MEMBERS ONLY NEWS January 12, 2026

In Brief

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

In the first story of the morning, we share a significant clarification from a Texas regulatory agency that directly affects materials being used in indoor propane installations.

In the second story of the morning, we preview a major statewide program tied to grid reliability and emergency preparedness that could open new opportunities for propane-powered solutions at critical facilities.

In the third story of the morning, we spotlight an industry networking event taking place this week that supports a vital charitable mission within the LPG community.

Speaking of charitable causes, in the fourth story of the morning, we highlight an upcoming propane industry charitable poker tournament—all benefiting a long-standing industry cause.

And in Quick Links, we share the latest propane price update, Texas workforce resources, compliance tools, and a timely safety mailing reminder.

Official Word from Commission on
PEX AL PEX Use in Indoor LPG Fuel Systems

The Railroad Commission of Texas (“RRC”) has not been provided with sufficient evidence demonstrating that the PEX-AL-PEX pipe product meets the requirements of NFPA 54 for use in indoor liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) fuel systems, as incorporated into Chapter 9 of the RRC’s rules.[1] The RRC does NOT approve this product as an acceptable alternative material under NFPA 54 1.4[2] or 5.6.1.1[3] to be used in the State of Texas for LPG indoor gas installation.

To date, the RRC has not received a request to adopt PEX-AL-PEX as an acceptable alternative for aluminum alloy pipe in compliance with NFPA 54, Section 5.6.2.5[4], for LPG indoor gas installations.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact the RRC’s Alternative Fuels Safety Department at 512-463-6462 or via email at SafetyNoticeReply@rrc.texas.gov.

Download Official Notice from RRC

Texas Backup Power Package Program Rules Proposed

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has proposed new rules under 16 Texas Administrative Code §25.513 to establish the Texas Backup Power Package (TBPP) Program, implementing Public Utility Regulatory Act §§34.0204, 34.0205, and 35.005(g) as enacted by Senate Bill 2627 during the 88th Texas Legislative Session in 2023. The Texas Legislature allocated $1.8 billion to the program.

The proposed rules would create a grant up to $500 per kilowatt and forgivable loan program to help eligible critical facilities install on-site backup power systems capable of operating during extended grid outages caused by events such as winter storms, hurricanes, and wildfires.

Under the PROPOSED program parameters:

Who Would be Able to Apply?

Eligible critical facilities could include:

Hospitals, EMS, police, fire stations
Water and wastewater facilities
Nursing homes, dialysis centers, hospice facilities
Cooling/warming centers, storm shelters, homeless shelters
Certain gas stations or grocery stores in areas with limited access
911 and emergency communications facilities
Food banks
Public schools, libraries, town halls, and houses of worship if officially designated as critical

What Exactly Is a “Texas Backup Power Package”?

A TBPP is a behind-the-meter, islandable power system installed at a critical facility. It must:

Automatically disconnect from the grid and run independently
Operate at least 48 hours continuously with no refueling
Be sized only for the critical facility (not resale or grid support)

Provide power sourced from a combination of natural gas or propane with photovoltaic panels and battery storage and be capable of aggregating multiple systems onsite to serve up to 2.5 megawatts of load.

Please see below to review and comment on the entire proposed program.

View Proposed Rules

Webinar

The North Texas Council of Governments will be hosting a webinar on the proposed Texas Backup Power Program (TBPP).

Webinar Details:

Date: January 27, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 11:45 AM CST

Location: Virtual

The Annual LPG Charity Fund Mixer Scheduled for This Week

The LPG Charity Fund Annual Afternoon Mixer will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and is open to everyone in the LPG industry.

Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and raffle prizes during an afternoon of networking and industry camaraderie.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Patterson Park | 2205 Patterson Street | Houston, TX 77007

The mixer brings together professionals from across the LPG and gas processing industry—including logistics, marketing, IT, trading, brokers, and back-office support—to highlight the impact the industry has on the LPG Charity Fund’s mission. The Fund provides assistance to members of the LPG and gas processing industry facing catastrophic medical expenses or financial hardship.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend: Afternoon Mixer

RSVP

LPG Fund Houston Texas Hold’em Tournament

Event Date: Thursday, February 12th, 2026

Event Address: Dave & Buster’s - Katy Freeway Houston, TX

Join the industry at the Annual John L. Hinsey Memorial Texas Hold'em Tournament, sponsored for over 10 years by the LPG Charity Fund.

Lunch and registration will be at 11:30am with the poker tournament starting at 1:00pm.

If poker is not your game, join us for lunch and network with your colleagues. Enjoy a cocktail and have some fun hanging out and purchase some raffle tickets for some great prizes, including a trip for (2) to Las Vegas!