Propane industry to residential customers: Plan for winter now

Unprecedented demand for propane for grain drying and home heating led to temporary price surges and strained the nations transportation infrastructure last winter, even as U.S. propane production reached all-time highs.

This fall, the Propane Education & Research Council and propane industry are taking proactive steps to ensure that residential propane heating customers and agribusiness operators, among others, fill up early and make arrangements with propane providers to keep their tanks full.

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, said Roy Willis, PERC president and CEO. The best thing propane customers can do to avoid any weather-related difficulties this winter is fill their tanks now.

A multimedia safety campaign, featuring TV and online advertising in states hit hardest last winter by temporary price surges and deliverability challenges, begins today. The campaign directs customers to propanecomfort.com where they can take a quiz to determine if they are adequately prepared. For those who havent already made arrangements, the quiz encourages users to consider early fills, automatic refills, and payment programs.

According to Willis, the most important step customers can take this winter is a simple one: to start a conversation with their local propane provider.

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. Because delivery and payment programs vary by company, its important that customers have a conversation with their provider to start making plans for winter today.

At propanecomfort.com, customers can also review top safety and efficiency tips, including:

1 Make sure that you have an adequate propane supply. Ask your propane provider about payment programs and scheduling regular visits so that theres always enough propane in your tank. This will help avoid ever running empty if inaccessible roads delay deliveries.

2.Confirm that your heating system and appliances are running efficiently. Before the start of each heating season, have a qualified service technician inspect and service your appliances and propane system. When appliances are running as efficiently as possible, you conserve fuel and save money.

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Propane industry to residential customers: Plan for winter now