MEMA MAG Spring 24

MEMA

MAG SPRING 2024

ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, & EDUCATION FOR MAINE’S ENERGY MARKETERS

+

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS SEE PAGE

20

MTEC UPDATE: FUELING THE FUTURE AND MORE!

P R O U D LY

MANUFACTURING TRAILERS IN THE USA FOR ALL YOUR HAULING NEEDS Contact MAC LTT for more information about your next trailer.

330-474-3795 • www.MACLTT.com MAC LTT 1400 Fairchild, Ave. Kent, OH 44240

MAC LTT 1430 HWY 87 E Billings, MT 59101

MAC LTT Stainless 1799 Gover Parkway Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

CONTENTS 04 05 07 08 10 12 14 16 20 23

SPRING 2024•Volume 7•Issue 1

From the Desk of Charlie Summers Meet Our Team & Board of Directors MTEC 2024 Course Schedule MTEC UPDATE

Fueling Growth: MTEC's Exciting Journey of Transformation Under New Leadership

08

12

20

23

2024 Schedule of Events EMA Update

ARE EVs here to stay?

Energy Pac For Maine Legislative Update

16

State of the State Address

Fuel Your Love 2024 Tech Corner F.W. WEBB

MEMA MAG is a quarterly magazine designed to engage and communicate with members with useful, timely, and memberrelated content. MEMA MAG will be published four times a year.

Do you have a suggestion for MEMA MAG? Would you like to ADVERTISE? Contact Meghan Sylvester, Communications & Marketing Specialist at MEMA. Email her at msylvester@ maineenergymarketers.com or call 207-729-5298.

ON THE COVER: Photo courtesty of Eastern Oil & Propane

Copyright 2024 Maine Energy Marketers Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from MEMA and/or the publisher. Printed in Maine, USA. maineenergymarketers.com

3

FROM THE DESK OF

F

or the ninth year in a row, one of the highlights of Maine's 2023/2024 heating season is the Maine Energy Marketers Association's "Fuel Your Love" program. On behalf of your MEMA team, I express our profound gratitude to everyone who participated in this important and widely anticipated effort to give back to the communities we serve by helping those in need. Your generosity and compassion have made a tangible difference in the lives of deserving Mainers, illuminating the communities we serve with warmth and kindness. Thank you so much for your continued support of Fuel Your Love, as well as being a part of the MEMA family!

Turning to our work in Augusta, your MEMA team is fully engaged as the legislature enters the final stretch of the Second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature. With Maine's liquid fuels and C-store industries under constant attack, Megan, Jon, and I continue to leverage relationships to ensure that the economic and environmental benefits of the small businesses that MEMA represents are not overlooked or ignored. Legislators like Senate President Troy Jackson, Senator Matt Harrington, Senator Trey Stewart, Senator Lisa Keim, Senator Jeff Timberlake, and all who continue to honor the Energy Choice election pledge they signed in 2022 are stalwarts in advocating for Energy Choice, and we are grateful for their leadership and commitment to this important issue. For further insights into our advocacy efforts in Augusta, I encourage you to read Megan Diver's legislative update on page 16.

As always, your MEMA team will continue our work to encourage and support thoughtful, common-sense policy that ensures Maine is at the

4

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

forefront of energy innovation driven by the free market, that contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future, and which enables Mainers to choose heating solutions that work best for their homes and businesses.

Finally, it is with great sadness that I let you know that Hannah Estes' partner Brian Peppe, or "Peppe" as we all knew him, passed away on February 24th after suffering a heart attack at their home in Auburn. Peppe was a good man, a loving father, partner, and friend to everyone. He was also an important part of our MEMA family and will be missed greatly by all fortunate enough to know him. I ask that you please keep Hannah and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this very challenging and difficult time.

Looking forward to seeing you in the field,

Charlie

MEET OUR TEAM

CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT

MEGAN DIVER

VICE PRESIDENT

ROGER MITCHELL

DAVID CUPKA

MTEC DEAN

HANNAH ESTES

BUSINESS MANAGER

MTEC INSTRUCTOR

COLLEEN EGE

ADMIN ASSISTANT

SARAH NADEAU

INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

MEGHAN SYLVESTER

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD MATT POOLE | COLBY & GALE ROGER ARSENAULT | COMMUNITY ENERGY CARTER VAILLANCOURT | DAIGLE OIL COMPANY CASEY CRAMTON | DEAD RIVER COMPANY MICHAEL MCCORMACK | DOWNEAST ENERGY MICHAEL ESTES | ESTES OIL & PROPANE MAX MARSTON | FABIAN OIL CHARLIE BURNHAM | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR CARRIE TOMFORDE | IRVING OIL MARK GAGNON | P. GAGNON & SONS INC. KATIE FOSTER | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC. TIM HEUTZ | RINALDI ENERGY MARK ST. GERMAIN | ST. GERMAIN STEVEN MCGRATH

ASSOCIATION BOARD JAMIE ROBINSON | A.E. ROBINSON OIL CO. DAVID BABCOCK | ADAMS & FOGG OIL 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

MICHAEL MCCORMACK

CARTER VAILLANCOURT

DOWNEAST ENERGY

DAIGLE OIL CO.

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

VICE CHAIR

STEVEN MCGRATH TREASURER

JIM CARROLL | J.P. CARROLL FUEL CO. STEVE NESS | NESS OIL COMPANY ROBERT TRACY | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC. - ALT. ELWIN SCOTT | SIMARD & SONS, INC. KRISTYN SCHWEITZER | SPRAGUE ENERGY PAULA PALMER | SPRAGUE ENERGY-ALT. MICHAEL TAMMARO | V.L. TAMMARO OIL

KATIE FOSTER SECRETARY

RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC

maineenergymarketers.com

5

TM

ready for what’s next? we are here to continue delivering on the legacy you built.

We have the banking services you need no matter what business you’re in.

BUSINESS FINANCING | MERCHANT SOLUTIONS BANGOR PAYROLL® | CORPORATE SERVICES | BUOY LOCAL®

1.877.Bangor1 | bangor.com | Member FDIC

6

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

For a confidential consultation, call or email us at 603-822-3708 or janderson@eastern.com

maineenergymarketers.com

7

MTEC UPDATE

FUELING GROWTH MTEC's Exciting Journey of Transformation Under New Leadership

8

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

E

xciting transformations have been underway at MTEC over the past year. After an eleven-year hiatus, Roger Mitchell returned to MTEC with a bang, stepping into the role of the new Dean. He wasted no time spearheading a project aimed at revamping our course curriculums. These updates have brought about some thrilling changes, including a streamlined approach to our HVAC Professional Program. What used to span fourteen weeks has now been condensed to an intensive twelve-week program that incorporates the full suite of training for A/C, refrigeration, heat pumps, oilheat, propane, and natural gas.

In the fall, we welcomed David Cupka to our team as an instructor, bringing with him more than forty years of experience in the HVAC industry. Currently, we're on the cusp of adding another full-time instructor to our roster, with the final stages of recruitment underway. With this expanded team, we're gearing up to broaden

our offerings, including the addition of second-level training classes this year.

Reflecting on our past achievements, it's clear that we've been buzzing with activity. Last year alone, over 400 students graced our facility for licensing and manufacturer training, a testament to our growing reputation. Plus, we've received high praise and support from industry leaders, with several training units generously provided by both Oil and Gas manufacturers. Not to mention, our recent Biofuel demonstration for Senator Angus King and the Maine Fuel Board Inspectors was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of biofuels to slash carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, the future at MTEC is

Dean Roger Mitchell (right) works with student in MTEC's gas and propane lab.

brimming with promise. Our goal for the coming year is to get our instructor staff up to full throttle, expanding our offerings for on-site training for our esteemed member companies. But here's where you come in – we want your input!

Your involvement in identifying the types of Advanced Training needed will be invaluable as we strive to tailor our programs to meet your company's unique needs. Together, let's fuel growth, educate, and elevate your employees to new heights. The possibilities are limitless, and we're ready to make it happen!

Please contact Roger Mitchell at

rmitchell@maineenergymarketers.com.

Instructor David Cupka (right) with student in MTEC's gas lab.

maineenergymarketers.com

9

10

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

UP TO

88.6

UP TO

UP TO

91.0

AFUE

System 2000

8 7. 0

AFUE

Ascent Plus ™

®

Non-condensing high efficiency oil, gas or biofuel.

Your complete line of high efficiency American-made heating systems!

Combi boiler oil, gas or biofuel.

AFUE

Ascent Combi ™

Combi boiler oil, gas or biofuel.

dy!

fuel rea t a e h io B % 0 0 1 ®

BIOHEAT CAN CUT CARBON EMISSIONS UP TO

85%

YOUR ENERGY KINETICS REPRESENTATIVE:

JIM PIKE 207 266-4199

INSTALLS IN ONE DAY WITH COOL, EASY, INEXPENSIVE SIDEWALL OR CHIMNEY OR POLYPROPYLENE VENTING!

PLUS:

uel

Multi-F

•

• Multi-Fuel! Oil or gas!! Don’t get trapped!

• Runs on oil, natural gas, propane OR biofuel

(compliant with blends of up to 100% biodiesel!)

Efficient! Combined heat and hot water in one boiler Whisper quiet! Replace 2, 3 and 4 section oil boilers!

Lifetime Limited Warranty † Proven 30 year boiler!

• •

•

•

Better heating. Bigger savings.

†See actual

warranty for details.

Call us today for 908 735-2066 more information EnergyKinetics.com ®

Energy Kinetics is an ENERGY STAR Partner and a leading manufacturer of ENERGY STAR heating equipment. ® The color yellow for heating boilers is a registered trademark of Energy Kinetics.

maineenergymarketers.com

11

EMA UPDATE

ARE EVs HERE TO STAY? LET’S ASK EV ENTHUSIASTS TOM BRADY, HERTZ AND FORD

T Fuel powers our vehicles, homes, and businesses, and it’s essential that we highlight the impact of fuel-related issues on our lives.

12

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

here’s no doubt that EVs are here to stay, but the public is starting to figure out that EVs aren't quite what celebrities and pundits make them out to be.

Hertz, once an EV enthusiast, is now reverting to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) citing high EV insurance and repair costs. This change is a stark contrast to last year's high-profile EV promotions featuring celebrities like Tom Brady.

Can you believe it? Only a year ago, we witnessed Tom Brady’s Hertz commercial where he jumps up on a couch to show his excitement on the future of Hertz’s big bet on EVs while trying to mimic Tom Cruise’s viral crazy town interview with Oprah Winfrey. I gotta hand it to Tom, he’s one heck of a futuristic investing genius… Those FTX/crypto commercials come to mind. And just recently, Ford indicated that only half of its dealers will commit to selling EVs in 2024, down from two-thirds wanting inventory last year. High charging costs and low consumer interest has Ford dealers pulling back their support. These recent developments in the industry, from

shifts in corporate strategies to legislative advocacy, highlight the need for you attend to EMA's Annual DC Conference and “Day on the Hill” May 15-17th, which is your opportunity to meet with members of Congress to educate them about EMA’s top policy issues affecting the energy marketing business.

Some of EMA’s top policies heading into 2024 include educating members of Congress on electrification issues such as charging infrastructure, EV value retention, unreliability during disasters, and range anxiety.

Additionally, I encourage you to spread the #FUELMATTERS Message during your hill visits about fuel-related issues and invite others to join the conversation. #FUELMATTERS is a way to fuel the discussion around important issues

BY ROB UNDERWOOD, EMA PRESIDENT

around fuel that affect every one of us, day in, day out. Fuel powers our vehicles, homes, and businesses, and it’s essential that we highlight the impact of fuel-related issues on our lives. Consider sharing it by going to fuelmatters.org.

that support E15 sales create significant economic burdens for these small business owners.

Additional funding is needed to ensure safe and efficient UST systems are in place to allow all fuel marketers to offer and sell E15.

EMA is also focused on securing additional funding for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol, such as E15 plus blends. HBIIP grants support transportation fueling, fuel distribution, and home heating oil distribution facilities, lowering out ofpocket costs for businesses to install or upgrade fuel dispensers, storage tanks and systems, and other related equipment. Unfortunately, the costs to upgrade UST systems and dispensers

EMA plans to continue to encourage lawmakers to support the “Credit Card Competition Act” which would simply require that credit cards issued by the largest U.S. banks have at least two unaffiliated card payment networks available to process transactions. Nearly ten years ago, Congress opened the debit card market to competition, and businesses and consumers have all benefited. But today, retailers have limited choice of network when it comes to credit card transactions. While there are nearly a dozen independent networks equipped to route transactions, credit cards

only have one network enabled on a card and lack any back up options if there is an outage. This results in higher costs for the consumer, less security, and less innovation.

And finally, EMA continues to encourage lawmakers to include a five-year extension of the National Oilheat Research Alliance in the base text of the 2024 Farm Bill. An extension through October 1, 2033, would provide NORA with the needed certainty to continue longterm research, certifications, and partnerships.

As I’m finishing drafting this article, I just received a text from a friend who said he’ll never rent an EV again. He was in San Francisco for a work trip and decided to rent an EV to see if he wanted to buy one in the future.

He also was optimistic since he was renting in the friendliest EV charging city in the land only to find out that charging was a pain. His biggest complaint with EVs was finding a reliable charger and said that until EV chargers can charge a vehicle in less than 5 minutes to compete with the 3-minute ICEV fill-up, he couldn’t justify buying one. No wonder private equity and big corporations want to get into the liquid fuels market- we're here to stay! maineenergymarketers.com

13

ENERGY PAC FOR MAINE

Whether it be Maine legislators or members of Congress, Government intrusion into every aspect of our personal, business, and work lives is no longer a worry—it’s a fact. This, coupled with out-of-control tax and spending policies and unprecedented efforts to eliminate the liquid fuels industry—i.e., your business—means that we can no longer remain on the sidelines or simply “sit this one out”—that luxury no longer exists. Our industry can deliver the cleanest, most cost-effective, and energy-secure solution for Maine's future, but electrification proponents want to put us all out of business today. To stop them, we will need every tool in our toolkit: advocacy, communications, education, and more. Help MEMA bridge the gap by making a generous contribution now.

PAC funds assist MEMA in threats that aim to legislate liquid heating fuels and propane out of business.

Dues alone are insufficient to meet these enormous challenges. We therefore urge your business to consider a generous contribution to the 2024 advocacy fund.

Your support helps us: • Advance legislative policies in Maine that preserve and protect our energy security and reliability.

• Combat efforts to "electrify everything" without consideration of the costs and consequences.

• Promote weatherization, efficiency, and renewable liquid fuels like bioheat and renewable propane.

• Defend against burdensome regulations on HazMat transportation and keep CDL drivers on the road.

Soon, we will see candidates prepare for the 2024 General Election. It is crucial to our industry that we 14

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

elect members of the legislature that support you and your business.

We ask you for a 2024 contribution to MEMA’s ENERGY PAC for Maine.

Silver: Gold: Platinum: Petroleum: Other:

$500 $1,000 $2,500 $5,000 $________

How to contribute: • Visit web.maineenergymarketers.com/events/ Maine-Energy-PAC-Donations-765/details to donate online or • Call MEMA at 207-729-5298 to make your contribution by phone or • Mail a check to: ENERGY PAC for Maine 25 Greenwood Road Brunswick, ME 04011 Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your consideration… your support is needed now more than ever. With your active support over the next year, we will actively engage in a sustaining future for the liquid fuels industry and Maine.

One Source, Many Solutions.

TerraVest Industries offers buying, renting, or leasing of durable and high-quality propane storage and transport equipment through our family of companies.

Don Nichols - New England Territory Manager 207-737-9704 | dnichols@terravestsales.com For more information, visit terravestindustries.com.

maineenergymarketers.com

15

LEGISLATIVE

UPDATE

T

he Second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The second, shorter session is expected to adjourn by mid-April. It is limited to bills carried over from the first session, budget matters, new proposals from the Governor, and emergency proposals approved by legislative leaders. More than 300 bills were carried over from the first legislative session that ended in June 2023.

They will be taken up, along with more than 90 bills approved as emergency legislation. Lawmakers and Gov. Janet Mills may also continue to introduce bills once the session starts. The majority of these were printed by the beginning of February.

Guns, housing and spending plans for state revenue surpluses are among the biggest issues facing Maine lawmakers. Lawmakers put forth more than a halfdozen new bills this fall in the wake of the Oct. 25 mass shootings that left 18 people dead and and 13 injured.

Two proposals – from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland – have been accepted for consideration.

The second session will also see the conclusion of work by the Joint Select Committee on Housing, which was formed at the start of the 131st Legislature to address Maine’s lack of affordable housing.

At the end of November, state officials said they are

16

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

BY MEGAN DIVER, MEMA VICE PRESIDENT

projecting a $139 million revenue surplus in the current fiscal year and a similar surplus in the next, setting the stage for Mills to submit a supplemental budget for the Legislature’s consideration. Mills discusses this in her State of the State.

Governor Janet Mills delivered her State of the State on Tuesday, January 30. Governor Mills declared that the "State of our State is strong" because of the resilience and resolve of Maine people in the wake of some of the most difficult times in recent Maine history.

The Governor dedicated the entirety of her televised State of the State Address to addressing public safety in the wake of the tragedy in Lewiston and to rebuilding and strengthening Maine's climate resiliency following three recent extreme weather events that inflicted significant damage across the state.

The speech was the second part of the Governor's 2024 State of the State Address. The first part of her address, in which she unveiled new initiatives to tackle several pressing issues, was released Tuesday morning in a letter to the Legislature and Maine people.

Calling the October shootings in Lewiston "shocking events that have threatened our personal security, our community safety, and our very character as a state," Governor Mills honored the victims, those injured,

and their families and paid tribute to the heroism that punctuated the moments of darkness.

She announced that in her forthcoming supplemental budget, she will create a fund similar to the one created in Virginia last year and capitalize it with $5 million to be invested over time that can be used to cover the long-term medical needs of those injured last October.

The Governor also called on lawmakers to join her in an effort to “restore our sense of personal safety.”

Governor Mills announced that in the coming days, she will introduce legislation to address violence and improve public safety in Maine. The legislation stems from conversations the Governor has had with lawmakers, organizations, and people from across Maine.

The Governor’s three-pronged legislation would improve violence prevention, strengthen mental health services, and keep weapons out of the hands of people who should not have them by: ESTABLISHING AN INJURY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM AT THE MAINE CDC: Recognizing that Maine does not have a violence prevention program like many states, the Governor proposed creating an Injury and Violence Prevention Program at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a central hub to bring together data about

violence related injuries and deaths that is currently kept separate (such as in police reports, medical examiner files, and emergency department files) to allow us to identify patterns to inform public health and prevention measures to reduce suicides and homicides in Maine.

STRENGTHENING MAINE’S MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM: The Governor proposed to establish a statewide network of crisis receiving centers –a proven model of behavioral crisis intervention–so that any person suffering a mental health crisis can get prompt and appropriate care. The proposal builds on the successful Portland center, and the one being established in Kennebec County, to immediately build a crisis receiving center in Lewiston while developing and implementing a plan for a broader network that provides greater access to behavioral health services for people across the state.

PROHIBITING DANGEROUS PEOPLE FROM POSSESSING WEAPONS: •

Strengthen Maine’s Extreme Protection Order Law: Calling the inability of law enforcement to take the Lewiston shooter into protective custody to initiate the extreme protection order law and remove his weapons “a gap that must be addressed,” Governor Mills said she will propose a change to the law to allow law enforcement to seek a protective custody warrant signed by a judge, in unusual circumstances, to take a person into protective custody, providing them with another tool to use at their discretion to take dangerous people into custody to remove their weapons.

•

Institute National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for Advertised, Private Sales: The Governor said she will propose addressing the issue of private gun sales by requiring any advertised firearm sale to be checked against the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), as is required for commercial sales at federally licensed firearm dealers.

•

Incentivize NICS Checks for Unadvertised, Private Sales: The Governor announced she will propose strengthening Maine law to make it easier to prosecute anyone who sells a gun to someone not allowed to have one and to toughen Maine law to make that type of illegal sale a felony, not just a misdemeanor. This approach will mean that transfers maineenergymarketers.com

17

of firearms to family members or trusted friends, as is common in Maine is common in Maine, will remain unchanged, but it will incentivize checks against the NICS system for private, unadvertised sales to unknown individuals through the threat of increased risk of prosecution and prison time.

The Governor also said Maine must respond to a recent series of severe storms and historic flooding by taking “immediate steps – right now – to make our towns, homes, and businesses more resilient to climate change and these awful storms.”

The Governor proposed two significant investments to improve infrastructure vulnerable to flooding, rising sea levels, and other extreme events, including: $5 MILLION INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PARTNERSHIP: Governor Mills will allocate $5 million in her supplemental budget to help another 100 cities, towns, and tribal governments create local plans to address vulnerabilities to extreme weather through the Partnership, adding to the 175 communities who have joined the program since it was launched. $50 MILLION INVESTMENT IN THE MAINE INFRASTRUCTURE ADAPTATION FUND: Saying “I propose taking from the Rainy Day Fund to respond to some pretty rainy days we’ve had and some rainy days ahead,” the Governor proposed to invest $50 million from Maine’s record-high Budget Stabilization Fund – known as the Rainy Day Fund – to help Maine communities ensure their infrastructure can withstand the impacts of climate change. The Maine Infrastructure Adaption Fund, created by the Mills Administration and the Legislature, provides grants for significant infrastructure adaptation, repair and improvements that support public safety, protection of essential community assets, regional economic needs, and long-term infrastructure resiliency. Projects may include working waterfront infrastructure, culverts, storm water systems, water system upgrades, and other interventions that support reducing or eliminating climate impacts, especially coastal and inland flooding.

Governor Mills closed her remarks by reflecting on the people of Maine, saying, "We are who we always have been — a people with a deep and abiding sense of right and wrong, determined to look out for one another, knowing how very lucky we are to live in this beautiful state."

18

MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

PUC REPORTS TO THE EUT COMMITTEE ON PROPANE STAKEHOLDER As you will recall, MEMA worked with PGANE and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at the beginning of 2023 to submit a bill to the Legislature. The bill was turned into a resolve to create a stakeholder group between the Propane industry and the PUC relating to the So-called Dig Safe Law. LD 1479 was passed into law and the stakeholder group met through the fall to work together to change the so-called Dig Safe law, which was more workable for the industry but also addressed the safety concerns of the PUC. The PUC gave their report to the Energy, Utilities and Technology (EUT) Committee on Thursday, February 8 (directed to do so by law). The EUT committee chose to report a bill out and reference it back to their committee for a public hearing. MEMA will notify you as soon as this bill is printed. We will need YOUR help and encourage you to testify or submit testimony.

The stakeholder group included, by law, One or more representatives from the Maine Energy Marketers Association; One or more representatives from the Propane Gas Association of New England; One or more individuals who own or operate a liquefied propane gas distribution system of various sizes that has an underground tank or pipe; One individual representing the Department of Environmental Protection; One individual representing the Maine Fuel Board; One individual representing the Office of the State Fire Marshal; One individual representing the interests of property and casualty insurers; One individual representing the Maine chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America; and Any other person that the commission determines necessary to ensure that all interests regarding the discussion in section 1 are represented fairly.

The recommendations included in the report represent a narrowly tailored solution that could greatly reduce the administrative burdens associated with participation in the Dig Safe system without compromising safety.

The PUC showed appreciation to the participation of all members of the stakeholder group and were impressed with the attendance of members over the course of the meetings and the willingness of members to discuss complicated, but important issues. The PUC recognizes that, at times, participation in Dig Safe for both operators and excavators can be administratively burdensome; however, it emphasizes that those burdens need to be measured against ensuring the highest level of public safety. While the industry did not get everything that we were hoping, we were able to strike a balance between the burden of compliance with the need to protect public safety in an efficient and effective manner.

The three recommendations that resulted from stakeholder discussions are as follows: 1. Exempt from the definition of "underground facility" found in 23 M.R.S. § 3360-A(1)(E), LPG distribution systems that have underground pipes located on a residential lot, if that system is connected to no more than one structure, the structure contains no more than two dwelling units, and the propane tank is located 25 feet or less from the structure;

2.

3.

Clarify the definition of "underground facility" as it relates to LPG; and Initiate a rulemaking to amend the Commission's Rule, Chapter 895: Underground Facility Damage Prevention Requirements, to reduce the number of Dig Safe tickets issued to operators and owners of underground facilities where the facilities are not located in the area of the planned excavation.

If you have any questions, please contact Megan Diver MEMA continues to advocate daily at the State House on behalf of our members. As always, please watch for the Legislative Updates, published every Friday during the session, Legislative Alerts, and Call to Action, which are more time-sensitive matters sent to you as they happen..

Specialized transportation services since 1958. Whether transportation or maintenance needs, we are here to service our customers!

Call us today to see how we can help!

207-850-7975 | www.HOBOUCHARD.com maineenergymarketers.com

19

FUEL YOUR

For over nine years, participating MEMA members have made it their mission to support their communities, demonstrating that giving back is woven into the fabric of their business ethos."

20 MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

L

ove was truly in the air this Valentine's Day as the Maine Energy Marketers Association (MEMA) launched its 9th annual "Fuel Your Love" event, spreading warmth and compassion across the state.

On Valentine's Day, the spirit of generosity soared as MEMA member companies stepped up to the plate, topping off the fuel tanks of customers who couldn't afford it themselves.

These acts of kindness weren't just gestures – they were lifelines extended to single mothers, individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, veterans, families grappling with job loss or illness, and our neighbors with special needs.

The impact of FYL goes far beyond providing warmth; it serves as a powerful reminder of the compassionate spirit within Maine's fuel industry. For over nine years, participating MEMA members have made it their mission to support their communities, demonstrating that giving back is woven into the fabric of their business ethos.

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES Atlantic Heating Company Bob's Cash Fuel Colby & Gale Dead River Company Dixfield Discount Fuel Eastern Propane & Oil Fielding's Oil & Propane Murray-Heutz Oil & Propane M.W. Sewall Maine Standard Biofuels RH Foster Energy V.L. Tammaro Oil Co.

PROGRAM SPONSORS H.O. Bouchard

TRUCK SIGN SPONSOR

Global Partners LP EVENT SPONSOR

delivery costs, and drivers. This year, a lineup of compassionate companies hit the road, spreading warmth and love to those in need.

The "Fuel Your Love" program, a heartwarming initiative by MEMA, aims to assist Mainers facing financial challenges during the harsh winter months. But it's MEMA's member companies that make the event possible as they provide the fuel,

Charlie Summers, President and CEO of MEMA, expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering commitment of members to their communities, emphasizing that the essence of "Fuel Your Love" lies in the duty to help where help is needed.

successful "Fuel Your Love" event, we extend heartfelt thanks to the 2024 Fuel Your Love Month Sponsors, whose support helped make this heartwarming initiative possible.

To learn more about Fuel Your Love, please visit: exploreheatingoilmaine.com/ fuel-your-love.

As the curtains close on another maineenergymarketers.com

21

22 MEMA MAG | Winter 2023

TECH CORNER MEETING FEMA LP TANK BUOYANCY GUIDELINES

R

esidents in Maine are still dealing with the aftermath of dramatic flooding that occurred earlier this year. One of the many issues we saw from the flooding was vertical tanks being swept away and hidden underground tanks being unearthed, defying their anchorage to cement slabs and rising defiantly to the surface. This narrative of destruction isn't unique to Maine; it echoes the broader pattern of catastrophic weather events that have hit the United States over the past year.

Originally featured in our Fall 2023 issue, this article takes on renewed significance after the recent historic floods, prompting us to revisit its critical message. Below, you'll find essential specifications aimed at preventing runaway LP tanks during flood scenarios. These are based on FEMA tank buoyancy guidelines, issued after Hurricane Katrina, for above or in-ground

tanks and containers for storing gasoline, water, natural gas, LP, or heating oil.

The info below covers standard LP tanks from Quality Steel Corp. It includes excavation depths for in-ground tanks, pad dimensions, and number of straps necessary to secure a tank. Note that other tank sizes may require different pad sizes.

Vermont is the only state that requires LP tanks to be tethered, enacting this requirement after hundreds of LP tanks from the state floated down the Connecticut River into Long Island Sound when Hurricane Sandy hit. While not widely mandated, following the FEMA guidelines and properly securing LP tanks for your customers is still a prudent safety measure. It will probably make your local inspector happy, too.

maineenergymarketers.com

23

24 MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

maineenergymarketers.com

25

26 MEMA MAG | Spring 2024

LPG SYSTEM DESIGN & ENGINEERING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES TRANSPORTATION BULK TANK SALES

Janna Shippa

800-807-7288 603-381-0710 Janna.Shippa@nglep.com

Jack Murdock

518-733-0101 518-588-2569 Jack.Murdock@nglep.com

ph. 717.799.4322 | www.hiltzpropanesystems.com

ORDER. MADE TO TO LA DE ST .

MA

FA M

I LY

OW N

E D SINC

9 E1

27

OUR LOCATIONS 190 rumery Street So. Portland, ME 04106 207.767.2136 4 ryan road Bow, nh 03304 603.226.6541 Contact us today to learn how Hews Co. can help your truck go to work for you.

CUSTOM PROPANE BODIES SPECIALIZING IN: PrOPanE BODIES CUSTOM BODIES CranE BODIES DEMOUnTaBlE fOrklIfTS DUMP BODIES lIfTgaTES PlaTfOrM BODIES SErvICE/MEChanIC BODIES TrUCk MOUnTED CranES van BODIES

maineenergymarketers.com

27

25 Greenwood Rd | Brunswick, ME 04011

Connect and Learn with Other Industry Leaders Discuss best practices for tackling challenges facing your industry at the Risk Management Academy. Leave with new professional peers and tangible risk management takeaways to implement at your business.

AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER BENEFIT FOR 119 YEARS DIRECT, LOCAL MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES AUTO PROPERTY AND CASUALTY SELF-INSURED RETENTION POLICYHOLDER SURPLUS LIVE VOICE CUSTOMER SERVICE MYSHIELD® TAILORED, INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC COVERAGE BUSINESS SUCCESSION AND ESTATE PLANNING STABLE FACE-TO-FACE RELATIONSHIPS FINANCIAL STRENGTH MUTUAL COMPANY DIRECT CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVES 500+ EXCLUSIVE ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY NETWORK ANNUITIES

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT MEMA MEMBERS WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER LIFE AND DISABILITY INCOME PRIVATE BONUS PLANS KEY PERSON COVERAGE WORKERS COMPENSATION HIRING PRACTICES FEDERATED DRIVESAFESM TELEMATICS SOLUTION RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCE CENTER EMPLOYMENT RELATED PRACTICES LIABILITY EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEY NETWORK BONDING EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAINING RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY CLIENT CONTACT CENTER FIELD RISK CONSULTANTS CERTIFICATE CENTER SURETY SPECIALISTS MANAGED CARE CYBER

Scan to learn more about the RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY.

Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income | Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries** | federatedinsurance.com 23.03 Ed. 11/23 *View A.M. Best Rating Guide information at www.ambest.com. **Not licensed in all states. © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company