Texas Propane Texas Propane Texas Propane
From Darkness to Savings
HOW PROPANE PROVIDES BACKUP FOR COMMERCIAL ENTITIES
Propane Provides Resilient Power for Critical Care Facilities
Propane Fuels Innovation at the Southern Living Idea House 2025 National Propane Education & Training Conference
Highlights from Headquarters
Bill Van Hoy
TPGA Executive Director
Here we all are, the holidays all around us, along with (hopefully) a season of higher demand for propane. I’m hoping you are able to both enjoy your family and sell lots of propane.
While propane as a backup energy source for electricity is not new, its role might be gaining momentum thanks to a more fraught electric grid that is increasingly taxed by demand.
Texas businesses are increasingly grappling with the impact of power outages. In fact, in 2023 alone, Texas accounted for 13% of all outages nationwide. This issue we look at how propane can support commercial applications: businesses, healthcare, emergency services and communications.
Many times having propane backup is a matter of life and death, and I hope you are able to have conversations in your community with leaders who understand how necessary it is to have a backup plan.
On a lighter side, this year’s Southern Living Idea House (page 20) relies heavily on propane.
PERC’s National Propane Education & Training Conference (page 22) is scheduled this coming February in Orlando. The conference is designed for compliance professionals as well as industry instructors, with two different tracks dependent on the attendees focus.
I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your service to your community. And for your continued support of the association. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday.
Texas Propane
TPGA staff
Bill Van Hoy ................. bvanhoy@txpropane.com Executive Director
Jackie Mason................... jmason@txpropane.com
Education & Marketing Director
Regulatory & Sr. Legislative Affairs Director
Julie Novinger...........accountant@txpropane.com Bookkeeper
Soo Teal ................................ steal@txpropane.com Membership & Meeting Manager
Propane Service Corporation
Soo Teal ................ sales@propaneservicecorp.com Manager 800-392-0023
Publisher Kim Scheberle ............. kscheberle@austin.rr.com
Account Manager/Managing Editor
Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892
Joanne Pantaze ................. jpantaze@zochnet.com
Advertising Sales 512-273-2639
Kiki Pantaze ....................kpantaze@zochnet.com
Art Director 512-924-7566
AFFINITY PARTNERS
Basys Processing Lone Star Energy Group Warm Thoughts Communications
8408 North Interstate 35
TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com
2024-2025 TPGA Board of Directors
President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 972-771-8654
President Elect: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001
Secretary: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-861-6545
Treasurer/Finance Chair: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 214-629-5118
District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488
District 1 Alternate: Joe January, McAdams Propane, 254-723-4210
District 2 Director: Billy Bob McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444
District 2 Alternate: John Minton, Gas & Supply, 903-490-0605
District 3 Director: Open
District 3 Alternate: Open
District 4 Director: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946
District 4 Alternate: Open
District 5 Director: Brody Newton, Busters Propane, 361-852-8161
District 5 Alternate: Regina Betancourt, Ferrellgas, 361-429-8548
District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063
District 6 Alternate: Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas Sales, 956-423-9178
District 7 Director: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103
District 7 Alternate: Duston Cox, Chaparral Propane, 830-329-0871
District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044
District 8 Alternate: Doyle Fevig, Legacy Propane 830-995-5015
District 9 Director: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 817-295-1091
District 9 Alternate: Larry Hearn, Yellow Rose Propane, 870-648-8241
District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 903-583-7481
District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225
District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402
District 11 Alternate: Anna May Etheredge, Enderby Gas, 940-665-4672
District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109
District 12 Alternate: Shawn Owens, Heart of Texas Propane, 325-313-0748
District 13 Director: Lane Worthington, WTG Fuels, 432-682-4349
District 13 Alternate: Casey King, WTG Fuels, 432-894-4240
District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780
District 14 Alternate: Elizabeth Perez, Perez Propane, 915-764-3382
District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501
District 15 Alternate: Matt Carr, All Star Fuel, 888-572-0174
District 16 Director: Clay Crist, Crist Fuel, 806-426-3412
District 16 Alternate: Open
Past President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444
Past President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946
Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885
Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109
Past President: Allen Wells, BayGas, 281-332-2630
Vice President: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402
Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001
Vice President: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-861-6545
Sr. Vice President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-2915
Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 972-442-1078
Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414
Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young, 817-645 9155
Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Andy Brus, Crum & Forster, 682-220-4812
Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jim Fulton, 4JEnergy, 832-529-4768
Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 713-594-7485
Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401
Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Troy Hicks, Squibb Taylor, 915-613-7534
Assoc. At Large Director: Crystelle Markley, Superior Energy Systems, 512-944-4177
Assoc. At Large Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155
Nominating Chair: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109
NPGA Director: Mark Garrison, Allstar Fuel, 806-296-6353
From Darkness to Savings: How Propane Provides Backup for Commercial Entities
Texas businesses are increasingly grappling with the impact of power outages, as the state ranks among the top five in the U.S. for the highest number of interruptions. In 2023 alone, Texas accounted for 13% of all outages nationwide, leading to substantial financial and operational losses across various sectors. For commercial establishments, the consequences go beyond lost revenue—reputation damage is a real risk, as customers may turn to competitors during power disruptions. In this environment, propane generators offer a reliable and sustainable solution, enabling businesses to stay operational even when the grid fails.
Propane generators provide essential backup power to keep critical systems running when grid electricity is interrupted. Whether the power loss is planned or unexpected, the effects on commercial buildings can be far-reaching, affecting vital systems like smoke and fire alarms, elevators, refrigeration, heating and cooling, safety equipment, communications, and more.
The threat of power loss is growing. In 2022, the U.S. experienced 18 weather-related disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages. Notable events include:
• Hurricane Ian (September 2022), which left more than 2.6 million customers in Florida without power, some for over two weeks.
• Winter Storm Elliott (December 2022), which impacted over 1.5 million customers across several states, including Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and dumped up to four feet of snow in parts of New York.
The Real Cost of Power Outages for Businesses
The financial impact of power outages can be profound. For instance, a mid-sized retail food service business might lose nearly $32,750 over a four- to eight-hour power interruption. Costs include lost revenue, damaged electronics, and wasted inventory. Unfortunately, many businesses only realize the full cost of being unprepared after experiencing a major outage, leading to longlasting consequences.
The 2021 Texas power outages caused widespread economic losses for businesses across the state. While specific dollar amounts for individual companies are often not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that the total economic impact of the outages ranged from $80 billion to $130 billion. This figure includes both direct and indirect costs, such as lost revenue, property damage, and supply chain disruptions.
The need to prevent these financial pitfalls should prompt business owners to ask: How much will a power outage cost us?
For many business owners, the perceived high expense of standby generators may be a deterrent, with 39% citing cost as the reason for not investing in such systems. However, a propane standby generator, in addition to being an affordable solution, can prevent catastrophic losses by ensuring continuity and supporting customer loyalty.
Propane: A Natural Ally in Power Reliability
When Texas loses power, propane is uniquely positioned to step in, quietly and reliably, thanks to its high energy efficiency, long shelf life, and clean burn. Once installed, a propane generator can power up automatically within seconds of an outage, keeping critical systems running without a hitch.
That reliability isn’t just theoretical. In a state where extreme weather events—from hurricanes to ice storms—have left millions without power for days, propane’s potential goes beyond just preventing a brief loss of business. With propane, companies can keep their doors open, paychecks flowing, and customers happy.
Texas retailers can stay in business, grocery stores won’t have to toss spoiled produce, and manufacturers can maintain critical production lines even during extended outages.
Top Power Outage Concerns by Industry
• Lost Revenue: Retail
• Lost Productivity: Manufacturing
• Health & Safety: Healthcare
• Customer Dissatisfaction: Hospitality
The Stakes Are Different for Every Industry
In Texas, the stakes of a power outage vary, but each sector faces unique pressures when the lights dim:
Retail: When stores close, revenue slips away—and customers may never return. A brief blackout is all it takes for a once-loyal customer to turn to a competitor. In industries like food service, where freshness matters, retailers’ risk significant inventory losses. And in a world of lightning-fast online shopping, each minute of downtime counts, making reliable power critical to staying competitive.
Manufacturing: In the factory, downtime isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a direct hit to the bottom line. Lost productivity can quickly escalate, as production delays cascade into late orders, backlogs, and overtime costs. One Texas manufacturer lost upwards of $250,000 in overtime expenses alone after a single-day power outage. In an industry where every second counts, the cost of lost time adds up quickly, and propane-powered generators offer a way to safeguard productivity.
Hospitality: In hotels and restaurants, customer satisfaction is paramount. When outages affect service delivery, guests leave with negative experiences—and are often slow to return. In an increasingly competitive market, hospitality businesses can’t afford the reputational risk of blackouts. Propane generators allow them to keep the lights on and the rooms cool, reassuring guests that they’ll be comfortable no matter what.
Healthcare: When the grid falters, the stakes are highest in healthcare. Life-saving equipment and medication storage rely on continuous power. Even a few minutes of downtime can risk patient safety, incur relocation expenses, and endanger reputations that take years to build. Propane generators, known for their reliability and rapid response time, provide a lifeline to healthcare facilities striving to maintain care continuity. Turn to page 16 to read more about its role at hospitals.
Statistics bear out the urgency for change. Only 19% of business owners feel adequately prepared for a power outage, while just 6% feel confident in their current backup solutions. With Texas’ number of outages on the rise, this gap in preparedness has some Texas business owners wondering: How much longer can we rely solely on the grid?
Propane vs. Diesel and Gasoline: Why Propane Comes Out on Top
Diesel and gasoline generators may have been the go-to choices for backup power in years past, but propane is quickly emerging as a superior option across several key dimensions:
• Fuel Longevity: Unlike diesel or gasoline, which degrade over time, propane has no expiration date. It can sit in a tank for months, even years, and still deliver reliable performance without the need for extensive maintenance. For Texas businesses, this longevity translates into lower operating costs and greater peace of mind during long-term outages.
• Environmental Impact: With environmental regulations tightening, propane offers an attractive alternative due to its cleaner burn. It releases fewer greenhouse gases than both diesel and gasoline, which can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and align with sustainable practices. Additionally, propane is non-toxic, meaning it won’t contaminate soil or water, a crucial consideration in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Noise Level: Many propane generators operate at under 63 decibels—quieter than a household vacuum—making them ideal for commercial spaces where noise pollution could disrupt operations. For hotels, offices, and retail stores, a silent standby generator is a major advantage, allowing businesses to maintain an inviting, professional atmosphere even during power interruptions.
Fuel
Efficiency and Right Sizing the Solution
One of propane’s standout features is its adaptability to different power demands. Businesses can choose generator sizes based on their unique requirements, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and cost-effectiveness. For example:
• An 8-kW generator—suitable for small businesses or retail shops—consumes around 129,000 BTU per hour, offering just the right amount of power to keep lights, computers, and essential systems running.
• A 100-kW generator—designed for larger operations such as manufacturing facilities—uses approximately 1,268,000 BTU per hour, ensuring continuity across a more energyintensive setup.
Building Resilience One Propane Generator at a Time
The benefits of propane-powered resilience aren’t limited to emergency situations. In fact, more and more Texas business owners see these systems as an essential part of long-term growth. For companies operating in remote areas or dealing with harsh weather conditions, propane provides both reliability and self-sufficiency. And when you consider that only 19% of business owners feel prepared for an outage—with 6% feeling entirely unprepared—propane’s role as a steady, off-grid resource becomes even more compelling.
For a Texas retailer, the difference between closing shop or staying open could rest on a single propane generator. For a manufacturer, that generator could mean meeting or missing a contract deadline. And for a hospital, it could be the difference between life and death. These stories, grounded in real risk and rising frequency of outages, make the case for propane as a solution that pays for itself in avoided losses and reputational gain.
The Quiet Confidence of Propane-Powered Businesses
What happens when the power fails? For businesses without backup, it’s panic, emergency meetings, and mounting frustration. But for those with a propane generator in place, it’s almost a nonevent. Employees carry on, guests are served, patients receive care, and retailers continue ringing up sales.
Investing in propane sends a powerful message to customers and employees alike: We’re prepared. We’re here for the long run. This confidence is contagious, enhancing business reputation and customer loyalty. In Texas, where energy stability has become as unpredictable as the weather, propane’s quiet confidence is exactly what businesses need to thrive.
When the Next Storm Comes, Who Will Be Ready?
The next hurricane, freeze, or heatwave that pulls down the power grid is less a question of if than when. Texas businesses that take this reality seriously have an opportunity to get ahead. By adopting propane standby generators, Texas retailers, restaurateurs, and other commercial businesses are seizing a chance to ensure they don’t miss a beat when the next outage hits.
Also, generators are not the only solution, propane offers a wealth of other power solutions from CHP to microgrids.
In the following pages of this magazine, we’ll dive even deeper into propane’s role in protecting Texas’ critical infrastructure –like hospitals, manufacturing hubs, and other high-stakes environments. In the meantime, propane stands ready to bring Texas businesses the power they need to weather the storm.
Learn more about commercial generation, visit propane.com/ powergen.
This flexibility makes propane generators an ideal solution across business scales and sectors, from small retail stores to extensive manufacturing plants. Businesses can scale up or down depending on their exact needs, providing an energy solution that matches their risk level without overspending.
When Electric Fails, Propane Answers the Call
How propane protects cell towers, keeping you connected
There are few experiences more frustrating than losing cell service. Whether it’s needing to make an important call or look up directions in an unfamiliar place, losing cell reception is at best a headache and at worst a major safety hazard. Millions of people from families to massive corporations rely on the robust network of radio antennae that forms America’s telecommunications infrastructure to keep in touch, conduct business, and coordinate rescue efforts during disasters. As destructive weather events become more common and America’s aging electric grid struggles to keep pace with demand, propane is there to make sure vital communications go through.
Cell Towers
Three major types of cell towers comprise the more than 142,000 towers oper-
ating in the United States.
Guyed towers are the most easily recognizable. They rise hundreds of feet into the air with long steel cables called guy lines anchoring them to the ground. Given their thin profile and impressive range, guyed towers can be found in both remote and urbanized locations, extending signals to sparsely populated areas or meeting the heavy communication demands of cities. Self-support towers, or lattice towers, are freestanding vertical towers often affixed with a plethora of satellite dishes and antennae at the top. While they have a larger footprint than guyed towers, they’re more flexible to build in areas with restrictive zoning ordinances or scarce real estate.
Finally, monopoles are as simple as they sound. They are the least capable in terms of range and bandwidth, but their
slender form factor makes them highly attractive to developers and residents concerned with the visual impact of telecommunications equipment.
Cell Sites
While the towers are the most prominent feature of cell sites, it is the base stations and their subsystems that ensure seamless connections between the towers and mobile devices, facilitating thousands of interactions at any given minute. Consistent, reliable power is needed not just by the radio equipment, but its auxiliary systems, like HVAC and advanced computers that allow these sites to be controlled remotely. Losing power for any length of time, even a couple seconds, results in lengthy bootup sequences. As the system comes back online, everything from text messages to calls are lost.
The FCC did not mandate backup power systems for cell towers till after the devastation wrecked by Hurricane Katrina, whose effects were exacerbated by unpowered communications equipment. Telecommunications facilities are mandated to have an eight-hour backup, sometimes more depending on local regulations, like if the tower is in an area prone to extended power outages caused by extreme weather.
Despite sounding sensible on paper, the FCC’s mandate was highly controversial within the industry for the complications it imposed on telecommunications companies and the developers who build the sites.
Many phone carriers lease the land they build towers on rather than own it outright. These leases impose restrictions on the cell site’s noise, size, and the materials allowed. Adding backup generators requires amending lease agreements to expand the lease area and allow for the additional hazardous materials required to power generators, a time-consuming and expensive negotiating process. And that’s assuming the space to install bulky generators exists to begin with.
If the sites are near residential areas, they’re beholden to additional regulations and unhappy neighbors concerned with the noise and visual impact on their homes.
Nevertheless, America’s telecommunications infrastructure is far too essential to leave vulnerable.
How Propane Outdoes Diesel & Batteries
In rural or remote areas where cell sites can be hard to access, propane power generation is a longstanding solution. Propane generators don’t lose performance in extreme climates and severe weather conditions, unlike batteries, which lose both capacity and power in cold temperatures. Because the propane engines in these generators have fewer moving parts and utilize a closed loop fueling system, they require less maintenance and are less susceptible to damage from rodents and other wildlife. Propane’s resiliency to the elements and its reliability allows telecommunications companies to save money by minimizing site visits and maintenance costs without compromising on a robust backup power solution.
Cell sites in urban areas vary greatly in size and configuration. Developers must balance building a site capable of meeting local demand while also having minimal impact on the residents and businesses nearby. Diesel generators are loud, smelly, and emit far more particulate matter than propane; propane generators are quieter, do not emit a strong odor, and are much cleaner than diesel.
While nothing can compete with the near-silent operation of battery banks, the number of batteries required to supply a cell site with eight hours of backup power is prohibitively expensive and an inefficient use of space. To meet the site’s backup needs, developers often use a com-
bination of energy solutions. For example, a cell site might have a battery bank with four hours of charge that switches to a small propane generator when the batteries run out. In addition to powering the equipment, the propane generator also recharges the batteries.
Powering Essential Communication
For a system as large and complicated as America’s telecommunications network, there is no one-stop solution. Whether
propane is the primary energy source or a team player, it is versatile enough to meet any cell site’s specific needs, minimizing costs and integrating seamlessly within existing structures and neighborhoods. When disaster strikes and the electric grid fails, propane answers the call.
Republished from propane.com
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Texas Fire Department Doubles Down on Propane to Stay Operational in Crisis
Americans are experiencing a dramatic increase in natural disasters and their durations, whether they be hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, or snowstorms.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, through early September 2024, there have been 20 confirmed billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in the U.S., resulting in $53 billion in damages. This follows a historic 2023 that recorded 28 events costing $93 billion in damages. As recently as 2007, the number of billiondollar disasters was only five.
Winter Storm Uri, which unleashed freezing temperatures and heavy snow across much of Texas in February 2021, resulted in more than 200 deaths and served as a wake-up call for communities and emergency responders to look for ways to ensure they can be resilient when bad weather hits. Since then, many homeowners have invested in home generators to ensure the power stays on following a severe weather event. Resilience measures such as backup power at homes and businesses not only save lives but also offer tremendous economic value.
However, investing in a generator is not an option for some homeowners in disadvantaged communities. That’s why emergency responders look for energy solutions that can power city shelters during any type of weather event. The Prairie HillRocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Brenham, TX uses propane to power its community shelter. Following Winter Storm Uri, the department doubled the capacity of its system to ensure they could provide a safe place for residents in need.
“If we do have an emergency and lose power…we can operate…we can feed people in the community with the generator we have,” said Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Doyle Dahmann.
The department’s Deputy Chief Doug Zweiner said they wouldn’t have been able to operate during Winter Storm Uri without their reserve power system. “The freeze made us realize that we needed a better source of backup power. That’s
when we decided to double our capacity.” Both Zweiner and Dahmann selected propane as their energy source since the fuel has an indefinite shelf life. “We just didn’t think it would be financially attainable for us to keep a large rotating supply of diesel,” said Zweiner.
“The propane can sit in the tank for years without going bad,” said Dahmann. “So far, we’ve had no problem with our generator because propane runs so clean. I think that’s the biggest reason to have propane generators…you’ve always got clean fuel.” Propane power generation is significantly cleaner than diesel, reducing CO2 by 15 to 25% and virtually eliminating nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Zwiener added: “I think the main thing is it just works. It works when you need it and it’s low maintenance. It’s the most reliable source that’s worked out for us so far.”
During a weather emergency, people commonly use propane for lighting, heating, cooking, operating medical equipment, transportation and powering critical infrastructure such as police and fire stations, hospitals, emergency shelters, and cell towers.
Approximately 5% of American households use propane for primary home heating, and millions more use it for cooking, water heating, clothes drying, and more. As increasing severe weather events continue to compromise the electric grid, the demand for distributed generation powered by propane and other clean energy sources will continue to rise.
For consumers seeking generators or microgrid power solutions, it’s important to ensure the energy comes from clean sources that don’t negatively impact the environment. We can’t lose sight of clean energy in our quest for power reliability and resiliency, and propane can provide all of the above.
In Case of Emergency: Propane Provides Resilient Power for Critical Care Facilities
What you need to know about powering hospitals and other healthcare facilities
Backup power is not just a convenience for hospitals and healthcare facilities—it is a lifeline. For propane providers, this need for resilient, reliable power offers a significant opportunity to support critical infrastructure during power outages, ensuring life-saving operations continue without disruption.
Hospitals, with their life-critical systems, require backup power to remain functional during emergencies. Patients who rely on ventilators, dialysis machines, and other vital medical devices face lifethreatening risks if power is lost, even for a few minutes. Backup systems must be able to restore power instantly, keeping essential operations running until grid power is restored. The importance
of these systems is underscored by the increasing vulnerability of the electrical grid, which is increasingly affected by extreme weather, rising temperatures, and heightened demand due to electrification.
Propane-powered generators are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for resilient backup power. As the grid faces more frequent outages, hospitals need a reliable alternative that ensures seamless power transition within seconds of a failure. Propane offers distinct advantages over traditional diesel generators: it is cleaner, requires less maintenance, and has lower emissions, making it a smart, sustainable fuel choice for hospitals aiming to meet carbon reduction goals and reduce their environmental footprint.
“Without power, facilities may require evacuation, and evacuation carries significant dangers for specific populations such as those with access and functional needs.”
– FEMA
Emergency Power Requirements for Hospitals
NFPA 99 outlines emergency power requirements for hospitals, or essential electrical systems (EES). There are two risk categories and associated requirements:
Type 1 backup power systems are required in areas of healthcare facilities where electrical failures could cause serious injury or death, including operating rooms and critical care units.
Type 2 backup power systems can be used in areas where a power outage does not pose a significant risk to patients such as labs, pharmacies, and radiology.
According to NFPA 99, there are three branches within an emergency distribution system:
1. Life safety (highest priority)
2. Critical
3. Equipment Branches
Life safety and critical branches support loads associated with safety and direct patient care. They must start within 10 seconds of a power outage to support
life safety operations for emergency lighting and egress, and must have sufficient fuel onsite to run essential branch circuits for at least 96 hours or incorporate a refueling plan as part of the facility emergency response plan. They switch over via automatic transfer switches (ATS) immediately. Upon sensing normal power loss, an ATS automatically sends a start signal to the generator and monitors power quality.
When the generator produces power within acceptable voltage and frequency limits, the automatic transfer switch flips from normal to emergency power source. The equipment branches support ancillary loads required to keep a facility functioning for critical-support needs, such as operating room HVAC and medical gas systems. Equipment branches typically have delayed switchovers to generator power.
Resilient Backup Power is Imperative When Lives are on the Line
There are several types of backup power options, including stored energy devices, microgrids and emergency and standby generators. Stored energy devices (aka batteries), generally only supply power for 90 minutes, which is enough time to start an emergency or standby generator, stabilize its operation, and transfer critical load to the generator.
A microgrid is a self-sufficient energy system that serves a specific location (via solar, wind, hydro, or a generator). Microgrids normally supplement an emergency power system, but the 2023 edition of the National Electric Code now permits the use of microgrids to provide backup power in healthcare facilities.
Fuel delivery systems are critical to the reliability of fuel-fired generators. Emergency and standby generators are powered by either liquid (gasoline or diesel) or gas (propane or natural gas). Selecting the proper fuel source is important, and many factors play into that decision, including generator consumption rates, the availability of fuels, and the ability to replenish the fuel supply after a natural hazard that blocks roads or disrupts infrastructure. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are required by the National Fire Protection Association to provide a minimum of 72 hours of onsite fuel storage to power or support the operation.
Why Propane Prevails Over Diesel
Diesel is the most common fuel used for backup generators, but it has several downsides. Diesel degrades over time, which may require the addition of fuel additives to prevent quality degradation over prolonged periods. In addition, diesel generators tend to require more maintenance, they cost more, and they have greater emissions than a propane-powered generator. Diesel and gasoline also rely on electric pumps for distribution, which can be compromised in a power outage.
Propane generators can help to meet carbon reduction goals and limit emissions, as propane is significantly cleaner than oil and diesel and is considered a clean alternative fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy. Propane is also methanefree, emits extremely low levels of nitrogen oxides and virtually no particulate matter. These lower emissions are even more significant considering that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been pushing for healthcare facilities to lower their carbon emissions.
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Design Considerations for Safe and Resilient Installations
When incorporating a propane-powered generator into a hospital design, there are some important considerations to be aware of. Healthcare facilities are highly sensitive environments and patient needs must be considered above all else. Carefully consider the proximity of the generator to patient care to minimize noise, fuel, and exhaust smells (of which propane has little). Where fuel tanks are located, whether above ground or below ground, can impact site aesthetics, as well as the safety and security of equipment from both weather and vandalism. Below-ground tanks may be preferred for these reasons.
When determining the overall load required of a generator, you must take into account all devices that the generator will power. There should be a load shed plan in place if fuel must be conserved for extended outages and run times. This means that less vital systems are powered down to provide power to more critical systems. Finally, hospitals and healthcare facilities should have a tank monitoring system to monitor fuel levels, ensuring fuel levels are high in preparation for an emergency.
With these design considerations in your toolbelt, and a better understanding of why resilient backup power is imperative for critical care facilities, you can now
Jared Ballard
3rd Generation Specialist
move forward with the assurance that patient care can continue uninterrupted, even during a power outage or severe weather event, with the help of propane.
The Propane Provider’s Role in Critical Care Continuity
As healthcare facilities continue to face increasing challenges from extreme weather, grid instability, and rising energy demands, propane providers are positioned to play a crucial role in maintaining operational continuity. By offering reliable propane-powered backup solutions, propane providers can help hospitals keep their life-support systems running and meet essential power requirements.
Hospitals depend on resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy sources to ensure that patient care continues uninterrupted, regardless of external power failures. Propane-powered generators provide the clean, reliable solution hospitals need to meet these critical demands, ensuring that patient care can continue seamlessly, even during the most severe weather events or power outages. Propane providers are integral to this effort, helping healthcare facilities deliver uninterrupted care to their patients in times of greatest need.
Republished and modified from its original version on propane.com
Apply Now: TPGA Board Positions Deadline December 31
Are you a current retail marketer member of the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA)? A retail marketer is defined as an individual who holds a class E license from the Railroad Commission of Texas, and actively sells retail propane in the state of Texas to the end consumer. One of your member perks is being eligible to run to be considered to serve on the TPGA Board of Directors.
TPGA retail marketer board position openings for:
• District 3 Director & Alternate: Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, and Tyler.
• District 4 Alternate: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Galveston, Grimes, Fort Bend, Harris, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton.
• District 16 Alternate: Armstrong, Carson, Collinsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler.
Board Responsibilities: Attend at a majority of the Board meetings during your 2-year term.
• District Directors: Voting representatives, conduct District Member Meetings.
• Alternate Directors: Advisory. Non-voting but perform Director duties when needed.
Questions? Call (800) 325-7427 ext 2. Apply by December 31, 2024 at https://form.jotform.com/TPGA/tpgaboard-application.
Propane Fuels Innovation at the Southern Living Idea House
Nestled on the Kiawah River on John’s Island outside of Charleston, South Carolina, the 2024 Southern Living Idea House showcases the best of contemporary home design. But beyond its architectural and natural beauty lies an unsung hero: propane.
Propane enables homeowners to build and live anywhere, providing a reliable, clean, and versatile energy source that supports sustainable design, efficient home operations, and energy independence. Propane can power essential home systems ensuring a smaller environmental footprint, especially in sensitive ecosystems. The Southern Living Idea House is a prime example of how propane is a vital and responsible energy choice for homeowners and for home builders.
Build Anywhere, Live Anywhere
The Southern Living Idea House showcases how propane allows homeowners to build in remote or environmentally sensitive locations, especially in areas where the natural gas line won’t reach. Tom Dillard,
president of Dillard-Jones Custom Builders, chose propane to power the home because it is a reliable, clean, and safe energy source that does not rely on pipelines for distribution to homes. With a buried 1,000-gallon propane tank stored on-site, the house has reliable energy without compromising the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Many homes, farms, and businesses on John’s Island run on propane because it is logistically challenging and cost-prohibitive to extend natural gas lines to the low country islands. Propane is the ideal choice for dependable, clean and resilient energy, rather than opting for all-electric. As lot availability becomes an increasing challenge, being able to build off the natural gas lines with propane can open many more possibilities for homeowners to build their dream homes.
Versatility Meets Efficiency
Propane’s flexibility shines through the various appliances and systems it powers in the Southern Living Idea
The Southern Living Idea House isn’t just a showpiece for cutting-edge design; it’s a demonstration of how propane supports modern living, combining sustainability, comfort, and resilience. For homeowners seeking flexibility in where and how they build, propane provides the freedom to create beautiful, comfortable, and eco-friendly homes no matter where life takes them.
House. From home heat and fireplaces to kitchen ranges and furnaces, propane delivers reliable and efficient performance. Propane also supports outdoor features like a pair of propane-fueled copper gas fixtures by Carolina Lanterns & Lighting’, the pool heater and grill, making it a perfect solution for both indoor comfort and outdoor living.
A standout system in the home is the hybrid heat pump solution, called the Heat Pump Helper™. Working with an existing thermostat, an air handler module communicates to a propane tankless water heater to circulate hot water
through a hydronic coil installed at the air handler. When temperatures drop below 40ºF, the Heat Pump Helper kicks in rather than electric resistance strips to deliver fast, comfortable heat, reducing heating costs by up to 35% compared to all-electric systems. By using propane, homeowners not only save on energy bills but also enjoy improved performance — especially during high-demand periods when electricity alone might not suffice.
A Cleaner, More Sustainable Energy Source
In addition to providing comfort and convenience, propane contributes to a more sustainable future. The Southern Living Idea House emits 13% less carbon dioxide equivalent emissions compared to an all-electric home in the same area. Because propane has a lower carbon intensity than the national averages of grid electricity, it’s a cleaner choice for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, propane is a non-toxic energy source that does not pollute air, water, or soil, making it ideal for use in ecologically sensitive areas like Kiawah River.
“We’re the visitors here, nature was here first,” Dillard said. “Our job was to not impact that in any negative way, so using clean energy that would allow homeowners to enjoy living here was extremely important. Propane allows homeowners to enjoy modern amenities while respecting the ecological values of the area.”
Resilient Power for Peace of Mind
When designing the 2024 Southern Living Idea House, the team had to consider that the home would be built in hurricane-prone coastal South Carolina. Strong storms and natural disasters present a challenge for builders and homeowners to maintain power during storms. But propane offers a resilient solution.
The Southern Living Idea House features a propane-powered backup generator that ensures the home stays powered even during extended outages. Propane generators can activate within 10 seconds of a power outage, providing immediate power to essential home systems. The generator can handle an entire home’s energy needs for days, ensuring continuous operation of multiple home systems. Republished from
Trenching Made Easy
Lightweight and simple to operate, the GeoRipper can dig trenches up to 27" deep and 2" wide. Plus, the GeoRipper can handle the hardest ground using its self sharpening chains that can cut through tree roots up to 3" in diameter. It's perfect for digging trenches for gas lines and other utilities. 20" & 27" models in stock
Unlike other energy sources, propane can be stored on site, providing continuous, accessible energy during emergencies. And since propane doesn’t degrade over time like other energy sources, homeowners can rest easy knowing propane won’t fail them when it’s needed most.
Ignite Your Knowledge at the 2025 National Propane Education & Training Conference
Registration is now open for the 2025 National Propane Education & Training Conference!
Join PERC February 20-21 at the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel for the annual National Propane Education & Training Conference. During this twoday event, propane professionals interested in industry-specific safety, education and resources will gather to hear the most up to date information to help keep safety a priority across the country.
Tracks
The 2025 conference will feature two tracks to choose from: Education and Safety & Compliance.
The Education track will offer a two-part workshop on how to utilize
and customize PEP learning paths for your students. It is highly encouraged to attend both sessions to fully understand all of the options to maximize your training.
The Safety & Compliance track includes panel discussions on Workplace injury trends and prevention, accident and incidents trends and prevention, as well as sessions on PEP Recognized Instructors and Field Trainers, consumer safety education, and safety educational tools.
Registration The registration fee is $50. Register at https://propane.com/2025national-propane-education-training-conference/ PERC has secured a room block for attendees at a rate of $209/night. The
room block will close on January 16 at 4pm EST. The link is https://bit. ly/4fEx9vK
The Renaissance is located approximately 5 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Hotel
Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel 5445 Forbes Place Orlando, FL 32812 407-240-1000
Complimentary shuttle service to/from the hotel. Upon arrival at MCO, call 407-240-1000 for pick-up. Departing from the hotel, the shuttle leaves every 30 minutes from the lobby (on the hour and half hour).
Rev 11.07.24
2025 NATIONAL PROPANE EDUCATION & TRAINING CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 21, 2025
THE RENAISSANCE ORLANDO AIRPORT HOTEL 5445 FORBES PLACE – ORLANDO, FL 32812
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Time Event
10:00 am – 11:50 am
The Learning Center:
We will take a pointed view of what education material and resources are available, how they can be used, and navigate through the platform where these materials are located. We will also spend time on the various Learning Center functionalities and opportunities that benefit you and your company.
– Chris Hanson, Elena Bennett Vienna
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm Lunch Vienna
Opening Remarks:
Welcome and Introductions – Tucker Perkins Conference Overview – Eric Kuster
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Time
2:00 pm – 5:20 pm
Break at 3:30 pm
CETP to PEP Roadmap for 2025, Incidents & Accident & Injury Reduction Building a Safety Culture in the Industry – Eric Kuster Vienna
General Session:
Track 1: Education Room: Vienna Time
Workshop Part One:
Learning Path Content for In-Person Training: – Chris Wolfe, Lyndon Rickards, Margaret Hiatt
This two-part workshop will guide you through the process of creating your own customized learning path. As a group, with your colleagues in the industry, we will review and discuss the needs of your learners and employees and the options available for you to use towards the goal of creating your own customized learning path(s)
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Track 2: Safety & Compliance Room: Normandy
Panel Discussion: Accidents and Incidents Trends and Prevention:
Panelists will discuss and inquire with the audience about different trends propane marketers see within their organization, what marketers are doing to help prevent accidents and incidents and gather feedback on where PERC can concentrate more.
PEP-Recognized Instructor and Field Trainer Credential
Information:
3:50 pm – 4:20 pm
An in-depth conversation about what benefits you will gain if you go through the training to become a PEP-Recognized Instructor and Field Trainer, and information on keeping the credentialing – Chris Hanson and Eric Kuster
Workshop Part One, Continued: Learning Path Content for In-Person Training: – Margaret Hiatt, Lyndon Rickards, Chris Wolfe 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
5:30 pm – 5:45 pm Closing Comments – Eric Kuster
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
8:00 am – 8:45 am
8:45 am – 9:45 am
10:00 am – 11:45 am
*Dinner on own
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Track 1: Education Room: Vienna
General Session: Code Updates
Workshop Part Two: Learning Path Content for In-Person Training: – Margaret Hiatt, Lyndon Rickards, Chris Wolfe
Safety Educational Tools: An explanation of the Virtual Reality, Fire Safety Analysis, Hydrometer and Regulator Cutaway Video tools. – Jeff Kenney, Elena Bennett
10:00 am – 11:20 am
Track 2: Safety & Compliance Room: Normandy
Panel Discussion: Workplace Injury Trends and Prevention: Facilitated conversations on the hazardous communications program, emergency action plan (EAP), process safety management, PPE, and more. 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Safety Education & Duty to Warn: – Sam Fox
12:10 pm – 12:30 pm Closing Comments Eric Kuster
Inside the Industry
2023 Electricity Prices Up Again
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports a concerning trend in rising electricity prices, highlighting data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Over the past decade (2013–2023), residential electricity rates have increased by 31.9%, and commercial rates by 22.7%, underscoring a steady rise in costs.
NPGA further points out the implications of policy-driven electrification efforts across the country. Many states are pursuing these policies, which will require significant investments in generation, distribution, and transmission infrastructure. As NPGA explains, these upgrades are crucial to producing and safely delivering the additional electricity demanded by these policies, yet they also contribute to rising costs that are ultimately passed down to consumers.
In a recent statement, the U.S. Department of Energy affirmed that, on a per-unit basis, grid electricity remains significantly more expensive than propane—a comparison that further underscores the burden of rising electricity costs.
Fast Facts from NPGA:
• 2023 Average U.S. Residential Electricity Price: 16.00 cents per kWh
• 2023 Average U.S. Commercial Electricity Price: 12.59 cents per kWh
• 2023 Average U.S. Industrial Electricity Price: 8.04 cents per kWh
Propane remains a more cost-effective alternative to electricity.
In Memoriam
Scott Douglas Hayes, 59, of Mineola, Texas, passed away on October 20, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Scott worked in the propane business for over 35 years while spending over 20 years at Suburban Propane. In 2022, Scott and his wife, Tiffany, moved to Mineola, Texas. Scott is remembered as a sweet, loving, helpful, funny, protective, and kind friend to all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Brenda Godwin Hays, 74, of Marshall, recently entered into the gates of Heaven. She truly never met a stranger and there was never a quick trip to town when you went with her. She loved working and called McAdams Propane her second home.
Brenda was the Customer Service Representative in their Marshall office and a deeply valued member of the McAdams Propane family. For over 35 years, Brenda worked alongside the McAdams family, becoming an integral part of their team and touching the lives of everyone she met with her dedication and kindness. Her contributions, friendship, and unwavering loyalty will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Round Opens This Month
The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund is giving away money to help industry children pay for college, trade school, or other programs. Every year, the NPGF/SF awards $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to over 100 students. Since 1994, the NPGF Scholarship Fund has distributed more than $2 million to 1,700+ children of NPGA member company employees!
Here's what you need to know:
Who can apply? Children of full-time employees at propane companies (NPGA members, state propane associations, or PERC)
What are the grades you need? At least a 2.6 GPA (or equivalent)
What kind of school can you go to? Accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools
What can you study? Anything you want, but the below are highly encouraged to also apply
• Commercial truck drivers
• Electricians
• Gas fitters
• HVAC technicians
• Pipe fitters
• Plumbers
How much money can you win? $1,000 or $2,000!
How many scholarships are there? Over 100 every year!
Important Dates:
Applications open: December 15th
Applications close: February 15th Want to learn more?
Visit the NPGA website: www.npga. org/news-resources/scholarships
Have questions? Email scholarship@ npga.org
Share with Your Schools: Tech School Grant Program
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
Four schools from Texas have received grants in the past. Your local school could, too. Give students hands-on learning and career opportunities with a propanespecific curriculum and classroom lab equipment. Encourage your local schools to apply for The Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC’s) HVAC Technical School Grant Program. This program offers up to $10,000 in grant money for schools to enhance realworld experience with propane. Schools must incorporate the provided curriculum and acquire specific propane equipment.
Grant Details:
• High Schools: Eligible for a $5,000 grant to implement the Overview of Propane Distribution Systems curriculum and equipment.
• Technical Schools and Community Colleges: Eligible for a $5,000 grant or a $10,000 grant for the 80-hour HVAC and Plumber Technical Training curriculum and equipment.
Download the brochure and information at http://www.propane.com/techschoolgrant and share with your local schools.
Open Propane Autogas Grants
EPA Clean School Bus
App Deadline: Jan 9, 2025
Reimbursement Deadline: November 2025
Eligible area: nationwide
Eligible equipment: school buses Apply at https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus
Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program
App Deadline: March 4, 2025
Reimbursement Deadline: April 30, 2027
Eligible area: Texas Clean Transportation Zone
Eligible equipment: bobtails, box trucks, step vans, school buses, and other dedicated vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Apply at www.terpgrants.org
Free Grant Help
Heather Ball, American Energy Institute P: 512-484-8535
E: heather@americanenergyinstitute.com.
DECEMBER
Deadline to install Heat Pump Helper under Personal Use Program (PUP)
FEBRUARY
NPGA Winter Board of Directors, Committee & Section Meetings Clearwater, FL 12 PERC Council Meeting – Virtual 17
TPGA Closed Presidents Day 20-21
2025 National Propane Education & Training Conference Orlando, FL
PROPANE with PURPOSE
Propane Power: Savage Bros Traditional Candy Stove
While we all know that the holidays are for family, connection and love, there’s an ancillary piece of the holidays that have become part of our cherished traditions. Sugar! And the different ways we make it part of our celebrations.
Savage Bros., a 160-year-old confectionery equipment manufacturer in Chicago, can help with the creation of all things sweet. Their propane-powered Candy Stove (which can also use NG) follows the traditional method of cooking and ideal for countless confections such as caramel, gummies, fudge, toffee, brittle, and more!
Their system utilizes an even heat jet burner system made of cast iron and 32 jets for consistent heat distribution around the kettle. It also boasts a BTU rating of 80,000 BTUs and insulated double-wall shell for a steady heat transfer while cooking.
Savage Bros has been manufacturing equipment for the generations. With equipment that lasts for decades,its equipment has been passed down from one generation to the next, making it one of the oldest best-kept secrets of long-standing confectionery businesses through the years.
Interestingly, in 1884, the National Confectionery Association began in Chicago and, representing 69 candy companies, they helped advance candy making standards and promoted candy products. By the early 1900s, Chicago was referred to as the Candy
Capital of the world. Chicago was home to over 1,000 candy purveyors.
During Prohibition (19201933) the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol was banned nationally. In Chicago prohibition gave rise to mobsters, speakeasies, Jazz, and candy. Schlitz Brewery owned dozens of local Chicago taverns that were quickly converted into candy or soda shops. As bars closed, ice cream shops and confection parlors opened as places to socialize and imbibe sweets. Beer companies, unable to manufacture lager, turned to
making chocolate and candy. Brewing ingredients like malt made its way into ice cream and candy popularizing malted milk balls. Americans turned from liquor and got their fix instead with confections.
Visit https://savagebros. com/ for more information on their Candy Stove (#20) and their other confectionery equipment.
Leading Supplier for Natural Gas and Propane
Omega Flex, Inc. has led the piping industry with its high-quality construction and commitment to exceed the industry’s product and safety standards. The flexibility and long lengths of CounterStrike® CSST make it perfect for remodel and repair work. It can be pulled like wire, which minimizes the need to remove and replace walls, while at the same time potentially reducing both construction cost and shortening lead times. Omega Flex currently has over 100 patents registered worldwide and is a product and engineering driven company committed to meeting our customers’ performance requirements. For
