MEMA PUTTING EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY FIRST
+ Fuel Your Love 2023
+ MEMA Donates Toys & Food During the Holiday Season
+ MEMA’s CDL Program Continues to Benefit Members
These days, employees need easy access to quality healthcare and a plan designed to meet their unique needs. For an increasing number of employers, that means a Self-Funded plan for flexibility and cost control plus a mobile app that places access to benefits, providers and cost transparency tools right in your member’s hands.
Diversified Group is proud to partner with members of the Maine Energy Marketers Association. To give your employees 24/7 access to benefits and greater peace of mind, contact us today. 369 North Main Street | PO Box 299 | Marlborough, CT 06447 ph 888-322-2524 | dgb-online.com
Welcome to the first electronic edition of your MEMA Magazine! We are excited to offer you another way to receive our magazine and at the same time take advantage of the efficiencies and economies associated with electronic publishing.
Since the first of the year MEMA and MTEC have been on the move. On the MTEC side of the house I have been happy to welcome back Roger Mitchell as Dean and Lead Instructor of MTEC. Roger’s vast experience in the field of HVAC is a welcome addition to the team and he has already brought ideas forward to improve all aspects of MTEC, from the lab to the curriculum to our soon to be launched (May 2023) Commercial Kitchen Equipment Training course. I’m confident that Roger will ensure that MTEC remains the best trade school in New England!
Of course, the month of February means “Fuel Your Love” and 2023 was the 9th consecutive year that MEMA members have stepped forward on Valentine’s Day to provide fuel to Mainers in need. This year is also the 3rd straight year that MEMA has partnered with WGME Channel 13 to expand “Fuel Your Love” to “Fuel Your Love Month.” For the entire month of February WGME highlighted the good our industry does and invited their viewers to nominate someone in need to receive 100 gallons of fuel courtesy of MEMA. This year we had over 1300 nominations from which we drew 60 names – I wish you could have heard the heartfelt gratitude of those that we contacted to let them know their names had been drawn. I would like to offer a special thank you to the following MEMA members that
helped this year’s “Fuel Your Love” effort: V.L. Tammaro, Maine Standard Biofuels, Dead River Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, R.H. Foster Energy, Colby & Gale, M.W. Sewall, Augusta Fuel Company, Fielding’s Oil & Propane Company, and Dixfield Discount Fuel, Inc. Also, thanks go out to WGME for their continued partnership and everyone who submitted nominations. Together, we helped our fellow Mainers.
Finally, I want to make sure that you are aware of MEMA’s efforts in Augusta. Currently, Megan Diver, Jon Courtney, and I are focused on five bills that are making their way through the legislative process; The Underground Tank Bill, B-20, Energy Choice, Flavor Ban, and the Resolve. Each of these bills are critically important to Maine’s liquid fuels industry and C-Stores and your MEMA team is laser focused on getting them across the finish line - we will keep you updated on their progress.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you in the field.
Best, Charlie
EXECUTIVE BOARD
MARC LACASSE | 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.
CARRIE TOMFORDE | IRVING OIL
MARK GAGNON | P. GAGNON & SONS INC.
TIM HEUTZ | RINALDI ENERGY
MARK ST. GERMAIN | ST. GERMAIN
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 ENERGY CO. - ALT.
JEFF WEBB | EASTERN PROPANE & OIL, INC.
JIM PIKE | ENERGY KINETICS
JUDY DELANEY | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP.
BRIAN HOLMES | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP. - ALT.
TOM SCHWARM | GOULD TECHNOLOGIES
MATT HARRISON | GULF OIL, LP
JIM CARROLL | J. P. CARROLL FUEL CO.
STEVE NESS | NESS OIL COMPANY
ROBERT TRACY | R.H. FOSTER ENERGY. LLC
SEAN LYNCH | SID HARVEY’S
ELWIN SCOTT| SIMARD & SONS, INC.
KRISTYN SCHWEITZER | SPRAGUE ENERGY
PAULA PALMER | SPRAGUE ENERGY - ALT.
MICHAEL TAMMARO | V.L. TAMMARO OIL
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 on the strong support we receive from both associate members and members.
Rinaldi Energy, based in Saco, Maine, is a full-service oil company that cares about delivering their customers a better experience. Rinaldi Energy serves 25 areas around Maine, including York and Cumberland Counties. They offer competitive pricing for heating oil and kerosene deliveries and update their website daily with the most recent prices.
Rinaldi Energy – Rinaldi Energy, based in Saco, Maine, is a full-service oil company that cares about delivering their customers a better experience. Rinaldi Energy serves 25 areas around Maine, including York and Cumberland Counties. They offer competitive pricing for heating oil and kerosene deliveries and update their website daily with the most recent prices.
Rinaldi Energy also performs service and installation for oil, propane, and natural gas systems. They provide annual maintenance, service repairs, and complete installations of home heating systems and fuel storage tanks. Rinaldi’s service team prides themselves on customer service and providing quick and affordable solutions for their customers. Rinaldi Energy also operates a Wholesale Fuel and Transportation division that provides professional service and reliable delivery to gas stations, commercial companies, and marinas. Rinaldi Energy transports gasoline, on-road diesel, off-road diesel, K-1 kerosene, and heating oil.
Rinaldi Energy also performs service and installation for oil, propane, and natural gas systems. They provide annual maintenance, service repairs, and complete installations of home heating systems and fuel storage tanks. Rinaldi’s service team prides themselves on customer service and providing quick and affordable solutions for their customers. Rinaldi Energy also operates a Wholesale Fuel and Transportation division that provides professional service and reliable delivery to gas stations, commercial companies, and marinas. Rinaldi Energy transports gasoline, on-road diesel, off-road diesel, K-1 kerosene, and heating oil.
A common theme among MEMA Members is the dedication to the communities they serve. Rinaldi Energy is no different, as they are committed to being an active member of the Maine community, sponsoring local organizations and charities. Rinaldi Energy is proud to support local and travel sports teams, children’s hospitals and organizations, non-profit organizations, local animal shelters, food pantries, among other local organizations. They also run a Charity of the Month Program, where every month, Rinaldi Energy will take $1.00 from every fuel delivery during the month and use the funds to purchase items and materials to donate to the selected Charity of the Month. They accept nominations on their website for local, Maine based charities and organizations.
To learn more about Rinaldi Energy, MEMA’s newest member company, visit www.rinaldienergy.com, or call their office at 207-571-4231.
A common theme among MEMA Members is the dedication to the communities they serve. Rinaldi Energy is no different, as they are committed to being an active member of the M aine community, sponsoring local organizations and charities. Rinaldi Energy is proud to support local and travel sports teams, children’s hospitals and organizations, non -profit organizations, local animal shelters, food pantries, among other local organi zations. They also run a Charity of the Month Program, where every month, Rinaldi Energy will take $1.00 from every fuel delivery during the month and use the funds to purchase items and materials to donate to the selected Charity of the Month. They accept nominations on their website for local, Maine based charities and organizations.
To learn more about Rinaldi Energy, MEMA’s newest member company, visit www.rinaldienergy.com, or call their office at 207-571-4231.
The 131st Maine Legislature is well underway. Maine legislators started the 2023 legislative session by introducing an unusually high percentage of placeholder bills that by title alone relate to big issues but are void of any details that might inform the public of their purpose, price tag or effect, this is because they contain only a title with no proposed language.
It’s a trend that some observers worry could short circuit transparency and participation in the lawmaking process as the details are usually first presented during the first public hearing by the bill sponsor, not allowing the public to prepare accordingly. Defenders of “concept drafts” say they can lead to more collaboration, particularly on complex issues. Critics contend that they can actually discourage participation in the legislative process because interested parties are unable to see the full language of a bill.
Roughly 2,000 bill titles were submitted at the end of the 2022 by legislators. At the end of February roughly half of these bills have been printed. The consensus among those in the State House is that the Legislature is about three weeks behind schedule and typically by this time in the first session most all bills were printed.
The Maine Democratic Party recently elected to promote Bev Uhlenhake to chairperson after formerly serving as the party’s vice chair. It’s a move that illustrates activists’ satisfaction following an election resulting in the reelections of Gov. Janet Mills, U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden. Democrats also preserved their majorities in the legislature, which is where Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, has returned after he helped guide the party during the 2022 election as its chairman.
Meanwhile, Republicans didn’t re-elect GOP chairwoman Demi Kouzounas and instead elected Joel Stetkis, the former assistant minority leader in the Maine House. The move by the Maine GOP follows the election in which Mills prevailed over former Governor Paul LePage by more than 13 percentage points and the GOP’s efforts in congressional and legislative contests appeared lackluster.
On Tuesday, February 14th Governor Mills gave her State of the Budget Address. Governor Janet Mills declared that Maine’s fiscal health is strong and touted her Administration’s budget proposal as tackling many of Maine’s most pressing issues, from the workforce shortage to the housing crunch.
The Governor indicated that her $10.3 billion budget proposal is balanced, does not raise taxes, and leaves the Rainy Day Fund untouched at a record high of more than $900 million.
Mills says the budget will advance initiatives to address Maine’s most serious challenges, including continuing her free community college initiative for another two years, building more housing, and strengthening Maine’s health care system through investments in behavioral health, services for older Mainers and people with disabilities.
The proposal also makes investment in infrastructure to unlock vast new sources of Federal funding to fix Maine’s multimodal transportation system.
To complement her budget, the Governor also announced a series of new initiatives to tackle the opioid crisis and improve child welfare, and she pledged to sign into law new legislation that would adopt “Housing First”, a highly-successful and costeffective approach to addressing homelessness. The Governor also announced that she will propose creating four new District Court judgeships to help the courts relieve a backlog of cases. Governor Mill’s said her budget proposal builds on her previous budget measure that achieves 55 percent of the cost of education,
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic:
• Increasing Naloxone Availability by 25 Percent
• Doubling OPTIONS Team
• Building on expanded substance use treatment beds
Improving Child Welfare:
• Developing A Child Safety and Family Wellness Plan
• Supporting Caseworkers With Experts in Substance Use Disorder
• Creating A Recovery Coach Pilot Program for Parents
• Expanding Family Recovery Courts
fully restores revenue sharing with municipalities, replenishes the Land for Maine’s Future Program, provides tax relief to working Maine families, and that delivered $850 direct relief payments to Maine people to help with the high costs of pandemic-induced inflation– one of the strongest relief proposals in the country.
Mills said budget complements her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, approved by the Legislature, to invest nearly $1 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan funds to improve the lives of Maine people and families, help businesses, create good-paying jobs, and build an economy poised for future prosperity. It also complements the Maine Connectivity Authority, which is expanding access to broadband to achieve Governor Mills’ goal of providing everyone in Maine with an internet connection who wants one by the end of 2024.
The Rainy Day Fund has grown to more than $900 million. Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s credit rating agencies last year
also reaffirmed Maine’s Aa2 bond rating and for rating Maine’s debt as stable, even while downgrading ratings of other states, citing Maine’s governance practices and its reserves in the Budget Stabilization Fund.
The Revenue Forecasting Committee has projected that the State will take in $10.5 billion in revenue for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 and approximately $11.6 billion in revenue for the following Fiscal Years 2026-2027.
The 131st Maine Legislature may be slow to start, but that doesn’t mean things won’t start to heat up and that controversial debates are near. MEMA will continue to work on behalf of its members and the public to ensure Maine policy goals reflect the interests of the local petroleum industry. We will continue to keep you informed as the session progresses through the year. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to Vice President, Megan Diver at mdiver@maineenergymarketers.com.
Legislator Bios
Legislator Bios
Sen. Troy D. Jackson (D – Aroostook): President of Maine Senate
Sen. Troy D. Jackson (D – Aroostook): President of Maine Senate
At the start of his first term as Senate President, Troy challenged his colleagues not to let what makes the Senate Chamber so strong – the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and identities – become its greatest weakness. He urged his peers to join him in showing the people of Maine what government can and should be, vowing to leave the state stronger than he found it. Source: www.troyjackson.org
At the start of his first term as Senate President, Troy challenged his colleagues not to let what makes the Senate Chamber so strong – the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and identities – become its greatest weakness. He urged his peers to join him in showing the people of Maine what government can and should be, vowing to leave the state stronger than he found it. Source: www.troyjackson.org
At the start of his first term as Senate President, Troy challenged his colleagues what makes the Senate Chamber so strong – the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and identities – become its greatest we akness. He urged his peers to join him the people of Maine what government can and should be, vowing to leave the stronger than he found it. Source: www.troyjackson.org
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D – Portland): Speaker of the House
SPEAKER RACHEL TALBOT ROSS
(D – Portland): Speaker of the House
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is a ninth -generation Mainer who has dedicated her career to public service and social justice. She is the first black w oman to serve as Speaker of the Maine House. Speaker Talbot Ross is currently serving her fourth term in the Maine House, representing the Portland neighborhoods of Parkside, Bayside, East Bayside, Oakdale and the University of Southern Maine campus.
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D – Portland): Speaker of the House
Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/talbotrossr/index.html
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is a ninth-generation Mainer who has dedicated her career to public service and social justice. She is the first black woman to serve as Speaker of the Maine House. Speaker Talbot Ross is currently serving her fourth term in the Maine House, representing the Portland neighborhoods of Parkside, Bayside, East Bayside, Oakdale and the University of Southern Maine campus. Source: www.legislature.maine. gov/housedems/talbotrossr/index.html
Sen. Eloise Vitelli (D – Sagadahoc): Senate Majority Leader
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is a ninth -generation Mainer who has dedicated her public service and social justice. She is the first black w oman to serve as Speaker Maine House. Speaker Talbot Ross is currently serving her fourth term in the representing the Portland neighborhoods of Parkside, Bayside, East Bayside, the University of Southern Maine campus.
Senator Vitelli has made Arrowsic her home for the last 40 years. She represents Senate District 24 in the Maine Senate, which includes all of Sagadahoc County and the town of Dresden in Lincoln County. She was first elected to the Maine Senate during a special election in 2013. Source: www.mainesenate.org/senator/senator/eloise vitelli/
Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/talbotrossr/index.html
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is a ninth -generation Mainer who has dedicated public service and social justice. She is the first black w oman to serve as Speaker
Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross is a ninth -generation Mainer who has dedicated public service and social justice. She is the first black w oman to serve as Speaker Maine House. Speaker Talbot Ross is currently serving her fourth term in the representing the Portland neighborhoods of Parkside, Bayside, East Bayside, the University of Southern Maine campus.
Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/talbotrossr/index.html
Maine House. Speaker Talbot Ross is currently serving her fourth term in the representing the Portland neighborhoods of Parkside, Bayside, East Bayside, the University of Southern Maine campus.
Sen. Eloise Vitelli (D – Sagadahoc): Senate Majority Leader
Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/talbotrossr/index.html
Sen. Eloise Vitelli (D – Sagadahoc): Senate Majority Leader
(D – Sagadahoc): Senate Majority Leader
Senator Vitelli h as made Arrowsic her home for the last 40 years. She represents District 24 in the Maine Senate, which includes all of Sagadahoc County and Dresden in Lincoln County. She was first elected to the Maine Senate during election in 2013. Source: www.mainesenate.org/senator/senator/eloise -vitelli/
Senator Vitelli has made Arrowsic her home for the last 40 years. She represents Senate District 24 in the Maine Senate, which includes all of Sagadahoc County and the town of Dresden in Lincoln County. She was first elected to the Maine Senate during a special election in 2013. Source: www.mainesenate.org/senator/senator/ eloise-vitelli/
Sen. Harold “Trey” Stewart (R – Aroostook): Senate Minority Leader
Senator Vitelli h as made Arrowsic her home for the last 40 years. She represents District 24 in the Maine Senate, which includes all of Sagadahoc County and Dresden in Lincoln County. She was first elected to the Maine Senate during election in 2013. Source: www.mainesenate.org/senator/senator/eloise -vitelli/
SEN. HAROLD “TREY” STEWART
Sen. Harold “Trey” Stewart (R – Aroostook): Senate Minority Leader
(R – Aroostook): Senate Minority Leader
Senator Harold “Trey” Stewart III, Esq., is the Senate Republican Leader and serving his second term in the Maine Senate representing the constituents of Senate District 2. The newly reapportioned district includes municipalities and unorganized territories of southern Aroostook County and northern Penobscot County. Prior to his service in the Senate, he represented the people of District 147 for two terms in the Maine House of Representatives. While there, he was the Assistant House Republican Leader during the 129th Legislature.
Source: www.mesenategop.com/your-senators/senator-trey-stewart/g
Rep. Maureen Terry (D – Gorham): House Majority Leader
Senator Harold “Trey” Stewart III, Esq., is the Senate Republican Leader and second term in the Maine Senate representing the constituents of Senate newly reapportioned district includes muni cipalities and unorganized territories southern Aroostook County and northern Penobscot County. Prior to his service Senate, he represented the people of District 147 for two terms in the Maine Representatives. While there, he was the As sistant House Republican Leader 129th Legislature. Source: www.mesenategop.com/your -senators/senator stewart/
Rep. Maureen Terry (D – Gorham): House Majority Leader
Senator Harold “Trey” Stewart III, Esq., is the Senate Republican Leader and second term in the Maine Senate representing the constituents of Senate District newly reapportioned district includes muni cipalities and unorganized territories southern Aroostook County and northern Penobscot County. Prior to his service Senate, he represented the people of District 147 for two terms in the Maine Representatives. While there, he was the As sistant House Republican Leader 129th Legislature. Source: www.mesenategop.com/your -senators/senator stewart/
REP. MAUREEN TERRY
(D – Gorham): House Majority Leader
Representative Maureen “Mo” Terry is the House Majority Leader. She is in her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and has served as the House chair of the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. As the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Terry plays a significant role in establishing caucus policy priorities and building coalitions around key legislation. Her office also provides staff and support to all House Democratic members. Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/terrym/index.html
Representative Maureen “Mo” Terry is the House Majority Leader. She is in her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and has served as the House chair of the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. As the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Terry plays a significant role in establishing caucus policy priorities and building coalitions around key legislation. Her office also provides staff support to all House Democratic members. Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/terrym/index.html
Representative Maureen “Mo” Terry is the House Majority Leader. She is in her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and has served as the House chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. As the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Terry plays a significant role in establishing caucus policy priorities and building coalitions around key legislation. Her office also provides staff and support to all House Democratic members. Source: www.legislature.maine.gov/housedems/terrym/index.htmlgov/housedems/ talbotrossr/index.html
Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham (R – Winter Harbor): House Minority Leader
Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham (R – Winter Harbor): House Minority Leader
REP. BILLY BOB FAULKINGHAM
(R – Winter Harbor):
House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham is serving his third term representing House District 12, which includes the towns of Franklin, Gouldsboro, Hancock, Steuben, Sorrento, Sullivan, and Winter Harbor. Prior to his election as Leader, Rep. Faulkingham served on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources.
Source: www.mehousegop.org/reps -l-p/rep-billy-bob-faulkingham/
House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham is serving his third term representing House District 12, which includes the towns of Franklin, Gouldsboro, Hancock, Steuben, Sorrento, Sullivan, and Winter Harbor. Prior to his election as Leader, Rep. Faulkingham served on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources.
House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham is serving his third term representing House District 12, which includes the towns of Franklin, Gouldsboro, Hancock, Steuben, Sorrento, Sullivan, and Winter Harbor. Prior to his election as Leader, Rep. Faulkingham served on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources. Source: www.mehousegop.org/reps-l-p/rep-billy-bob-faulkingham/
Source: www.mehousegop.org/reps -l-p/rep-billy-bob-faulkingham/
This past winter, MEMA welcomed back Roger Mitchell to the role of Dean and Lead Instructor at MTEC. Roger received his Heating and Cooling education in the Air Force, and he was quickly promoted to Shift Supervisor where he found the knack to teach others. He then joined Maritime Energy in Rockland as a Service Technician. While at Maritime he became the Service Manager and later the Distribution Manager. Roger has held several different positions over the years that gives him the knowledge to share with others how the Heating and Cooling industry operates. Roger was instrumental in the creation of the MTEC lab as he built the lab and the curriculums. Roger is happy to be back at MEMA as the Dean of MTEC where he will again share his knowledge with technicians to increase their knowledge of the Heating and Cooling industry.
Since his return, Roger has implemented some exciting changes to MTEC to expand the trainings that are offered to MTEC students. In the next few months, MTEC will be offering new training courses, as well as equipment upgrades to expand on its existing programs. These changes allow MTEC to adapt to the changes in the industry and expand the knowledge base of technicians who go through its programs.
One of the new training courses being implemented in the next few months is a Commercial Food Service Equipment Training course. Over the past year, MTEC has been installing commercial kitchen equipment in the lab, and it is ready to be put to use. Students will work hands-on with gas, electric, and steam equipment that they
will encounter when they service equipment in restaurants and convenience stores. Technicians who complete the Commercial Food Service Equipment Training will receive a certificate from CFSA.
With biofuel becoming more prevalent in the industry, Roger is updating the curriculum in the Oilheat Technician Training to include more education on biofuels. There will be an area of the lab that is dedicated for biofuels. The area includes a boiler and warm air furnace that will burn B20 and B50 biofuel. Students will have more opportunities to work hands-on with biofuel and train on biofuel equipment.
In relation to Biofuels, MTEC will be introducing a Dual-Fuel Class. Students will learn how to pair an electric heat pump with an oil furnace using a coil to make appliances dual-fuel, for central cooling and heating using bioheat. The class will educate the students on dual-fuel heating and cooling systems, adding more experience working with biofuel equipment for technicians when they enter the field.
Having Roger’s experience in the MTEC lab has already been a benefit to students. Roger will continue to work with the MTEC staff to expand upon the curriculum and adapt to the always changing HVAC industry to meet the needs of students and MEMA Members. Roger is just getting started, and there will be many more exciting plans ahead as MTEC continues to grow and strive for excellence.
Praxis Motion Pictures arrived at the MTEC lab on January 31st to create fresh new video of our HVAC facility to spread the word about MTEC and all that a career in the industry has to offer. Despite all the activity happening here in Brunswick, the MEMA staff always finds time to get on the road to spread the word about MTEC. High schools around the state will be holding career fairs and hiring events as seniors prepare to graduate. MTEC will be there to show students how quickly and economically they can train for a great a career in the HVAC trade. Attending events hosted by high schools allows MTEC to get in front of the next generation of HVAC technicians and show students that there are other paths to higher education outside of two and four-year college programs. Other industry events on the schedule for the coming months include the Propane Summit, annual PHCC Trade Show and the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show.
If there are events in your area you would like MTEC to attend, or if you are interested in touring the MTEC lab contact Colleen Ege at cege@maineenergymarketers.com or call the office at 207-7295298.
The MEMA Technical Education Center is off to a great start in 2023!
The year was launched with Roger Mitchell’s return to MTEC, assuming the role of Dean and Lead Instructor. Roger was instrumental in the creation of the MTEC lab and curriculum during his years here from roughly 2002-2012. Since his return, he hasn’t sat still, putting years of HVAC experience to good use by bringing new ideas and energy to the MTEC classroom and lab. Dan Weber and Jon Green continue to be integral to the MTEC team as well, all three excited to be educating technicians and working with MEMA Members to further advance MTEC’s growth and excellence.
Roger returned just in time to lead the staff in the annual MTEC lab clean-up. During the two-week winter pause the MEMA staff helped ready the classrooms and lab before the next influx of students arrived. The lab and every classroom were polished and shined, some receiving a fresh coat of paint. Old technology and equipment were swapped out for newer more up to date equipment in anticipation of the students’ arrival on January 17th.
MTEC welcomed its first group of students with both Oil Heat Technician Training and Appliance Installation and Service classes beginning on January 17th. These classes marked the start of the first two Full-Semester HVAC Program offerings for the year.
At the end of January, MEMA held its second offering of its new CDL Class B Program. During the week of January 30th, nine students from MEMA Member companies Dead River Company, Irving Oil, JP Carrol and Murray-Heutz completed CDL Class B Theory Training and familiarized themselves with the topics that will make up the CDL exam and the road-test.
MEMA’s own Colleen Ege, Steve Whitcomb of H.O. Bouchard, and Mark Anderson, Safety and Compliance Manager for Dead River Company, were instrumental in introducing the CDL Program and have been continuing to educate the students and updating the program to ensure students and MEMA Members are gaining maximum benefit from the course. Students continued to study and learn from the J.J. Keller Entry-Level Driver Training Manual, the Maine State Commercial Driver License Manual, and the Hazardous Materials Compliance Pocketbook.
CDL students also get some hands-on instruction with a walkthrough Pre-trip Inspection. Mark Anderson brought a Dead River truck and led students around every corner of the vehicle,
explaining why drivers need to inspect around the vehicle and in the cabin before they head out on the road. Students can see firsthand the steps involved in a Pre-trip Inspection, which is the most important part of the job as a CDL driver to ensure the safety of not only the driver, but for others that will be sharing the road.
The curriculum taught at MEMA arms students with the knowledge they need to receive further training for the road-test from MEMA Member companies they are employed by. As a benefit of MEMA Membership, the CDL Program accelerates the process to obtain a CDL Class B license and gives members a resource to combat the industry need for trained and licensed drivers. Although the program is still in its infancy, the class has seen positive results and MEMA looks forward to continuing to offer this great program as a benefit to its members.
MEMA is aiming to hold its third CDL Class B Theory Training class in the Spring. To inquire about MEMA’s CDL Class B Theory Training, or MEMA Membership, contact Colleen Ege at cege@ maineenergymarketers.com.
Since 2016, the Maine Energy Marketers Association (MEMA) and its members have celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving away free home heating fuel to Mainers in need of a little assistance during the harsh Maine winter.
Mainers are accustomed to the cold weather, where temperatures peak just around 30 degrees in February, and that’s on the warm days. Some of the coldest days this year saw temperatures dip below zero. Periods of frigid temperatures drain fuel tanks as people turn up the heat in their homes to stay warm. With heating fuel prices at an all-time high, it can become it difficult for many to afford the fuel they need.
Thanks to Fuel Your Love, many struggling residents won’t have to worry about how they are going to stay warm for the rest of the winter. The eighth year of the program saw ten of MEMA’s member companies top off their customers’ fuel tanks free of charge. MEMA sponsors and organizes the program, but the supporting members do the heavy lifting that’s required to make Fuel Your Love possible. They provide the fuel, delivery costs, and drivers, as well as the planning that this endeavor requires. Many supporting companies put their own spin on the event by partnering with local businesses to assist with their deliveries and provide some extra goodies for their customers.
Eastern Propane & Oil partnered with Lovebirds Donuts in Kittery, who provided donuts for Eastern to give to customers on Valentine’s Day. Maine Standard Biofuels completed their deliveries in Harpswell, with the support of Cook’s Lobster & Ale House, and Dixfield Discount Fuels accepted nominations from the community to assist them in deciding who received the free home heating fuel delivery. MEMA is very grateful for its members and their commitment to the program as well as their willingness to take the extra steps to continue to grow the program and give back to the communities they proudly serve.
Due to the success of the previous two years, MEMA has continued its partnership with WGME Channel 13 for the third consecutive year to ‘Keep Fueling Your Love.’
Like the past two years, MEMA and WGME are asking viewers to submit nominations to MaineEnergyFacts.com and give a person or family the opportunity to receive some help heating their home. The fuel costs will be covered by MEMA. This is a way for people to obtain 100 gallons of free heating fuel, including those who don’t qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Keep Fueling Your Love will provide 50 homes in Maine with 100 gallons of home heating fuel. Fuel Your Love will conclude on March 1st, when MEMA President Charlie Summers will randomly draw the 50 names out of the nominations submitted to MaineEnergyFacts.com, to receive the free delivery of heating fuel. The third year of Keep Fueling Your Love will be another successful year and the tradition of Mainers helping Mainers will continue to grow.
Support in 2023 was provided by the companies below:
• Augusta Fuel Company – Kennebec County
• Colby & Gale – Lincoln County
• Dead River Company – Aroostook, Penobscot, Washington Counties
• Dixfield Discount Fuels – Oxford County
• Eastern Propane & Oil – York County
• Fielding’s Oil & Propane – Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec Counties
• Maine Standard Biofuels – Cumberland County
• M.W. Sewall – Sagadahoc County
• R.H. Foster – Hancock, Penobscot, Washington Counties
• V.L. Tammaro Oil – Washington County
Program Sponsors:
• Gift Sponsor – H.O. Bouchard
• Event Sponsor – Global Partners LP
Roughly 400,000 above ground home heating oil storage tanks are currently in use in Maine. Every day, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) responds to approximately 1.5 spills from home heating oil tanks across the state. These spills range in severity; from just a few gallons requiring a simple clean up, to hundreds of gallons requiring extensive excavation and engineering systems to mitigate health and environmental hazards due to contaminated soil, drinking water, and indoor air. To the unsuspecting fuel customer, these spills can be overwhelming, often leading to many questions about potential costs, property damage, liabilities, and health risks. In those stressful moments, the last thing a fuel customer wants to hear is that the spill was most likely entirely preventable!
Most spills fall under one of three main categories: tank corrosion, parts failure, or human error. Tank corrosion is the most common of the three main culprits. Corrosion slowly eats away at the steel, compromising the integrity of a tank and allowing leaks to occur. Parts failures can occur due to old age, damage obtained during weather events, or tipped tanks due to unstable bases or rusted tank legs. Causes of human error include overfilling, improper maintenance (or no maintenance at all), and stepping on or bumping into unprotected lines or parts.
With the proper knowledge and preparation, spills can be prevented. Parts failure and human errors can be prevented by performing periodic visual inspections of tanks and supporting equipment before they fail. Visual inspections can be done by a professional or homeowners who know what to look for. To assist homeowners in inspecting their tank, the DEP has developed a “Check Your Tank” checklist that is available online. Tank corrosion is less easily identified and causes nearly 50% of spills. Tank corrosion often occurs from the inside out, making it easier for it to go undetected. However, ultrasonic thickness testing is one way to check for corrosion in tanks under 20 years old. For tanks older than 20 years, ultrasonic thickness testing is less reliable and instead fuel customers should start to consider replacing their tank as it nears the end of its design life of 25 years. In these
situations, DEP recommends double wall or double bottom tanks that minimize risk of a spill due to tank corrosion and has leak detection capabilities in the event of a leak.
The more you know, the m
A spill can impact a fuel customer and their home in several ways. A leak or spill often results in contaminated soil, which can be harmful to those who come in contact with it. Contaminated soil can also lead to contaminated groundwater, a major concern for drinking water if there are private wells or public drinking water supplies in the vicinity. Indoor air quality becomes a concern in the event of a spill, as contaminated soil beneath a home or contaminated material within a home can allow vapors to become concentrated indoors, posing a respiratory hazard. Homeowners will need to work with DEP staff to schedule site visits and allow DEP access to their property for monitoring until remediation work is concluded. Even with intervention, the effects of a spill may subside in a few months or may persist for several years.
All spills, big or small, are a common problem throughout Maine. The impacts of a spill have the potential to affect the fuel customer, the fuel provider, the environment, neighbors, and beyond. Whether the cause is tank corrosion, parts failure, or human error there are ways to prevent these spills from occurring. Spreading awareness of this issue, doing regular tank inspections, and taking preventative actions are just a few examples of how we can work together to address this pervasive issue.
Contact Racheal French at Maine DEP for ideas to protect homeowners from a home heating oil spill; she can be reached at Racheal.French@maine.gov or 207-481-6860.
With the proper knowledge prevented by performing periodic inspections can be done by in inspecting their tank, the
Roughly 400,000 above ground Maine Department of Environmental oil tanks across the state. These hundreds of gallons requiring environmental hazards due customer, these spills can damage, liabilities, and health that the spill was most likely
Most spills fall under one of corrosion is the most common compromising the integrity damage obtained during weather human error include overfilling, into unprotected lines or parts.
MEMA’s Annual Dealer Meetings are held at the end of each calendar year. These meetings held across the State are a chance for members to come together to network, highlight what has happened within the industry throughout the year and to discuss the future and what is on the horizon for MEMA, MTEC and the industry. Legislators are invited and were in attendance at each meeting, creating a direct dialogue between legislators and MEMA members, giving members the opportunity to emphasize the importance of each company, its’ employees, and their contribution to the state of Maine.
MEMA President Charlie Summers began each meeting with welcoming attendees and thanking them for their time and their membership. Charlie reminded members that it is because of their continued membership and engagement, that MEMA is able to provide advocacy, education, awareness, and support for the industry.
Following Charlie’s welcome, Phil Sareceno from Federated Insurance spoke to attendees about the partnership between
Federated Insurance and MEMA. Phil discussed Federated Insurance’s Drive Safe Telematics application. The app aims to change driving behaviors of employees by tracking speed, phone distractions, hard breaking and turning, and driver routes. The app is no cost to Federated Insurance clients and they have seen a 30% Driver Improvement in 30 days. Megan Diver, MEMA’s Vice President, delivered Legislative and Elections Updates, recapping key election results and what those election results mean as we move into the next Legislative Session. Megan highlighted MEMA’s legislative priorities which include, legislation to improve the current B20 law, legislation to improve the propane safety requirements through collaboration with the PUC and lastly, the energy choice legislation that would prevent the prohibition of any type of energy.
Charlie wrapped up each Dealer Meeting with important updates regarding MEMA’s new CDL class and MTEC courses. At the time of the Dealer Meetings, MEMA had just finished up a successful pilot course for the new CDL class, and Charlie announced to members that MEMA would be continuing the course in 2023, free of charge as a benefit to members. MEMA has held one additional CDL course and is in the process of scheduling additional CDL classes throughout 2023. Charlie introduced MTEC’s new Flammable Refrigerants course that is scheduled to begin in 2023, as well as an update on the kitchen equipment that was installed in the lab for MTEC’s new Restaurant Program that will benefit MEMA’s C-Store Members.
MEMA enjoys gathering everyone in the same place to celebrate the holiday season and everything that was accomplished, thanks to the help of all its members, over the past year. Along with serving as an end point, the Dealer Meetings also introduce what’s ahead to keep members informed and motivated to continue to push the industry forward. MEMA looks forward to seeing everyone together again for the 2023 Dealer Meetings, but until then, there is a lot of work to be done to accomplish our goals for this year.
During the holiday season, MEMA had the opportunity to take part in some donation drives to bring some joy to the holidays for those in need. As a part of its annual Christmas Expo, F.W. Webb promoted a Toys-For-Tots donation drive, and the MEMA office volunteered as a drop off location. MEMA staff and MTEC students donated all kinds of toys like Hot Wheels, dolls, and board games. The full box of toys was dropped off to F.W. Webb and the toys were given out to children, making their holiday a little extra special.
The MEMA staff also did a food drive based on an advent calendar. The calendar called for a different, non-perishable food item to be collected during the days leading up to Christmas. Over the month of December, the MEMA staff filled multiple boxes and bags with canned vegetables, crackers, stuffing, and cereal. MEMA took the food donations to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick and learned that the donation weighed 168 pounds! MEMA is looking forward to the next holiday season to do it all over again and hopefully reach the 200 pound milestone.
MTEC Propane Summit
May 3, 2023
The Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn ME
Northern New England Energy Conference
June 11 - 13, 2023
Omni Mt. Washington, Bretton Woods NH
J. Garrie Murray Golf Classic
August 29, 2023
Location TBD
AND MORE AT: maineenergymarketers.com/events
Ӻ MEMA’s Benefit Package provides cost conscious valuable programs for members.
Ӻ As a self-insured MEDICAL plan, our collective efforts in managing health care costs benefit MEMA members rather than the insurance company. Plans include lower deductible options and out-of-pocket limits.
Ӻ Professional partners ensure hospital billing accuracy, apply reasonable cost attribution and challenge exorbitant costs.
Ӻ Valuable consumer assistance with shopping health care at your fingertips.
Ӻ Benefits include fully Insured group voluntary dental, vision, and life plans with nationally recogized insurance companies.
Ӻ Voluntary Individual Life, Disability & Critical Illness plans available.
The Maine Energy Marketers Association’s self-funded Health Insurance Trust is one of the premier benefits of MEMA Membership. MEMA is proud to offer all members exclusive access to selectively organized benefits packages to meet the unique needs of each member company. Our plans are high quality and competitively priced to ensure both employees and employers save money while receiving the best care possible.
As a self-insured plan, our collective efforts in managing healthcare costs benefit MEMA Members rather than the insurance company. Medical plans include lower deductible options and out-of-pocket limits, giving members a competitive edge to attract high-quality employees.
MEMA’s Health Insurance Trust benefits also include fully insured group voluntary dental, vision, and life plans with nationally recognized insurance companies, as well as voluntary individual life, disability and critical illness plans.
Valuable customer service is at your fingertips thanks to MEMA’s dedicated Insurance Administrator Sarah Nadeau. For all benefits related questions, or to request more information about MEMA’s Health Insurance Trust, email Sarah at snadeau@maineenergymarketers.com.
The self-insured plan doesn’t just keep money in the pockets of MEMA Member companies, but their employees as well:
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MEMA PPO plans cover 100% of services performed and billed through doctor’s office after the employee co-pay.
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Preventative medications are covered at no cost to enrollees on the HSA (Health Savings Account) Plan.
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CanaRx offers access to a wide range of brand medications at no cost to enrollees.
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MEMA’s professional partners Diversified Group, The Allumbaugh Agency, ELAP Services and others ensure hospital billing accuracy, apply reasonable cost attribution and challenge exorbitant costs.
The Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Trust Fund is funded by members of Maine Energy Marketers Association who have joined together to collectively insure their workers’ compensation exposures.
Ӻ The Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Trust Fund emphasizes safety. Strong employer-directed safety and loss control programs help prevent losses and promote premium stability.
Ӻ Self-Insuring means that participants qualify for dividends each year in which the group’s costs do not exceed the group’s premiums.
Ӻ Self-Insuring means leaving the commercial insurance market, with its ever changing pricing and loss control service, and becoming part of a homogeneous group with risks and costs easier to quantify and manage.
Ӻ Self-Insuring means you take direct responsibility for your claims and safety procedures.
New England power plants burned more oil for electricity on a single day during last month’s deep freeze than they have in four years, underscoring the gap between Northeastern states’ clean energy targets and the current resource mix in the region.
Oil resources supplied 29 percent of a six-state region’s power on Dec. 24 as temperatures hovered in the teens, natural gas supplies tightened and some generators failed to perform as expected. The amount of electricity generated by oil that day was higher than it had been since a weekslong polar vortex hit New England in January 2018, according to an E&E News review of annual reports from the regional grid operator on fuel use.
New England and New York are the only parts of the country that rely extensively on oil resources for backup power when other electricity supplies are expensive or in short supply. In both regions, oil is used sparingly throughout the year, having accounted for 0.2 percent of the total electric load in New England in 2021, according to ISO New England, the area’s nonprofit grid operator.
But the exception is on days like Dec. 24, when frigid temperatures spurred New Englanders to crank up the heat, leaving less natural gas available for electricity. That pushes electric generators with oil stored on-site to begin burning the liquid fuel.
“It’s certainly better than the alternative of having blackouts,” said Michael Goggin, a vice president at Grid Strategies LLC, a proclean energy electric power consulting firm. “But in the long term, there are much better solutions.”
Natural gas emits about 30 percent less climate-warming carbon dioxide than oil when burned, although oil emits less carbon dioxide on a unit-by-unit basis than the most polluting fuel: coal. Typically, natural gas makes for a cheaper surce of electricity than oil nationwide.
New England’s dependence on oil during times of high energy demand is closely linked to its longstanding reliance on natural gas, which provided just under half of the region’s power in 2021.
When natural gas supplies are constrained and energy demand is high, there is rarely any option other than oil to keep electricity flowing, based on the current resource mix.
“It’s been years that this back and forth switching between fossil fuels has been going on, and it’s not improving,” Amy Boyd, vice president of climate and clean energy policy at Acadia Center, a New England-based environmental advocacy group, said in an email. “We need to instead come to a better solution.”
Experts in New England mostly agree that burning oil on rare, exceptionally cold days is probably cheaper and more politically tenable than another option floated over the years: building additional natural gas pipelines to increase the supply of gas flowing to the area.
Still, one question for New England is how long its old, oil-burning generators will stick around, given how infrequently they run and the high costs of maintaining them relative to how much revenue they bring in, said John Simonelli, the former director of operations support services at ISO New England.
“At some point, I think it’s not sustainable,” said Simonelli, who now works as a consultant. “I don’t think the revenue streams are going to be there, and those units are going to retire. They’re old.”
Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, said earlier this month that oilfired generation performed “at an extraordinary level to support reliability and keep prices lower than they otherwise would have been.” The group represents many of the companies that own oil- and natural gas-fueled power plants in the region.
“It is notable that in the immediate days following the event, generators have devoted large amounts of capital to resupply oil tanks to virtually the same levels as before the storm,” Dolan said in an email.
The use of oil during the Christmas Eve deep freeze exemplifies a challenge that is only becoming more dire: Given that most New England states have established requirements to switch to carbonfree power, how will the region kick its dependence on fossil fuels?
Offshore wind could play an increasingly important role for keeping power flowing on cold winter days in the coming years, assuming proposals stay on track as intended. One offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind, is currently under construction and expected to come online next year, but other facilities being developed won’t start producing power until the mid to late 2020s.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont each have laws in place requiring nearly all of the electricity consumed in their states to come from carbon-free resources by midcentury or sooner.
Several states also have targets that kick in by the end of this decade. A law in Massachusetts, for example, requires the Bay State to cut greenhouse gas emissions from electricity in roughly half by 2030 relative to 1990 levels.
Last year, just 16 percent of power in the ISO-NE region came from renewable resources like solar, wind and hydroelectric dams.
“It’s an unfortunate truth that we rely on gas and oil-fired power plants that pollute to maintain a reliable energy system,” said Mike O’Boyle, director of electricity policy at Energy Innovation, an energy and climate policy think tank. “Clean energy policies, for them to be successful, have to include incentives and investments in technologies that can displace the reliability services that those plants provide.”
Oil-fired electric generators in the Northeast are not a new phenomenon. What’s unusual is that they still play a crucial role for power in New England and New York during select days of the year.
In the 1960s and ‘70s, demand for electricity skyrocketed in New England, Simonelli said, as the population in the region grew. So energy companies built “quick-to-assemble” plants that only burn
oil, some of which are still around today, he said.
Nationally, oil use for electricity peaked in the 1970s, with 16.8 percent of all electricity in the U.S. generated by oil in 1977, said Ari Peskoe, director of the Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School, citing federal data.
New England may have held onto oil assets longer than some other parts of the country.
By 2000, ISO-NE reported that 22 percent of electricity in the region still came from oil, Peskoe said. As the decade went on, natural gas production increased, becoming the most widespread source of electricity nationwide by 2016.
Around the same time, ISO-NE realized that it would need to increase the amount of gas flowing into the region — which lacks natural gas reserves — if it was to rely primarily on that fossil fuel for both heating and electricity.
While pipeline companies over the years have proposed building new pipelines in New England, electricity generators currently lack incentives to sign long-term contracts with developers that would make those projects economically viable, Peskoe said.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) attempted to push forth a policy whereby electric consumers would help finance new pipelines, but that was struck down by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 2016.
“There’s no business model for new pipelines” in New England, Peskoe said in an email.
In 2014, ISO-NE established programs to incentivize generators to be able to perform during tight grid conditions, including by having
dual-fuel capabilities with oil and natural gas. That’s part of why some gas generators today can also run on oil.
“This strategy is a lot less expensive, so just on economics it makes sense, but I think from a climate point of view it makes sense, too,” said David Littell, an energy and environmental attorney at the law firm Bernstein Shur and former commissioner at the Maine Public Utilities Commission. “You might have higher emissions during an emergency situation overall, but you’re not opening massively subsidized pipelines that would give gas preferential treatment.”
While some state and federal regulators have continued to call for new gas pipelines, there would likely be swift opposition from environmental groups and politicians if any were proposed, observers said. Still, the fact that New England burns oil for electricity on days like Dec. 24 can be seen as a byproduct of the region’s struggle to build energy infrastructure in recent years, including some carbon-free projects.
In addition to pipelines, proposed new electric transmission lines have faced setbacks, most notably a proposal from Avangrid Inc. to bring hydropower from Quebec to the New England power grid. The project has been opposed by some environmental groups because of concerns about the impacts of dams in Canada and the effects of the project on wildlife and natural resources in northern Maine.
“Everyone wants to decarbonize and do the right thing and build renewables, but just not near me,” Simonelli said. “As long as we have that philosophy, no matter what you’re trying to build — a pipeline, a transmission line a new power plant — you’re in for a tough fight.”
To reduce New England’s use of natural gas and oil, climate advocates want to see the region move forward with planned clean energy projects and invest more in demand-side programs, which could help reduce energy consumption when supplies are tight.
There are currently about 31 gigawatt-hours of demand response resources in New England, or about 0.03 percent of the total resource mix, according to the grid operator.
At least 10 percent of the electricity consumed on Christmas Eve likely could have been shifted or reduced with the right demandside incentive programs in place, said Mike Hogan, a senior adviser at the Regulatory Assistance Project.
Not only would more demand response help maintain reliability, but it could also save consumers money, Hogan said.
“Examples include electric hot water heating, municipal water pumping, commercial refrigeration units, pre-heating buildings that use heat-pumps, [electric vehicle] charging, and there are many more,” he said. “Everyone would benefit, not just the flexible loads.”
Demand response participation has been “consistent” over the past several years, said ISO-NE spokesperson Matt Kakley.
“In the energy market, they are dispatched by price, similar to generators, so we have seen more activity during periods when prices are high,” Kakley said in an email.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/new-england-clean-energygoals-slam-into-oil-reality/
Properly sizing a propane tank for its application is a process that often gets overlooked. Too often propane tank choices are determined by what will fit in an available space and within current code regulations. Undersized tanks will lead to untimely issues during the coldest of weather and oversized tank sets are a tremendous waste of valuable resources, time, and mone.
When I think of improperly sized propane tanks, generators are the first scenario that comes to mind. Propane tanks are quite often undersized if the homeowner is purchasing the tanks and sometimes oversized if the fuel company is providing the tank, even with a usage fee.
We all also encounter propane customers who insist they need a 1,000-gallon tank to run their 100,000 btu boiler, cook stove and dryer. This may make sense if you can only deliver once a year, but if the property is easily accessible the proper size calculations can help to show what size tank is adequate and how long it can last.
Taking as much time to evaluate tank sizing as is taken to look at tank placement can help avoid many issues down the road. Educating a customer about what is needed can help create greater trust and security as the relationship develops.
RegO has provided a Field Topic which outlines the importance of proper propane tank sizing and a basic method of properly sizing. Be sure to check propane manufacturer spec to get the proper dimensions and to account for a worst-case temperature scenario.
The withdrawal of propane vapor from a vessel lowers the contained pressure. This causes the liquid to “boil” in an effort to restore the pressure by generating vapor to replace that which was withdrawn. The required “latent heat of vaporization” is surrendered by the liquid and causes the temperature of the liquid to drop as a result of the heat so expended.
The heat lost due to the vaporization of the liquid is replaced by the heat in the air surrounding the container. This heat is transferred from the air through the metal surface of the vessel into the liquid. The area of the vessel in contact with vapor is not considered because the heat absorbed by the vapor is negligible. The surface area of the vessel that is bathed in liquid is known as the “wetted surface.” The greater this wetted surface, or in other words the greater the amount of liquid in the vessel, the greater the vaporization capacity of the system. A larger container would
have a larger wetted surface area and therefore would have greater vaporizing capacity. If the liquid in the vessel receives heat for vaporization from the outside air, the higher the outside air temperature, the higher the vaporization rate of the system.
There are three factor that are important to properly size the LPGas storage container:
1. The total BTU load must be determined. The total load is the sum of all gas usage in the installation. Future appliances which may be installed should also be considered when planning the initial installation to eliminate the need for a later revision of piping and storage facilities.
2. The lowest percentage where refilling is best. Please follow up with your company policy and delivery manager to determine your best refill rate.
3. The coldest temperature the system will experience. Sizing to the lowest temperature condition will ensure proper operation of appliance in peak demands.
4. After gathering these factors refer to the calculation in your Rego L-545 Serviceman’s manual.
Sizing underground ASME containers are slightly different than sizing aboveground ASME tanks. There are two deciding factors to effectively size underground tanks: demand of all existing and future appliances and maximum anticipated frost penetration depth. Please refer to PERC CETP training 4.1 module 2 for underground ASME container sizing.
Mounded & Underground containers
Sizing underground ASME containers are slightly different than sizing ASME tanks. There are two deciding factors to effectively size underground demand of all existing and future appliances and maximum anticipated depth. Please refer to PERC CETP training 4.1 module 2 for underground container sizing.
Thank you for reading. Please reach out with questions or any training needs.
Thank you for reading. Please reach out with questions or any training
Matt Wotton Fuel Products Market Manager Matt Wotton Fuel Products Market ManagerSizing underground ASME containers are slightly different than sizing aboveground ASME tanks. There are two deciding factors to effectively size underground tanks: demand of all existing and future appliances and maximum anticipated frost penetration
There is never a dull moment when representing independent family-owned and operated energy marketers in our Nation’s Capital, and EMA continues to stand up to organizations representing interests contrary to those of energy marketers.
EMA’s ongoing efforts in disaster response and reform efforts have significantly improved the efficiency of the federal regulatory waiver process by establishing, for the first time, interagency communication and coordination during declared emergencies. EMA initiated these efforts due to chronic delay and confusion among federal regulatory agencies during emergencies that often cause interruptions in the petroleum distribution chain below the terminal rack. As a result of EMA’s work in this area, drivers are available to move fuel where it is needed without preventable delay. Additionally, streamlining HAZMAT training and testing requirements to focus on petroleum specific education continues to be a top priority.
Meanwhile, EMA is challenging the EPA’s reinstatement of the Clean Air Act preemption waiver for California’s motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards and zero-emission vehicle mandate, and a challenge to NHTSA’s 49 miles per gallon for model year 2026. Both legal challenges aim to maintain the future of liquid fuels. EMA is also working with the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC) to aggressively push for passage of the “Credit Card Competition Act” which would reduce swipe fees for both motor and heating fuels marketers.
EPA is also in the process of modifying the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with its proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and percentage standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Specifically, EMA highlighted the challenges higher ethanol blend requirements could have on existing underground storage tank systems. EMA called for a reduction to the proposed corn ethanol volume mandate while acknowledging support for a permanent E15 year-round fix provided Congress appropriates over $1 billion for small to medium sized companies to make UST system compatibility upgrades.
Meanwhile, EMA argued that EPA’s proposed biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel volumes through 2025 are not consistent with the industry’s projected growth, or with the
Administration’s own goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EMA supported an increase in RVOs for biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel volumes given that there is room for growth in that segment. Renewable diesel fuel is the game changer for the energy marketing industry because it has the same ASTM specifications as diesel fuel and can be used in existing USTs.
Additionally, EPA has proposed limiting the separation of RINs assigned to biodiesel blended into diesel fuel at a content of 20 percent or less. EMA confirmed with the EPA Office of Air and Radiation in writing that the 20 percent blend concentration limit does not apply to designated heating oil blended with biodiesel. Still, EMA requested the agency provide clarifying language in the final rule highlighting that fuel designated as heating oil is not subject to the 20 percent blend concentration limitation, including transportation diesel fuel redesignated as heating oil and subsequently blended with biodiesel. EMA also remains fully committed to improving and extending the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) in the upcoming Farm Bill discussions. EMA’s federation of state and regional trade associations were critical in getting NORA over the finish line during the last two Farm bill reauthorizations.
Another important issue facing all liquid fuel energy marketers is EPA’s eRIN proposal that would allow automakers to generate eRINs based on the EVs they sell by establishing contracts with parties that produce electricity from qualifying biogas. EMA argued that the EPA lacks the authority to implement the proposed eRIN credit for renewable electricity because it is inconsistent with the statutory purpose of the RFS, which is to support the production of renewable fuels, not the production and sale of certain vehicle technologies that eRINS are designed to promote. Making automakers RIN generators is a clear attempt to siphon capital away from liquid biofuels to electric vehicles and potentially heat pumps.
It is safe to say 2023 has been a busy year so far. To learn more, EMA encourages you to attend its annual Washington, DC Conference and “Day on the Hill” May 10-12 at the Mayflower Hotel. Please go to www.energymarketersofamerica.org for more information and visit www.fuelmatters.org to keep up to date on issues impacting energy marketers.
