MEMBERS ONLY NEWS

December 22, 2025

In Brief

This week’s Monday Morning Messenger adds a little holiday spirit by kicking things off with a playlist of propane Christmas songs for you to enjoy during the holiday season.

Next, we take a closer look at why the U.S. Energy Information Administration has adjusted its winter outlook for propane and other home heating fuels, even as much of Texas continues to see sunny skies and warmer-than-normal temperatures.

We also examine why holiday traffic and year-end schedules still make route planning critical, regardless of the weather, as congestion, limited daylight, and customer availability challenge delivery operations.

Finally, with low winter sun angles creating hazardous driving conditions across Texas, we share timely safety reminders for navigating intense morning sun glare—an increasingly common risk during clear, sunny winter days.

As always, don’t miss the Quick Links for the latest propane prices, compliance supplies, training resources, and the Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program—tools designed to support your operation through the end of the year.

The Propane Playlist: 2025 Holiday Edition

Last year, we shared our rendition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. This year, we’re keeping the "energy" high with some new propane industry carols. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a bobtail or managing the office, these are fun industry songs to play during the holiday season.

Track 1: A Propane Carol

Blue flames dancing on a kitchen range, Jack Frost nipping at the valve. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and propane keeping spirits high.

Everybody knows a bobtail and some winter gear, Help to make the season bright. Drivers with their eyes all tired from the road will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Degree Days are on their way, They’ve loaded up with BTUs to save the day. And every homeowner is gonna spy, to see if those gleaming white tanks are running dry.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase, To techs and drivers, the work is never done. Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.

Play Song Now

Track 2: Propane Christmas Wonderland

Regulators ringing, are you listening? In the yard, the bulk tanks glistening. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, working in a Propane Wonderland.

Gone away is the "Will Call," Here to stay is the snow fall(we could only wish). The bobtails are out, we’re clearing the route, working in a Propane Wonderland.

In the office, we can build a schedule, and dream that every driveway has been cleared. We’ll handle every "Out-of-Gas" with patience, and make the whole delivery crew feel proud!

When it snows, ain't it thrilling? Though your hands might be chilling. We’ll frolic and play, the propane-fueled way, working in a Propane Wonderland!

Play Song Now

Merry Christmas from the Team at TPGA

Sincerely,

Bill Van Hoy Jackie Mason Julie Novinger Christi Shook

EIA Home Heating Predictions
Have Changed for Propane

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says projected residential energy costs for winter 2025–2026 (November through March) have increased since its mid-October Winter Fuels Outlook. The update reflects expectations for a colder winter (we guess it's still coming for Texas) and higher retail prices, especially for natural gas and propane.

EIA updates its winter outlook monthly using actual weather data, observed prices, and the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) forecasts.

Weather remains the biggest source of uncertainty. EIA publishes three forecast scenarios based on different weather assumptions, with propane prices particularly sensitive to weather-driven demand and supply conditions.

Retail natural gas and propane prices for residential customers are now running higher than EIA originally projected. On the natural gas side, Henry Hub spot prices climbed from roughly $3.00 per MMBtu in October to more than $4.00 per MMBtu by late November, prompting EIA to raise its winter price expectations.

For propane, EIA has also revised its forecast upward. While wholesale propane prices remain at least 10% lower than last winter, retail propane prices in October and November have tracked closely with last year’s higher retail price patterns. Based on weekly data collected through the Heating Oil and Propane Update, EIA now expects residential propane prices to be higher than previously forecast, reflecting stronger seasonal demand and retail pricing trends that have not followed the recent lower prices seen at the wholesale level.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Route Planning Becomes Critical
During Holiday Traffic

The Propane Insider reports that holiday traffic and compressed schedules make strategic route planning more critical than ever for propane delivery operations during the busiest time of the year, as consumers plan for the cold spell that we are all wishing would come and hope to see in upcoming months of January and February.

· Holiday Travel Changes Traffic Flow: Increased congestion from through the end of December can disrupt normal routes, making advance planning essential to avoid delays and idle time.

· Time Pressure Grows During the Holidays: Shorter daylight hours and tighter customer availability leave little margin for error without built-in time buffers.

· Strong Planning Lowers Operating Costs: Efficient routing reduces fuel consumption, idle time, and unnecessary mileage when expenses are already under pressure.

· Safety Increases with Predictable Routes: Familiar, well-planned routes reduce last-minute decisions and improve response times if issues arise.

· What This Means for Propane Businesses: Proactive route planning protects drivers, controls costs, and keeps deliveries reliable when customers need propane most.

Smart route planning turns holiday uncertainty into manageable operations—helping propane businesses deliver safely, efficiently, and with confidence all winter long.

Winter Driving Safety: Sun Glare

Low winter sun angles in Texas can create intense glare during early morning, reducing visibility just as traffic volumes increase.

Tips for Drivers:

Slow down immediately. If you can’t clearly see the road ahead, reduce speed until visibility improves.
Increase the following distance. Sun glare makes it harder to judge stopping distance—leave extra space between vehicles.
Use sun visors and sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses help cut glare without reducing clarity.
Keep windshields clean—inside and out. Dirt, dust, and film amplify glare when the sun is low.
Turn on headlights. Headlights make your vehicle more visible to others when the sun washes out contrast.
Watch lane markings closely. Glare can make lines fade—stay centered and avoid drifting.
Be alert at intersections. Cross traffic, pedestrians, and stopped vehicles are harder to see when facing the sun.
Avoid sudden maneuvers. Make gradual lane changes and brake early to prevent surprises.
Expect glare in winter months. The sun stays lower on the horizon longer, especially during morning commutes.

Bottom line: If the sun is blinding, visibility—not speed—should dictate driving decisions. Slowing down and staying predictable helps reduce risk during Texas winter mornings and dusk hours.