LP/Gas articles from November 2008

LP/Gas archives from November 2008

It's time to rev our engines: the industry is shifting resources to motor fuel, but time is running out.(The pH Factor)
November 1, 2008... Maybe propane's role as a motor fuel will finally find some traction now that the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is committing big bucks to equipment development and promotion. In its largest engine fuel project ever, PERC just...

PERC, Roush partner to expand vehicle line.(Propane Education & Research Council)(Roush)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Despite disappointing sales to date, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has agreed to expand its funding commitment to partner with Roush in the development of a multiyear, multi-platform OEM propane vehicle program through 2010....

Winter fuels outlook: home space heating costs to climb.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
November 1, 2008... According to the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook report released Oct. 8, household expenditures for space heating are projected to be 15 percent higher this winter compared with last winter....

LP/Gas stock index.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
November 1, 2008... LP/Gas Stock Index [PROPANE MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP COMPARISON] Quarter Price Company Symbol Ended (10/16/08) Distribution Yield AmeriGas APU June $26.5 ...

Heating degree days by state.(Weather Watch)
November 1, 2008... [HEATING DEGREE DAYS BY STATE] DEVIATION DEVIATION FROM LAST 12 FROM STATE SEPTEMBER NORM MONTHS NORM Alabama ...

Gas pains.(Cartoon)
November 1, 2008... THE ENERGY GUYS FEEL THE HEAT [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Roush recalls 213 Ford F-150 LPI trucks.
November 1, 2008... Roush Performance Products Inc. has recalled 213 of its 2007-08 Ford F-150 liquid propane injection trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall summary, the hydrocarbon paper affixed to the inside...

Stable insurance market exists.(LETTER TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I read Brian Richesson's recent column in LP Gas Magazine, and as a dues-paying insurance provider member of the NPGA it made me angry. The NPGA is proposing an NPGA-endorsed insurance program to the detriment of the many dues-paying insurance...

FERC approves NGL shipments on Dixie; conference postponed.(Conference news)
November 1, 2008... The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)issued an order on Oct. 22 accepting Tariff 94 filed by Dixie Pipeline to allow shipments of certain NGLs from Mont Belvieu to Anse La Butte and Breaux Bridge, La. The decision came despite...

SBA-guaranteed loans may help marketers.
November 1, 2008... Now that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has revised the small business criteria (with the threshold now based on the total number of employees, set at 50), propane marketers should not overlook benefits of this designation,...

Document detailing price factors now available online.
November 1, 2008... NPGA finished a report earlier this year addressing the various factors that influence the price of propane. From that report a condensed executive summary was created highlighting key points and discussing important factors, such as freight...

PERC shapes 2009 agenda, approves funding measures.(Propane Education and Research Council)(Brief article)(Conference notes)
November 1, 2008... The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is planning for a leaner, more regionally focused effort in the weak housing market on its 2009 agenda. It is also expanding on its commercialization strategy to help manufacturers bring to market...

Rescue bill includes tax-credit extensions for propane.
November 1, 2008... President Bush signed into law omnibus financial rescue legislation on Oct. 3 that contained three propane tax-credit extensions. Specifically, the bill extended the 50-cent-per-gallon fuel tax credit through the end of 2009 and the propane...

Texas Railroad Commission grant to help fleet operators.
November 1, 2008... The Texas Railroad Commission, the state's chief energy agency, has received an additional $12 million from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The grant will help fleet operators in 34 counties replace their old forklifts, school...

Paraco acquires Erichsen's Fuel Service of Highland, N.Y.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Paraco Gas Corp. acquired the propane operations of Erichsen's Fuel Service of Highland, N.Y. Paraco immediately assumes propane distribution to about 500 Erichsen residential and commercial customers in towns and municipalities throughout...

CSB releases Ghent investigation report, issues recommendations.(Chemical Safety Board)(Report)
November 1, 2008... The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released its investigation report of a 2007 explosion that destroyed a convenience store in Ghent, W.Va., killing four people and injuring five others. The report found that escaping propane vapors from...

In the know.(Vital Signs)(Gas Checks)(Statistical table)(Survey)
November 1, 2008... Propane Resources surveyed 417 retail propane marketers across the United States regarding the following questions about performing Gas Checks. We received responses from 81 companies. Here is what they had to say. Outcomes: If this...

Events.(Vital Signs)(Conference news)(Calendar)
November 1, 2008... * DEC. 4-5 PERC council meeting in Houston, TX. For details, contact Anna Gaboton at anna.gaboton@propanecouncil.org or 202-452-8975. * JAN. 16-17, 2009 Marketers' Management Forum to be held at the Embassy Suites in Phoenix, AZ. For...

Presidential election 2008 Obama vs. McCain.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] [ENERGY PLATFORMS] Barack Obama * Windfall profits tax on domestic oil companies, with revenue to taxpayers * Put 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in fuel supply by 2030 * Cap-and-trade...

Election season ends with voters deciding the next president.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)
November 1, 2008... Amid an unstable economy and a nation skeptical about the future, voters headed to the polls this month to decide the next president. At press time, candidates Barack Obama and John McCain had wrapped up their third and final debate and...

Change of outfit: new agency weighs future of industry advertising campaign and considers fate of 'Energy Guys'.(AD CAMPAIGN)(Cover story)
November 1, 2008... For l0 years, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has worked to advance the use of propane in this country by raising awareness among consumers, homeowners and builders. For nine of those years, the council was helped by Porter...

Refurbishing market expanding: growth driven by higher cost of new tanks, tighter regulations and delivery economics.(TANKS)
November 1, 2008... As the cost of steel continues to rise along with the pricing for new tanks, propane marketers are increasingly opting to set refurbished vessels on customers properties. Those in the tank-refurbishing business, who boast of the quality...

Move past this retail myth: to reach their potential, companies first must have financial tools in place.(Business Matters)
November 1, 2008... There is a small business myth about hard work and results that remains alive in our industry. In retail propane this myth says that if we take real good care of our customers and treat our employees well, the financial side of the equation...

Know the safety situations: lessons can be learned from report detailing West Virginia explosion.(Safety First)(employee safety education)(Report)
November 1, 2008... I am often frustrated with leaders who put commerce before safety. Mostly that is because I see the carnage from questionable leadership in the form of accidents related to a lack of training, poorly maintained equipment and apathetic procedure...

Strength in numbers: it's time to join homebuilders who say electric water heaters are obsolete.(Marketing In Motion)
November 1, 2008... At a recent benchmarking meeting of custom homebuilders from across the country, I was making a presentation on the many reasons they should choose propane as the primary energy source when building beyond the natural gas mains. Part of my...

Why nine is a big number: Democrats will enhance their power by reaching 60 seats in the Senate.(Washington Report)
November 1, 2008... In the past month, huge financial numbers have been thrust at Americans in ways we have never seen: a $700 billion financial rescue package, a possible trillion-dollar deficit and another possible $250-$300 billion stimulus package. But one of...

Propane suppliers guide: an expanded directory of the propane industry's top product sources.(SUPPLIERS GUIDE)(Directory)
November 1, 2008... Alternative Fuels Inc. P.O. Box 555 Milford, OH 45150 Phone: 800-733-3061 Fax: 513-722-2741 E-mail: alternativefuels@cinci.rr.com Web site: www.propanefirst.com Date founded: 1994 Owner: Tracey Edwards ...

Lock.(Product Showcase)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Netherlocks is launching the Smart Handwheel Lock (SHL). The key transfer lock can be fitted like a simple lockout device to any size or type of handwheel-operated valve. No valve details, extra parts or customized...

Screwdriver.(Product Showcase)
November 1, 2008... Klein Tools offers its new magnetic screwdriver with a 32piece tamperproof bit set for secure, fastening applications with the flexibility to tackle a variety of projects. The Klein magnetic screwdriver has a sturdy bit and screw-holding magnet...

Product Web site.(Product Showcase)
November 1, 2008... The Ditch Witch organization, along with Equipment Web Services (EWS), a division of Dominion Enterprises, announces the launch of DitchWitchUsed.com. Ditch Witch dealers can upload their used inventory into the EWS database and have the...

Chain hoist.(Product Showcase)
November 1, 2008... Morris Material Handling Inc. introduces the Zip-V electric chain hoist. With lifting capacities from 1/8 to 5 tons, the chain hoist is safe, reliable and easy to maintain, according to the company. It is available in various speeds and...

Reliable propane: New York company finds value in reaching customers through newsletter.(Snap Shot: COMPANIES TO WATCH)
November 1, 2008... When Reliable Propane launched its company newsletter in 2002, President Ken Albrecht was pictured wearing a shirt and tie. "We had seen a newsletter from a larger company in the area and the owner was wearing a shirt and tie in the photo,"...