Some propane users advised to conserve due to fear of shortages from winter delivery problems

We don't have one with snow ...

In this especially cold and snowy winter in much of the nation, residents are struggling to cope with the lack of resources to keep warm—especially in rural areas, which are, in some cases, beyond the reach of utilities. Depleting propane stocks are the biggest problem; according to the Propane Education & Research Council, more than 14 million families and 1 million businesses rely on propane to heat their homes and workplaces, Elisha Fieldstadt reports for NBC News.

Propane users are encouraged to limit their consumption because of the shortage. "Propane customers in the Upper Peninsula should use their propane supplies wisely in the coming weeks by reducing usage and avoiding energy waste," Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman John Quackenbush told NBC affiliate WILX on Monday.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich declared an energy emergency and called for the delivery of propane gas shipments along with top officials in 17 other states. They loosened rules for energy transportation to help deliver propane to those who need it, Fieldstadt writes.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, One reason for the propane deficit its use in November to dry corn crops during a rainy harvest. "Propane prices in the Midwest will likely need to rise to keep propane in the region," and mid-January, average propane prices in the U.S. were 58 centers higher per gallon than during the same time last year, EIA reported.

Winter storm warnings are in effect today for New England, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., including areas along the coast of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. (Read more)