Get $1,600 & FREE Training with Heat Pump Helper Personal Use Program (PUP)

As we approach home heating season and the end of the Heat Pump Helper Personal Use Program, we want to take this opportunity to share an important marketing video that encourages industry professionals to "just try one."

You can receive up to $1,600 from the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) for installing a Heat Pump Helper through the Heat Pump Helper Personal Use Program. Traditional electric heat pumps struggle in cold weather, causing higher electric demand and inconsistent heat. The Heat Pump Helper™ uses hybrid technology to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve comfort.

To participate in the $1,600 rebate program for Texas propane employees:

1. Complete the HPS Interest Form at https://www.procot.org/heatpumphelper
2. Fill out the 2024 Personal Use Program Form upon approval.
3. Attend a FREE online training session.
4. Complete the PERC Survey after installation.

Interest forms are due before November 30, 2024, and installations must be before the extended deadline of January 15, 2025. For questions, call (800)325-7427 ext. 2 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org.

At the May 2024 Board Meeting, the TPGA Board of Directors voted to adopt the 2024 edition(s) of NFPA 58 and 54.

Earlier this month, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Technical & Standards Committee met to review and discuss the 2020 and 2024 NFPA 58 changes. The committee will meet again on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in Austin to continue those discussions.

TPGA also wants to hear from members. Below, TPGA has linked the changes from 2020 to 2024. Share your comments on the new editions through our comment form.

How to Access the NFPA books for FREE in Read Only Mode:

1. Visit www.nfpa.org and search NFPA 58
2. Click on the NFPA 58 book in the search results
3. A drop-down menu lets you choose which year edition you want to review. (e.g., 2020 or 2024)
4. Click the FREE ACCESS button to the right
5. You will be prompted to log in. It's free to register and log in.
6. Then, you can start reviewing the editions for free online without purchasing.

The 2024 International Roadcheck held earlier this year involved 48,761 roadside inspections across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., focusing on vehicle and driver safety. The results provide valuable insights for employers of propane delivery drivers and fleet operators.

Key Findings:

• 77% of vehicles and 95.2% of drivers passed inspections without out-of-service (OOS) violations.
• 9,345 vehicles and 2,290 drivers were placed out of service.
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Top Vehicle OOS Violations:

1. Defective service brakes – 25%
2. Tires – 20.8%
3. Other brake violations – 18.3%
4. Lights – 11.6%
5. Cargo securement – 9.6%

Top Driver OOS Violations:

1. Hours of service – 32.1%
2. No CDL – 25.4%
3. No medical card – 11.2%
4. False logs – 10.9%
5. Suspended CDL – 5.1%

Hazardous Materials Violations:

1. Loading violations – 36.8%
2. Placards – 26.4%
3. Shipping Papers - 22.7%
4. Bulk Package - 4.9%
5. Training Certification - 4.3%

Employers should prioritize brake system inspections and ensure drivers comply with hours-of-service regulations to prevent violations and enhance safety.

SPREAD THE WORD! The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is offering $965M in funding to replace diesel school buses with cleaner buses like propane. School districts can get between $20K and $35K per new propane school bus.

Propane school buses offer lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, quieter operation, and improved engine performance while providing a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective transportation solution for school districts.

Eligible applicants include school districts, school transportation contractors, and school transportation associations. To be eligible for replacement, old buses must be 2010 or older diesel models that can be scrapped and replaced with cleaner propane buses.

Rebate applications can request funds to replace up to 50 buses at a time.

The application must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 9, 2025. Learn more at

https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-rebates.

Questions? Please contact Heather Ball at heather@americanenergyinstitute.com, 512-484-8535, or the EPA at cleanschoolbus@epa.gov.

Check out the October 9 2024 

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Heating season is nearly upon us, and it's a great time to inform your customers of propane safety through our Duty to Warn Program