LP/Gas articles from August 2003

LP/Gas archives from August 2003

Buying made affordable.(View Point)
August 1, 2003... Propane marketers in general--and small business owners in particular--stand to save thousands of dollars in capital costs following the federal tax cuts recently signed into law by President Bush. The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief...

Tracking key numbers.(In The Know)
August 1, 2003... At our Propane Marketing and Operations Forum in Kansas City in October, participants were surveyed before each session. Responses were used to structure the class according to those answers. Here is the survey for the Track Key Numbers...

LP/gas stock index.(Illustration)
August 1, 2003... Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Ended (7/14/03) AmeriGas APU March $26.75 $2.20...

Propane MLP price history.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Historic price index Propane stock price history calculated by averaging unweighted prices for AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, Heritage, Inergy, Star Gas and Suburban master limited partnerships. Sources: Public information and A.G. Edwards &...

Weather watch.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Heating degree days by state State June Deviation Last 12 Deviation from norm months from norm Alabama 2 0 3043 188 Alaska ...

Upcoming events.
August 1, 2003... * September 7-9 Propane Resources annual Marketing and Operations Forum at the Fairmount Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. For details, visit www.propaneresources.com or call 913-262-3393. * September 7-9 Wisconsin Propane Gas Association's...

A safety conscience must be exercised.(Safety First)
August 1, 2003... Call them gremlins, shoulder angels or devils, leprechauns, fairies or elves--it is the weight our conscience that determines the choices we make every day. In our personal and professional lives we rationalize choices with regard to our...

Tax law changes help sellers.(Business Matters)
August 1, 2003... The tax liability created when retail propane business owners sell their company can be significant. The amount owed as the result of a sale is always an eye opener for shareholders of small businesses--retail propane companies being no...

Feds look to boost spending.(Washington Report)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending bill for 2004 with $1.8 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, an increase of $111 million over 2003 and $100 million above the administration's budget request. The...

Domestic production up.(Briefly speaking: notes from Capitol Hill)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2002 Petroleum Supply report, domestic production of propane propylene grew from an average of 817,000 barrels per day in 1986 to 1.12 million barrels in 2000. Production fell to 1.09...

Appliance energy labeling.(Briefly speaking: notes from Capitol Hill)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Federal Trade Commission has amended its Appliance Labeling Rule to reflect new energy conservation standards and test procedures. Starting next year, residential clothes washers, for instance, must operate 22 percent more efficiently, with...

Stockbuilds slow.(Briefly speaking: notes from Capitol Hill)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Propane stockbuilds slowed considerably to 1.8 million barrels following more robust activity through June, according to the Energy Information Administration. The slowdown was attributed to fewer imports, which had been the driving force for...

No pipeline safety changes.(Briefly speaking: notes from Capitol Hill)(Research and Special Programs Administration)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... After consulting with several advisory groups, the Research & Special Programs Administration has opted not to revise pipeline safety regulations. It had considered allowing alternative mitigation measures while operators seek permits for...

Private firms feel heat of new law too.(Legal Ease)
August 1, 2003... Last year, President Bush signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which makes sweeping amendments to securities laws and other laws affecting public companies. It was enacted largely in response to the Enron, Worldcom and Global Crossings...

What's hot this year: sales brisk for marketers who push programs presented by heating appliance suppliers.(The Home Heating Market)
August 1, 2003... Fireside chats have become a popular pastime for many Americans in this post-9/11 era as they seek a warm and fuzzy comfort zone within their homes. Propane marketers with showrooms that convey feelings of serenity, love, family and friendship...

Experts warn of danger caused by inadequate repairs.
August 1, 2003... Propane marketers should encourage their customers to replace rather than repair appliances damaged by floods and other weather-related calamities. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association also recommends that all work on flooded equipment...

All Star Gas files for Chapter 11 protection to restructure debt.(Lebanon, Missouri)
August 1, 2003... All Star Gas Corp., the nation's 16th largest propane retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to restructure the debt of the company and its subsidiaries. The company says it has has reached agreement in principle with its...

CARB drops forklift proposal in 'major victory' for industry.(Sacramento, California)(California Air Resources Board)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The California Air Resources Board has dropped a proposed ban of all but zero-emission forklifts by 2005 in what the National Propane Gas Association is calling a "major victory" for the propane industry. NPGA said the proposal would have...

New propane fueling station destined for Austin airport.(Austin, Texas)
August 1, 2003... The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is building a new propane fueling station to serve the airport's propane shuttles and the general public. The station will serve airport contractor AMPCO System Parking's 29 propane-fueled shuttle...

PERC's safer grilling marketing support materials recalled.(Washington, D.C.)(Propane Education and Research Council)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Propane Education & Research Council is recalling its marketing support materials designed to help retailers promote safe propane grilling. After materials were sent to some retailers, PERC staff noticed that a parenthetical note...

Regulatory compliance guidelines available online.(Washington, D.C.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Revisions to the Propane Regulatory Compliance Guide are complete and available to be downloaded from the PERC web site. The guide is part of the Propane Regulatory Compliance Program that includes an accompanying handbook and an...

PERC offers pilot forklift training program.(Washington, D.C.)(Propane Education and Research Council)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Propane Education & Research Council along with the Propane Vehicle Council plans to offer a pilot Forklift Technician Maintenance & Training Program for companies that operate Class 4 and 5 large spark ignition, propane-fueled forklifts....

Security requirements available on NPGA fact sheet.(Washington, D.C.)(National Propane Gas Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The National Propane Gas Association has released a fact sheet on the new security requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation's HM-232 security regulations. Dubbed NPGA Member's Brief: DOT's New Security Regulations (HM-232)...

NPGA warns of Miyairi cylinder valve problems.(Washington, D.C.)(National Propane Gas Association )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The National Propane Gas Association has received reports from cylinder exchange companies and cylinder re-fillers of potential problems with Miyairi valves manufactured in Thailand by a company called SCG. There have been instances where...

PERC announces schedules for training sessions.(Washington, D.C.)(Propane Education and Research Council)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Propane Education & Research Council is scheduling one-day Certified Employee Training Program orientation and administration programs for propane and affiliated industry managers, supervisors and employees. The program will be offered...

NFPA train-the-trainer seminars at 5 sites.(Quincy, Massachusetts)
August 1, 2003... The National Fire Protection Association will hold a series of train-the-trainer seminars in August, September and October to offer intensive training regarding the 2002 edition of NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, and the 2001 edition of NFPA...

RegO announces regulator service life change.(Elon, North Carolina)(Engineered Controls International Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Engineered Controls International Inc., the manufacturer of RegO Products, is announcing a change in the recommended service life of RegO regulators from 15 years to 25. "As a general recommendation, the safe useful life of single-stage...

Kamco celebrates plant grand opening.(Oakville, Ontario)(Kamco Products Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Kamco Products Ltd, manufacturer of polyethylene-coated copper tubing for natural gas, propane, fuel oil, potable water and various industrial applications, celebrated the grand opening of its new Oakville, Ontario location June 20. ...

Water heater controller recalled for flashback.(Washington, D.C.)(from GSW Industry Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of the gas temperature controls on GSW Industry Inc. water heaters. The commission reports there is a burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water...

Inergy buys assets of Ohio retailer Phillips Oil.(Kansas City, Missouri)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Inergy, based in Kansas City, MO., has acquired the assets of Phillips Oil and Propane Inc., of Leipsic, Ohio. The firms will be consolidated into Inergy's Hancock Gas Service operation located in Ottawa, Ohio. Phillips Oil and Propane Inc....

Heritage buys Love assets in South Carolina.(Tulsa, Oklahoma)(Heritage Propane Partners L.P.)(Love Propane Gas)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Heritage Propane Partners has acquired the assets of Love Propane Gas, which has more than 800 customers in and around the York, S.C., area. The founders of Love Propane--Paul and Melinda Norris--have opted to relocate and pursue other...

PERC funds NPGA registration fees for Pinnacle.(New Orleans, Louisiana)(National Propane Gas Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... State rebate funds were made available for the first time to make the National Propane Gas Association Pinnacle Conference financially accessible to propane marketers. At a meeting in New Orleans, the PERC Council approved applications...

Construction heater.(Products)(from Flagro Industries Limited)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Flagro Industries Limited of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, offers its model F-1500T "Heat Cannon," which produces 650,000 low-fire to 1.5 million high-fire Btu/hour. This model is a portable forced-air construction heater that operates...

Convection heater.(Products)(from Flagro Industries Limited)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Flagro Industries also introduces its model F-150 "Heat Cannon." The propane-powered, horizontal, convection heater is designed for construction applications. Its heat output can be adjusted from 50,000 to 150,000 Btu/hour, and it does not...

Tent heaters.(Products)(from Flagro Industries Limited)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Flagro Industries presents its "Heat Cannon" tent heaters. The heaters (models THC-85 and THC-175) run on propane or natural gas, and are available in 85,000 or 175,000 Btu/hour. Potted controls keep out moisture, and a thermostat and...

Ceramic heaters.(Products)(from Gas Fired Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Space-Ray of Charlotte, N.C., introduces its infrared ceramic heaters for spot- and area- heating applications. The new DK Series, which runs on propane or natural gas, features a honeycomb tile design to provide more radiant surface for...

Infrared heating system.(Products)(from Roberts-Gordon Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Roberts-Gordon offers the Roberts Gordon ULTRAVAC Control for its line of CORAYVAC infrared heaters. The company is the first to patent fully modulating infrared systems with this control. The control allows building owners to modulate...

Personal gas monitor.(Products)(Crowcon)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Crowcon of Milford, Ohio, presents Tetra, a system that monitors up to four gases and gives simultaneous viewing of gas readings, alarm conditions, and battery life. Tetra can be customized for different applications. If a hazard is...

Remote valve operator.(Products)(fromm Smith Flow Control)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Smith Flow Control of Erlanger, Ky., offers Flexi-Drive, a device for the remote operation of valves in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations. The system consists of an operator station, a valve station actuator and a patented flexible...

Odor detection system.(Products)(from YZ Systems)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... YZ Systems of Conroe, Texas, introduces its DTEX Odorant Detection System that streamlines the testing cycle for the propane and natural gas industries. The hand-held, electronic instrument features menu-driven, step-by-step instructions....

Handheld communicator.(Products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Meriam Process Technologies of Cleveland announces the availability of its MFC4100 HART communicator and configurator. The unit has dedicated flash memory for 600 device descriptions and dedicated, non-volatile memory for storing more than...

Propane cutting torch.(Products)(from Victor Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Victor Equipment Co. of St. Louis, Mo., offers the new Victor Bulldog HC 1100C Series propane torches, designed specifically for jobs where operators need a lightweight, maneuverable unit. The torch can cut through up to 14-inch material,...

Routing software.(Products)
August 1, 2003... GEOCOMtms of Quebec, Canada, has added a "Compatible Services" function to it's A.MAZE software. The addition was designed to simplify the management of incompatible products and services, which often must be delivered through the same...

Propane weed torch.(Products)(from Flame Engineering Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Flame Engineering Inc. announces that its Weed Dragon Propane Torch Kit and CD-100 Cylinder Dolly have received the member-tested seal of approval from the National Home Gardening Club. The torch kit offers users a safe, natural way to...

Stainless steel grill options.(Products)(Ducane Heating Corp.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Ducane Gas Grills offers new options for its Stainless Series line of gas grills. Dual stainless steel, built-in side-order cookers have 15,000 Btus each and include a full, flat stainless steel cover to hold pots and protect island...

Telescoping cranes.(Products)(from Auto Crane Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Auto Crane Co. introduces the new 3203 series electric over hydraulic telescoping cranes. The 10,000 foot/pound cranes come in four models, all of which provide 30 feet/minute line pull speed with a hoist that eliminates any brake slippage. The...

Telescopic service crane.(Products)(Stellar Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Stellar Industries Inc. of Garner, Iowa, announces the improved design of its Stellar 5728 telescopic service crane. The medium-lifting crane has a 36,000 foot/pound capacity and can lift 5,000 pounds at seven feet. It has a planetary winch...

Putting PERC into perspective.(Let's Talk)(Propane Education and Research Council)
August 1, 2003... As I end my term as chairman of the Propane Education & Research Council, my perspective about PERC has changed during my six years as an independent propane marketer on the council. Over those years, I've been troubled by some of the...