Tuscola County residents are finding it harder — and more expensive — to fill propane tanks like these in the midst of an ongoing shortage of the liquefied gas.
By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN — While most propane companies in the area don’t want to talk about the propane situation, some are calling customers to give reassurances they will try to keep them supplied and to ask that thermostats be dialed back to conserve supplies.
Between record snowfalls making delivery difficult, below zero temperatures increasing demand as well as other circumstances, propane supplies are an issue.
According to Judy Remar of Unionville, a friend of hers in Lansing was told they could only get a limited propane delivery “until further notice.”
“They told me the company’s trucks had to go to Kansas to fill them. They pay on equal payment plan and the driver told them that they are paying $2.87 per gallon; and if they were not on the plan, it would be $4.00 per gallon now,” said Remar.
Those who are on pre-buy and contract plans are owed propane service – although they may only get a supply to last a few weeks rather than having the tanks topped off in order for the company to distribute the propane to be able to heat more homes.
Some people who own their own propane tank and shop around for the best price are having a difficult time finding a supply; and if they can find a supply, it comes at hefty price.
It’s estimated about 14 million households use the liquefied gas to heat homes, especially in upper Midwestern states where the shortages have had the most impact.
Propane usage will face additional challenges over the next few days as yet another cold front sweeps through as part of the polar vortex that has gripped the state through most of January.. The national weather service forecast calls for below zero temperatures throughout the week.
According to Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman John Quackenbush, an already tight supply of propane will get even tighter in the coming days, which means propane customers should use their propane supplies wisely by reducing usage by turing down the heat, keeping outside doors closed as much as possible, and closing off unused rooms.
The website at Parker Propane Gas Company, which is a large propane supplier in the area, shows the increase: on Jan. 4, propane was $2.299 per gallon, on Jan. 24 propane was $3.099, and as press time it is $3.299. Within 24 days the cost for a gallon of propane increased a $1; and as winter continues, the price could go even higher.
Some factors contributing to the propane shortage include a late and very wet harvest season (propane is used for drying corn), extreme cold temperatures, , pipeline disruptions/shutdowns, rail issues, and difficult driving conditions throughout the U.S. Because of the heavy snowfall.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.
Senator Green concerned about propane shortage
LANSING — Senator Mike Green (R- Mayville) is concerned about the propane issues in the state and the impact it is having on residents.
“According to the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA), more people heat their homes with propane in Michigan than in any other state,” said Green. “Many consumers in Michigan are facing propane and heating oil shortages or delayed deliveries this winter due to a variety of factors.”
In December the governor declared a State of Energy Emergency for propane, which suspended state and federal regulations relating to hours-of-service for motor carriers and drivers transporting heating oil and propane within Michigan.
Doing that allows for faster delivery periods and more frequent resupplies during the life-threatening cold temperatures and inclement conditions we’re experiencing, Green explained.
On Jan. 10, that order was expanded to include heating oil deliveries and also extended to the end of the month.
“Supply companies have offered a variety of tips for consumers to conserve their fuel supply and expedite deliveries safely,” noted Green.
Some of the tips are: reduce usage of fueled appliances, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, as safe and appropriate, and avoid heating rooms or buildings that do not have to be heated.
And, for safety, don’t use grill cylinders or other unsafe substitutes inside your home. Also, clear snow and ice from around your tanks, chimneys, flue pipes and vents with a broom, not a shovel, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to keep a path clear for delivery personnel.
For those who are having a difficult time with utility bills, it is best to discuss deliveries, available payment plans and assistance programs with your supplier before being faced with an emergency situation.
In addition to increases in local and regional weather-based demand for propane and heating oil, other factors contributing to the shortage include higher economic demand prior to winter, pipeline disruptions, increased exports into the world market, and delivery delays due to equipment breakdowns and hazardous road conditions.
Staff writer Mary Drier contributed to this report.