considerations: state laws and business policies

In addition to federal on-call laws, you need to know your state’s laws. Some states set stricter on-call pay laws.

Even if you are not required under federal or state laws to provide on-call pay to employees whose time isn’t restricted, you can choose to do so.

Be sure to include your business’s oncall policy in your employee handbook.

Quick reference for determining on-call pay

Here are some questions you must ask when determining whether an on-call employee’s time is considered hours worked: • Is the worker an exempt or nonexempt employee?

• Is the employee required to stay on the business premises?

• Do I restrict the employee’s on-call time?

• What does my state say?

• What do my business’s policies state?

If you have trouble determining whether you need to provide on-call pay, check out the Department of Labor’s website or

consult a small business lawyer.

Don’t neglect to pay an employee for legal hours worked.

This article is courtesy of Patriot Software, www.PatriotSoftware.com. This article has been updated in April 2019 from its original publication date of 3/10/2011.

Want to know if Texas has stricter laws, if you fall under FLSA or have more employment related questions? National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) members can contact HR University as part of your Member Perks with the NPGA and get one-on-one employment compliance consultation with an HR expert.

CH2100-QC – w/100' of hose 200,000 Btu/hr @ 18 psi The Red Dragon 'Hot Box', made of sturdy, rectangular construction, offers the following important features not found on other construction heaters: • Low profile prevents accidental tipping • Stackable for convenient storage • High heat output close to the surface - warmer working area • More radiating surface than a cylindrical shape heater • One bolt removes burner & all controls Plus...

• Heavy gauge metal construction • Piezo ignitor • Thermocouple safety control • 18 psi preset regulator • U.L. Listed LP-Gas Hose Assembly w/Quick Connect • Safety Excess Flow P.O.L.

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*Dividends are not guaranteed and past dividends are not a guarantee of future dividends. The Texas Department of Insurance must approve all dividend plans

Call your agent to get a quote or call Curtis Heptner, Master Agent H (940) 397-2771 H Curtis@certessentials.com

December 2019 •

Texas Propane

23

Autogas News Blue Bird, Roush Cleantech Celebrated Propane School Bus Partnership at NASCAR Cup Series

This past October, Ryan Newman’s No. 6 Ford Mustang paid homage to another legendary American vehicle when the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Martinsville Speedway, carrying the icon-

ic Blue Bird School Bus colors.

The paint scheme will celebrate Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech delivering their 15,000th propane school bus this week.

The Ford engine with a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system used to equip the Blue Bird Propane Vision buses are significantly cleaner than the current EPA and CARB standards.

This will be the second time Blue Bird has appeared on one of Jack Roush’s Fords, as Ricky Stenhouse took the company to victory lane in his own No. 6

Is the missing Piece

WORTH the risk?

LONG TERM CARE

HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE

DISABILITY INSURANCE

HO M AU E & TO

FINANCIAL & ESTATE PLANNING

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

FARM & RANCH

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.

“I cannot say enough about Rusty and his team at Marshall Young Insurance. Not only are their prices highly competitive and comprehensive, but their customer service is outstanding as well. Marshall Young’s team goes above and beyond to exceed our insurance needs.”

— Josh McAdams McAdams Propane Co. Midstream Transportation Co.

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM

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

24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Mustang in September 2012 at Chicagoland Speedway.

About Blue Bird Corporation Blue Bird (Nasdaq: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today.

About ROUSH CleanTech ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas and electric fuel system technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses, and compressed natural gas fuel systems for school buses.

Save the date and register for the 2019 DFW Clean Cities Annual Meeting and Fleet Recognition Awards

Meeting Details Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Time: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm Location: North Central Texas Council of Governments (616 Six Flags Drive, Centerpoint II, Arlington TX, 76011) The Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition (DFWCC) invites you to attend the Annual Meeting and Fleet Recognition Awards. A GPS company will provide an overview of how the telematics industry has evolved to provide software that keeps fleet vehicles accountable, safe and efficient.

Last but not least, the 2019 DFWCC Annual Survey Fleet Recognition Awardees will be announced.

FREE lunch will be provided so register to reserve your spot today!

Registration link: https://www.dfwcleancities.org/event-details/dfw-cleancities-annual-meeting-recognition Texas Propane Vehicle & Mower Incentives Expiring. Don’t miss out!

Apply now!

This is your last chance to secure funding through the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) for propane white fleet vehicle purchases, propane white fleet vehicle conversions, and propane commercial mower purchases and conversions.

The Council has $40,000 left for incentives, available first-come, first-serve while it lasts or by December 31, 2019, whichever comes first. $7,500 for a new qualifying propane

Autogas News vehicle purchase or vehicle converted to propane under 40,000 miles.

There is a $ 20,000-lifetime cap. $1,000 for new propane factory-built propane mower or qualifying conversion to propane.

There is a $ 7,000-lifetime cap.

All propane conversions systems and propane vehicle and mowers must be EPA or CARB certified.

Learn more about the vehicle incentive program at https://www.propanecounciloftexas.org/vehicleincentives Learn more about the mower incentive program at https://www.propanecounciloftexas.org/mowerincentives While our local non-profit engine incentive program is ending, the Propane Council of Texas will still continue with our complimentary grant consultation and grant writing services for those looking to apply for other local, state or federal grants.

Questions? Please call (800)325-7427 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org

country has doubled in just 24 months,” said José Luis Blanco, General Director of the Autogas Cluster, a group of companies and organizations interested in the development of Autogas and organizer of the event together with GasLicuado.

“We are celebrating because Autogas is consolidating itself as the clear leading alternative fuel in the Spanish market, a fundamental energy in the environmentally-friendly transition, in which we must all participate,” added José Barreiro, President of the Autogas Cluster.

Mariano González, Deputy Minister

of Environment, Land Management and Sustainability of the Community of Madrid, also commented: “The best measure to reduce pollution is to modernize the vehicle fleet. Thus, it seems reasonable to adopt measures to renew it with technologies such as Autogas.”

During the first nine months of the year, sales of LPG vehicles have grown more than 65% compared to the same period of 2018, while Autogas vehicle registrations already exceed those of 2018.

Reprinted with permission from https://auto-gas.net/

Where in the World

Spain doubles its Autogas fleet, will close the year with 115,000 vehicles

During the III Autogas Forum held in Madrid, attended by representatives from all over the sector and from the government, industry experts affirmed the Spanish market will close the year with 30,000 new registrations of Autogas vehicles.

This figure, according to the Spanish Association of LPG (GasLicuado), will help double in just two years the fleet of vehicles powered by this alternative fuel. Moreover, with this new registrations, the entire fleet of LPG-fuelled vehicles will reach the 115,000 units by the end of 2019.

“Spain began 2018 with 55,000 Autogas vehicles on the roads and will end 2019 with around 115,000 units. In other words, the number of Autogas vehicles in our December 2019 •

Texas Propane

25

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Tamera Francis Taylor passed away on October 30, 2019 in Denison, Texas. She is the mother of Ricky Taylor from D.L. Morrison. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

PHMSA Issues Safety Advisory Notice

The DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) published a Safety Advisory Notice in the Federal Register November 1 to inform the public, industrial gas stakeholders, and relevant government officials of the risks associated with requalifying, filling, and transporting cylinders bearing the DOT specification markings ‘’DOT 4E’’ or ‘’DOT 4BA’’ that were produced by a company located in Thailand by the name of Metal Mate.

Foreign cylinder manufacturers are required to obtain approval from PHMSA that permits them to perform the required chemical analyses and tests outside the United States. Metal Mate has not received this approval from PHMSA and therefore these cylinders may not perform to the marked DOT standard and may not be safe for commercial transportation or consumer use.

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) meeting Nov. 12 and 13 in Naples, FL.

The Council approved its 2020 budget of $41.8 million that includes total program spending of $32.7 million and $8.4 million for rebates to states.

Council also approved the following funding requests: Docket 22113: Continuation of the Propane Can Do That campaign in 2020,

$4,250,000 Docket 22106: 2020 Propane Sales & Marketing Training and HVAC/Plumber Training, $605,000 Docket 22215: 2019 Retail Sales Report, $212,696 Docket 22216: 2020 Market Research & Data Analytics, $145,000 Docket 22082: 2020 Industry Engagement, $454,000 Docket 22214: 2020 Advisory Committee & Program Support, $450,000 Docket 22241: State rebate concept: Propane Can Do That Showcase Home, $400,000 (as pilot project) Docket 22110: 2019-20 Military Education & Recruitment, $40,000 Docket 22157: Transfer CETP Records to Adobe Captivate Software, $50,000 Docket 21783: Change Order: CETP Program Support, $350,000 Docket 22098: Residential Construction Professional Integrated Outreach Program, $2,140,000 Docket 22111: 2020 Autogas Integrated Outreach Program for $1,200,000 (with a stipulation for staff to review and evaluate the listed tradeshow cost) Docket 22085: 2020 Material Handling Market Integrated Outreach Program, $1,070,000

Docket 22104: 2020 Agriculture Integrated Outreach Program, $1,040,000 Docket 22103: 2020 Commercial Professional Integrated Outreach Program, $905,000 Docket 22090: Business Development Engagement and Services, $575,000 Docket 22095: 2020 Propane Farm Incentive Program, $400,000 Docket 22097: Heat Pump Water Heater with Gas Stirling Linear Compressor, $63,000 The Council will meet next by conference call on February 12, 2020.

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We are so glad to have you as a customer and look forward to serving you in the future.

Wishing you a magical and blissful holiday!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Propane Service Corporation 800.392.0023 sales@propaneservicecorp.com www.propaneservicecorp.com

26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Office closed Dec 24-25, 2019 & Jan 1, 2020 Open 24/7 online

Delivery Service Work Orders Meter Reading Cylinder Exchange 1-800-722-6659 • www.rccbi.com Bird Island, MN • Birmingham, AL • Portland, ME

Say Cheese

Billy Cox (center), Chaparral Propane, with his daughter and friend, and Brent Butner, Chaparral Propane (far right), enjoying a night of family, friends and fire service at the Propane Emergencies Reception on October 28, 2019 in College Station.

At the opening night reception, the Council recognized veteran instructors who have dedicated their time since the inception of the class nearly a decade ago: Richard Gilbert, TPGA Sr. Technical Director; Rex Havron, Needville Fire Department; Bryan Jones, Texas Railroad Commission; and Mark Holloway, Amerigas.

The Council hosted a dinner reception for training attendees at the new Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center. Pictured: Lon Holloway, Northwest Propane; Richard Gilbert, TPGA Sr. Technical Director; Sean Caney, Douglass Distributing; and Anthony Kusenberger, Pico Propane.

Annually, Enderby Gas sponsors surrounding fire departments to attend the Propane Emergencies Training hosted by ProCOT. Whitesboro Fire Department members were joined by Enderby Gas Director of Safety Steve La Salle and Madill Oklahoma Fire Department.

Propane industry members from all over Texas gathered in late October in College Station to learn, but also to serve as a resource to the fire departments attending the Propane Council of Texas’ Propane Emergencies Training.

Dustin Cox, Chaparral Propane and Chance Allen, McAdams Propane bunker up to get the firefighters point of view at the recent Propane Incident Management Training in College Station.

December 2019 •

Texas Propane

27

Classifieds 2003 Kenworth T300 2500 gallon Propane Tank, 301K miles, 6 Speed

PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons FOR SALE (2) 12,000 gallon, 250 psi, 2013 (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, saddles, 2007 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

Railroad Commission Approved Training Course numbers: 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.3, 3.8 Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

Jack Harrison • 210-680-5096 propanesystems@gmail.com

Asking $35K Contact: Steve or Wanda (361) 364-2284

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BOBTAILS FOR SALE • Texas 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.

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

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

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

CHERYL@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM OR WENDY@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM • 830-964-2525

Calendar DECEMBER

2 Duty to Warn Deadline 2 PERC Webinar Online Reviews: Soliciting & Responding https://www.candotraining.com 10 Propane Living Newsletter Winter Deadline 17 DFW Clean Cities Annual Meeting & Fleet Recognition Awards Arlington, TX 24-25 TPGA & PSC closed for Christmas

JANUARY 2020

Index to Advertisers Bergquist 23

Development https://www.candotraining.com

BLT Tanks 11 Cunningham Gas Products 5

23-24 PERC Trainer’s Conference

Ferrellgas 18

21-23 NAHB International Builders Show Las Vegas, NV

FEBRUARY

4-5 WLPGA Technical Summit & Industry Council Meeting Washington, DC 11-13 World Ag Expo Tulare, CA

1 TPGA & PSC closed for New Year’s Day

17 TPGA & PSC office closed for President’s Day

6 PERC Webinar Facebook/Social Media Plan

27-29 Farm Commodity Classic Show San Antonio, TX

Gas Equipment Company 31 Lone Star Energy Group 23 Longhorn Propane 28

3 PERC Webinar Facebook/Social Media Calendar Development https://www.candotraining.com 3-5 2020 AHR Expo Orlando, FL

Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 31 Marshall Young Insurance 24 Meeder Equipment Co. 21 MK Gas 19 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 26 Rural Computer Consultants 26 Westmor Industries 25 White River Distributors 5

Find Us On Social Media

Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

Texas Propane Gas Association

Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1 December 2019 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Rec Center Employs CuttingEdge Reclaimed-Heat System pools with the heat generated by ice rinks. The system reclaims the byproduct heat generated from the compression cycle used to keep the ice frozen. Instead of letting that heat dissipate into the atmosphere, the heat is transferred into a geothermal piping system that pumps heated glycol into different parts of the facility. The heat energy is used to heat the building’s two pools and for some of the building’s general space heating.

While that reclaimed-heat system is extremely efficient, it doesn’t provide enough heat in areas that must be brought to temperature quickly, Oelze says. “It doesn’t have the intensity level that you’d get from propane,” he explains. “For those smaller rooms that people would be coming and going rather quickly, we needed something that would have a much quicker reaction time.”

For a construction project where time was of the essence, propane provided a supplemental heating source without the chance of schedule delays.

McKendree University needed new ice rinks in a hurry.

The St. Louis area school’s ice hockey team had been using a two-rink facility in Fairview Heights, Illinois, until a depression caused by the collapse of an old coal mine tunnel caused the facility to be shut down.

With the loss of that building, both the school and about 250 young athletes in the Southern Illinois IceHawks youth hockey association were left without a hockey home.

So when the school contacted developer Dean Oelze about creating the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, a new multi-use recreational facility in nearby O’Fallon, Illinois, he knew he needed a project plan that would have the building completed as quickly as possible. And with large potential energy demands for a building that would include two ice rinks as well as two pools, the business plan for the facility also had ambitious efficiency goals.

To achieve that level of efficiency in a short timeframe, the building used a state-of-the-art Eco Chill heat-reclamation system combined with propane-fueled rooftop units for heating targeted zones within the building.

“If you’re looking at ice rinks and pools as well, you’re going to be looking at a significant demand on energy,” Oelze says. “To be able to move forward with a project, we certainly had to answer that question as to how we’re going to be as efficient as possible.”

From Ice to Heat The Eco Chill system, relatively common in Canada, is fairly rare in the United States because few facilities combine the heating needs of

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For instance, the facility offers group fitness classes for members.

“When 30 people come into a room, you want that room to feel comfortable when they walk in,” Oelze says. “And then of course when they leave, it’s going to affect the temperature rather quickly. And so propane is a great way to bring that heat up in a very short timeframe.”

Sophisticated building controls made it simple to meld the Eco Chill and propane roof top unit heating systems under one roof.

By using propane for the building’s supplemental RTU heating systems, developer Dean Oelze avoided the chance for weeks or months of delays waiting for natural gas lines.

The Rec Plex is the first building in what will be a 45-acre development. Oelze plans to eventually bring in natural gas to serve the community, but with the construction schedule so tight, he didn’t want to risk delaying the project by waiting for natural gas lines. “Because of propane’s flexibility — by just simply being able to bring in and bury a tank — we could do something in a day which would’ve taken weeks to months. So there is a significant advantage to doing it that way, depending on your timeframe for getting your energy in place,” he says.

Between the pools and the gym facilities, which include a half-court gymnasium, a walking track, and a cardio deck, the Rec Plex creates quite a bit of laundry. The building’s propane-fueled clothes dryers provide fast, energy-efficient drying for speedy laundry cycles. The facility’s ice resurfacers also use propane as a clean-burning source of fuel.

While the project’s cutting-edge heating systems provide both environmental benefits and cost savings, Oelze is most proud of the fact that he was able to get the community’s youth and college hockey players back on the ice as quickly as possible. In part because of the flexibility of propane, provided by Wade Sales and Service, the overall construction was completed within a 12-month timeframe from the start of the footings to occupancy of the building. “I think that a lot of things got accomplished in a very short timeframe,” Oelze says.

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