States, propane industry urging residents to stock up now, in case of another brutal winter

Last year's brutal winter hit many Americans in the pocketbooks, especially people who depend on propane for heat. Residents living in rural areas and in the Midwestern U.S. who rely on propane spent about 54 percent more last winter than in 2012-13, while those relying on heating oil, largely in the Northeast, paid about 7 percent more, natural gas consumers 10 percent more and electricity consumers 5 percent more. That's why states and the propane industry are asking residents to think ahead this year, just in case another harsh winter is around the corner. (Peakoil.com graphic)

Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education and Research Council, told the National Association of State Energy Officials: “America makes more than enough propane to meet U.S. demand, yet the transportation challenges we faced last winter stressed many propane providers and customers. The best thing propane customers can do to avoid any weather-related difficulties this winter is fill their tanks now.”

“By filling tanks early, customers and propane retailers, many of whom are small businesses, can better plan for supply needs and work together to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and safe winter," he said. "Because delivery and payment programs vary by company, it’s important that customers have a conversation with their provider to start making plans for winter today.” (Read more)

States are also urging residents to be prepared. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said, “Last winter was one we’ll all remember. This is especially true for some propane customers who found it challenging to find additional propane as cold temperatures lingered. That’s why now is the time to get an early fill, lock-in prices ahead of the heating season and get on a budget payment plan, if available.” The state website offers tips and resources for being better prepared this winter. (Read more)

Minnesota, which had its coldest winter in 30 years and suffered propane shortages, is also asking residents to fill up early, Nick Gerhardt reports for the Kenyon Leader. To combat the shortage problem, Dave Wager, Propane Operations Manager of Central Valley Coop in Northfield, said "more than 20 million more gallons have been delivered in Minnesota this summer compared to last year."

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the state's propane industry said in addition to filling up tanks early, residents should enroll in automatic propane delivery instead of waiting until they need more, monitor propane tanks and request more when it hits 25 percent instead of when it's almost empty, consider going on budget plans to avoid large winter bills and look into fuel efficiency options. (Read more)