In recent months, electricity prices across the United States have seen another significant increase, adding to the already rising cost of living and doing business. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has reported that electricity prices have been steadily climbing, with no immediate relief in sight. For propane businesses, this shift presents both challenges and… Continue reading Electricity Prices on the Rise Again
Upgrading equipment on a regular basis is essential for keeping a business competitive, efficient, and safe. However, the process can be costly and disruptive if not carefully planned out. This guide provides a complete breakdown of how to plan and budget for equipment upgrades in a way that makes sense for your business and minimizes… Continue reading When and How to Invest in Equipment Upgrades
Choosing to work with third-party propane suppliers can have a big impact on your business. Whether you’re considering this route to meet growing demand or to reduce costs, it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges. Here, we dive into both the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. What Are Third-Party… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Working With Third-Party Suppliers
The propane industry plays a crucial role across various sectors, from residential heating to powering commercial and agricultural operations. Yet, the industry faces a unique set of challenges that can impede operational efficiency, safety, and profitability. As customer expectations evolve and regulatory demands grow, propane companies must address key issues such as safety, compliance, tank… Continue reading Beyond Delivery: The Propane Everything App
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – December 04, 2024 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that ShepGas, LLC. (“ShepGas”), located in Mt. Pleasant, SC, has acquired Carolina Gas Co, LLC. (“Carolina Gas”), located in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The transaction closed on November 8, 2024. Carolina Gas was established in 1998 by Steve and Wanda McDuffie.… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of Carolina Gas
Safety in the propane industry is foundational. With a variety of tasks that require meticulous attention and skill, industry workers need to be well-prepared to handle any on-the-job risks effectively. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers an exceptional resource for this in the form of their Propane Personal Safety Course, designed to educate… Continue reading Promoting Safety with PERC’s Propane Personal Safety Course
A great customer service team is the backbone of any successful business. In the propane industry, where service reliability and client satisfaction are crucial, a skilled team can build trust, solve problems quickly, and keep clients happy and loyal. Here are the qualities of an outstanding customer service team and why it’s important to get… Continue reading What Makes a Customer Service Team Stand Out?
Handling customer cancellations gracefully and trying to win them back are critical components in maintaining a strong business reputation and a solid customer base. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to approach this sensitive issue. Listen and Understand First, it’s vital to listen to why a customer is canceling. Whether it’s due to cost, dissatisfaction… Continue reading Winning Back Customers After Cancellations
The propane market continues to play a key role in the global energy mix, driven by its widespread use across various residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a versatile hydrocarbon that can be easily stored and transported. Its efficiency and lower carbon emissions make it an attractive option for… Continue reading Propane Market Growth: Key Drivers and Trends
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – November 14, 2024 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Santa Energy, located in Bridgeport, CT, has acquired West Oil Company, Inc. (“West Oil”), located in North Adams, MA. The transaction closed on October 15, 2024. West Oil Company was founded in 1949 by Edward and Dorothy West. They… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of West Oil
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is actively engaging with the U.S. Department of Labor to address critical safety concerns related to Process Safety Management (PSM). This safety program, overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), sets stringent requirements for facilities handling over 10,000 pounds of hazardous materials. Propane facilities were previously exempt… Continue reading Enhancing Safety in Propane Operations
Optimizing the timing of discounts in your propane business is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge without sacrificing profitability. This detailed guide provides insights into the strategic timing of promotions and how these tactics can specifically benefit your bottom line. Understanding the Best Times for Discounts Off-Peak Seasons The demand for propane noticeably drops as… Continue reading Smart Timing for Discounts in Your Propane Business
As a propane business owner, staying informed about the latest regulations is essential. New standards introduced in the propane industry often focus on enhancing safety, environmental standards, and operational efficiency. Understanding and adapting to these changes is vital to maintain compliance and avoid penalties, which can directly impact your bottom line. Understanding New Regulations Updated… Continue reading Navigating New Propane Regulations
Exploring international markets may offer significant opportunities for propane businesses looking to expand. Understanding the impact of export opportunities can help these businesses leverage global demand to increase their growth and profitability. Broadening Market Reach Expanding into international markets opens up new opportunities for propane businesses. By exporting, companies are not only limited to domestic… Continue reading How Exports Affect Propane Businesses
Propane has emerged as a reliable energy source for critical power needs, especially in areas prone to grid disruptions. A recent discussion between Microgrid Knowledge and Bert Warner from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) highlighted the role of propane in combined heat and power (CHP) systems. These systems not only ensure energy resilience… Continue reading Propane Enhances On-Site Power Reliability with CHP Systems
On November 5, Washington state voters decisively passed Citizen Ballot Initiative No. 2066, marking a significant victory for energy choice. The initiative, supported by a coalition including the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), prevents the state from banning or limiting natural gas and propane usage in residential and commercial buildings. This outcome empowers consumers to… Continue reading Washington State Voters Uphold Energy Choice, Reject Anti-Gas Policies
If you’re running a propane business, you know that every dollar counts significantly when expanding or upgrading equipment. Tax breaks can make these investments substantially more affordable, helping you invest more money into your business. Here’s how tax breaks can make a difference in your propane business and how they might impact your growth. How… Continue reading How Tax Breaks Fuel Growth in Propane business Investments
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with customers, but it’s an easy arena in which to slip up. Propane companies can sometimes unwittingly make mistakes that hinder their online presence and customer engagement. Here’s what to watch out for. Ignoring Customer Engagement One of the biggest mistakes companies make online is not responding… Continue reading Common Social Media Errors Propane Companies Make
Hiring the right technicians is crucial for the success of your propane business. Here are five key qualities to consider when evaluating candidates for this all-important position: 1. Technical Expertise First and foremost, a proficient propane technician must possess a solid foundation in technical skills. This includes knowledge of propane equipment and systems, safety protocols,… Continue reading What Should You Look for in New Technicians?
In the fast-paced world of propane distribution, supply surprises can occur at any moment. As we move toward the end of the year, propane businesses must be prepared for potential disruptions that could impact their operations and customer service. Factors such as unexpected weather changes, geopolitical issues, or shifts in demand can all affect propane… Continue reading Weathering the Storm: Smart Strategies for Unforeseen Propane Supply Challenges
In today’s digital age, a robust online presence is crucial for any business, including those in the propane industry. An often-overlooked strategy to enhance online visibility is gathering and leveraging customer feedback through surveys. When integrated with tools like Google My Business (GMB), customer surveys can significantly improve a company’s reputation, visibility, and engagement with… Continue reading Boosting Online Presence for Propane Businesses
Getting through the propane permitting process can feel like a maze. But with the proper steps, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s look at practical ways to make the process easier and more efficient. Understand the Rules and Requirements The first step is knowing what permits are needed for your propane business. This varies… Continue reading Propane Permitting Made Simple
