In our first story of the morning, the Texas Propane Gas Association updates members on a new rule from the U.S. Department of Energy that will have a significant impact on propane water heaters.

While we are talking about water heaters, there are only a few months left to get your appliance rebate applications in for your customers. Don't miss out on sharing these savings opportunities with your customers.

In our third story of the morning, TPGA covers a U.S. DOT Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA)regulatory topic that recently came up on shipping papers.

Lastly, someone left a custom knife on the Crossroads Expo floor that I'm sure you are missing. Check out the picture to see if it is yours.

Remember to check out our Quick Links section for fast access to the Propane Education & Research Council Learning Center and to shop at our TPGA store, Propane Service Corporation.

In this issue

• In Brief
• Water Heater Rule
• Water Heater Rebates
• Cylinder Shipping Paper
• Lost & Found
• Quick Links

September 1, 2023

Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program Begins

September 4, 2023

TPGA & PSC Office Closed for Labor Day

September 10-12, 2023

Fall NPGA TS&S Committee Meeting

September 10-16, 2023

National Truck Driver

Appreciation Week

Affinity Partners



Lone Star Energy Group Workers Comp Insurance

&

Basys Credit Card Processing

&

NoCell Technologies

Last month, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reported that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Proposed Rule designed to amend the efficiency standards and requirements for consumer water heaters. First it was stoves, now it is water heaters. Gas appliances continue to come under attack by federal agencies through rulemaking.

How will this rule impact propane water heaters?

1)     It will require all storage tank water heaters to be vented.

2)     Require non-condensing gas tankless to be 91% efficient, which manufacturers like Rinnai say is impossible to achieve.

NPGA has already begun engaging industry coalition groups and outside experts in order to have a thorough response to the Proposed Rule.

NPGA will be developing a comprehensive letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as a comment to DOE, identifying issues of concern from the impact to DOE’s use of outdated data from 2015.

A public information session will be available and open to the public on September 13, 2023.

Comments are due to the DOE on September 26, and comments on the anti-competitive effects of the Proposed Rule are due to the DOJ on August 28. 

Speaking of water heaters, the Propane Council of Texas offers a rebate for new propane water heaters, boilers, and furnaces.

Your customers can get rebates when they remodel, build a new home, replace or upgrade their propane appliances.

The rebate is available on both residential and commercial properties.

Make a customer's day by letting them know about the rebate program.

All applications must be received by the propane provider through our secure rebate portal. A receipt and a propane safety inspection are required.

Learn more at https://txsaveswithpropane.com/rebate-program/

Have questions? Contact the rebate team by calling (512) 883-9925 or emailing rebates@propanecounciloftexas.org

Recently, the question came up:

Q. Do I need a shipping paper if I happen to pick up propane cylinders while delivering propane in my bobtail?

The association reached out to the Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation to inquire. PHMSA provided the answer and covered this topic at our recent Regulatory Training at the TPGA Convention this past August.

A. The short and simplest answer is Yes; you must have a shipping paper for the cargo tank as well as the cylinders.

To order, click "Order Now" and choose Cylinder from the Type dropdown menu.

At the 2023 Crossroads Propane Expo, someone lost their knife. This knife was made by Moore Knives in Matador, TX.

If you are the owner of the knife, please contact TPGA at (800) 325-7427 so we may return it.

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