PERC News
November Propane Education & Research Council Meeting Yields Exciting New & Enhanced Projects Written by: the Propane Education & Research Council During the November Council meeting, council members approved the 2022 budget plan as well as approved multiple propane industry programs including incentives, partnerships and residential and commercial research and development programs. New Council Appointment: Joseph McGinn, Energy Transfer (Newtown Square, Pa.,), was appointed by GPA Midstream Association to replace Nicholas Calabretti. The Council approved the following funding requests:
Docket 23033: Propane Engine Fuel Service Training Program, $290,100 Cerritos College and the ATTE Center has been a leader in clean fuel technology training and education for over 30 years. As a part of the statewide college system in Advanced Transportation & Logistics, Cerritos has the connectivity to both industry fleets, government entities, and educators to expand knowledge on clean fuels in the marketplace. Autogas is the third most popular clean fuel in the world but is less understood in the U.S. marketplace. Despite the fact that 28 billion
gallons of propane were produced in the United States in 2019, only 9 billion were used by the domestic consumer. Nevertheless, fleets using propane can reduce NOX emissions by 96% with near zero particulate matter. As increased carbon reduction mandates continue to be a primary concern throughout the nation, it behooves subject matter experts in the transportation sector to ameliorate the lack of awareness about this clean fuel option. Objective: Increase the number of trained service technicians competent in
is not just another pretty face • Tilt compensation for maximum accuracy on all grades • Estimated gallon (liter) display • Rigorously tested for maximum durability • Sealed easy access connection • Bright, easy to read positive LCD display • Fully programmable with Accu-Max+™ configuration kit • Reverse compatibility to all MEC Accu-Max™ Series DOT float gauges • Ability to push display information to PC3 handheld remote
Available in 10 selectable LCD backlight color options. These plus dark blue, white, red, pink, magenta & yellow.
800.448.9504 • bergquistinc.com
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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com
autogas. Allow technicians in the workforce to be versed in the properties, technology, and safety requirements. Cerritos College has been providing alternative fuel training for over 25 years. The existing curriculum primarily supports training in CNG, hybrids, and EV vehicles. Autogas/propane has been a neglected technology, particularly for those CTE programs that are not designed for technician training in medium and heavyduty equipment. The OEM market in medium and heavy-duty vehicles that utilize propane is expanding, including shuttle and school bus manufacturers. This provides the optimum opportunity to build a larger, well-trained workforce of technicians through new educational capabilities and course development. Equally crucial to recognize is that the average automotive technician is 55 years old, therefore, it is important for educators to acknowledge that skills gaps will most certainly exist in medium-duty vehicles and equipment technicians in the near future. Docket 23150: UTD Consortium 2021, $145,000 It is recommended that PERC co-fund four projects with the Utilization Technology Development (UTD) members this year. These projects represent opportunities to grow market share and combat the electrification of everything in residential and commercial markets. All four of the projects benefit our goal of growing users and uses by demonstrating that propane can be energy for everyone. PERC is working on system integration with PV and storage, commercial heat pump water heating in two projects, and demonstrating that cooking with propane does not have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Additionally, the last project will demonstrate improvements that could be made to in-home ventilation systems so that the cooking effluents that are negatively impacting IAQ can be better exhausted from the home.
