MEMA Mag Fall 2022 by Maine Energy Marketers Association

MEMA MAG MAINE ENERGY PLEDGE

2023 UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION

+ Haleigh Fickett Competes in National Truck Driving Championship

+ Oil & Energy Online Do. Not. Substitute.

+ EMA Tackles the CDL Driver Shortage and Supports Credit Card Legislation

Cavagna DSS7 Regulator

As the exclusive master distributor in the Northeast, F.W. Webb offers fuel dealers and contractors the complete range of Cavagna products, including their popular Kosan regulator.

Features & Benefits:

The DSS7 regulator will slam shut, shutting off the gas supply when the pressure falls below (UPSO) or above (OPSO) the set point. This safety is activated when the outlet pressure decreases / increases due to:

• Low regulator outlet pressure (out of gas situations)

• Blockage in the regulator valve seat (overpressure)

The device will shut down preventing gas to flow either downstream or through the vent when activated. It can only be manually reset by a qualified technician after the condition causing the device to activate is resolved. It will not allow large volumes of gas to be released as traditional relief valves do, primarily avoiding a release until the source container can be shut off. We have 12 convenient wholesale locations in Maine! Visit fwwebb.com/locations to find the nearest to you.

Inflation, climate change, supply chain disruptions, war in Ukraine. You can’t go online, turn on the television, or pick up a newspaper without being inundated with stories about these seemingly disparate issues. But, as dissimilar as they may sound, they do have a common denominator – energy. Regardless of its’ form, energy, its’ availability, how it is regulated, and its’ cost, is central to each of these issues and is affecting all aspects of our economy and our lives. Not surprisingly, in Washington and Augusta activists, politicians, and bureaucrats have continued to propose, enact, and enforce “solutions” to these “problems” with outcomes that have led directly to constrained supply and sky-high prices, most noticeably being the cost of gasoline as well as the fuels we use to heat and cool our homes and businesses. Indeed, from Kittery to Fort Kent, citizens of our state are struggling to pay for the energy they must have and are extremely concerned about the colder months ahead.

With this in mind, your Maine Energy Marketers Association team began the process of putting together a broad-based coalition of business associations to advocate for Energy Choice for Mainers. We then began contacting each candidate for the Maine Legislature, U.S. Congress, and Governor and asked them to sign our Energy Choice Pledge. The “Pledge” is a straightforward commitment to the citizens of Maine, from those seeking public office, that they will “oppose any and all efforts that restrict the ability of Maine citizens to choose the source of energy for their homes, businesses, and vehicles” –

for the candidates running for Governor the Pledge reads: “I pledge to the citizens of Maine that I will oppose and veto any and all efforts that restrict the ability of Maine citizens to choose the source of energy for their homes, businesses, and vehicles.” I am excited to report that the Pledge has wide, bipartisan, support with nearly 80 candidates signing including: Governor Janet Mills, former Governor Paul LePage, Congressman Jared Golden, former Congressman Bruce Poliquin, Ed Thelander, Maine State Senate President Troy Jackson, Senate Minority Leader Jeff Timberlake, Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Matthea Daughtry, and Senate Assistant Minority Leader Matt Pouliot – with more pledges coming in every day! So, please, help us keep the momentum going by taking a moment to visit: EnergyChoiceMaine.com where you will be able to see the names of all candidates who have signed our Pledge and register your own support. Once the elections are over the hard work of ensuring a fair and balanced approach to energy policy begins. However, with the broad-based bipartisan coalition of elected leaders that we are building, I am confident that the liquid fuels which are so critical to our state, remain cost effective, convenient, and safe for consumers as well as Maine’s pristine environment.

On a different note, MTEC, the best HVAC-R school in America, continues to get the job done! With the new energy Dan Weber and his team have infused into the school, enrollment is up, and new class offerings are coming - in fact, this winter MTEC will launch a commercial kitchen equipment training class to complement our HVAC-R program. Also, for MEMA members, we are in the process of putting together a pilot program for CDL Class B training in Brunswick. I will be certain to let you know as more details become available on these two exciting training opportunities.

As you can tell, your MEMA/MTEC team doesn’t stop moving! Thank you for all that you do for our great industry. I look forward to seeing you in the field.

Best,

Charlie Summers

MEET OUR TEAM

CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT

MEGAN DIVER VICE PRESIDENT

DAN WEBBER MTEC DEAN

HANNAH ESTES BUSINESS MANAGER

COLLEEN EGE ADMIN ASSISTANT

SARAH NADEAU INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

JON GREEN MTEC INSTRUCTOR

NICHOLAS SCARFO MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MARC LECASSE | AUGUSTA FUEL COMPANY

MATT POOLE | COLBY & GALE

ROGER ARSENAULT | COMMUNITY ENERGY

CARTER VAILLANCOURT | DAIGLE OIL COMPANY

MICHAEL MCCORMACK | DOWNEAST ENERGY

MICHAEL ESTES | ESTES OIL & PROPANE

MAX MARSTON | FABIAN OIL

JONATHAN MAPES | H.A. MAPES INC. - ALT.

TIM HEUTZ | HEUTZ COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE

ROB COURT | MAINE ENERGY INC.

MARK GAGNON | P. GAGNON & SONS INC.

MARK ST. GERMAIN | ST. GERMAIN

ROBERT LUCE | VALLEY GAS & OIL COMPANY

ASSOCIATION BOARD

JAMIE ROBINSON | A.E. ROBNSON OIL CO.

DAVID BABCOCK | ADAMS & FOGG OI EQUIP, CO.

ROBERT SHIBLEY | BOB’S CASH FUEL LLC

PETER BUOTTE | COMMUNITY ENERTY CO. - ALT.

DEANNA SHERMAN | DEAD RIVER COMPANY-ALT.

JEFF WEBB | EASTERN PROPANE & OIL, INC.

JIM PIKE | ENERGY KINETICS

JUDY DELANEY | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP.

CHARLIE BURNHAM

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

CHARLIE BURNHAM ENERGY

TOM SCHWARM | GOULD TECHNOLOGIES

STEVEN MARCELLO | GULF OIL, LP

SAUNYA URBAN | H.A. MAPES INC. - ALT

CARRIE TOMFORDE | IRVING OIL - ALT

JIM CARROLL | J. P. CARROLL FUEL CO.

STEVE NESS | NESS OIL COMPANY

ROBERT TRACEY | R.H. FOSTER ENERGY. LLC

ELWIN SCOTT| SIMARD & SONS, INC.

KRISTYN SCHEWEITZER | SPRAGUE ENERGY

MICHAEL TAMMARO | V.L. TAMMARO OIL

3-Pass Mid Mass Boiler with or without Tankless

The TRIO MAX & MAX H2O by PurePro® combines high efficiencies, convenient serviceability, built in DHW in the MAX H2O and Mid Mass European 3-Pass Technology. It is constructed of GG20-rated cast iron for Thermal Shock Protection and durability. The TRIO MAX & MAX H2O boiler comes standard with a Hydrolevel 3250 Hydrostat, which combines Temperature Limit Control, LWCO and Boiler Reset in one easy-to-use control.

TRIO Max H2O is the only residential European 3-Pass boiler with a built-in coil to provide you with ample hot water, heat and longevity.

Features:

• 3-6 section available DOE Output 123,000216,000 BTU’S

• 87% Energy Star rated

• 20-Year warranty transferable

• 3-Pass Mid Mass wet base European design with GG20 silicon infused cast iron

• Multi-Fuel Oil, Propane or Natural Gas available; Propane or Natural gas available on 3 & 4 section boilers

• Inch and a quarter supply and return piping

• ¾" DHW Coil Connections

• Can be fired #2 oil up to 20% Bio-Fuel

• Strong box crating

• Full swing door for easy serviceability

• Direct vent capable 3-4 section

• Available with Beckett, Carlin and Reillo burners on oil

• DHW Coil enclosed in the burner jacket for clean look installation

Visit fwwebb.com/heating to learn more.

New MEMA Members

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Walton External Affairs, based consulting firm represents organizations with diverse Committed to delivering strategically focusses on industry relations. To learn C. Walton at tim@waltonexternalaffairs.com

Please join MEMA in welcoming our newest members. Our members are the backbone of our Association. The education, services, programs, and events we provide are successful based the strong support we receive from both associate members and members.

Please join MEMA in welcoming our Association. The education, services, the strong support we receive from Walton External Affairs, based consulting firm represents organizations with diverse Committed to delivering strategically focusses industry relations. To learn C. Walton at tim@waltonexternalaffairs.com

Please join MEMA in welcoming our newest members. Our members are the backbone of Association. The education, services, programs, and events we provide are successful based the strong support we receive from both associate members and members.

Walton External Affairs, LLC – Walton External Affairs, LLC. is an Augusta Maine based consulting firm represents a client portfolio of reputable companies and organizations with diverse interests and a spectrum of geographic footprints. Committed to delivering high level, quality service, Walton External Affairs strategically focusses on three key service areas; government, business and industry relations. To learn more about Walton External Affairs, LLC., you can email Tim C. Walton at tim@waltonexternalaffairs.com.

Walton External Affairs, LLC – Walton External Affairs, LLC is an Augusta Maine based consulting firm represents a client portfolio of reputable companies and organizations with diverse interests and a spectrum of geographic footprints. Committed to delivering high level, quality service, Walton External Affairs strategically focusses on three key service areas; government, business and industry relations. To learn more about Walton External Affairs, LLC., you can email C. Walton at tim@waltonexternalaffairs.com

AirTemp, Inc. – AirTemp, Inc. is a Comfort Systems USA company. Over the years, Comfort Systems USA has merged with the best regional experts, and now provides nationwide reach through 36 subsidiary companies that are prepared to build, service or retrofit any mechanical, HVAC or electrical system. No other company offers a wider range of technical expertise and experience, and our foundation of uncompromising integrity, unequaled service and effective project management make us the value leader in this market. To learn more about AirTemp, Inc. and its services, visit www.airtempmaine.com, or contact Deanna Joy at djoy@comfortsystemsusa.com.

AirTemp, Inc. – AirTemp, Systems USA has merged reach through 36 subsidiary mechanical, HVAC or electrical technical expertise and experience unequaled service and effective market. To learn more about or contact Deanna Joy at Excel Mechanical & Construction located in Brunswick, an experienced group combined experience, projects. There services yearly upkeep, Heat Pump commercial buildings. visit www.excelmechme.com ktrafton@excelmechme.com

AirTemp, Inc. – AirTemp, Inc. is a Comfort Systems USA company. Over the years, Comfort Systems USA has merged with the best regional experts, and now provides nationwide reach through 36 subsidiary companies that are prepared to build, service or retrofit any mechanical, HVAC or electrical system. No other company offers a wider range of technical expertise and experience, and our foundation of uncompromising integrity, unequaled service and effective project management make us the value leader in this market. To learn more about AirTemp, Inc. and its services, visit www.airtempmaine.com or contact Deanna Joy at djoy@comfortsystemsusa.com .

AirTemp, Inc. – AirTemp, Inc. is a Comfort Systems USA company. Over the years, Comfort Systems USA has merged with the best regional experts, and now provides nationwide reach through 36 subsidiary companies that are prepared to build, service or retrofit mechanical, HVAC or electrical system. No other company offers a wider range of technical expertise and experience, and our foundation of uncompromising integrity, unequaled service and effective project management make us the value leader in this market. To learn more about AirTemp, Inc. and its services, visit www.airtempmaine.com or contact Deanna Joy at djoy@comfortsystemsusa.com

Excel Mechanical & Construction Excel Mechanical & Construction LLC., located in Brunswick, Maine, is a mechanical and heating contractor made up an experienced group of HVAC and plumbing experts with over 50 years of combined experience, who are eager to assist with residential and commercial projects. There services range from HVAC instillation, repai rs, maintenance, and yearly upkeep, Heat Pump instillation, and full plumbing in residential and commercial buildings. To learn more about Excel Mechanical & Construction, visit www.excelmechme.com or contact Keit h Trafton at ktrafton@excelmechme.com .

Excel Mechanical & Construction – Excel Mechanical & Construction LLC., located in Brunswick, Maine, is a mechanical and heating contractor made up of an experienced group of HVAC and plumbing experts with over 50 years of combined experience, who are eager to assist with residential and commercial projects. Their services range from HVAC instillation, repairs, maintenance, and yearly upkeep, Heat Pump instillation, and full plumbing in residential and commercial buildings. To learn more about Excel Mechanical & Construction, visit www.excelmechme.com or contact Keith Trafton at ktrafton@excelmechme.com.

Excel Mechanical & Construction Excel Mechanical & Construction LLC., located in Brunswick, Maine, is a mechanical and heating contractor made up an experienced group of HVAC and plumbing experts with over 50 years of combined experience, who are eager to assist with residential and commercial projects. There services range from HVAC instillation, repai rs, maintenance, yearly upkeep, Heat Pump instillation, and full plumbing in residential and commercial buildings. To learn more about Excel Mechanical & Construction, visit www.excelmechme.com or contact Keit h Trafton at ktrafton@excelmechme.com .

BET Consulting – Irvin Smith left H.O. Bouchard, Inc. after working there 42 years. Irvin has worked in the trucking industry nearly his entire adult life, with his experience ranging from driving to management and logistics. Irv still holds a current CDL with endorsements today. After leaving H.O Bouchard, Irv had discussions with various companies on how he could assist them. From those discussions, Irvin decided to form a consulting business, BET Consulting, specializing in trucking needs. On May 23rd of this year BET Consulting was incorporated. Currently, Irvin is working on a list of needs for Northeast Paving as well as Dead River. He has also been contacted by Charlie Summers from The Maine Energy Marketers Association to help form a CDL program for them to do training for their members. The need for good, qualified truck drivers is greater than ever today. Everything moves by truck.

BET Consulting – Irvin Smith Irvin has worked in the experience ranging from driving to management endorsements today. After leaving H.O on how he could assist them. From those business, BET Consulting, specializing Consulting was incorporated. Currently as well as Dead River. He has also been Marketers Association to help form a The need for good, qualified truck drivers

BET Consulting – Irvin Irvin has worked in the experience ranging from driving to management endorsements today. After leaving H.O on how he could assist them. From those business, BET Consulting, specializing Consulting was incorporated. Currently as well as Dead River. He has also been Marketers Association to help form The need for good, qualified truck drivers

BET Consulting – Irvin Smith left H.O. Bouchard, Inc. after working there 42 years. Irvin has worked in the trucking industry nearly his entire adult life, with his experience ranging from driving to management and logistics. I rv still holds a current CDL with endorsements today. After leaving H.O Bouchard, Irv had discussions with various companies on how he could assist them. From those discussions, Irvin decide d to form a consulting business, BET Consulting, specializing in trucking needs. On May 23rd of this year BET Consulting was incorporated. Currently , Irvin is working on a list of needs for Northeast Paving as well as Dead River. He has also been contacted by Charlie Summers from The Maine Energy Marketers Association to help form a CDL program for them to do training for their members. The need for good, qualified truck drivers is greater than ever today. Everything moves by truck.

Can you imagine what this world would be like without trucks today!!! To contact Irvin Smith, email him at smithirvin190@ gmail.com.

BET Consulting – Irvin Smith left H.O. Bouchard, Inc. after working there 42 years. Irvin has worked in the trucking industry nearly his entire adult life, with his experience ranging from driving to management and logistics. I rv still holds a current CDL with endorsements today. After leaving H.O Bouchard, Irv had discussions with various companies on how he could assist them. From those discussions, Irvin decide d to form a consulting business, BET Consulting, specializing in trucking needs. On May 23rd of this year BET Consulting was incorporated. Currently , Irvin is working on a list of needs for Northeast Paving as well as Dead River. He has also been contacted by Charlie Summers from The Maine Energy Marketers Association to help form a CDL program for them to do training for their members. The need for good, qualified truck drivers is greater than ever today. Everything moves by

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BACK TO SCHOOL UPDATE

Many exciting things have been happening at MTEC during the final months of summer. Outside of the normal schedule of courses, MTEC has been taking steps to further support its students and other future members of the workforce, as well as gaining more exposure by exhibiting at various events.

In mid-July, students in the Oilheat Technician Training Course had the opportunity to fire up an oil burner with B100 Biofuel. The B100 fuel was donated by Maine Standard Biofuels and is a cutting-edge renewable fuel that is clearer and burns cleaner than other fuels. Even MTEC Dean Dan Weber got to experience the B100 for the first time, “This was my first time working with B100 and I was very impressed with how clear the fuel was, and how clean it burned, also how well a standard boiler ran on the fuel,” said MTEC Dean Dan Weber.

With access to B100 fuel, MTEC students will be able to gain valuable experience with a new fuel they will likely work with in the future.

In other exciting news, MTEC has partnered with Region 10 Technical High School in Brunswick to support the HVAC program being introduced for the first time this school year. President Charlie Summers and Dean Dan Weber met with Region 10

Superintendent Shawn Chabot and Instructor Mike Varsames to donate lab equipment and tools to assist with the startup of the program. The donation is a part of a larger effort by MTEC to support the school and its students. It is important for students who take an early interest in the HVAC industry to have access to the equipment technicians in the field encounter daily and gain experience working hands-on, learning the basics of the equipment, “The equipment donated by MTEC will be foundational to the program being built by Mike (Varsames), who is an MTEC graduate himself,” said Superintendent Chabot.

In early September, MTEC hosted a Hands-On Electrical Training Seminar that was attended by over 60 students and technicians. The training started with a presentation from Dan Weber, who taught attendees how to use a multi-meter correctly. All the attendees were given a free UEI DL479 Clamp-On Meter. The remainder of the seminar included four instructional breakout sessions with hands-on activities led by Kevin Adams of Mitsubishi, Evan Levesque of Dan Davis Sales, Ted Lowe of NTI Boilers, and Roger Mitchell of Energy Kinetics.

Along with everything going on in and around the lab, MTEC staff has been busy exhibiting MTEC at various events over the course of the summer. In August, MEMA participated at the Northeast

Propane Show, hosted by PGANE, in Worcester, Massachussetts. At the event, MTEC drew interest from technicians and prospective students throughout New England, further expanding the school’s reach.

MTEC also participated in the opening event for the 100-day Maine Hire A Vet Campaign. The kickoff event is a part of a larger statewide effort to hire 100 veterans in 100 days. During the event, MTEC staff was able to connect with veterans looking for careers, as well as placement and funding specialists such as FedCap, who assist veterans with funding for educational opportunities as well as job placement.

MTEC partnered with the Portland Sea Dogs for the 2022 season. On August 12th, MTEC was recognized during Brunswick Community Night. The MTEC table was set up in a prime location for attendees to stop by and learn about MTEC’s programs as they funneled their way into Hadlock Field. Thank you to everyone who came to the game in support of MTEC.

MTEC is always looking to attend career fairs and industry events, as well as host tours to share what MTEC has to offer. To schedule a tour, or notify MTEC of upcoming events, email Nicholas at nscarfo@maineenergymarketers.com.

HALEIGH FICKETT COMPETES IN NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Truck Driving Championships is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted annually. In Maine, the Truck Driving Championship is hosted each year by the Maine Motor Transportation Association. This competition has a long history – dating back to 1937 when it was known as the National Truck Rodeo. Maine professional truck driving championships are held each May at Dysart’s Trailer Shop in Hermon, Maine. Winners move on to the National Truck Driving Championship hosted by the American Trucking Associations.

In August, the American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council hosted the 2022 National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. The competition, which celebrated 85 years in 2022, is made up of the winners of each of the 50 states associations’ championships.

Each state association sends nine winners, representing nine divisions (Three-Axle, Four-Axle, Five-Axle, Flatbed, Sleeper Berth, Straight Truck, Tank Truck, Twins, Step Van) to the national competition to compete against other champions from across the country. 2022 saw a total of 408 competitors, 11 of whom were

women, which, along with 2014, tied the record for most women to compete at the event.

Haleigh Fickett, 24-year-old female driver with RH Foster, a longstanding member of MEMA, represented Maine in the Tank Truck Division. Haleigh was the first woman from Maine to compete in the national competition.

The state and national competitions follow the same format. Broken into three parts: a written exam, a timed pre-trip inspection, and a driving skills assessment. The written exam is based on the Facts for Drivers book containing information regarding safety regulations and laws. The pre-trip inspection, the most difficult, requires drivers to go through and identify simulated defects with the vehicle, as they would do during a normal day on the road. The driving skills assessment requires drivers to maneuver around cones, back into docks, and judge distances. In the case of the national competition, Haleigh and other drivers had to back their trucks up so the back tires sat within 18 inches of a rubber duck that was placed on the course.

Haleigh exceled in the written and pre-inspection portions of the competition and admittedly struggled during the driving assessment. Speaking with Transport Topics after the event, Haleigh talked about the challenge of her first experience at NTDC, “It was a lot of fun. Driving inside is a big challenge. It was an awesome challenge to take on, but it was definitely overwhelming,” said Fickett.

According to Women in Trucking, under 14% of professional truck drivers are women. At only 24-years-old, Haleigh has a bright future as a driver and can inspire other women to pursue careers in the trucking industry.

“I’m just excited to be able to do something that puts me in the spotlight enough to show other women that this is possible, that this is an industry that if they have interest in it, they should pursue it. I do think I have an impact that way, in general, just existing in my truck and in my uniform every day. We do need more women in the industry, and I just love to see women excel in anything that interests them and not feel like they have to be held back because there aren’t many women doing that certain thing, whatever it

is,” said Fickett, speaking to Angel Coker of Commercial Carrier Journal.

Haleigh hopes to get the opportunity to compete again at next year’s National Truck Driving Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

ME ENERGY PLEDGE & THE 2023 UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION

As the Fall approaches, the thought of cooler weather is on our mind. We will soon be in the heat of election season and then the legislative session.

While we do enjoy the summer season in Maine, summer is also the time that we begin laying some of the foundations for the upcoming legislative session. Discussions about MEMA’s public policy priorities have begun and we have started researching key public policy trends in other states. Building a solid foundation now allows us to submit proactive legislation in January rather than being on the reactive sidelines.

One of MEMA’s proactive projects has been the Maine Energy Pledge. MEMA represents a broad-based coalition of trade and business associations who, collectively, represent hundreds of Maine business and tradespeople - individuals vested in their communities, with many running generational businesses that employ thousands across our state. On behalf of our membership, we have asked all those running for Congress, Governor or the Maine Legislature to make a pledge to the citizens of Maine, that they are seeking to represent, to pledge that they allow Mainers the choice to choose their source of energy.

The purpose of the pledge is to ensure that Mainers will always have the ability to choose the type of energy, equipment and vehicles that best suit their individual needs, be they: wind, solar, oil, propane, wood, electric, natural gas, heat pumps, or new energy that may become available as well as vehicles with internal combustion engines.

We are not favoring any form of energy, equipment, or vehicles over another. We are simply asking candidates for the duration of their tenure, that they pledge to the citizens of Maine that they will vote against any legislation that would limit Mainers’ choices or otherwise prevent or prohibit Mainers from deciding what type of energy and equipment they use to heat and cool their homes and businesses or the vehicles they drive and that they will sponsor

and/or vote for all legislation that will unequivocally protect their ability to do so.

We have gotten a great response from candidates from both parties and will be launching the full website page on Maine Energy Facts early this fall: https://www.maineenergyfacts.com/energychoicemaine.

Signed pledges will be added with the candidate’s name to our interactive State of Maine map and to the list of those candidates who have signed, or declined to sign, the pledge will be posted. Responses will also be included in our fall election guide and news release. We are excited to see the opportunities we will have from this campaign. As always, we will continue to keep MEMA’s membership updated regularly.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN AUGUSTA?

Top headlines from news in Augusta

MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING IS FULLY RESTORED TO FIVE PERCENT

Governor Janet Mills announced in early August that her Administration has fully restored municipal revenue sharing to five percent, as required by Maine law. It is the first time since 2009 that revenue sharing has been funded at the full 5%.

State law has long required that the State of Maine send revenue back to municipalities to help finance municipal services so that a municipality does not have to rely solely on property taxes to provide those services. However, the State has long failed to meet the 5% required under law. Under the previous administration, revenue sharing had been reduced and held flat at 2%.

Upon taking office, Governor Mills and the Legislature worked together in a bipartisan manner to fully restore revenue sharing. As a result, revenue sharing has increased every year since she took office, improving to 3% in Fiscal Year 2020, to 3.75% in Fiscal Year 2021, to 4.5% in Fiscal Year 2022, and now to the full 5% in Fiscal Year 2023.

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services estimates Revenue Sharing at 5% to be $233,372,787 for Fiscal Year 2023. For comparison, Revenue Sharing at 2% would have delivered only $93,349,115 to municipalities, a difference of more than $140 million. Revenue sharing is funded by a percentage of sales, service provider, personal and corporate income tax receipts.

MAINE ENDS FISCAL YEAR WITH $600 MILLION IN EXTRA REVENUE

Maine’s fiscal year ended in July with almost $600 million in surplus revenue, two-thirds of which has been added to the state’s budget stabilization fund, Gov. Janet Mills’ office announced.

The so-called “rainy day” fund stands at a record $896 million after the approximately $400 million infusion. The total is 16.6% of the prior year’s revenues and just shy of the 18% maximum allowed under state law.

Additionally, $135.5 million from last year’s surplus will go toward highway and bridge funding and $15 million will go to a newly created education stabilization fund to help the state finance public schools at 55%.

With the extra money, the Department of Transportation now has an additional $291 million in general fund support for capital projects.

Under state law, the state must balance its budget. Any surplus each year must be allocated to certain accounts, the biggest of which is the budget stabilization fund that is meant to backstop against revenue loss during an economic crisis or other emergencies. That could come into play if the country falls into recession, which seems increasingly possible as federal regulators take steps to stem record inflation.

A high contingency fund balance also helps the state when it borrows money on the bond market because it helps fetch lower interest rates with strong scores from credit-rating agencies.

This is the second consecutive year of strong financial performance coming out of the pandemic. Last year, $282 million was added to the rainy day fund.

GOVERNOR MILLS PRESSES FOR INCREASED FUNDING & EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL HEATING ASSISTANCE AMID HIGH PRICES TO HELP MAINE PEOPLE STAY WARM THIS WINTER

With high prices for home heating fuel expected to persist into Maine’s winter heating season, Governor Janet Mills has sent a letter to Federal officials requesting increased funding and

expanded eligibility for the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure Maine people are able to stay safely warm in their homes this winter.

Maine is expected to receive $38.7 million in LIHEAP funds for winter 2022. Last year, the program received an additional $55 million through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which enabled households enrolled in the LIHEAP program to receive one-and-one half tanks of heating oil.

In a letter to the Secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Energy, Governor Mills stressed that, with current fuel prices, the anticipated funding for LIHEAP will instead

provide only one-half tank of oil to Maine households this winter. As a result, the Governor asked for an increased allocation of LIHEAP funding this year and urged the Federal government to consider expanding eligibility of the program to provide assistance to those who may not have needed it before but do now because of higher prices.

Maine is the most heating oil dependent state in the country, with 60 percent of homes reliant on oil, compared to a national average of 4 percent. This makes Maine vulnerable to volatile global energy markets, with Maine consumers spending more than $4 billion annually to import fossil fuels into the state prior to the Russiainduced price spike.

THE FIRST STEP IN THE FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE UNDERSTANDING ME VOTERS

by Rich Carrione, VP Operations, Warm Thoughts Communications

The “electrify everything” movement is moving forward across the Northeast and in other parts of the country with a vengeance. Whether it’s federal legislation that is incentivizing the adoption of electric heat pumps, or aggressive state administrations that see electrification as the panacea that will solve all of our wildest clean energy fantasies, the pressure on our industry will continue to mount. And while it’s true that Maine’s delivered fuels industry is an advantageous position compared to its neighboring states to the south, the threats are very real and Maine is not insulated from the effects of wholesale electrification.

That’s why the Maine Energy Marketers Association partnered with the National Energy and Fuels Institute and eight other state or regional associations to pool its resources and conduct the largest voter research in the industry’s history. The goal; understand voter attitudes and opinions about energy issues and electrification so that an effective consumer awareness and legislative campaign can be waged to bring maximum pressure and influence legislators, regulators and other key decision makers about the pitfalls of electrification and the benefits of liquid heating fuels.

In this article, we’ll dig into what Mainers think about these important issues.

Maine Voter Attitudes about the Energy Landscape

When it comes to the seriousness of climate change, 77% of Mainers identify it as a serious threat. This includes 61% of Republicans who identify it as such. This tells us that no matter our personal preferences, we must come to terms with the fact that the vast majority of Mainers (and voters in all other neighboring states) see climate change as a serious threat and that we cannot win a messaging battle by dismissing or minimizing the issue.

Additionally, 55% of Mainers support mandates to electrify or significant subsidies to encourage electrification. However, nearly 90% of voters in Maine would only support tax increases or electric rate increases of $500 per year or less to make subsidies available.

we’ve got work to do to educate homeowners and renters about the limitations of electric heat pumps.

This is the first data point in the research that clearly shows cost as a limiting factor on the amount of support for electrification policies.

When it comes to favorability levels of home energy sources, heating oil has some work to do. Heating oil rates as only +14 favorable (this means that 14% more Mainers rated heating oil positively than negatively). Bioheat® fuel does better at +20, propane clocks in at +23, natural gas comes in at +29 and wood products show a strong +45. The winner by a solid margin is electric heat pumps, which show +53 for favorability. While it’s likely that many Mainers are thinking about electric heat pumps as a single head mini-split that heats one or two rooms, we’ve got work to do to educate homeowners and renters about the limitations of electric heat pumps.

Support/Opposition to an All-Electric Transition

Voters support electrification and the plans put forth by the Efficiency Maine Program by a healthy margin. 66% of Mainers support Efficiency Maine and its goals to reduce GHGs and achieve 100% clean energy by 2050, against just 22% opposition. And while fewer Mainers support shifting homes from fossil fuels

But more will be required of MEMA, of dealers across the state and of voters who do not support a wholesale shift away from a diverse energy mix towards an “electric-only” future.

to electric heat pumps, support still clocks in at 56% against just 29% opposition.

outcomes of wholesale electrification are introduced, we begin The messages that resonated most powerfully with voters support for electrification) were: on low -income families. rdened by taxes and regulations, and electrification would cannot afford. increased. convert homes or buildings to whole house electric heat our will legislative or regulatory standpoint, the confluence of a effective consumer awareness campaign to activate voters on the Energy Choice Pledge is an excellent example of energychoicemaine.com). But more will be required of who do not support a wholesale shift away from a future.

However, once the likely downsides and outcomes of wholesale electrification are introduced, we begin to see support wane and opposition increase. The messages that resonated most powerfully with voters (and subsequently made them reevaluate their support for electrification) were:

• Concerns about the cost of electrification on low-income families.

• Maine residents are already overburdened by taxes and regulations, and electrification would be one more burden that residents cannot afford.

• The impact on electric rates if demand is increased.

• Upfront costs of $20,000 or more to convert homes or buildings to whole house electric heat pumps.

These messages weakened support for electrification as support dropped from a high of 66% to a minority position of 49% and opposition increased from 22% to 35%. The good news for our fight in Maine is that voters are movable. And it will be incumbent on our industry to educate and activate Mainers about the pitfalls of electrification.

When it comes to affecting real change from a legislative or regulatory standpoint, the confluence of a powerful lobbying strategy combined with an effective consumer awareness campaign to activate voters is how we can move the needle. MEMA’s focus on the Energy Choice Pledge is an excellent example of this (you can check out this campaign by visiting energychoicemaine.com). But more will be required of MEMA, of dealers across the state and of voters who do not support a wholesale shift away from a diverse energy mix towards an “electric-only” future.

The battle has just begun. Stay tuned.

INSURANCE CORNER

We thought you might be interested to hear what Maine is doing to try and stabilize health insurance premiums for small employers. Maine small employers have experienced double digit annual premium increases from commercial insurers prompting action in an attempt to slow the rate of premium inflation. In the commercial market, rates have increased 31% in the last three years alone while MEMA Health Trust rates are just 6% higher today than they were at the start of our self-insured health plan in 2017. Following is an article originally published by a Staffer in the July 18th, 2022, edition of “MaineBiz”. This piece demonstrates yet another reason to appreciate the many benefits that the MEMA Health Insurance Trust has to offer.

“The federal government has approved Maine’s plan to improve health insurance for small businesses through a change in the way the state offers coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Maine plans to merge individual and small group coverage markets into a single, pooled market beginning in 2023. State officials believe the change will stabilize the health insurance market and will extend federal funding through the Maine Guaranteed Access Reinsurance Association — which has stabilized Maine’s individual market since 2019 — to the small group market for the first time.

The plan requires a state innovation waiver from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which last week notified the Maine Bureau of Insurance that its waiver request was approved.

Health insurance premiums are rising in Maine for 2023, as they are across the county. But the state said the federal waiver will result in premiums that are on average 8% lower in the individual market and 6% lower in the small group market. The change is projected to reverse the trend of high premium increases and declining enrollment in the small group market while continuing to limit price increases in the individual market.

For example, a 40-year-old with a typical small group coverage might have paid $44.02 more each month in 2023, but with the waiver the premium increase will be $15.92, according to a news release.

The individual market serves people who buy insurance on their own with federal financial assistance while the small group market serves employers with 50 or fewer workers.

Maine is the first state in the nation under the Affordable Care Act’s 1332 waiver program to provide federally supported reinsurance to both small employers and individuals. The program, supported by federal funding and fees on health insurers, pays for part of the cost of the most expensive health bills, lowering and stabilizing health insurance premiums.

The waiver request was included Gov. Janet Mills’ bipartisan health reform legislation, the Made for Maine Health Coverage Act. “Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy, providing jobs and crucial benefits like health insurance to tens of thousands of Maine people,” Mills said. “Ensuring that health insurance remains affordable is critical, not only for the health of small businesses but for the health of their employees as well.”

If you are a current participant in the MEMA Health Insurance benefit plans, this is a great time of year to review your options and employee data. Are beneficiaries up to date? Have all eligible employees been offered coverage or enrolled? Are employees educated on the many valuable benefits provided to them?

If you plan to explore the MEMA health plan options, please call or email Sarah at (207) 729-5298 or snadeau@ maineenergymarketers.com. She is always happy to answer any questions you may have about the Health, Life, Dental and Vision plans that the MEMA Health Insurance Trust offers. Now is the best time to extend this valuable benefit to your employees!

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CONGRESSIONAL UPDATES

Both chambers of Congress were in recess until after Labor Day. When they returned, lawmakers began to negotiate the stopgap spending bill to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year on Friday, September 30. Several measures are under discussion for possible inclusion in the stopgap bill, including new COVID money and energy infrastructure permitting reform.

On July 27, 2022, Senators Schumer and Manchin announced a compromise bill known as The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Bill”) that covers various climate and energy programs that Senator Manchin had previously disclaimed support for. The Bill was modified and passed by the Senate on August 7, 2022 and was approved by the House of Representatives on Friday, August 12, 2022.

President Biden is expected to sign the bill imminently. Only the climate and energy aspects of the Bill are discussed in this highlevel below.

Targeted Summary

Important among the Bill’s climate and energy provisions are:

• Union labor favoring provisions that would provide for full credit amounts where certain prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements must be satisfied.

• Credits that favor “domestic content” requirements.

• Credits that favor the location of facilities in “energy communities” or “low-income communities.”

• The extension of the Production Tax Credit (“PTC”) and the Investment Tax Credit (“ITC”) for renewable energy projects (such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydropower) that begin construction before January 1, 2025.

• The expansion of the definition of ITC-eligible energy property to include storage (but this does not include transmissionrelated property).

• A new PTC for solar property and extension of PTC for geothermal projects.

• The extension of the 45Q carbon oxide sequestration credit for projects beginning construction before January 1, 2033. This tax credit amount would also be increased, and the minimum capture requirements would be significantly reduced.

• The creation of a PTC and an ITC that are neutral with respect to technology would be available beginning in 2025 through the later of (a) 2032 or (b) the year certain emissions thresholds are achieved after which the applicable credit will phase down (45D).

• The Bill also creates and expands certain credits including:

o Clean Hydrogen Fuel Credit (45V);

o Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit (45U);

o Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X);

o Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z);

o Renewable Fuels Credits; and

o EV and Charging Infrastructure Credits.

• The Bill provides for a direct pay option for most of these tax credits, but such option would be largely limited to certain tax exempt and governmental entities. However, there would be limited and time-based exceptions to this restriction for the (i) Clean Hydrogen Fuel Credit (45V), (ii) 45Q tax credit, and (iii) Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X).

• Provides an option to transfer most credits to another taxpayer where (i) the consideration received by the credit transferor would not be taxable and (ii) no deduction would be permitted to be taken by the transferee with respect to amounts paid.

• The Bill would extend the carryback period of credits to three (3) years.

OIL & ENERGY ONLINE DO. NOT. SUBSTITUTE.

By Rick Schweitzer, NEFI Regulatory Counsel

Dealers may incur fines for using or selling heating oil as diesel

Recently, price differentials between the costs of fuels have prompted some dealers to ask if they may legally use heating oil as on-road or off-road diesel, or if they can legally market and sell heating oil for these uses.

As a reminder, companies may not substitute heating oil for onroad diesel fuel. Heating oil is purchased tax-free, and therefore is dyed red to differentiate it from tax-paid diesel fuel used in onroad vehicles. On-road diesel is clear or light green. Federal and state regulators conduct spot checks on a frequent basis to ensure that fuel used in on-road applications is not dyed red and therefore tax-paid. If an investigator finds dyed fuel in a vehicle’s tank, the operator could be subject to a penalty that runs from $100 to over $1,000 for a gallon of fuel. The individual might also end up owing excess taxes and interest for unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.

Diesel for use in off-road vehicles and equipment is also sold taxfree and dyed red to denote its tax-free status. So, the question has arisen whether you may substitute heating oil for off-road diesel, especially if they both meet the 15 ppm standard for ultralow sulfur content. Substituting higher sulfur content heating oil for off-road diesel can void the warranty for off-road vehicles or equipment and damage the engines. You may, however, use ULSD as heating oil. But even when the sulfur content of heating oil meets the 15 ppm standard, you may not freely substitute heating oil for off-road diesel due to the Renewable Fuel Standards of the Environmental Protection Agency and similar state agencies.

The EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard policy requires a certain volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel. The law requires 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel to replace petroleumbased fuel in 2022. The four renewable fuel categories under the RFS are biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel.

Obligated parties under the RFS are refiners or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel. Compliance is achieved by blending renewable fuels into transportation fuel, or by obtaining credits (called Renewable Identification Numbers or RINs) to meet

an EPA-specified Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO). EPA calculates and establishes RVOs every year through rulemaking, based on the Clean Air Act volume requirements and projections of gasoline and diesel production for the coming year. The standards are converted into a percentage, and obligated parties must demonstrate compliance annually.

But EPA guidance states: “The EPA believes that most biodiesel will ultimately be used as motor vehicle fuel, and therefore biodiesel producers can assume the biodiesel meets the EPA definition of renewable fuel and can assign RINs to it without tracking its ultimate use. However, if a renewable fuel is known to be destined for use in a non-road application, such as agricultural equipment or underground mining equipment, it’s not considered a motor vehicle fuel and isn’t a renewable fuel that is valid for RFS compliance, and thus can’t receive RINs. In cases where the fuel has been assigned RINs, those RINs must be retired and reported.”

Thus, heating oil and on-road diesel are subject to the RFS program, but off-road diesel is not. Using heating oil in off-road vehicles or equipment therefore violates the EPA’s RFS requirements and probably state requirements as well. Under federal law, violators are subject to a potential civil penalty of up to $47,357 per day of violation, plus the economic benefit or savings resulting from the violation.

Regulatory alerts like this are made possible only through generous contributions to the NEFI Advocacy Fund. To support NEFI, please make a donation at nefi.com/donate. To join, visit nefi.com/join. For more information, email regulations@nefi.com.

EMA TACKLES THE CDL DRIVER SHORTAGE AND SUPPORTS CREDIT CARD LEGISLATION

Recently, in a letter spearheaded by EMA, 67 Congressional Members encouraged the Department of Transportation (DOT) “to consider modifying the hazardous materials training and testing requirements to focus on HAZMAT specific education.” The letter also encourages the Department to consider streamlining the TSA Security Threat enrollment process that would allow CDL Drivers to enroll in more than one program - Transportation Worker Identification Credential (“TWIC”), HAZMAT, and TSA Pre Check.

The letter was sent a month after EMA’s DC Conference and “Day on the Hill” where EMA state associations, including representatives from Maine, discussed issues plaguing the motor fuels industry and encouraged Congressional Members to join the CDL driver shortage letter. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg told the letter’s lead signatory – Rep. Troy Balderson (ROH) during a recent congressional hearing, that he was familiar with our requests and committed to working on the driver shortage issue. EMA is working with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding industry specific training and testing regulations for drivers hauling petroleum products.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it will now accept online renewals for the TWIC. CDL drivers with hazardous material endorsements must have TWIC credentials to obtain access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime port facilities and vessels. TWIC holders must renew their card every five years. TSA is adopting the enrollment changes at the urging of EMA in order to make the process more user friendly and faster for CDL drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement. As a result, CDL drivers with hazmat endorsements are no longer required to go to a TSA enrollment center to renew their TWIC credentials, saving time spent away from work.

The new online enrollment process began August 11, 2022, for current TWIC holders seeking to renew their credentials. According to the TSA, most eligible applicants receive their TWIC card in less than 10 days. Those applicants with more complex cases may require 60 days or longer for processing. Applicants may check their TWIC status online at any time.

EMA also filed comments in support of a proposed rulemaking by the DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance that would introduce an oral fluid drug test as an alternative to the current urine specimen test for CDL drivers. The oral fluid test would not replace the urine specimen test but only provide an alternative test to be used at an employer’s discretion. EMA expressed concern that urine specimen drug testing is far too easy to beat since drivers are not under direct observation for privacy reasons except under a few narrow exceptions. As a result, drug test cheating is widespread.

EMA commented it supports oral fluid testing because: it is inexpensive and administered by a simple oral swab, specimens can detect drug use over the preceding 24 hours which is uniquely suited for reasonable suspicion and post- accident testing, specimens can be collected in less than five minutes, anywhere, at any time, including in the workplace or at an accident site, tampering with the specimen is virtually impossible since the oral swab never leaves the custody and control of the tester.

Swipe Fees Legislation: Bipartisan Senate Bill Introduced to Bring Credit Card Routing Competition

Recently, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced “The Credit Card Competition Act,” (S.4674), bipartisan legislation which is strongly supported by EMA which would ensure retailer choice in payment routing by requiring at least two unaffiliated processors on credit cards, the same process that is used for debit card transactions. Swipe fees remain the second highest operating cost for convenience stores which costs the industry $138 billion annually. While there are nearly a dozen of independent networks that are equipped to route transactions, a handful of dominant networks -- chiefly VISA and Mastercard -- prevent them from competing in the credit card space, thus limiting the choice of network. Allowing retailers greater choice for transaction handling would reduce costs and pass savings onto the consumer. Introducing routing competition could save businesses and consumers upwards of $11 billion annually according to payments consulting firm CMSPI.

JGM GOLF TOURNAMENT SUMMARY

The 29th annual J. Garrie Murray Golf Tournament was a huge success. The tournament netted over 15K for the MEMA Technical Education Center. The Putting Contest in honor of Jeff Murdy, had a steady crowd as golfers made their way past the turn. The money donated at the Putting Contest will go towards Jeff Murdy’s alma mater, Maine Maritime Academy. Thank you to Steve Whitcomb, his wife Peg and Jeff’s fiancée, Elaine Commeau for working the Putting Contest.

The tournament started with an address from Governor Paul LePage. From there the 25 foursomes filed out to begin the tournament. Despite the hot weather, golfers had a wonderful time playing 18-holes at the beautiful Martindale Country Club.

Once the teams completed their rounds, golfers got to wind down with some food and drinks in the cool AC during the awards reception. The top teams were awarded prizes and individual winners were announced for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. Unfortunately, no golfer scored a Hole-In-One to win a 2022 Ford Escape donated by Rowe Ford of Westbrook.

A raffle was also held throughout the tournament that featured some great prizes such as a DeWalt cooler, a chainsaw, an overnight stay at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport and free rounds of golf at some of Maine’s top golf courses. Congratulations to all the raffle winners!

GOLF

CL ASSIC J. Garrie Murray Martindale C ountry Club

The MEMA Technical Education Center would like to thank all the companies who sponsored and the golfers who came out to play in support of MTEC; Martindale Country Club for hosting and providing great food for the golfers and the companies and country clubs who donated raffle items.

A special thank you to the following members of the Golf Committee for all their hard work putting the event together:

Rob Wilkes – Committee Chair Jim Carroll | Jon Green

Bill Hutchinson | John King

Dave Moody | Don Nichols

Matt Poole | Bob Whiting

Thank you to all our generous Sponsors:

Event Sponsors

CITGO | Federated Insurance

H.O. Bouchard | FW Webb

Reynolds American | Rowe Ford

Quality Steel | Hews Truck Bodies & Equipment

Global | Brake & Clutch Inc. TerraVest Industries

Flag Sponsors

Adams & Fogg Oil Equipment Co.

Carlin Combustion | Colby & Gale

Dead River Company | ET Products, LLC.

Federated Insurance

Freightliner & Western Star of Maine Inc.

Irving Oil | J.P. Carroll Fuel Co.

Jewett & Noonan | Portland Pump Co.

R.W. Beckett Corporation

Sprague Operating Resources

St. Germain

Tee Sponsors

Angus Energy | FW Webb

Messer Petroleum Equipment

NACS | NGL Supply Wholesale St. Germain | TACO

The Granite Group | TerraVest Industries

Putting Contest Sponsors

Donated to Maine Maritime Academy in honor of Jeff Murdy

Colby & Gale | Maritime Energy

NACS | Renewable Energy Group

FW WEBB

TECH CORNER

COPPER TUBING

TTwo question about copper tubing use for Natural gas and Propane systems.

1. ‘Should/can I use copper tubing on natural gas systems?’

Not for Natural gas systems at least in most places. But it is safe to use copper on LP gas systems.

The reason is H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is usually taken out of Natural gas (sour gas) at the well head at the same time propane is distilled out also. Propane is a heavier gas than natural gas and is usually much cleaner after the extraction while natural gas sometimes leaves in the pipeline with a little (or a lot) of H2S left in it. The H2S combines with copper to make copper sulfide which is a black crystalline substance which can after a period of years partially or totally block an interior of the copper while weakening the piping itself. This is a slow process but will eventually take its toll and cause a problem. Most natural gas companies will tell you if they have a level of H2S high enough to matter or not but the easiest answer is just use another material (aluminum, black iron pipe, CSST/Stainless steel). I have included the NFPA 54 2012 sections which gives you the specific verbiag. NFPA-54-12 says:

5.6.2.3* Copper and Brass. Copper and brass pipe shall not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 scf of gas (0.7 mg/100 L).

5.6.3 Metallic Tubing. Seamless copper, aluminum alloy, or steel tubing shall not be used with gases corrosive to such material.

5.6.3.2* Copper and Brass. Copper and brass tubing shall not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100scf of gas (0.7 mg/100L). Copper tubing shall comply with standard Type K or Type L of ASTM B 88, Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, or ASTM B 280, specification for Seamless copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service.

2. ‘What type of copper can be used for what LP gas line pressures?’

The answer is any tubing that is rated for type K, type L, or soft ACR tubing is suitable for vapor or liquid LP lines. There is no difference if the line is to be buried or not. One of the common myths or old plumbers’ tales is that you must use K or L tubing in the ground only.

Fittings on the other hand are rated by the thickness of the material so be careful not to use low pressure threaded flare adapters (sch 40 thickness) on the LP tank side of the first stage regulator.

For anyone that is looking for specific info NFPA 54 (2012) 5.6 is the acceptable piping materials and joining methods, and NFPA 58 (2011) 5.9 Piping (including hose), fittings and valves.

NFPA 58 (2011) table 5.9.4.1 Service pressure rating of pipe, tubing fittings and valves.

Service

Higher than container pressure

LP-Gas Liquid or vapor at operating pressure over 125 psig and at or below container pressure

LP-Gas Vapor at operating pressure of 125 psig or less

Minimum pressure

350 psig or the MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure), whichever is higher, or 400 psig WOG rating

250 psig

125 psig

High Purity Gas Delivery Systems

Pressure Rating of Copper Pipes and Tubes

HIGH PURITY GAS DELIVERY SYSTEMS

PRESSURE RATING

Pipe - Copper - ASTM B280 - Type K

Pressure Rating of Copper Pipes and Tubes

PRESSURE RATING OF COPPER PIPES AND TUBES

Pipe - Copper - ASTM B280 - Type K

0,375'' (3/8'') 1/4'' 0,035'' 0,305'' 913

0,500'' (1/2'') 3/8'' 0,049'' 0,402'' 960

0,625'' (5/8'') 1/2'' 0,049'' 0,527'' 758

(IN PSIG) at 150˚F

Pipe - Copper - ASTM B280 - Type L & ACR

- ASTM B280 -

0,375'' (3/8'') 1/4'' 0,030'' 0,315'' 775

0,500'' (1/2'') 3/8'' 0,035'' 0,430'' 662

0,750'' (3/4'') 5/8'' 0,049'' 0,652'' 626

0,375'' (3/8'') 1/4'' 0,035'' 0,305'' 913

0,875'' (7/8'') 3/4'' 0,065'' 0,745'' 724

0,500'' (1/2'') 3/8'' 0,049'' 0,402'' 960

1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1'' 0,065'' 0,995'' 557

0,625'' (5/8'') 1/2'' 0,049'' 0,527'' 758

1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-1/4'' 0,065'' 1,245'' 452

0,750'' (3/4'') 5/8'' 0,049'' 0,652'' 626

1,625'' (1-5/8'') 1-1/2'' 0,072'' 1,481'' 420

0,875'' (7/8'') 3/4'' 0,065'' 0,745'' 724

2,125'' (2-1/8'') 2'' 0,083'' 1,959'' 370

1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1'' 0,065'' 0,995'' 557

2,625'' (2-5/8'') 2-1/2'' 0,095'' 2,435'' 338

1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-1/4'' 0,065'' 1,245'' 452

3,125'' (3-1/8'') 3'' 0,109'' 2,907'' 328

1,625'' (1-5/8'') 1-1/2'' 0,072'' 1,481'' 420

3,625'' (3-5/8'') 3-1/2'' 0,120'' 3,385'' 311

2,125'' (2-1/8'') 2'' 0,083'' 1,959'' 370

2,625'' (2-5/8'') 2-1/2'' 0,095'' 2,435'' 338

4,125'' (4-1/8'') 4'' 0,134 3,857'' 306

3,125'' (3-1/8'') 3'' 0,109'' 2,907'' 328

3,625'' (3-5/8'') 3-1/2'' 0,120'' 3,385'' 311 4,125'' (4-1/8'') 4'' 0,134 3,857'' 306

Tube - Copper - ASTM 280 - Refrigeration Type O.D. NOMINAL

Tube - Copper - ASTM 280 - Refrigeration Type

0,125'' (1/8'') 1/8'' 0,030'' 0,065'' 2613

0,250'' (1/4'') 1/4'' 0,030'' 0,190'' 1195

0,375'' (3/8'') 3/8'' 0,032'' 0,311'' 836

0,125'' (1/8'') 1/8'' 0,030'' 0,065'' 2613

0,500'' (1/2'') 1/2'' 0,032'' 0,436'' 618

0,250'' (1/4'') 1/4'' 0,030'' 0,190'' 1195

0,625'' (5/8'') 5/8'' 0,035'' 0,555'' 525

0,375'' (3/8'') 3/8'' 0,032'' 0,311'' 836

0,750'' (3/4'') 3/4'' 0,035'' 0,680'' 435

0,500'' (1/2'') 1/2'' 0,032'' 0,436'' 618

0,875'' (7/8'') 7/8'' 0,045'' 0,785'' 495

0,625'' (5/8'') 5/8'' 0,035'' 0,555'' 525

1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1-1/8'' 0,050'' 1,025'' 420

0,750'' (3/4'') 3/4'' 0,035'' 0,680'' 435

0,875'' (7/8'') 7/8'' 0,045'' 0,785'' 495

1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-3/8'' 0,050'' 1,275'' 373 1,625'' (1-5/8'') 1-5/8'' 0,060'' 1,505'' 347

1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1-1/8'' 0,050'' 1,025'' 420

1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-3/8'' 0,050'' 1,275'' 373 1,625'' (1-5/8'') 1-5/8'' 0,060'' 1,505'' 347 Pipe - Copper

Technical Data

0,375'' (3/8'') 1/4'' 0,030'' 0,315'' 775

0,625'' (5/8'') 1/2'' 0,040'' 0,545'' 613 0,750'' (3/4'') 5/8'' 0,042'' 0,666'' 537

0,500'' (1/2'') 3/8'' 0,035'' 0,430'' 662

0,625'' (5/8'') 1/2'' 0,040'' 0,545'' 613

0,750'' (3/4'') 5/8'' 0,042'' 0,666'' 537

0,875'' (7/8'') 3/4'' 0,045'' 0,785'' 495 1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1'' 0,050'' 1,025'' 420 1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-1/4''

0,875'' (7/8'') 3/4'' 0,045'' 0,785'' 495 1,125'' (1-1/8'') 1'' 0,050'' 1,025'' 420 1,375'' (1-3/8'') 1-1/4'' 0,055'' 1,265'' 373 1,625'' (1-5/8'') 1-1/2'' 0,060'' 1,505''

Values of allowable internal working pressure for copper tubes in service are based on the formula from ANSI B31, Standard Code for Pressure Piping:

P = 2 S t m P = Allowable pressure @ 150˚F S = 5100 PSIG annealed D - 0.8 t m S = Allowable stress @ 200˚F S = 4800 PSIG annealed t m = Wall thickness @ 300˚F S = 4700 PSIG annealed Od = Outside diameter @ 400˚F S = 3000 PSIG annealed

P = 2 S t m P = Allowable pressure @ 150˚F S = 5100 PSIG annealed

- 0.8

S = Allowable stress @ 200˚F S = 4800 PSIG annealed t m = Wall thickness @ 300˚F S = 4700 PSIG annealed Od = Outside diameter @ 400˚F S = 3000 PSIG annealed

All ratings listed for types K, L, M, DWV and refrigeration service tube in the preceding charts are calculated for tube in the annealed condition. These values should be used when soldering, brazing or welding is employed for joining components in a system. While the ratings for hard drawn tube are substantially higher, they should only be used for systems using properly designed flare or compression mechanical joints, since joining by any heating process might anneal (soften) the tube. In designing a system, careful consideration should also be given to joint ratings as well as those of the components.

Dec 9

Member $1,050 Non-Member $1,150 Dec 12 – Dec 16

Oct 14

Protecting Your Inventory — Theft Prevention Tips

Your business’s inventory can be an attractive target for thieves, whether items are found at jobsites, retail spaces, dealerships, warehouses, or other locations Consider the layout of your business the less likely a thief is to be detected, the more appealing the target. And, lack of inventory management and the ease of selling stolen items can lead to low rates of recovery So how do you keep your inventory safe?

Security Awareness

As a business owner, you can help make it harder for would-be thieves by:

• Reminding employees to keep designated areas locked and secure when the business is unattended.

• Having well-lit, monitored parking areas

• Not sharing keys, passcodes, or other confidential information with outside parties.

• Installing motion sensor lights and video recording systems, especially around entrances, loading docks, or areas that require extra security.

• Monitoring alarms or security systems, and testing them monthly.

• Keeping detailed records of inventory.

Employee Training

Your employees need to be aware of the value of your business’ inventory. Take the time to work with them on regular security training, and let them know what you expect in terms of following security protocols. New hires could also be potential security risks, as theft may occur as part of an inside job. Consider implementing a thorough evaluation and training period, and verify their qualifications by using proper screenings and background checks, when appropriate and allowed by applicable law.

Security Survey

If you have not recently completed a security survey at your business, now may be the right time to do so. Consider the following to start:

• Are equipment, merchandise, and supplies property stored and secured at night or after hours?

• Are gates and doors functioning well, and are they locked securely each night?

• Do you use security lighting, clear signage, or use of technology to monitor your business?

• Are equipment, merchandise, and supplies arranged in a way where missing units can be easily noticed?

• If applicable, are employees using lockout devices on machines to disable the ignition or fuel system after hours?

While there are no ironclad defenses against theft, there are a number of ways that you can be proactive to help protect your business. Reinforce the importance of security to your employees, continue to keep records and an updated registry of your equipment, merchandise, and supplies, and obtain the right insurance to help keep you covered in the event of a loss.