July 2017 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane July 2017

Volume 73 No.7

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

Propane’s Integral Role in Microgrids Propane Microturbines Around the World

TPGA Propane Expo & Conference August 4-6, 2017

You’re in Good Hands Staying Local is Your Priority and Ours 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.

As a Texas-based company, we focus on providing local service to our customers in the communities we do business and empowering our employees via competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Matt Terry Acquisitions and Strategic Development 210-560-5418

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.

For more information and a confidential assessment of your business, please call us today.

www.pinnpropane.com

Pinnacle Propane is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TexasPropane July 2017

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 (512) 836-8620 or (800) 325-7427 (512) 834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation

Debbie Simpson (800) 392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com Publisher

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing (512) 346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director (512) 924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Microgrids

Reliable and Resilient Power: Microgrids Incorporate Propane and Renewables to Support Energy Infrastructure

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Features Microgrids Around the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Using SEO to Help Search Engines Find You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2017 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Schedule At-a-Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Say Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Highlights from Headquarters

Clock Is Ticking Conference Hotel Deadline Approaches Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director We are in final preparations for the 2017 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference here at the TPGA office as we wrangle in the many “moving parts” to the event.

Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations at the Moody Gardens Resort.

The group discount deadline is July 14, 2017. After that date we cannot guarantee that you will be able to reserve a room, or at what rate.

On to this month’s Texas Propane magazine. Propane is playing an integral

role in the creation of microgrids using propane microturbines across the country and worldwide. Many of you may be asking what is a microgrid? Basically, it is a local energy grid that can be controlled onsite - operated on its own. Turn to page 6 to find out propane’s role and more information on how they are used, and how they may bring in more gallons for your company.

See you in Galveston!

2017 CONVENTION Sponsors Golf Tournament Targa Resources Lanyards Keyera Energy Convention Tote Bag Enterprise Products Welcome Reception Westmor Industries Midstream Transportation President’s Cocktails Quality Steel Bishop Energy Expo Refreshments BASYS

New Member

SUPPLIER LiMarco Logistics Houston, TX

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2016-2017 TPGA Board of Directors President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 President-Elect: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Secretary: Harris Baker, Pinnacle Propane, 512-306-0073 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Sam Fox, McCraw Propane, 469-261-1148 District 1 Director: Jim Vines, Cooper Propane, 903-785-5242 District 1 Alternate: April Welch, WelchGas, 903-577-1446 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: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2660 District 5 Director: Open 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: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 District 8 Alternate: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 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: Sam Fox, McCraw Oil, 469-261-1148 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Lane Worthington, Sunoco, 325-835-3031 District 12 Director: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 District 12 Alternate: Laci Jo Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

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District 13 Director: Open District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Open 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: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Past President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-5317 Past President: Hobie Sibley, 281-455-3673 Past President: Doug Maclay, Huffhines Propane, 972-225-2347 1st Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 2nd Vice President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 3rd Vice President: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Sr. Vice President: Wes Welch, WelchGas, 903-577-1446 Sr. Vice President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Assoc. Service Director: Anna May Etheredge, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Service Alternate: Jeff Severson, BAM Propane, 817-738-8224 Assoc. Producer Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Mike Armstrong, Gas Equipment Company, 214-733-6328 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Mark Smith, Leran, 512-318-1840 Assoc. At Large Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. At Large Alternate: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Company, 214-638-8018 Nominating Committee Chair: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-2261 NPGA Director: Jim Bishop, Bishop Energy, 940-665-3457

Featured

Microgrids Reliable and Resilient Power: Microgrids Incorporate Propane and Renewables to Support Energy Infrastructure

By Judy L. Marchman

life expectancy. The report stated that between 2003 and 2012, weather-related outages along with this aging infrastructure have resulted in an estimated annual cost of $18 billion to $33 billion (adjusted for inflation) to the U.S. economy.

While there are no easy answers to the infrastructure issue, many communities and organizations are turning to microgrids for a localized solution — and propane is proving to be an integral source of power for these microgrids.

Power Resilience

Power outages and disruptions are an inconvenience and annoyance no matter when they happen. Outages resulting from storms are often understandable or even expected but when they result from too much demand on an aging electrical grid, that just leads to added frustration. For many organizations — from businesses and universities to health care systems and emergency operations — having a stable and reliable energy source is essential for continued operation.

According to the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (www.infrastructurereportcard. org/cat-item/energy/), our power grid is at full capacity, and much of the system was constructed in the 1950s and ’60s with a 50-year

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What is a microgrid? In basic terms, it is a local energy grid that can be controlled onsite, allowing it to be disconnected from the traditional grid and operate on its own. Microgrids go beyond stand-by generators by including various sources and utilization of power. Microgrids typically run parallel to a traditional energy grid to help make the overall system more resilient. They connect to the traditional grid at a point of common coupling that maintains the main grid’s same voltage level. When the main grid experiences a problem, such as a power outage during a storm, all homes and businesses connected to that particular grid lose their power. The microgrid can then be disconnected, either manually or automatically, from the main grid and continue operating on its own to deliver power.

“The current model of traditional large, centralized generation plants means that about 70 percent of electricity is lost in generation,

Featured transmission, and distribution. Microgrids are essentially miniature sation of propane vapor. Propane-powered microturbines are provversions of the traditional electric grid. By placing the power generaing to be effective when used in microgrids, particularly in projects tion plant close to the user, microgrids avert much of what’s known that don’t have cost-effective access to natural gas. as line loss, the natural tendency for electricity to dissipate as it travels North Texas-based utility Oncor decided to incorporate a proover power lines. This efficiency offers many benefits to the energy pane-powered microturbine as one of nine sources of distributed user including burning less fuel, and losing energy across its microgrid system. Oncor, less electricity, which translates into lower which delivers power to more than 3 million The current model overall energy costs. Therefore, those on homes and businesses, commissioned a mimicrogrids need to buy less utility electriccrogrid in December 2014 at its Lancaster of traditional large, ity, since they generate power onsite,” said facility. The utility wanted to establish an centralized generation innovative system that would parallel its exHarris Baker, Vice President of Business Development for Pinnacle Propane and plants means that about isting generators and promote the adoption Alliant Gas. of alternative power generation capabilities 70 percent of electricity is within the microgrid application.

By using a microgrid, organizations and utility companies not only have a reliable At the facility, the utility had difficulty lost in generation, backup onsite during power emergencies, maintaining the proper natural gas pressure but also a more efficient, and in some caswithout costs getting out of hand, so protransmission, and es, environmentally friendly power source. pane was a natural choice. Oncor brought distribution.

That’s because microgrids can incorpoin a C65 (65-kilowatt) Capstone propanerate multiple sources of power to operate. powered microturbine through Capstone’s –Harris Baker These distributed energy resources inTexas distributor Horizon Power Systems. clude batteries, gas- or propane-powered The microturbine is able to parallel load microturbines, and renewable sources like wind or solar. with the microgrid’s other distributed generation resources, which “What’s driving technology development in this area is a want to includes two solar PV arrays, two energy storage units, and four prepare for the future by using existing resources wisely and moving generators. The microgrid has total peak capacity of 900 kilowatts, toward more renewable and sustainable practices,” Baker said. which is scalable to meet load requirements, and is broken down into Microgrids have the potential to minimize energy costs for organifour zones, each a microgrid in itself, allowing for continuous site zations through fuel switching and by harnessing the heat generated operation during extended power outages or other emergencies. from producing power as thermal energy, a process known as comPowering an Island bined heat and power.

A much larger-scale project involving propane-powered microOrganizations with a critical and continual need for power — turbines is located on Santa Catalina Island off the Southern Calihospitals, university campuses, manufacturers, military bases, mufornia coast. In 2011 Southern California Edison Co., the primary nicipalities, etc. — could benefit from incorporating a microgrid into electric supplier for much of Southern California, determined that their energy structure. the island’s power grid, which has relied on diesel internal combusPropane-Powered Microturbine tion engines to produce power, needed an upgrade to meet the state’s Even though microgrids can pull from different energy sources, strict air quality standards. The utility also needed to improve the they still need an anchor resource to provide a stable source of voltsystem’s voltage and frequency to accommodate power shifts during age and frequency. Gas-fueled energy generation options such as mipeak times. croturbines fit that role nicely. Microturbines can use various fuels While the island is home to about 4,000 residents, the population from biofuels to natural gas and propane to drive the turbine and can can increase to more than 10,000 during the summer months thanks be assembled in multipack units depending on the project’s energy to an influx of vacationers and tourists. needs. This modular aspect allows different units to be switched on The utility installed 23 C65 Capstone propane-powered microand off to meet power demand. turbines at its Avalon power station to provide an additional form of “Because you can control the output, they can support the interpower generation that can be easily dispatched in small increments mittency of other renewable sources like solar and wind,” said Jim to balance the island’s fluctuating power demands. In the first year Crouse, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Capstone, of operation, the microturbines produced 2.5 million kilowatt-hours a leading microturbine manufacturer, in a recent Propane Education of energy, or roughly 9 percent of total power on the island. Power & Research Council article. “They can also easily be incorporated can be dispatched in increments of 65 kW up to 1.5 MW. Accordinto microgrids where there’s renewables, storage, and some onsite ing to Capstone, the cleaner propane-powered microturbines have generation.” also helped reduce the diesel engine usage by about 10 percent, or Propane-powered microturbines have several requirements be200,000 gallons, annually, improving the island’s overall emissions yond standard propane appliances such as needing relatively high profile. vapor pressure (55-80 psig) — thus the fuel must be in vapor form.

Potential for Propane Equipment options, such as natural tank vaporization, liquid pump Areas with a lot of potential growth for microgrids — and in turn and gas vaporizers, and tank heaters, can be used to avoid reconden-

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July 2017 •

Texas Propane

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Featured propane — are uses for natural resource extraction, from mining to oil and gas production.

“Many of these operations are located well off the grid,” Baker said.

“Microgrids provide companies with the capacity to generate their own energy and operate independently.”

At Western Refining’s oil pipeline booster station in Ramon, New Mexico, propane-powered microturbines are responsible for powering the entire station to ensure oil continues to feed through the pipeline to the company’s refinery in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Fifteen Capstone C65 standalone microturbines were installed to provide primary power for three 200 horsepower pumps that are capable of pumping 55,000 barrels of oil each day. According to Capstone distributor Pumps and Services, the propane-powered microturbines were “the only choice” because power reliability was “non-negotiable.” If power is interrupted or lost at the site, it would have strong negative financial impact.

As the use of microgrids continues to grow — according to Navigant Research, global microgrid capacity was expected to grow from 1.4 gigawatts in 2015 to 7.6 gigawatts in 2024 — propane will remain an important option, including as a backup energy storage solution. For instance, in projects fueled by natural gas-powered microturbines, if there is a natural gas outage, the microturbines can be switched to run on a propane-air mixture rather than the usual

diesel generator.

“One reason to turn to propane is that it can be easier to store onsite than diesel,” Crouse said in the PERC article.“Propane doesn’t get algae growth, it doesn’t need to be filtered or treated, it doesn’t get old and wear out.”

Propane also remains a more cost-effective option than battery storage at present. Energy storage systems play an important role in microgrids, including assisting with peak shaving and smoothing power flow. Navigant Research’s Microgrid Deployment Tracker charted the growth of energy storage systems in both the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016.

Storage system use grew across all microgrid market segments from 2015 to 2016, with the commercial and industrial and the utility segments showing the greatest increase, at 40 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

“The technology is getting up to speed,” Baker said.

“We are closer to getting more reliable battery storage in place.”

As concerns about the country’s electrical grid infrastructure and its ability to handle increased power demand continue to grow, more organizations and industries may look to microgrids to ensure greater energy stability and resiliency at a local level. It’s about staying up and running — staying in business. As with Ramon Station in New Mexico, power reliability is non-negotiable.

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Where in the World

Microturbines Around the World Propane microturbines are increasingly being used around the world as integral parts of microgrids. They can provide a stable source of voltage and frequency in a microgrid, providing reliable energy to places that are either off the grid, or in places that require backup energy sources.

Here are three places around the world that are utilizing propane-powered microturbines.

Caribbean Hotel

In May 2016, microturbine company Capstone Turbine Corporation, announced that it had been tapped to provide a microturbine to power a large hotel in the Caribbean region.

The propane-fueled C800 microturbine will provide power to multiple buildings on the hotel property and will be installed in combined heat and power (CHP) application. The microturbine will provide

primary power to the facilities and the exhaust energy will be utilized to generate steam at the property, boosting the overall efficiency of the hotel’s energy system to nearly 80 percent.

The hotel was looking for energy independence and chose Capstone in part because of its superior performance on propane. Power in the Caribbean region can be unpredictable and subject to power fluctuations so the hotel chose to generate their own power on-site with microturbines. Additionally, the microturbine-powered CHP system provides improved efficiency, helping the hotel achieve its sustainability goals.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2015, the Caribbean Water and Power Authority collective started converting its electric generating stations to use propane instead of residual and diesel fuel oils. The Authority aims to cut its imported fuel costs by 30%.

“Even with low diesel prices we continue to see customers switching to propane to generate reliable on-site power,” said Jim Crouse, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Capstone Turbine. “Not only are we able to positively impact their bottom line, but we also do so with a rugged and environmentally friendly product,” added Mr. Crouse.

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Chilean Ski Resort

For the Corralco Mountain & Ski Resort Hotel in the Malalcahuello Nalcas Natural Reserve in Chile, connecting to the traditional grid was not an option. The remote and pristine location presented the opportunity to utilize four propane-fueled microturbines in a cogeneration (CHP) application. Commissioned in 2013, the microturbines reliably generate all electricity the hotel requires. They operate on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and produces 200kW of electricity and 400kW of thermal energy.

The project managers say that having four microturbines doing the work allows one to be taken offline if needed (to reprogram or service) because the other three can cover the load.

“In economic terms, it is efficient because the system works in a way that it links electricity to the building and, in turn, the heating and hot water for this same building, based on your consumption of electrical power, you produce all the heating and hot water needed for the rooms and people using that electricity,” Mauricio Meyer, CEO, said.

In the end, Meyer says they gauge the success of the project on the comfort of their guests, “and that has been achieved.”

Mexican Beach Hotels

The luxurious Royal Playa del Carmen and Gran Porto Real hotels – which sit on a protected stretch of swim-friendly beach just steps from the popular Playa del Carmen’s famed 5th Avenue and its trendy shops, restaurant and night clubs – faced increased energy costs due to management’s decision to begin heating their pools.

In 2010, as part of its energy savings

hotels with 273,750 kW-hours of energy per year – more than 40 percent of the hotels’ needs – and up to 100RT of cooling for restaurants and The Royal Playa’s property main kitchen.

“Maintenance costs have decreased in addition to achieving greater control over the operating systems involved,” Zarate said.

“Real-time monitoring of the hot water supply, laundry, air conditioning, and poolwater heating has been invaluable.”

The Real Resorts Group, who owns and operates both properties, estimates The Royal Playa del Carmen hotel has a monthly saving of $450,000 to $500,000 Mexican pesos thanks to the installation of the system.

initiatives, management of the 5-star hotels decided to install a new power supply that was reliable, efficient and could lower both energy costs and emissions.

“As part of our energy savings plans and with an additional need to begin warming our pools for better guest comfort, we reviewed possible energy technologies,” said Samuel Zarate, Corporate Maintenance Director of Real Resorts Group.

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In economic terms, it is efficient because the system works in a way that it links electricity to the building and, in turn, the heating and hot water for this same building, based on your consumption of electrical power, you produce all the heating

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and hot water needed for the rooms and people using that electricity,

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– Mauricio Meyer, CEO,

“We considered installing additional generators for peak generation plus solar energy for heating of the pools,” Zarate said. “But when we learned that the C1000 [microturbine] could lower our energy consumption while provide us with additional services – such as hot water and steam for laundry services – by utilizing waste heat, we knew we had found the answer we were looking for.”

The Royal Playa delCarmen hotel features 513 guest rooms and suites while the Gran Porto Real hotel has 287 rooms. With an annual average occupancy of over 90 percent, finding a system that lowered energy consumption and that also provided hot water and steam for the 24-hour laundry facility was a huge bonus.

In addition to providing hot water to keep the two large pools at a comfortable 28–31°C (82–88°F) and providing the laundry facility with hot water and steam, the system provides the deluxe, all-inclusive

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Marketing Minute

Using SEO to Help Search Engines Find You

In the United States alone, Internet users conduct an average of 12 billion searches per month. Do you know if your website

is being found amongst those searches? If your website is not properly optimized to meet search engine criteria, it may not be.

There are many factors that contribute to SEO (search engine optimization), including your website’s content, keywords, and other elements. You should make sure you are up-to-date with these requirements so search engines find you and drive traffic to your website.

To help you, we’ve created a list of these requirements and how they factor into your website’s SEO: Keywords. Your keywords are the backbone of your website’s SEO strategy. Keywords should be relevant to the content of the page they’re intended for, while using natural language that searchers would use.

Within your content, you should try to include your keyword 1-6 times per 300 words. You should also include your keyword in your title, headings, and URL. To choose the best keywords, we’ve outlined 5 tips to help you.

Content. Content creation is essential to both modern marketing and your web-

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site’s SEO. For ideal SEO, you should write about 300 words of content per page.

Regardless of length, any content you create should be readable and interesting to your target audience. Be aware that most readers will not read full articles online but rather skim for important information. To accommodate these readers, use shorter paragraphs, headers, and bullet points to guide the eyes of your audience.

To ensure your readers understand your content, avoid industry jargon and write at a reading level they will understand. The average website’s content is written at about an 8th grade level.

Calls-to-Action. Calls-to-action guide visitors to your website through the next steps of doing business with you. They are also part of your SEO strategy. In search engine results, websites have brief descriptions of their content as part of their listing called meta descriptions. Meta descriptions attract readers to visit your website through a compelling call-to-action. Along with improving your SEO, all of these actions make up your inbound marketing strategy.

Images. Images support your website’s content and represent your brand. They can also help with your website’s SEO. By adding alt-tags to your images that contain your focus keyword, you help identify them if they do not load properly. To prevent this from happening, you should use smaller images that load faster. Being mindful of these features makes your image and your website mobile-friendly, which improves your SEO. Mobile. It is likely that your website will be viewed on mobile devices as well.

Search engines have noticed the increasing popularity of viewing websites on these devices. As of April 2015, Google ranks websites based on how mobilefriendly they are. For the best user experience and SEO possible, you should design a responsive website. By responsive, we mean that the website adjusts to the screen size it’s being viewed on.

Links. Links from other websites establish your credibility, leading to higher ranks on search engines. The websites that link to yours should be reputable sources of information in your industry. Otherwise, these links should come from other activities your business has participated in, like guest blogging, presentations, interviews, and social media. Most importantly, these links should

occur naturally in your content through anchor text and work properly once published to your website.

Local. Did you know that SEO can help you be found offline as well? Local SEO helps your business show up in local searches, which may lead more customers at your door. Just be sure that your name, address, phone number, social media, and other contact information is current so that you can be contacted.

Local SEO can also improve your customer service strategy through feedback left on review websites, if you claim your business on them.

Keeping up with SEO requirements allows search engines to find your website, which is essential to your business’ success.

Remember, if your website isn’t being found by your prospects online, then your business isn’t either.

Copyright © 2016, The Maine Edge. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission

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Other propane owners have come to our agency to cover their insurance bets: 1) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available; 2) Many have discovered a gap in coverage after meeting with us; 3) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

“We recommend Marshall Young Insurance to our business associates who are looking for a family style insurance company for their business needs. Whether by phone, email or in person – our concerns are always met with a prompt & courteous response.

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Enjoy Moody Gardens

2017 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference EVEN THOUGH EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION HAS ENDED, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER TODAY! You don’t want to miss out on this event. And don’t forget to make your hotel reservations as the group block will sell out quick.

The Best & the Latest at the Expo The 2017 TPGA Propane Expo features the very best equipment, technology, and service provider companies supporting the propane industry. This is a valuable opportunity to see the latest generation of solutions from providers you know, plus meet new vendors.

Exceptional Networking Networking is a hallmark of this conference and you are sure to make valuable new peer contacts in Galveston. It’s a tremendous opportunity to meet peers from all walks of the industry. Meet peers at receptions, introduce yourself to a peer after the business meetings, or sit down next to someone you don’t know during dinner!

Gain Up-to-Date Information on Current Industry Issues & Concerns Be sure to attend the Annual Business/TPGA Board meeting so you don’t miss something important.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Kendra Scott Pop Up shop a curated collection of jewels

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 ꟾ 3-5 pm During the TPGA Propane Expo

MOODY GARDENS CONVENTION CENTER Exhibit Halls A-C 20% of the proceeds benefit the TPGA Scholarship Foundation Shop with us and enter to win $500 worth of jewelry! *credit cards or gift cards only

FOLLOW US @txpropane1 Texas Propane Gas Association

Welcome Reception: Kick off the event by catching up with colleagues and vendors! Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar help the evening get started. Sponsored by Westmor Industries & Midstream Transportation

Gala with Casino Party: Join us for a delightful dinner and play some casino games. Also watch the passing of the gavel from the current TPGA President to the new TPGA president.

At the Expo: Some of the best vendors and service

providers supporting the propane industry • Prize Drawings • Buyer’s Drawing – you could win $250 cash • Snacks & refreshments on the Expo floor • Silent Auction benefitting the TPGA Scholarship Fund

President’s Cocktail Reception: Listen to the band and enjoy an adult beverage on the expo floor. Take a last look around the expo before it closes and the Gala starts. Sponsored by Quality Steel & Bishop Energy

Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament Sponsored by Targa Resources Saturday, August 5 8:00a -1:00p Moody Gardens Golf Course $125 per person Registration fee includes greens fee, cart, breakfast, lunch, 2 drink tickets, and prizes.

Golf Luncheon & Awards 1:00p – 2:00p at the golf course

TPGA Board/Annual Business Meeting: Hear about what is going on at the

association – financial health, legislative successes, nomination and election of new officers, RRC rules adoption, and more!

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Golf Tournament – Targa Resources Lanyards – Keyera Energy President’s Cocktails – Quality Steel, Bishop Energy

Convention Bags – Enterprise Products Welcome Reception – Westmor Industries, Midstream Transportation Expo Refreshments - BASYS

Sponsorships still available. Contact us!

July 2017 •

Texas Propane

15

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE AUGUST 4

1:00p – 5:00p Registration 2:00p – 3:00p Finance Committee 3:00p – 5:00p Executive Committee 3:30p – 5:00p Exhibitor move-in (vehicles) 5:00p – 6:00p Welcome Reception 6:00p – 10:00p Exhibitor move-in (optional for golfers) Supplier dinners/on your own

AUGUST 5

6:00a – 1:00p 8:00a – 1:00p 12:00p – 7:00p 1:00p – 2:00p 3:00p – 7:00p 7:00p – 8:00p 8:00p – 11:30p

AUGUST 6

9:00a – 11:00a 11:00a – 12:00p

Exhibitor move-in Golf Tournament Registration Golf Lunch & Awards Expo President’s Cocktails Gala TPGA Annual Business/Board Board Training

Host Hotel

Moody Gardens Resort & Conference Center 7 Hope Boulevard Galveston, TX 77554

Outside Exhibit Hall ABC 9th floor Boardroom 9th floor Boardroom Exhibit Hall ABC Floral Hall A Exhibit Hall ABC

Exhibit Hall ABC Moody Gardens Golf Course Outside Exhibit Hall ABC Moody Gardens Golf Course Exhibit Hall ABC Exhibit Hall ABC Moody I & Salon E Floral Hall A Floral Hall A

Hotel cut-off July 14, 2017

The Moody Gardens Resort is offering attendees and exhibitors a discounted rate of $199/night plus tax. Self park is complimentary. Valet parking is available for $20 for overnight. Participants will enjoy complimentary internet in guest rooms. Check-in time is 4:00pm; check-out time is 12:00pm.

Participants are responsible for reserving their own accommodations. Contact Reservations directly at 888-388-8484 and mention the Texas Propane Gas Association to receive the discounted rate.

July 14, 2017 is the cut-off date for hotel reservations at the discounted group rate. Please make your reservations early! After date, rooms are a “space and rate as available” basis.

16

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

3

For more information about the event visit www.tpgapropaneexpo.com

WAYS TO

REGISTER

1 3 PHONE 2 FAX

512.834.0758

800.325.7427

MAIL

Complete & return registration form with payment to: TPGA 2017 Conference 8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753

YOUR FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INCLUDES: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

All business meetings Expo Welcome Reception Gala with Casino Party

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received in writing by July 14, 2017 will be refunded 50% of their

pre-paid registration fee. NO REFUNDS will be given after this date. RefundsJuly will2017 be issued after August 6,17 • Texas Propane 2017.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

2017 REGISTRATION FORM ____________________________________________ COMPANY NAME

________________________________________ SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER NAME

____________________________________________ CONTACT

_______________________________________ CHILD NAME

____________________________________________ ADDRESS

______________________________________ CHILD NAME

____________________________________________ CITY/ST/ZIP

_____________________________________ CHILD NAME

____________________________________________ PHONE

EVENTS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION

___________________________________________ EMAIL

□

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION TYPE

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Please check any of the events you will attend. □ Welcome Reception □ Gala □ Expo

Annual Business/Board

REGULAR/ONSITE (after 6/30/17) $395

Retail Marketer Full

□

Cocktails

SUBTOTAL $____________________

Additional Enrollee Full

$325

$____________________

Spouse/Significant Other

$100

$____________________

Child Over 12

$100

$____________________

Child Under 12

FREE

$____________________

Marketer Expo Only

$150

$____________________

Spouse Expo Only

$75

$____________________

Add Enrollee Expo Only

$75

$____________________

Past President (retired from the propane business)

FREE

$____________________

Golf Tournament

$125

$____________________

$125

TOTAL $____________ METHOD OF PAYMENT

PAYMENT

□ □

Check Enclosed (Payable to TPGA) VISA

□

MC

□

AMEX

_____________________________________________ NAME ON CARD

_____________________________________________ CARD NUMBER _____________________________________________ EXP CSV BILLING ZIP CODE

18

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Definition of a Marketer: The definition of a Marketer for purposes of registering for this conference is a company involved in the retail sales of propane either residential or commercial, dispenser operators, or RV park operators. If you are a product manufacturer/distributor, service provider, transport, or propane wholesaler/producer you MUST be an exhibitor to register.

Please remit payment to: TPGA Conference Registration 8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 Fax: 512.834.0758

July 2017 •

Texas Propane

19

Safety Talk

Static Discharge Prevention Tips Safety Meeting with NFPA 58 and state electrical codes and regulations. Metal and non-electrical stationary equipment, such as rollers, should also be grounded.

6. Observe your processes. Most static electricity comes from the friction between materials, even if they are nonconductive. Review your facility’s processes and activities and take action to reduce any apparent risk.

7. Limit access. Limit access to Static Discharge Control Areas to trained propane workers who understand how to perform the particular task and handle static discharge safely.

8. Speak up. Propane personnel who work in Static Discharge Control Areas can provide the best information on potential threats and hazards. Let your supervisor know of any issues you become aware of.

The release of static electricity (static discharge) can be extremely hazardous in propane operations. By using the following tips, you can help prevent and control static discharge and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your coworkers.

EIGHT SAFETY TIPS FOR PREVENTING STATIC DISCHARGE:

1. Know the area. Every propane facility has designated Static Discharge Control Areas — places where propane vapors may be released or pooled. These include areas where any propane transfer, processing, or storage occurs. Be aware of where these locations are, and take appropriate prevention measures when nearby.

2. Ground yourself. Workers can conduct or carry a significant amount of static electricity as they move about the plant.

Always wear static-safe footwear or conductive wristbands, and use a static-safe floor or floormat to safely discharge any buildup before handling propane.

3. Check your attire. Cotton and cotton blends generate less static electricity than most synthetic materials, and thus are the typical propane uniform fabric. Wear your uniform and be aware of any garment or layers that “snap” or “crackle” when removing.

Never put on or remove clothing inside a Static Discharge Control Area.

4. Clean up. Check that all HDPEs, PVCs, and other synthetic materials are out of Static Discharge Control Areas.

5. Follow regulatory code. Electrical equipment inside a Static Discharge Control Area must be installed in accordance

20

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Discussion Topics 1. You have been engaged to perform a new task and believe that it may produce a significant static electricity issue. How do you respond?

2. You notice that several plastic trays and some plastic wrap are present inside a Static Discharge Control Area. You need to fill cylinders quickly for a waiting customer. What should you do?

LEARNING ACTIVITY Stage a Static Discharge Control Area, and walk your participants through what to do when entering, working in, and leaving the area.

For more information about static discharge prevention, visit propanesafety.com.

Source: Static Electricity in the Propane Industry (PERC) PRESENTATION

A USB with the presentation for this safety meeting and other safety meetings can be purchased from PERC, by visiting www. propanecouncil.org/psc and clicking on the product catalog.

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WE BEG TO DIFFER

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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

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 • www.lumbermen.net July 2017 •

Texas Propane

21

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Brooke McWhirter joins the team at Agility Fuel Solutions.

Agility Fuel Solutions is a provider of clean fuel solutions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Brooke has multiple years of experience in both state and national legislative offices including working for Congressman John Carter and the Railroad Commission. Most recently she worked for CleanFUEL USA, whose assets were recently acquired by Agility.

Tucker Perkins was named the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s next President and CEO. Perkins joined PERC in 2012 as chief business development officer and most recently served as chief operations officer. Tucker will succeed Roy Willis, who will retire July 31. Willis is retiring after 20 years at the helm of PERC. Tucker has extensive experience in the propane industry, including operating his own retail propane company in Virginia as well as holding executive positions at other propane companies.

Flame King Recall for One-Pound Refillable Cylinders

There has been a recall issued on Flame King one pound propane capacity refillable cylinders. Green cylinders with serial numbers between 000001 and 020800 and blue cylinders with serial numbers between 000001 and 004700 are being recalled due to the possibility that the cylinders do not contain a sealant that prevents the cylinder valve from becoming loose.

YSN Imports Inc is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to voluntarily recall the cylinders. It is expected that CPSC will announce the recall in the coming weeks. YSN Imports is requesting that customers cease using the cylinders and they will be replaced. Further information can be obtained by email at info@ysnimports.com.

Six New Consumer Safety Videos Available

Congratulations to Josh McAdams of McAdams Propane and Midstream Transportation for being named to the inaugural 2017 LP Gas Rising Leaders list. The goal of LP Gas magazine is to showcase the propane industry’s best and brightest young leaders of today and share their vision.

Clint A. Smith, Sr., 81, of Junction, TX, passed away on June 5, 2017 in San Angelo. Mr. Smith was a rancher, harvested cedar and owned and operated Gulf Warehouse before retiring.

He later joined his son Clint Smith, Jr. in owning and operating Clint Smith Propane in Junction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has developed six new consumer safety videos for propane marketers to educate their customers on propane safety. Send to customers with your own customized company message and add to your own website.

Topics include how to read a tank gauge, transporting small cylinders, propane system inspections, and what to do if you suspect a gas leak.

Visit www.youtube.com/c/proudlypropane and click on Videos on the horizontal toolbar right under the page header.

Interactive Safety Meeting Presentations Now Available

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has developed a set of 45 Safety Talks that marketers can use as template for safety meetings. Each month, Texas Propane magazine highlights a different topic in its Safety Talk section designed for marketers to

22

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

ANNOUNCING A NEW LOOK T h e p r o pa n e i n d u s t r y i s e v o lv i n g , a n d s o a r e w e .

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

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

S OF ION R A E Y 70 RICAT B A F K K TRUC

TAN White River Distributors, Inc. has been an industry leader since 1944, with a staff of sales professionals with over 100 years of experience to help make your purchase an easy one. We have tanks 600 to 8000 gallons, your choice of chassis. Build to your specifications. New, used, and refurbished propane bobtails, change-overs, and repairs. Financing available, delivery service available. Trade-ins Accepted. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

www.lpgbobtails.com • 1-800-548-7219

REFINED FUEL TANK WAGONS • PROPANE BOBTAILS VACUUM TANKS • WATER TRUCKS • OIL/WATER SEPARATORS • FRAC SAND

Contact Danny McElroy at the Southwest Sales Center Dallas, Texas 1-800-483-9971 • danmcelroy@aol.com July 2017 •

Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry (continued from Page 22) use as template.

Just recently, PERC has enhanced their Safety Talk series and has added PowerPoint presentations. The presentations have videos and interactive elements. A USB with the PowerPoint presentations can be purchased from PERC, by visiting www. propanecouncil.org/psc and clicking on the product catalog.

PSC Has It

Before You Hit Galveston for the 2017 Propane Expo & Conference Order Your Coolers Now Pick Up Onsite

D.L.Morrison Welding & Construction L.P. MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Testing & Inspecting MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Repair & Re-furbish

Propane Service Corporation

Storage Installation

8408 North IH 35 ꞁ Austin, TX 78753 800.392.0023 ꞁ 512.836.6112 fax sales@propaneservicecorp.com www.propaneservicecorp.com

FOLLOW US @PropaneServCorp Propane Service Corporation

24

Compressor Repair 217 Morrison Hill Lane • Gainesville,Tx. 76240 Ricky Taylor 940-727-8608 • Mason Day 940-727-1355 Fax 940-612-2055 E-mail ricky_taylor62@yahoo.com

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

July 2017 •

Texas Propane

25

Say

Cheese

A very important conversation between District 15 Director Don Heinrich of Slaton Gas, President-Elect John Walter of Schneider Distributing, and Secretary Harris Baker of Pinnacle Propane at the recent TPGA board meeting.

District 12 Director John Gordon of Bob’s Fuels, Jennifer Wood and TPGA President Ben Wood of Northwest Propane stop for a photo at the recent TPGA board dinner.

26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

TPGA Executive Director Bill Van Hoy, Past President Bill Clinkscale of United Propane, Matt Terry and Secretary Harris Baker of Pinnacle Propane at the recent TPGA board dinner at Baker Ranch in Fredericksburg.

TPGA Past President Todd Dorris of Roadrunner Energy, TPGA Vice President Josh McAdams of Midstream Transportation and McAdams Propane, and Rusty Walker of Marshall Young Insurance were at Baker Ranch for the recent TPGA board dinner.

Domestic Propane Tanks

1000gal

500gal

Delivery and Unloading

/

Rust Free Interiors

/

The Best Warranty

www.metsa.com

+1(800) 609-TANK

Classifieds For Sale 2 Bobtail trucks. Both equipped with a 2400 gallon LPG tank, plumbing, meter, hose, and hose reel.

Ford ’94 F700 Series truck.

International ’85 S1900 Series truck.

Located in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Call for price. 870-863-3301

Service Truck for Sale

2004 GMC – C3500 – 1 Ton, 124,835 miles, 6.0 Gasoline – Automatic, A/C, AM/FM Radio, 3 Tool Boxes, 3200 Liftmore Crane with Wired Remote, New Tires, New Radiator, All Maintenance Records Provided.

Call Allen at: 281-332-2630 For More Information

PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 120,000 gallons FOR SALE (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, Trinity, skidded (2) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, Mississippi Tank Contact: Jim Oliver (936) 755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

For Sale Used Bobtail Barrels.

Contact: 800-852-4641

FOR SALE: 2016 Ford 750 Bobtail, 3200 gallon tank, Roush system, 3000 miles. Excellent working condition. Dealer and employee references.

Showcase model $119,000.

903-731-0163 or 936-577-2342 wduke@gmx.com

Prent@longhornpropane.com or Latisha@longhornpropane.com, 830-964-2525

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar

Index to Advertisers

JULY

4 Independence Day TPGA office closed 11-12 PERC Council Meeting Denver, CO 14 TPGA Conference Hotel Discount Deadline

August

4-6 TPGA Propane Expo + Conf Galveston, TX 11 ProCOT Calendar Order Deadline Fall Propane Living newsletter subscription deadline

September

4 Labor Day TPGA office closed 10-13 NPGA Technical Standards & Safety Meeting Colorado Springs, CO 14-15 NPGA Benchmarking Council (Groups A-F) St. Charles, MO 18-20 LP Gas Growth Summit Orlando, FL 21-22 NPGA Benchmarking Council (Groups G-L) St. Charles, MO

BLT Tanks 9 Cargas Systems 21 Cunningham Gas Products 12 D. L. Morrison Welding 24 Flynt Paint Products 24 Gas Equipment Company 31 Insurors of Texas 10 Lone Star Energy Group 23 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 21 Marshall Excelsior Company 25 Marshall Young Insurance 13 Meeder Equipment Co. 5 Metsa Inc. 27 MTankCo Supply 31 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 24 Utility 1 Source/CTE 11

23 LPG Charity Fund Poker Tournament The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, OK RAILROAD COMMISSION APPROVED TRAINING

1.1 Introduction to Propane

2.1 Dispenser Operations—

DOT/ASME Refueling

2.3 Bobtail Operations and Delivery

3.3 Appliance Conversion

3.8 RV Technician Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

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

BAM Propane Consultants 22

WESROC 19 Westmor Industries 8 White River Distributors 23

SOUTHERN STAR INSURANCE AGENCY INC Founded in 1981 as INSURANCE ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS Cecil Joiner 1-800-545-2565 www.IAOTX.COM

FOR SALE 1997 Ford bobtail 2600 gallon propane tank.

Truck does not run.

1994 GMC bobtail 2800 gallon propane tank.

Truck runs on propane and does run.

Located in Cleburne Texas.

Call for price 817-558-9117

Thinking of selling out?

Thinking of buying a competitor?

Thinking of opening a new location?

We have the resources and experience to make your thoughts a reality.

817-615-8393 • 800-267-9311 • www.alamocorporategroup.com

COMING Next Issue Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) What is it? Propane’s Role.

How can it be used?

July 2017 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Propane Soil Tampers Provide Power to Contractors, Homeowners

Soil compaction is a method of mechanically increasing the density of soil. In applications such as construction, this is a significant part of the building process. If this action is performed improperly, settlement of the soil could occur and result in unnecessary maintenance costs or structural failure.

The different types of compaction efforts that can be applied to soil or asphalt are vibration, impact, kneading and pressure. Compactors deliver a rapid sequence of blows (impacts) to the soil surface, thereby affecting the top layers as well as deeper layers of soil. The vibration moves through the material, setting particles in motion and moving them closer together for the highest density possible. The desired level of compaction is best achieved by matching the soil type with its proper compaction method. Other factors such as compaction specifications and job site conditions also play a role in the type of compaction equipment used.

Propane tampers or plate compactors are small but powerful machines. They are a great choice for small jobs and can be used by homeowners and commercial contractors alike. Uses include asphalt and pothole repair, landscaping and general compaction, including back-filling foundations.

These units work well for compacting gravel, sand, crushed aggregate, and mixed cohesive soil.

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Tampers, jumping jacks or rammers deliver a high impact force (high amplitude) making them an excellent choice for cohesive and semi-cohesive soil types.

Vibratory plate compaction equipments are low amplitude, high frequency and suitable to compact granular soils and asphalt.

The propane plate compactor models come in various shapes and sizes. Typically the flat plate compactors feature: A moulded frame guidance, from the rear, and a truck that is longitudinally driven by an electrical gearbox. This truck carries a mobile boom in a vertical plane, driven by a hydraulic cylinder.

A boom fitted with a fixed shaft, mounted perpendicularly to the trajectory of the truck, along which a wheel holder slides, having marked or registered positions.

On the side, a hydropneumatic compartment comprises an air conditioning unit: filter, greaser and hydropneumatic exchanger, as well as a solenoid valve.

Some models also offer anti-vibration handles which dramatically reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity.

Your FULL LINE equipment distributor offers top quality products, including

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2/17/16 5:31 PM

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July 2017 •

Texas Propane

31

Order Deadline 08.11.17

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800-325-7427  pvanhoy@txpropane.com