MEMBERS ONLY NEWS

November 24, 2025

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 take a seasonal look at how the Thanksgiving table has more in common with propane operations than you might think—and why the basics matter most this week.

Our second story brings an important LIHEAP update following the prolonged federal government shutdown. We break down what’s happening nationally and what it means for Texas propane retailers in the near term.

In our third story, the Energy Choice Act took another step forward in Congress last week. We highlight what moved, what comes next, and why this moment matters for propane access nationwide.

And finally, time is running out for your local technical schools to secure grant dollars for adopting propane curriculum. Find out how to help connect schools in your community with these funds—and how to get involved as a Propane Advisor.

Don’t miss this week’s Quick Links for the latest propane price update, compliance resources, the Texas job board, and the Duty to Warn Program.

Lessons from the Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving has a way of reminding us how important the basics are: timing, coordination, and making sure everything comes together safely. Anyone who has ever hosted a holiday meal knows that even one dish going off schedule can throw off the whole table. In many ways, our propane operations follow that same rhythm. A delivery not made, a leak check skipped, or a communication breakdown can throw everything off. As we enter Thanksgiving week, it’s a natural time to pause and consider how the foundational pieces of our work make all the difference this time of year.

Just like a good holiday meal relies on preparation and planning, the propane industry depends on those quiet behind-the-scenes actions that keep everything running smoothly. The driver who double-checks a tank set before heading out on the next route, the technician who takes an extra moment to verify a regulator, the dispatcher who reroutes a truck ahead of a cold front—those are the ingredients that keep families warm and businesses operating. Thanksgiving reminds us that success often comes down to getting the basics right, both at the table and in our daily work.

And finally, as we gather with family and friends this week, it’s worth thinking about how those same principles—coordination, preparedness, and attention to detail—carry through every part of our lives. Whether in a kitchen surrounded by holiday dishes or on the job ensuring a safe delivery, it’s the simple, thoughtful actions that make the entire operation a success.

Government Shutdown, LIHEAP Funding, & Will It Affect Texas?

After a 43-day federal government shutdown, Congress passed—and President Trump signed—an amended Continuing Resolution (CR) on November 12, 2025, restoring federal operations and extending Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 funding levels through January 30, 2026. At the time, there was concern across the industry that the processing and distribution of federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) dollars could be delayed by 30–60 days or longer as federal systems restarted.

New national information has since emerged. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has now issued updated guidance to LIHEAP grant recipients indicating that, contrary to earlier fears, the agency is expediting the processing of LIHEAP awards. Administration officials have stated a target distribution date of December 1, 2025, with a total of $3.7 billion in LIHEAP funding set to be released nationwide. NPGA has praised HHS for its swift action to ensure funds reach states as the winter heating season ramps up and will continue advocating for a timely and robustly resourced LIHEAP program.

Here in Texas, TPGA contacted the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA)—the state agency that administers LIHEAP—and received confirmation that Texas programs have not experienced operational disruption. TDHCA reports that the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) network remains fully operational, with community agencies actively assisting clients using the remaining funds for this year's LIHEAP. Most local programs in Texas have enough funding to continue serving eligible households through March 2026.

TDHCA reiterated that day-to-day operations in Texas “are continuing as normal.” Texas propane retailers should expect CEAP agencies to keep processing customer assistance requests without interruption.

TPGA will continue to monitor updates closely as federal appropriations move forward.

Energy Choice Act Takes Next Step in the Legislative Process

Reported by the National Propane Gas Association, on Wednesday, November 19, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy marked up the Energy Choice Act that TPGA and other states advocated for on the Hill this summer at NPGA Propane Days. The Subcommittee passed the legislation and subsequently referred it to the full committee for consideration. NPGA expects the full Energy and Commerce Committee to take up the bill in the coming weeks. If advanced by the full committee, the Energy Choice Act will move to the House floor for a vote and, upon passage, proceed to the Senate for consideration.

While this may appear to be only an early procedural action, it is an important inflection point in the legislative process. Every movement—subcommittee approval, full committee advancement, and eventual chamber debate—builds the formal record supporting consumer energy choice and counters efforts to restrict access to propane and other fuels. As the bill progresses, NPGA will continue to engage directly with lawmakers, offer technical expertise, and ensure the voice of propane marketers and their customers is represented at each stage.

Money for Your Local Technical School(s)That Adopt Propane Curriculum HVAC & Plumbing | Propane Autogas Techs

Time is running out to get your technical school money to adopt the propane curriculum! Propane curriculum and resources are available; help get this curriculum in your local schools.

The HVAC Technical School Grant Program and Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Programs are open for applications through December 19, 2025.

Also, learn how you can get involved as a Propane Advisor.

Approved grant recipients will receive up to $10,000 worth of grant funds.

Gives students a heightened, hands-on learning experience, and more career opportunities after graduation, with a propane-specific curriculum and the chance to outfit a classroom lab with propane-related appliances and equipment.

HVAC Technical School Grant Program →

Approved grant recipients will receive $7,500 worth of grant funds.

Gives students an elevated, hands-on learning experience, and more career opportunities after graduation, with a propane-specific curriculum and the chance to outfit your classroom lab with propane-related equipment through the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program.

Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program →