Butane-Propane News

01/17/2025

How Do Elections Impact Energy Policy?

In this Q&A, NPGA President Steve Kaminski dives into the executive branch’s role in shaping energy policy, the impact of federal and state regulations, challenges like gas bans and how propane advocacy drives energy choice and sustainability.

This Q&A with NPGA CEO Steve Kaminski explores how presidential elections shape energy policy and propane advocacy amid evolving federal and state regulations.

01/15/2025

How do we go about selecting energy options that are safe, equitable and sustainable? Energy policy is a tricky field, with countless perspectives and factors to consider.

Cinch Munson with the World Liquid Gas Association talks on the "energy trilemma" and how we might have a great solution that ticks all the boxes right in front of us: propane.

The "energy trilemma" is a helpful diagnostic tool used by the energy industry to think through policy that meets the criteria of a workable energy solution. And it is a tool that might lead us right back to propane.

01/13/2025

When a minor repair turns into a major setback! Eason Propane's new bobtail truck was devastated by a repair error, leading to a $260,000 court victory.

Read in David Schlee's article how the Mississippi Supreme Court upheld justice in Eason Propane v. Empire Truck Sales.

The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld a $260,000 verdict for Eason Propane after a repair error caused a fire that ruined its new bobtail truck.

01/10/2025

As we enter further into 2025, propane companies engaged in the M&A sector will be keeping an eye on essential factors at play in the market.

Barrett Conway with Cetane Associates shares the three areas that he recommends you give special consideration to put your business in the best position for M&A deal-making.

With 2025 promising to be a year with potentially significant changes in the domestic market, here are three key areas to keep an eye on to stay ahead in the M&A sector.

01/08/2025

Rising energy costs and restrictive electrification policies are leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher bills. Propane remains a reliable, cost-effective solution.

Discover why balanced energy policies matter in an article by Chris Ventura, Executive Director, Consumer Energy Alliance — Midwest.

Electrification policies risk higher costs and fewer choices, highlighting the need for balanced energy solutions.

01/06/2025

As we welcome the new year, it's prime time to reconsider old habits — perhaps especially our social media habits.

To kick off the year's first edition of Verbatim, propane leaders consider the role of social media in their lives — the good and the bad. Take a look at their responses below.

In this edition of Verbatim, your propane colleagues consider the benefits and downsides of social media use. Is social media something that should be left behind, or is there a healthy way to incorporate it into our daily habits?

01/03/2025

Ready to tackle 2024 with a solid plan? Strategic planning is the key to navigating challenges like workforce shortages, evolving customer needs and regulatory pressures.

Marty Kirshner, partner and leads the Energy Practice Group, and Bryan Pearce, director of strategic business planning at Gray, Gray & Gray LLP, share insights from the 2024 Propane Industry Survey to build resilience and drive growth.

Strategic planning is vital for propane companies facing challenges like regulatory pressures and workforce shortages. Insights from the 2024 Propane Industry Survey and proven principles can build resilience, improve efficiency and drive sustainable growth.

12/25/2024

Wherever you are celebrating the holiday season, our Christmas wish is that you are warmed by good company, joyful traditions and festive fun — and perhaps a propane heater or two.

The BPN team hopes today — as well as every holiday you are celebrating — is a time of refreshment and rest for you and your loved ones. We'll see you in the new year!

12/23/2024

Meet December's Industry Insider: Paula Summers. The founder of Summers Engineered Capital shares her hopes for the future of the industry and talks on the importance of financial resiliency.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a look!

In this edition of Industry Insider, BPN heard from Paula Summers, founder of Summers Engineered Capital, on the ways the propane industry has changed over the course of her career, as well as the advice she would give to those just entering the industry.

12/21/2024

Thinking about mergers and acquisitions in the propane industry? Whether you're buying, selling or planning for the future, having a solid strategy is key.

Check out Mike Procopio's, from PDI Technologies, article including an M&A checklist to navigate transitions smoothly and keep your business thriving.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are reshaping the propane industry, driven by evolving heating preferences, regulatory pressures and an aging ownership base. Success requires careful planning, clear communication and readiness to ensure smooth transitions for employees and customers.

12/18/2024

What to Do During a Propane Service Interruption? Propane interruptions can happen for many reasons — empty tanks, appliance malfunctions or system maintenance. Keeping your team prepared is key to safety and efficiency!

Learn how to streamline your approach and ensure safety for your customers, employees and company from Shawn Litchfield of P3 Propane Safety.

Interruptions of service (IOS) disrupt propane flow and require tailored responses. This article highlights common IOS scenarios and stresses clear policies, employee training and documentation to ensure safety and efficiency.

12/16/2024

It's official — cold weather season is here and isn't going away for a while. Propane deliveries will see a boost as we enter the busy season.

To better prepare your company, take some time to prioritize the behind-the-scenes operations of your back office. Jon Gilbert of Qualpay and Kelly Engel of FuelMor Propane Software are here to help as they discuss ways to increase your software efficiency.

Optimizing back office processes is critical to running an efficient and successful propane delivery business. Here are some tips to keep on your radar as you dig into your software operations.

12/13/2024

Finding the right partner to buy your propane business is perhaps the most essential component of selling your company.

Christina Armentano with Paraco shares five tips to help you make the right decision for your brand as you meet with potential buyers.

Click the link below to read more:
https://bpnews.com/feature-articles/finding-right-buyer-maintain-prioritize-your-brands-reputation

12/11/2024

With the start of 2025 around the corner, many are reflecting on how to prioritize what matters most — whether that’s embracing health and personal growth, cherishing family and friends or even stepping away from resolutions altogether.

Explore these unique approaches to the New Year in an article by Nancy Coop from Cetane Associates and find inspiration for your own journey!

This column explores the diverse perspectives on New Year’s resolutions, showcasing how individuals approach goal-setting with varying levels of enthusiasm and creativity. From prioritizing health and family to rejecting the tradition altogether, these reflections highlight the evolving nature of ...

12/09/2024

In "slower" winter seasons, it's tempting for propane marketers to put things on autopilot and become complacent. But DD Alexander with the National Propane Gas Association suggests a different approach.

Now is the time to reassess your relationship with your propane supplier. Here are some questions and pointers to think about as you consider the status of your supply model.

In "slower" winter seasons, it's easy for propane marketers to become complacent in their supply strategy. But now is the time for marketers to take stock of the relationship they have with their supplier.

12/06/2024

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has announced applications are open for its 2025 Leadership in Energy Ambassador program. In announcing the application period, PERC released the following:

"PERC is seeking passionate and forward-thinking marketers to apply for the 2025 Leadership in Energy Ambassador program. This educational program provides critical content, competency development and tools in crafting data-driven messaging and strategy that resonates with key business decision-makers and specifiers. Sessions will explore leveraging AI tools and developing real-world marketing assets.

The select group of individuals who will be accepted into this program must seek nomination from their Company CEO or owner, agree to pre-and post-meeting work, and be enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage with their communities and other industry colleagues."

Those interested can follow the link below to apply:
https://propane.com/leadership-in-energy-ambassador-program/

12/06/2024

Looking to grow your propane business?

Mike Gioffre of Blue Peak Resources shares expert tips for navigating the competitive M&A market — know what to look for and make your next move a success! From resources to location and synergies, these strategies can help you drive long-term growth.

Succeeding in the propane M&A market requires careful evaluation of the seller's motivations, resources, culture, finances and location. By focusing on these factors and potential synergies, you can identify acquisitions that enhance growth and competitiveness.

12/04/2024

Here's something that shouldn't take anyone by surprise: Sometimes things go wrong with propane. Dealing with a highly combustible source of energy brings with it inherent risk. When human error is added to the equation, this can have deadly consequences.

In this month's edition of Propane & the Law, attorney David Schlee takes a closer look at a tragic case involving an explosion that killed a volunteer firefighter.

After an explosion killed a volunteer firefighter and injured 11 others, a propane technician has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Here's a play-by-play of the events that led to the tragic explosion and why a jury landed on a guilty verdict.