The way your business presents itself can be the deciding factor in attracting and retaining customers. Simply providing a reliable service isn’t enough anymore. Propane companies must focus on showcasing their unique value and building a strong, recognizable brand. This is essential, not only to stand out, but also to foster lasting customer relationships and… Continue reading Help Your Company Stand Out with Strong Branding
Propane companies play a critical role in keeping communities fueled, but handling hazardous waste is a necessary responsibility of theirs that requires careful management. This guide covers essential practices for managing hazardous waste effectively, from identifying waste types to safe storage and disposal. Following these protocols will assist propane companies in staying compliant and protecting… Continue reading From Tanks to Toxins: Mastering Hazardous Waste Management
Handling overdue payments is one of the challenges propane businesses face regularly. Addressing these issues thoughtfully will do much to help you recover payments while preserving solid customer relationships. With a structured and friendly approach, balancing financial recovery and maintaining trust is possible. Here’s how to make that happen. Start with Clear Payment Terms The… Continue reading Managing Overdue Payments with a Positive Approach
Propane supplies are expected to be plentiful this winter, offering relief for homeowners and businesses reliant on propane for heating. Industry experts point to healthy production levels, ample reserves, and consistent infrastructure performance as key factors ensuring that the market will remain stable during the coming colder months. Strong Propane Stock Levels The U.S. propane… Continue reading Will Propane Supplies Meet Winter Demand This Year?
Keeping up with customer communication is more essential than ever. Updating how you connect with customers can help you build stronger relationships, boost loyalty, and stand out from competitors. Modernizing communication doesn’t have to be complex or costly for propane businesses – small changes can make a big difference. Here’s how to update your customer… Continue reading Easy Ways to Modernize Customer Communication
Attracting tech-savvy talent can boost your propane business in ways that traditional approaches may not. Technology is increasingly vital for streamlining operations, improving customer service, and staying competitive. By creating a work environment that appeals to tech-oriented individuals, you’ll not only attract a new wave of employees but also do much to enhance your business.… Continue reading Drawing Tech-Savvy Talents to Your Business
Every business faces its fair share of challenges, but leadership turmoil can be especially disruptive. Whether it’s a sudden departure of key executives, internal conflicts, or shifts in a company’s direction, leadership issues can shake the foundation of any organization. For propane businesses, where operational efficiency, safety, and customer service are paramount, leadership challenges can… Continue reading Steering Through Stormy Leadership
Consistent brand messaging is a critical component of successful marketing in the corporate world, as it shapes how customers perceive and interact with your company. Strong branding can be particularly influential in the propane industry where trust and reliability are paramount. Let’s take a closer look at this marketing essential. Defining Brand Messaging Brand messaging… Continue reading Why Consistent Branding Matters
Are you a propane business owner looking to set up a storage yard or to increase the efficiency of one you already own? Effectively organizing your propane storage is vital for safety, accessibility, and profitability. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to achieve an optimal layout for your propane storage yard. Planning… Continue reading Optimizing Your Propane Storage Yard
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
As the propane industry prepares for the upcoming year, market volatility remains a key concern for business owners. Among the various risks faced by propane companies, basis risk has become an important concept to understand and manage effectively. Basis risk can impact profitability and stability, especially in a fluctuating market, so it’s crucial for propane… Continue reading Staying Ahead of Market Volatility
As winter draws near, propane businesses must prepare to meet surging demand while navigating potential supply challenges. Demand for propane spikes as temperatures drop, making effective supply management and risk mitigation essential. Strategic planning, including price protection and enhanced inventory insights, can help propane companies seamlessly manage seasonal pressures. This guide covers essential strategies for… Continue reading Winter-Ready Strategies to Ensure Consistent Propane Supply
Offering same-day delivery can be attractive for propane businesses looking to enhance their service offerings and boost customer satisfaction. This decision requires a careful look at both the advantages and challenges of providing this option. Here’s a breakdown of the key consideration points to help you decide if same-day delivery makes sense for your propane… Continue reading Should You Offer Same-Day Delivery?
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 Investments
