MEMBERS ONLY NEWS

December 15, 2025

In Brief

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Monday Morning Messenger from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

In our first story, we remind everyone that comments are due to the Commission today regarding the proposed propane community system rule.

Secondly, the association covers the details of the Texas LIHEAP program, which has been allocated millions to help Texans pay for their energy bills. Are your vulnerable customers taking advantage of these available energy assistance funds?

Thirdly, the National Propane Gas Association has announced the opening of its scholarship program today. Find out the details on how you may be eligible to receive money for college for your son or daughter.

Fourthly, the association has partnered with a national recruiting program, and they just added 57 new Texas drivers and service techs to the job portal this week. Search candidates and find out more in our third story of the morning.

Lastly, this grant is only available every other year. Check out a grant opportunity for stations in our final story of the morning.

Check our Quick Links for propane prices, the Compliance Store, the Propane Learning Center, and Duty to Warn.

Last Chance! Propane Community System Rule Comments Due to RRC Today

Reminder that the Railroad Commission of Texas published a proposed rule in the November 14, 2025 Texas Register to implement HB 4042, which removes the word “natural” from statute so that propane community systems are now subject to the same pipeline safety and regulatory fees as natural gas systems.

The proposed amendments to 16 TAC §8.201 extend existing fee requirements to propane distribution and master-meter systems.

Proposed Fees for Propane Systems:

• $1.00 per service line for propane distribution systems

(based on PHMSA Annual Report data)

• $100 per master-meter system annually

• 10% late-payment penalty if fees are not remitted within 30 days of the due date

• Allows one-time customer surcharge to recover the fee (capped at $1.00 per service line)

• Required post-billing report to RRC detailing surcharge amounts, dates billed, and total recovered

The RRC estimates that, based on 2024 PHMSA filings, eight propane distribution operators with 18,838 service lines would collectively pay about $18,838 annually under the new fee structure. Operators would also follow the same billing timelines and reporting requirements already in place for natural gas systems.

The deadline to comment is today, Monday, December 15, 2025.

View Rule Proposal

Comment

Millions Available for Heating Assistance

Understanding Eligibility, Benefits, and Crisis Provisions in Texas

Each year, Texas receives federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help low-income households manage heating and cooling costs. While most funding supports cooling, about 15% (about $27 million) is directed toward heating, providing vital assistance for propane-using households in winter.

The Texas Energy Assistance Program—administered locally through community action agencies—gives propane marketers a way to support vulnerable customers while accessing dependable CEAP bill-payment assistance. The summary below outlines the key eligibility rules, benefit limits, and crisis provisions relevant to propane marketers.

*Click here to full qualifying income chart.

Find Your Local CEAP Office

Last week: 57 Service Tech & CDL Drivers
Applicants Registered on TX LPG Job Board

Are you looking for new employees in Texas?

The Texas Propane Gas Association and Propane Council of Texas partnered with Generation Next Propane Pros to go to CDL as well as technical schools and recruit their graduating students to work in the propane industry.

Last week, as a result, 57 new service technicians & CDL applicants are looking to start their careers with local propane companies.

Log into your company profile or create one to connect with new applicants who registered last week on GeneratioNext Propane Pros.

Search Candidates

Have a High School Senior or Child in College? NPGF Scholarship Opens Today

Applications are now open for the NPGF Scholarship, administered by the National Propane Gas Association. Is your child eligible? If you are a full-time employee of an NPGA member company and your student is a high school senior or undergraduate (under 24) with a 2.6+ GPA, the answer is yes!

Quick Facts:

Amounts: Awards of $1,000 or $2,000 (renewable for up to 4 years).
Track Record: Over $2.7 million awarded to 1,800+ students since 1994.
All Paths Welcome: NPGA supports a 4-year college degrees, but also strongly encourage students in trade programs (HVAC, CDL, plumbing, etc.) to apply.

Don't let your student miss this opportunity for a scholarship to support their higher education.

Learn More

Questions? Contact us at scholarship@npga.org

TERP AFFP Station Grant Program Accepting Applications thru Jan. 20, 2026

The Texas Alternative Fuel Facilities Program (AFFP) opens once every 2 years and just opened this past October. This TCEQ grant program helps fund new or upgraded alternative fuel stations in Texas, including propane autogas fueling stations.

Key Details:

• Grant Amounts: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $600,000

• Eligible Costs: Planning, design, engineering, storage tanks, dispensing equipment, construction, contractors, and supplies

• Not Covered: Insurance, salaries, travel, admin expenses, land, existing facilities, or permitting costs

• Station Type: Public stations receive priority consideration

• Eligible Areas: Projects must be within Texas’ Clean Transportation Zone counties

How It Works:

• Competitive program – not first-come, first-served

• Scoring Factors: Station location, project objectives, applicant qualifications, & feasibility

• Application Deadline: January 20, 2026

• Project Completion must be done by April 30, 2028

• Reporting: Quarterly and annual reports required