December 2020 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Texas Propane December 2020

Volume 76 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

Bringing Families Together Campaign Features Top Chef Winner Propane Educational Campaign to Benefit 4-H Texas Technical Schools Receive PERC Grant

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 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 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@zochnet.com Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Features

Bringing Families Together Campaign Features Top Chef Winner. . . . . . . 6 PERC Using the Power of Influencers Propane Educational Campaign to Benefit 4-H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PERC sponsors contest to raise funds for the national 4-H organization and help the next generation of farmers learn more about propane Texas Technical Schools Receive PERC Grant & PERC Opens Second Grant Round for More Schools to Apply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 PERC Council Approves New Training Programs, R&D Projects. . . . . . . 14 Many docket items move forward with fall meeting U.S. Winter Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 CDC Guidance: How Essential Critical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 May Continue Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 What to Do If You Customers Won’t Wear a Mask. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Marketing Mistakes That Can Haunt Your Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Autogas News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Continuing to Serve Our Communities Through Crisis Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director As we enter the winter and the holiday season, this has been an extremely difficult year. As the pandemic swept across the globe, while the majority of the world stayed at home, the propane industry continued to both show up and step up for your respective communities.

The TPGA staff has been here to make sure that you understand safety protocols from the CDC to keep your employees

and your customers safe, and what types of financial assistance are available to you if you need it, and to your customers.

We have also informed you about online classes and certifications from the Railroad Commission.

COVID-19 has changed so many things! But know going forward TPGA will continue to be there for our members and the propane industry.

2021 promises to be better with a vaccine for the virus on the way. We will get through this.

Happy Holidays to you and yours, and stay safe!

AFFINITY PARTNERS

LEnergy ONE ST R Group

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

Feature

Bringing Families Together Campaign Features Top Chef Winner PERC Using the Power of Influencers For the Bringing Families Together campaign that kicked off this summer, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) partnered with Michael Voltaggio, the Top Chef Season 6 winner, as well as Bryan Voltaggio, a finalist on Top Chef Season 6 and Top Chef Masters Season 5. They provided propane cooking demos and safety education through a series of videos and a social media campaign that included everything from pizza night to grilled turkey. In addition to their Top Chef notoriety, the brothers own several highly-respected restaurants.

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Feature

The effort is primarily a social media campaign sharing safe grilling tips and recipes. To get more eyes on the great content, PERC is running a digital paid media campaign that just started in October with the content on HGTV.com, foodnetwork.com, YouTube, Pinterest, and through the Google Ad Network.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit last spring, PERC thought that more and more families are home together and, as the weather warmed up, moving outside to cook and maximize living space. PERC wanted to start with some safe grilling tips for those new to propane and reminders for those who had not grilled since last season. The campaign has transitioned from safe grilling tips to more of the lifestyle amenities of propane.

PERC kicked off the campaign over the 4th of July weekend with a shrimp boil by Bryan Voltaggio. There will be a total of 10 videos, including a turkey on the grill with all the fixings for the upcoming holidays. The turkey video will work great for the Christmas holiday season, as well. The current program runs through mid-2021 with plans to extend the campaign dependent on overall performance.

To date, Bryan and Michael have completed several pieces of content about cooking with propane. That content has the total potential reach of 2 million people.

PERC likes that while Bryan and Michael are brothers, they have different approaches. Bryan is more down to earth and a dad.

Michael is more corporate and west coast. They are both creative and passionate about food and believe in the precision and control that propane brings when preparing meals.

BRYAN VOLTAGGIO. Chef Bryan Voltaggio is the executive chef and owner of multiple restaurants including VOLT, and Family Meal, and is the chef and partner at STRFSH, Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, and Estuary. Bryan is a finalist of the James Beard Foundation Award, Top Chef (season

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six), Top Chef Masters (season five), and most recently Top Chef Allstars (season sixteen). He is the author of HOME and coauthored VOLT Ink with his brother, Michael. He lives in his hometown of Frederick, Maryland with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children: Thacher, Piper, and Ever Maeve.

Bryan shared a few thoughts on using propane and grilling: Why do chefs like yourselves like cooking/grilling with gas?

I like the simplicity and control that gas provides when cooking and grilling. When grilling in particular, you have a lot more control of your heat and the cleanliness of grilling with gas is convenient. It’s important sometimes, especially when grilling multiple items from the menu, you can create zones on your grill much easier. I also like the controlled heat when smoking foods. I have a smoke box on my grill that I can add wood chips to produce smoke. So when smoking a pork shoulder I can have precise control of the heat and add flavor as needed to get a properly cooked BBQ. Does your grill have any feature that you particularly enjoy using? To what end? My grill suite has multiple cooking surfaces, which I really enjoy. I have a main grill with a rotisserie that is powered and can easily roast chickens and other large cuts of meat. I also have a flat top griddle, so when it’s burger night I can toast the buns, which is a step I never miss. The smoker box on my grill allows me to impart smoking to meats and fish while grilling. My favorite feature is the igniting system, it’s all electronic so the ease of starting the grill makes it simple to use with a busy lifestyle.

Do you wintercue (grill during the winter months)? What your favorite thing to grill during the holidays and winter months? I grill all year, despite living in the mid-Atlantic where we do have the occasional big snowstorm, I am not afraid to head out to grill my marinated hanger steaks, or grill some short ribs, which on a cold winter day can be very comforting.

What is the most exotic thing you’ve tried on the grill? I would not say that the items I’ve grilled are exotic necessarily. I do and have plenty of times grilled meats that I have harvested, venison and game birds for example. When I get out to the Chesapeake Bay for Striped Bass aka Rockfish in our region, I definitely light up the grill.

MICHAEL VOLTAGGIO. Chef Michael Voltaggio is the executive chef and co-owner of Estuary, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, and STRFSH with

Feature his brother, Bryan Voltaggio. In 2009, Michael was a finalist for the James Beard “Best New Restaurant” award. World-renowned chefs praised Michael for his technical cooking when he clinched the title of Top Chef in the sixth season of Top Chef. In addition to appearing regularly on a variety of cooking shows, he co-authored VOLT Ink with his brother. Michael lives in Los Angeles.

Michael shared with us a few thoughts about using propane and grilling: Why do chefs like yourselves like cooking/grilling with gas?

When grilling with gas it’s much easier to maintain a precise temperature. It’s also better for the planet emissions wise, producing nearly half the carbon dioxide of traditional charcoal.

Does your grill have any feature that you particularly enjoy using? To what end? I like having multiple heights to work with.

Having an elevated rear grilling area provides the opportunity for indirect heat. Different temperature zones enable you to cook several things at once.

Do you wintercue (grill during the winter months)? What your favorite thing to grill during the holidays and winter months? I live in Southern California, we grill year round. That said, it’s fun to put a braise or a stew on the grill and then gather around it outside bundled up by a fire.

What is the most exotic thing you’ve tried on the grill? I grilled some pork over tobacco leaves in Cuba. I made a rum bbq sauce and served it with lettuce leaves so the meat could be rolled like a cigar!

Visit https://propane.com/for-my-home/bringing-familiestogether/ to view videos and see recipes. You can even share these videos on social media.

Get

Other PERC Projects Using the Power of Influencers

PERC started its work with social influencers this past spring with a campaign in May-June 2020 around propanekids.com. Recognizing that parents were looking for activities for their children, PERC partnered with several social influencers in the agriculture space. That campaign was very effective at educating and engaging an audience about propane safety on the farm and the resources the propane industry makes available. Because of that success, PERC began exploring options to partner with sustainable lifestyle social influencers, specifically around homeowner applications both inside and outside of the home.

PERC has identified 14 new social influencers. PERC is currently working on getting them under contract and finalizing the scope of their work, which will continue through 2021. PERC plans to work with these social influencers to create a more emotional connection with propane by showing through them (including the Voltaggio brothers) how propane brings families together through outdoor and indoor living applications (grilling, cooking, firepits and fireplaces, hot water). The campaign will also include the social influencers sharing the environmental reasons that they are choosing propane over other energy sources in their homes and outdoor living spaces as an opportunity to reinforce the clean energy message in a way that is relatable to the general user. The social influencers range in their history and use with propane, their lifestyles, backgrounds, and followers — but as PERC has seen through the success of the PropaneKids.com program – using these social educators is allowing PERC to speak with a whole new audience, in a new way, about the benefits of propane.

PERC wants to ensure that the industry is aware of the new work being done with social influencers and the opportunity it creates to allow the propane story to be told on a more personal, emotional level to a new audience of users. PERC wants the industry to get involved with the campaign through the influencer outreach but also by showcasing how those in the industry are using propane to bring their families together. PERC is kicking off the #togetherwithpropane campaign on social media over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for more details on following the new social influencers and sharing your clean energy story.

Involved with PERC’s ‘Together With Propane’ Social Media Influencer Campaign

The Propane Education & Research Council is engaging additional social influencers in 2021 to showcase how propane is bringing families together.

From backyard firepits and patio heaters, to heated homes, fireplaces and cooking appliances, the “Together with Propane” social influencers will craft dynamic and meaningful content to tell the emotional story of how propane benefits their lives while reinforcing why it’s a key energy for a low-carbon future.

Best of all, PERC is encouraging Texas propane marketers and their employees to get involved with the “Together with Propane” conversation, too. Stay tuned to the Propane Council’s resource catalog and social media pages to discovery the roster of influencers. Share their posts that include the hashtag #togetherwithpropane with your followers. Additionally, marketers can create and share their own posts about propane’s environmental facts; a great place to start would be the environmental tool kit resources in the PERC catalog and the bundle of 22 facts and graphics that are ready for download on Propane.com.

Stay tuned to communications from PERC for additional information on how to help the propane industry expand the conversation of how propane is bringing families together in 2021.

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Propane Educational Campaign to Benefit 4-H PERC sponsors contest to raise funds for the national 4-H organization and help the next generation of farmers learn more about versatile, sustainable propane

Photo Courtesy: Brandi Buzzard Frobose

LEFT TO RIGHT Zach McCracken, Piper, KS, judge of the Anderson County Market Hog Show; Tyler Gillespie, Grand Champion Market Hog exhibitor, Garnett, KS; Hyatt Frobose, sponsor Grand Champion Market Hog buckle, Greeley, KS.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is partnering with social media ag educators to promote the use of propane as a clean energy source on the farm for a variety of applications, as well as raise funds for the national 4-H organization through a user-generated contest.

4-H programs are offered by counties to U.S. kids and teens from suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. 4-H allows youth to participate in hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

By partnering with ag educators, PERC hopes to help educate its audience of the many benefits of propane—while raising funds for 4-H.

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“It’s important to support youth leadership, especially in agriculture,” said Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Social Media Educator.

“If we want to continue to see agriculture evolve and be sustainable for the next 50 years, we have to take steps now to build up and support kids who are passionate about agriculture. Partnering with PERC is one way to do that while also providing valuable information about clean, alternative fuel sources that can help agriculture be more sustainable.”

Each educator will be sharing his or her own experience with the use of propane as an alternative energy on the farm, their personal ties to 4-H, as well as promoting the PERC-sponsored contest.

Follow these The Wendt Group (Instagram @showpig_com), Brandi Buzzard

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(Instagram @ brandibuzzard), The Shark Farmer (Instagram @sharkeyfarms), and CropQueenMarcia (Instagram @ cropqueenmarcia) to see post and for contest details. Contests will pop periodically through Q1 and Q2 of 2021.

To participate in the contest, farmers must: • Post a picture of themselves, their propane-powered equipment, and/or their propane tank on their social page.

• Tell their followers how they are keeping their farm sustainable through the use of propane.

• Tag one of the above ag educators and include the hashtag “#PropaneFor4H”.

For each qualifying submitted post, PERC will donate one dollar to the national 4-H office, up to $5,000. PERC will take all the #PropaneFor4H posts in Q1/ Q2 of 2021 and make the donation to national 4-H most likely in Q2 of 2021.

“If I could pick one rural organization to support, it would be 4-H because it’s an incredible organization that has the ability to make a real difference in the lives of youth across the nation,” said Mike Newland, director of ag business development at PERC. “I’m personally very excited about this campaign because I participated in 4-H myself growing up showing pigs, and my own kids showed pigs and Holland Lop rabbits. The quality time spent together, and the lessons established through 4-H participation is invaluable.”

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Texas Technical Schools Receive PERC Grant & PERC Opens Second Grant Round for More Schools to Apply are willing and able to expand their curriculum to include propane-specific material and hands-on resources for their students. The school representative applying must be at least 18 years of age.

Each school that applies must have a “propane advisor”. This is typically a local propane marketer. The advisor shall be available to advise and cooperate with the instructor, speak to the class twice during the instruction period, and provide sign off on the installation of equipment and availability of materials.

How It Works

Schools may apply for either a $5,000 (Tier 1), or $10,000 (Tier 2) grant.

Tier One: $5,000 featuring the 8-hour Overview of Propane Distribution Systems for HVAC and Plumbing Professionals is for schools looking for a condensed, foundational propane systems program. Tier One applicants are required to purchase a smaller set of tools, supplies, and appliances.

Tier Two: $10,000 features the full HVAC and Plumber Technical Training course that is developed to support a one to two-week long curriculum to dive deeper into hands-on training. Tier Two applicants are required to purchase a comprehensive set of tools, supplies, and appliances.

How to Apply This fall, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s Technical School Grant Program awarded 30 technical schools and community colleges up to $10,000 to incorporate an approved propane curriculum from PERC into their classroom, use propane equipment for laboratory instruction, and encourage students to get certified.

This first round of grants was given to schools throughout 20 different states including Texas.

Collin County Community College

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District - Technical Campus in Allen, TX and the Associated Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors San Antonio Chapter in San Antonio, TX are being awarded grants from PERC. Collin County is receiving a $10,000 grant in round one and APHCC San Antonio will receive a $5,000 grant in round two.

Who Can Apply

Educational institutions and career centers (vo-tech schools, community colleges, etc.) in the United States that

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Technical schools in your area can go to www.propane.com/TechSchoolGrant to download guidelines and apply.

Questions? Contact Elena Scott at elena.scott@propane.com or call 202452-8975.

PERC began accepting applications for round two at the beginning of November.

Deadline. Technical schools must apply for round two by no later than December 31, 2020.

Applicants will receive a welcome or denial email by the end of January 2021 via email.

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PERC Council Approves New Training Programs, R&D Projects Many docket items move forward with fall meeting

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) met virtually on November 10, 2020 and approved the following programs, projects and endeavors: Docket 22560: EPA Propane Certification for Aisin 1.5kW CHP System, $60,000, for the launch of a propane variant of Aisin’s current successful 1.5kW natural gas Micro CHP product in North America this fall. Aisin would like PERC’s assistance with completing the necessary EPA certification testing for its propane system and to help with the propane industry’s adoption of this technology.

Docket 22570: BRASH MICROCHP Project Demonstration, $64,000, to earn the confidence of HVAC professionals and their client homeowners about BRASH CHP and to provide safe and reliable heat and power to homes.

The project is structured to provide hands-on experience with this new product at two independent test homes, with two independent installer teams, to support installer outreach in two or more regions. BRASH will benefit from the fresh insights of these installer teams and class-

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room attendees, and PERC will benefit from a better qualified group of HVAC professionals. Finally, beyond the scope of this project, but certainly a focus of this whole BRASH development, is the benefit to homeowners who are concerned about the reliability of wintertime heat and power, and to citizens in general who are concerned about lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Docket 22665: Micro-Combined Cooling, Heat & Power, $700,000, to develop specifications, design, build, and test an all-in-one, high-efficiency, multiutility single solution capable of the following: 1) power generation 2) cooling for HVAC and/or refrigeration 3) space heating 4) water heating 5) power storage 6) power sell-back to grid 6) renewable power connectivity 7) emissions reduction/control 8) silent operation (targeting low 50s dB level) 9) continuous or standby duty 10) modulation to meet demand most efficiently. Project Objectives: Five physical proof-of-concepts which meet or exceed the agreed upon specifications to deliver cooling, space heating, water heating, and power.

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Docket 22726: Carbon Emissions Reduction Program for Builders, $1,250,000, to provide an updated builder incentive program by PERC to demonstrate that electrification in the building environment does not equal decarbonization.

To calculate the emissions reductions from propane homes that are built vs their allelectric counterparts, we will use the Energy Planning Analysis Tool (EPAT). The EPAT compares the grid emissions information from EGRID and the energy that will be consumed in a home based on the specific efficiencies of the appliances such as HVAC, water heating, clothes drying, etc. The tool will allow for the comparison of the components of the home built on propane with a home that could have been built with all-electric appliances built in the same area. The program will allow PERC to collect data from across the country and showcase the carbon and other emission reductions and the environmental benefits from these homes.

Docket 22618: Ford 7.3L V8 LPG Industrial Engine, $104,160, to develop the newly released Ford V8 7.3L LSI engine on propane for the off-highway industrial market. Numerous markets will be targeted such as irrigation/agriculture, orchard frost protection, dewatering solutions, generator sets on LP vapor, and large forklifts. Previously, Ford’s largest offering was a 6.8L engine, so this will open up new applications that the 6.8L didn’t satisfy.

The 7.3L is also a CAM in block engine so the packaging is extremely favorably compared to the previous Ford LSI engines.

With increased displacement and smaller packaging, EDI sees this engine as a major platform for industrial OEMs to integrate into their products for the next 15 years.

Docket 22623: Ford 3.5L V6 on LPG, $173,723, for Engine Distributors, Inc., which is in the middle of offhighway industrial LPG calibration work for the 3.5L engine to replace the current Ford 3.7L V6 engine. A challenge with

Ford’s new V6 engines is that all models are GDI, which means there are gasoline direct injectors in the combustion chamber. These injectors are not needed and will deteriorate under LPG usage without the injector firing. To get to dyno testing, EDI has designed plugs to replace the Ford factory gasoline direct injectors.

Design work and samples are being durability tested at EMS in San Antonio to ensure the plugs hold up to the cylinder combustion. The V6 engine range from Ford fills in a nice gap between our smaller 2.5L I-4 engine and the larger 6.2L V8.

Numerous markets will be targeted, including irrigation/agriculture, dewatering solutions, generator sets on LP vapor, and mid-range forklifts.

Docket 22712: Emerging Technologies Research Investment, $1,000,000, to fund emerging propane technologies, including (but not limited to) technologies in residential/commercial, on-road and off-road applications, agriculture, power generation, renewable propane and DME, hydrogen production using propane and DME, carbon capture, fuel cells, advanced ignition systems for lean and high EGR combustion, techno-economic and feasibility analyses studies. In addition, funds will be used for technical scouting and for seeking opportunities to collaborate as a cost-share partner on technologies that DOE and other agencies are investing in.

Docket 22718: Training Modularization Project Phase 2, $1,300,000, to support the strategic objective to develop professional, informed, and skilled workforce and trade allies through world-class safety and technical training.

The project would update/create the following programs: • DOT 90-day initial training.

• DOT recurrent training.

• Safe Driving.

• OSHA Training.

• Personal Protective Equipment.

• Restoration of Service.

• System testing.

• Industry safety information.

• NFPA 54 & 58 program updates.

These courses represent the second set of modularized programs and are among the most-used CETP training and certification programs. The project will support the initial update of the first five

modularized training programs (Intro to the Propane Industry, Fundamentals of Propane, Bobtail Operations, Cylinder Delivery, Compliance Handbook, OJT/ Skills Handbook).

Docket 22721: Propane Emergencies Training and Certification Program, $580,000, to update the current propane emergencies program, which was last updated in 2012. The student curriculum, instructor guides, training videos, and tactical scenarios will be updated and made available as online and instructorled programs. A key part is the addition of Pro-Board certification for the program. This certification allows the program to be an accredited part of required hazmat training for first responders at the awareness, operations, and technician levels. This certification would also allow first responders to utilize this program as accredited CEUs as part of their required hazmat training. Another part of the program would allow propane industry employees to receive Pro-Board certification, allowing them to be recognized by the fire service in the event of a propane emergency. This program also includes field testing and program integration efforts by the IAFC in order to obtain national use of the program in fire academies.

Docket 22750: 2020 Sales Report, $145,500, to conduct a survey of the retail propane industry and to provide a state by state assessment of U.S. odorized propane sales by end-use sector. The Propane Education & Research Act of 1996 requires PERC to distribute 20 percent of the funds collected through this as-

sessment to the states proportional to the amount of odorized propane gas sold in each state. Currently, there are no publicly available data sources reporting odorized propane sales by state, or for the engine fuel markets.

Presidential Approvals. Since the Council’s last meeting, PERC CEO approved eight no-cost change orders for time extensions: Docket 22082 — 2020 Industry Engagement, April 30, 2021.

Docket 22085 — 2020 Material Handling Integrated Market Outreach Campaign, April 30, 2021 Docket 22098 — 2020 Residential Construction Professional Outreach, Feb. 28, 2021.

Docket 22103 — 2020 Commercial Market Outreach, April 30, 2021.

Docket 22111 — 2020 Autogas Outreach, March 31, 2021.

Docket 22112 — 2020 Corporate Communications, March 31, 2021.

Docket 22113 — 2020 Residential Consumer Integrated Outreach, March 31, 2021.

Docket 22214 — 2020 Advisory Committee and Program Support, April 30, 2021.

The PERC CEO also approved three presidential grants: Docket 22335 — Hybrid LP/Electric Module Phase 2, $99,876.

Docket 22731 — Propane Supply Reliability Index, $65,000.

Docket 22767 — Propane Utilization in Transportation and Power Generation: Review Paper, $45,000.

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

15

NOAA Forecast

U.S. Winter Outlook NOAA Forecast

NOAA’s winter forecast for the U.S. favors warmer, drier conditions across the southern tier of the U.S., and cooler, wetter conditions in the North, thanks in part to an ongoing La Niña. Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service — are also closely monitoring persistent drought during the winter months ahead, with more than 45% of the continental U.S. now experiencing drought.

Currently, large areas of drought extend over the western half of the U.S., with parts of the Northeast also experiencing drought and near-record low stream flows. With a La Niña climate pattern in place, southern parts of the U.S. may experience expanded and in-

16

tensifying drought during the winter months ahead.

“With La Niña well established and expected to persist through the upcoming 2020 winter season, we anticipate the typical, cooler, wetter North, and warmer, drier South, as the most likely outcome of winter weather that the U.S. will experience this year,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Temperature

The greatest chances for warmer-thannormal conditions extend across the Southern tier of the U.S. from the Southwest, across the Gulf states and into the Southeast. More modest probabilities

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

for warmer temperatures are forecast in the southern parts of the west coast, and from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. Above-average temperatures are also favored for Hawaii and western and northern Alaska.

Below-normal temperatures are favored in southern Alaska and from the northern Pacific Northwest into the Northern Plains, with equal chances for below-, near- or above-average temperatures in the remaining regions.

Precipitation

Wetter-than-average conditions are most likely across the northern tier of the U.S., extending from the Pacific Northwest, across the Northern Plains, Great

Lakes and into the Ohio Valley, as well as Hawaii and northern Alaska. The greatest chances for drier-than-average conditions are predicted in the Southwest, across Texas along the Gulf Coast, and in Florida. More modest chances for drier conditions are forecast in southern Alaska, and from California across the Rockies, Central Plains and into the Southeast.

The remainder of the U.S., including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, falls into the category of equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average precipitation.

Drought

Widespread, ongoing drought is currently in place across the western half of the continental U.S. as a result of the weak Southwest summer monsoon season and near-record-high temperatures. Drought is also present in parts of the Northeast, Ohio Valley, Hawaii and Alaska. The ongoing La Niña is expected to expand and intensify drought across the southern and central Plains, eastern Gulf Coast, and in California during the months ahead.

Drought conditions are expected to im-

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prove in the northern Rockies, Northwest, New England, Alaska and Hawaii over the coming months.

About NOAA’s seasonal outlooks

NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be above-, near- or below-average, and how drought conditions are favored to change. The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations; snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.

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.

Steve Johnson

Owner Johnson’s Testing Service “Before we met Rusty we didn’t know there were Insurance companies that would compete for our business. Rusty is always looking for the best options available for our business and the propane industry. He has also explained our policy coverages to us in a way that others haven’t. We recommend Rusty and Marshall Young Insurance to any owner looking for options and personal service for their business.”

3) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available.

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM 401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 | 817-645-9155

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

17

Education

FOR EMPLOYERS

CDC Guidance: How Essential Critical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 May Continue Work

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) would like to share some information with you that we believe could help you and provide insight as you continue to do business during these complex times.

To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, the CDC advises that essential critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.

A potential exposure means being a household contact or having close contact within 6 feet of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

The time frame for having contact with an individual includes the period of time of 48 hours before the individual became symptomatic.

Critical workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to & during their work shift: Pre-Screen: Employers should measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to them starting work.

Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility.

Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program.

18

Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure.

Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.

Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.

Disinfect and Clean workspaces: Clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment routinely.

If the employee becomes sick during

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

the day, they should be sent home immediately. Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected. Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and 2 days prior to symptoms should be compiled. Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed.

Find additional information on critical infrastructure worker exposure at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/critical-workers/implementing-safety-practices.html.

Accessible Version: Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19

The Total Package PDS-DCL51DP

● Tank mounted to fully welded support base with D-ring lifting lugs ● Integrated with pre-assembled dispenser cabinet ● Cabinet is pre-plumbed with pump, motor, bypass and meter ● One step installation with a single electrical connection ● Any GEC dispenser cabinet can be integrated with the fully welded support base ● Custom configurations available upon request With 1000 gallon tank: 21’OAL x 48’W x 5’H & Weighs 2,700 lbs.

With 500 gallon tank: 15’OAL x 48’W x 5’H & Weighs 1,850 lbs Atlanta GA

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(800) 241-1971

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(800) 821-0631

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(800) 368-4013

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FEATURING SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS FOR LP GAS DEALERS

• Worker’s Compensation • General Liability • Business Auto Insurance • Property • Commercial Umbrella

Building and Maintaining Confidence in the Insurance Industry since 1949

Member

Contact John S. Porter, CIC Mark D. VanDover, CIC Miles T. McFann Rhonda Wood

1305 South First Street • Lufkin, Texas (936) 634-3326 • 1-800-223-1289 Emails: john.porter@lumbermen.net • mark.vandover@lumbermen.net mmcfann@austin.rr.com • rhonda-wood@lumbermen.net • www.lumbermen.net December 2020 •

Texas Propane

19

Business Beat

What Do I Do if My Customers Won’t Wear a Mask?

Learn more about enforcing face masks for customers, and relevant legal information Dan Marzullo

FAQs on face masks policies for small businesses Small business owners around the country are taking precautions, following guidelines, and doing everything they can to keep their workers and customers safe.

But what happens if your customer refuses to wear a mask? Whether or not you can require face masks forcustomers depends on individual state and local orders.

However, bear in mind that both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the CDC strongly recommend them — and requiring face mask usage is becoming more common in areas around the country.

Under the OSHA respiratory protection standard, employers must also supply required personal protective equipment materials (including face masks) if the business requires it.

20

Can I enforce a mask policy for customers?

You certainly don’t have any HR files on who enters your place of business, but you can require face masks of your customers.

Make sure you have clear signage that details your mask policy for customers on the outside of your business as well as the interior.

Small businesses do have the authority to ask customers to leave if they ignore the mask requirement. In most cases, customers will leave without causing a scene, but there are some isolated incidents in which customers have demanded to stay — mask free. Every situation is unique, and it’s up to the manager or business owner to decide whether to involve local authorities in these cases.

Can I get sued if I enforce a mask policy in my business?

We’re in unprecedented waters so

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

there’s no clear answer. Most attorneys are saying that it’s unlikely for lawsuits to go anywhere, but it is possible. A lot of people have compared the mask policy to the no shoes, no shirt, no service policy that’s common in establishments. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently said: “You don’t have a right to walk in a store and cause all the other patrons to run out because you’re not wearing a mask.”

Your rights as a business owner are dictated somewhat by state and local ordinances, so it’s always a good idea to have an HR representative on your side who’s aware of the ever-evolving laws around reopening during COVID-19. Ultimately, businesses are usually free to tell their customers that they must wear a mask to get and stay inside.

Refusing entry or service is a right businesses have had since the beginning of commerce in the United States, and some experts are likening the mask policy to not allowing smoking indoors. One customer’s “right” cannot put at risk the health of every other customer and employee in the store.

Of course, the ADA also has laws in place for customers with disabilities.

Someone who physically cannot wear a mask does have the right to sue a business that turns them away. That’s why many businesses have a mask exemption for young children and those whose health are at risk when wearing a mask.

But you cannot necessarily tell if a person is “mask exempt.” There are also some people who falsely claim they should be exempt simply because they don’t want to wear a mask.

So … what happens if I am sued?

Again, it’s too soon in the pandemic

for there to be a legal precedence. Right now, nobody knows exactly what would happen if someone sues a business for discrimination based on their mask policy. The potential damages are unclear. If your small business has a customer who refuses to wear a mask, the best recourse is to call local authorities — and perhaps work with your local government to help buttress mask policies to protect small businesses.

This issue comes down to the fact that while small businesses are perfectly in their right to require employees and customers to wear masks, actually enforcing that policy is a lot tougher. A common misunderstanding around the mask policy is that it violates First Amendment rights.

However, constitutional lawyers are quick to point out that businesses are on private property and have been throughout recent history. First Amendment rights do not apply to others’ personal property — which is why you also don’t have the “freedom” to patronize stores completely nude (well, outside of nude resorts). On private property, including

business property, violation of the rules is a violation of the business’ rights.

This article is a courtesy of Workest, powered

by Zenefits (zenefits.com) Dan Marzullo pro-

duces strategic marketing content for startups, digital agencies, and established brands. He helps organizations tell stories, achieve online presence, and builds brands that communicate with their customers.

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

21

Safety Talk

Odor Complaints, Gas Leaks, and Service Interruptions Safety Meeting accordingly.

3 Once you have determined the source and extent of the leak, follow your company’s policy and procedures for ways to remedy.

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS AND REGULATIONS:

A customer complaint about a gas odor requires prompt attention. A propane leak can exist for a long time without detection. To ensure against potential hazards or downtime, respond to propane odor reports swiftly, and follow your company policy for resolution.

FIELDING ODOR REPORTS: 3 Use your company’s policies and procedures when taking a

customer odor/gas leak call.

3 This will help you gather the information you need to determine the source and location of a possible leak, and help you give appropriate instructions to the customer.

3 If the propane odor is detected inside a building, instruct the customer to immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames; do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones; shut off the gas if it is safe to do so; and leave the area.

AT THE CUSTOMER SITE:

The odor of propane suggests its presence, but cannot signify its concentration. Since you have no way of knowing the potential risk, always follow these precautions: 3 Treat all leak reports as propane gas, until proven otherwise.

3 Keep the area clear of open flames and electric sparks; do not turn on electrical switches, cell phones, or flashlights in the area.

3 Use NFPA 54’s three-minute leak test (www.nfpa.org), or your company’s preferred leak-detection methods. Be aware of any other state and local guidelines that apply, and follow them

22

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Propane delivery interruptions may occur when: 3 Cylinders or containers undergo maintenance or when they are exchanged or repaired.

3 Any changes are made to the gas distribution lines.

3 There is a gas leak.

3 There is an equipment failure or issue with customer payment.

Know the reasons and causes of a service interruption and respond appropriately. It is your job to respond promptly to a service interruption due to an appliance malfunction, a safety shutoff, or a pilot light shutoff.

DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. Your customer has just had a propane delivery and calls to report an odd smell. How do you respond? What are the key questions asked and information gathered?

2. A customer, who has been dispatched to a number of times, once again complains of a propane odor in his kitchen.

How do you respond?

LEARNING ACTIVITY Simulate an odor complaint call. Have participants take the call and follow your company’s policies and procedures. Discuss circumstances where immediate action may be required, and the appropriate steps.

For more information about odor complaints, have your employees take Office Personnel – Safety Basics Introduction course (only 15 minutes long), as well as the self-paced (and only an hour long) Handling SafetyRelated Phone Calls course on PERC’s Online Learning Center, https:// training.propane.com/. The courses are free.

Source: PERC Safety Talks

Marketing Minute

Marketing Mistakes That Can Haunt Your Business

By Rieva Lesonsky to your website, making an appointment or filling out a leads form.

Mistake 6.

Expecting instant results

Many entrepreneurs fall prey to some common marketing mistakes that can have terrifying results for their businesses. Are you letting one of these marketing messups scare your customers away?

Mistake 1.

Marketing without setting a goal

Whether you’re doing digital marketing, print marketing or word-of-mouth, the first thing you need to establish is a goal. Without one, how will you know if your marketing worked? Start by setting specific, measurable goals for each marketing campaign, such as “increase email newsletter sign-ups by 10% this quarter.”

With a goal in mind, you’ll be better able to design successful marketing campaigns.

Mistake 2.

Neglecting your current customers

Many small businesses focus all of their marketing dollars on attracting new customers. While new customers are important, returning customers can be even more valuable. Create a marketing plan to stay in touch with your existing customers. Work to enhance their loyalty and get them to buy from you more and more often.

Mistake 3.

Working without a marketing plan

No small business owner wants to waste money, but that’s exactly what you’ll

be doing if you start marketing without a marketing plan in place. Know which marketing channels resonate with your target audience and develop a marketing plan for those channels that will achieve your marketing goals. Your plan should include time, frequency and costs so every aspect is accounted for.

Mistake 4.

Letting your reputation slide

Word-of-mouth has always been essential for marketing a small business, and today it matters even more. Whether your business is B2B or B2C, you must keep tabs on its reputation. Set up tools to monitor the online review sites and social media platforms where your business has a presence. Respond quickly to both positive and negative posts, comments and reviews.

Mistake 5.

Not asking for the sale

Some salespeople get so focused on “selling” the customer that they never actually ask for the sale. You see a lot of marketing that makes the same mistake.

If your marketing talks about your product or service but doesn’t ask your prospects to do anything about it, they may do nothing. Make sure every piece of marketing you create has a call to action that asks prospects to do something, such as going

Many small business owners flit from one marketing idea to another, never sticking with one marketing tactic long enough to see results. Whether you’re doing search engine optimization, social media marketing or public relations, it takes time for your marketing to get results. Stop chasing the latest marketing buzzword or trend and focus on your customers. Create marketing that educates them about what your product or service can do for them, promote it in the proper channels, and give it time to work.

Mistake 7.

Not monitoring results of your marketing

Without tracking results, you won’t know if your marketing is working.

There’s no excuse for this: Today’s digital marketing tools let you gather more data than ever before on how customers respond to your marketing messages. Learn to use the analytics tools offered by social media platforms, email marketing services and other marketing apps. By learning from what works and what doesn’t, you’ll be able to fine-tune your marketing message and get better and better results.

Marketing is a scary concept for many small business owners, but it doesn’t have to be frightening. Correct the seven mistakes above and make your marketing work for your business.

This article is courtesy of the Small Business Alliance (sba.gov). Rieva Lesonsky is CEO and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. She’s been covering small business and entrepreneurial issues for more than 30 years, is the author of several books about entrepreneurship and was the editorial director of Entrepreneur magazine for over two decades.

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry How Can the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Help You?

Join TPGA for compliance relief: • Alerts on state and federal regulatory changes.

• Notifications on state and federal compliance waivers.

• Access to our regulatory archives.

• Get answers to your state and federal employment regulatory questions.

• Gain insights on Railroad Commission LP Gas Safety Rules.

• Get answers to your NFPA 54 & 58 Technical questions.

• Ask about RRC Licensing, Certification & Training.

• Obtain answers to your Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) questions.

• Have questions about Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations from FMCSA? We have the answers.

• Find answers to your U.S. DOT PHMSA questions, including everything from training to bobtail and cylinder requalification to onsite audits.

• Complimentary and customizable Hazmat Security Plan.

• Discounted Emergency Response Phone number.

• Answers to other local, state and federal regulations pertaining to the propane industry.

• Updates throughout this upcoming Texas Legislative Session. Know what is coming.

• Member discounts on hundreds of compliance items through PSC. Take the guesswork out of compliance.

Join TPGA. We are here to help! Call (800)325-7427 for more information about joining the Texas Propane Gas Association.

Recall Alert: Westinghouse Portable Generators Due to Fire Hazard

This recall involves Westinghouse WGen5300DFv Dual Fuel Portable Generators and Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Inverter Portable Generators with manufacture dates from October 2019 through December 2019. The dual fuel generators can run on gasoline or propane.

The WGen5300DFv has a bright blue and black metal exterior and has “Westinghouse” and “WGen5300DFv” printed in white lettering on the control panel on the side of the generator. The generator has a fold down handle and wheels for portability. The generator measures about 23.3 inches long by 20 inches wide inches by 19.29 inches tall without its wheel kit.

It weighs about 129 pounds.

The iGen4500DF has a bright blue plastic cover and has “Westinghouse iGen4500DF” printed in white lettering on both side panels. The generator measures about 29.7 inches long by 19.7 wide inches by 22 inches tall. It weighs about 105 pounds.

Affected units will have one of the following serial numbers, which can be found on the unit’s back panel (the “x” fields are specific to individual units): 04511A1019xxxxxxxxx 04511A1219xxxxxxxxx 5311A1219xxxxxxxxx Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled generators and contact MWE Investments to arrange for a free repair.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 26 reports of fuel leaking from the fuel valve. No fires, injuries, or property damage have been reported.

Sold At: The WGen500DFv was sold at Sam’s Club nationwide and online at SamsClub.com. The iGen4500DF was sold online at amazon.com, homedepot. com, lowes.com, electricgeneratorsdirect. com, powerequipmentdirect.com, norwall.com, and other online locations. The generators were sold from January 2020 through May 2020 for between $450 and $1,050, depending on the model.

Consumer Contact: MWE Investments toll-free at 855-944-4796 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email info@wpowereq.com, or online at www.westinghouseoutdoorpower.com and click on “Product Safety” located at the top of the page.

COVID-19 Guidance for In-Home Repair Services

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• 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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24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of alerts designed to keep workers safe. The following tips can help reduce

Inside the Industry the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for workers who perform in-home repair services: • Stay home if you are sick.

• Prior to arrival, ask if anyone in the house is experiencing COVID symptoms.

• Consider delaying non-emergency work if there is a symptomatic individual in the house. Follow all appropriate infection control measures if the work cannot be delayed.

• Encourage workers to wear face coverings for all in-home visits.

• Wear gloves and use disinfectants and sanitizers to wipe surfaces or equipment.

• Avoid shaking hands with customers or other occupants of homes being serviced.

• Maintain at least six feet of distance from co-workers and customers whenever possible.

• Use walls and closed doors to separate workers from occupants or install plastic sheeting to close off areas of the home.

• Regularly clean and disinfect tools and equipment with cleaning chemicals approved by the EPA from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.

Avoid sharing tools and equipment whenever possible.

• Report any safety and health concerns to a supervisor.

For more information, visit www. osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321OSHA (6742) Working Safely In Cold Weather

• Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head.

• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

• Stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from the body.

• Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas.

• Drink warm liquids.

For more safety tips, visit OSHA’s Winter Weather page.

New Patio Heater Safety Fact Sheet

RCC IS READY TO BE YOUR TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

Patio heaters are making news and growing in popularity across the U.S. as restaurants, hotels, and homeowners look to extend the outdoor season well into wintertime. It’s important that these products be used safely. PERC launched a new patio heater safety page as well as a new propane heater safety fact sheet.

Download the fact sheet on the PERC’s Propane Resource Catalog at https:// propane.com/resource-catalog and share these safety tips with your customers.

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Company Holiday Parties: What Employers Need to Know

Winter weather can expose outdoor workers to frostbite, hypothermia, and cold stress, all of which can be fatal. It is important to know the wind chill temperature to better prepare and perform the work safely. Follow these work practices to stay safe in cold weather: • Know the symptoms of cold stress; reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.

PM CDT discussing company-sponsored events can pose a potential liability for both the employee and the employer.

Curtis Johnson, VP of Claims Operations with Texas Mutual Insurance Company, will share what employers should consider when planning formal and informal employer gatherings to reduce employers’ exposure to liability while keeping employers employees safe on the road this holiday season.

Register for the Zoom session at https://txdrivingconcern.org/trainingcenter/.

accounting for fuel people by fuel people

Join the National Safety Council and Texas Department of Transportation for an online webinar on Dec 10, 2020 02:00

Call 800-722-6659 or visit www.rccbi.com

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

25

Autogas News Delivering Holiday Cheer on Time: Propane Can Do That®

As the holiday mail rush starts to pick up, one USPS fleet is meeting the demand with an upgraded fleet. As the first USPS fleet with propane autogas trucks, McAbee Trucking is maintaining its impeccable on-time delivery rate while reducing emissions in the community. And the bow on top of it all — the company is saving thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance costs.

Read about their experience at https:// propane.com/for-my-business/fleet-vehicles/first-usps-fleet-in-nation-deliveringmail-with-propane-autogas.

sive industry report that examines the current state of the most prevalent sustainable vehicle platforms for mediumand heavy-duty on-road transportation fleets across the U.S., while analyzing the trends shaping the future of the industry.

Through interviews and surveys, the report gathers data from fleets who have real-world experience deploying sustainable vehicle technologies, supplemented by data from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and infrastructure providers,”touts the report.

Read the report to see why propane autogas earned high marks for its “simple, low cost fueling infrastructure and advancements in engine technology that have achieved ultra-low emission levels.”

Download the report at: https://www. stateofsustainablefleets.com/propanelpg-vehicles/ Record-High Propane Autogas School Buses Transporting Students This School Year

Autogas Answers Scheduled This December for Texas Fleets

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has partnered U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalitions from around the Lone Star State are hosting a series of Autogas Answers in December for fleets including the propane industry. Tune in to learn about grants from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

• Dec. 1: Houston Galveston Clean Cities Coalition (all fleets) • Dec. 15: Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition (all fleets) • Dec. 17: DFW Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition (schools districts) Learn more and register at https:// fuelingtexas.com/.

2020 State of Sustainable Fleet Report

Last month, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates released the 2020 State of Sustainable Fleet Report, a first-of-itskind report.

“The technology-neutral, comprehen-

26

shows propane autogas school buses are being implemented on a national scale.

Since 2012, there’s been a 960% growth in the number propane autogas school buses on the road in the U.S., marking a strong eight-year stretch for propane autogas in the school transportation market. The buses transport more than 1.23 million students in 48 states, and 14 states now have more than 500 propane autogas buses within their borders. Texas is leading the charge with over 3,100 propane buses.

Propane autogas school buses are also succeeding with repeat purchases, according to the data. Sixty-three percent of school districts with Type C propane autogas school buses adopt additional propane buses, outperforming other alternative fuels, including CNG and gasoline. Propane continues to be the most popular alternative fuel for the school bus industry.

For more information on propane autogas school buses, visit https://fuelingtexas.com/on-road/propane-autogas-forschool-buses/.

New Autogas Course Added to Online Learning Center

For the first time ever, more than 20,000 propane autogas buses were at the ready in public and private school districts across the United States at the start of the 2020 school year, according to new figures from the Propane Education & Research Council. This is a 10 percent increase from 2019 vehicle numbers and it’s also the first full school year with propane autogas buses in use by more than 1,000 school districts or contractors.

“It’s encouraging to know that more than 1,000 districts from coast to coast are realizing just how clean, quiet, and affordable their fleet can be with propane autogas,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Propane’s benefits impact everyone: districts save money thanks to its lowest total cost-ofownership, students have a cleaner and quieter ride to school, and the community reaps the benefits of propane’s low emissions. It’s no surprise districts are converting their entire fleets to propane autogas.”

The new data, compiled by PERC from IHS Polk new vehicle registration figures,

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

As an industry, we know the benefits that propane autogas delivers — like cost savings, operational advantages, and lower emissions. You’ve heard about these benefits through our Let’s Talk webinar series, Autogas Refuel newsletter, and resources on propane.com. PERC is excited to share with you another resource to use if you’re still on the fence about switching your company’s fleet to autogas. Proven Power for Your Bottom Line: Autogas Adoption is a new eLearning piece on PERC’s Learning Center.

In this course you’ll find case studies from early autogas adopters, tools to calculate savings, industry fleet information, answers to common misconceptions, and many other resources to save and use while planning your switch.

To access the course, visit https:// training.propane.com to find Proven Power for Your Bottom Line: Autogas Adoption under Sales Training.

Autogas News U-Haul Buys First 1 Million Gallons of Renewable Propane

U-Haul® announced its latest green initiative with the purchase of its first million gallons of renewable propane, which is available to customers at U-Haul autogas facilities across Southern California.

U-Haul, the largest retailer of propane in the U.S., teamed with national distributor to supply the ecofriendly fuel. Plans call for this product offering to be ongoing as U-Haul continues to pursue sustainable solutions as an industry leader.

Renewable propane is now available at U-Haul Autogas refill stations across SoCal at no additional cost to customers.

“The introduction of renewable propane is a welcome disruption to the industry,” stated John Barnett, U-Haul propane program manager.

Renewable propane is derived from renewable sources such as beef fats, vegetable oils, grease residue and other biomass feedstocks. It boasts a lower carbon intensity than traditional propane while providing similar performance metrics.

Renewable propane also has one of the lowest carbon intensity scores compared to gasoline, diesel and compressed natural

gas, thus reducing harmful contributors to greenhouse gases.

This initial U-Haul purchase and customer offering of renewable propane has the global effect of eliminating 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, according to the Western Propane Gas Association. $9M Awards in Department of Energy Research Grants to Benefit Propane Autogas

This year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awards more than $9 million in research grants for development and advancement of propane as an alternative fuel.

According to the Propane Education & Research Council “$9,017,921 in research funding is the largest ever given to propane development and has been awarded across six projects in the transportation sector, showing the U.S. energy science community has finally acknowledged the path to a low carbon future for transport isn’t going to be achieved by electric vehicles alone.”

This has been labor of love between the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to get a bite of the $139 million apple of DOE funding.

DOE projects approved that will directly benefit the propane industry include: Improved Efficiency of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Propane (LPG) Engines • Development of Advanced Combustion Strategies for Direct Injection Heavy Duty Propane Engines to Achieve NearDiesel Engine Efficiency $3,450,085 • Stoichiometric Spark Ignition Propane Engine with Diesel Efficiency Parity $1,549,915 Alternative Fuel Proof-of-Concept in New Communities and Fleets • Delivering Clean Air in Denver: Propane Trucks and Infrastructure in Mail Delivery Application $500,000 Technology Integration • Waste Not, Want Hot? A More Sustainable Way to Keep Buses Warm.

Develop and demonstrate a propane powered cabin heating system for battery electric buses. $1,353,658 • Helping America’s Rural Counties Transition to Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles. $1,078,581 • VoICE-MR:Vocation Integrated Cost Estimation for Maintenance and Repair of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) $1,085,682

FUEL YOUR PROFITS WITH LOWER WORKERS’ COMP PREMIUMS Endorsed by:

*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 2020 •

Texas Propane

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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

FOR SALE (2) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, stubbies (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2008 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

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, SOLD 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

REACH OVER 1,000 READERS YOUR AD COULD BE HERE AFFORDABLE CLASSIFIEDS

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Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

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

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1

Calendar DECEMBER

1 Winter 2020 Propane Living Deadline 1 PERC Autogas Answers (Online) with HGAC Clean Cities Coalition 1-8 TPGA Scholarship Holiday Virtual Auction (Online)

Index to Advertisers 17 PERC Autogas Answers (Online) with DFW Clean Cities Coalition

Bergquist 24

24-25 TPGA & PSC office closed for Christmas

Cunningham Gas Products 21

31 2nd Round PERC Tech School Grant Deadline

Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

JANUARY 2021

BLT Tanks 13

Ferrellgas 17

Gas Equipment Company 19

4 ProCOT Duty to Warn Registration Deadline

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

Lone Star Energy Group 27

6-10 23rd World Petroleum Congress Houston, TX

12 Texas Legislative Session begins

Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 19

8-10 Power-Gen International Orlando, FL

31 - FEB 02 2021 NPGA Winter Board of Directors Meeting Rancho Mirage, CA

15 PERC Autogas Answers (Online) with Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition

Longhorn Propane 28

Marshall Young Insurance 17 Meeder Equipment Co. 11 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 21 Rural Computer Consultants 25

HAVE A TAILGATER?

White River Distributors 5

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN TEXAS PROPANE MAGAZINE?

MOVE OVER, LET THE DRIVER PASS. BE SAFE. DRIVE SMART.

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

TXDRIVINGCONCERN.ORG

December 2020 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Propane Powers London Christmas Extravaganza

Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in southwest London has been welcoming visitors since 1840. As the “largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world”, the 330 acres have long been an important place for Londoners to find respite from the industrial world.

Eight years ago, Christmas at Kew was born, featuring after-dark trail lights throughout the campus. Each year new features are added and expanded and the event has become a favorite for Londoners during the holiday season.

Last year the event hired Midas Productions, a generator supply company, to help power the event. Midas, which calls itself a “temporary power pioneer”, provided the UK’s first rental LPG genset into Kew Gardens as part of a low emission package.

Head of event operations at Kew Gardens, Dáire Basra, said: “Midas’ innovative approach to power generation is a sure fit with our onus on

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

efficiency and environmentalism and I’m really pleased to be working with the Midas team.”

The Himoinsa engines are EU Stage V emission standard compliant, and feature a three-way catalyst which reduces CO, CO2 and NOx emissions.

Midas’ managing director, Dave Noble, added: “The new Stage V engine emission regs for non-mobile road machinery phase in from the end of this year and while many manufacturers and suppliers try to address the changes, the Himoinsa LPG genset is fully compliant and ready.

“There has been so much chatter about people getting their heads together to plan to reduce emissions, we’re thrilled to take a real 21st century, fully monitored, sustainable power solution into Kew Gardens right now. We look forward to getting more of these machines into our hire fleet over the next few months.”

Dangers of Drowsy Driving

ON THE ROAD

Losing 2 hours* of sleep is like having 3 beers

More than 1 out of 3 working Americans are sleep deprived

Crashes are the leading cause of workplace deaths

21% of all

fatal crashes may involve a drowsy driver

You are 3x more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued

For more information, visit nsc.org/fatigue

*from a normal 8-hour sleep schedule

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL | 1121 SPRING LAKE DRIVE | ITASCA, IL 60143-3201 (800) 723-3643 | nsc.org 0617 900011881 © 2017 National Safety Council

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