James E. Guyette

Heating season marked by rare climatic conditions tests can-do marketers.

Underwater propane storage system on course to dock costs, dangers of above-ground tanks.

LPG conversion kits shift to over-the-road truckers as new CARB requirements loom

Retailers ruminating over loans, leasing and collections

Wholesale price plunge brings healthy margins for most marketers this winter season

Growth driven by higher cost of new tanks, tighter regulations and delivery economics

As the waning summer waxed into fall, uncertainty was the watchword among industry experts asked what this winter will bring.

As the cost of steel keeps going up, with propane-tank pricing bursting at the seams, marketers are facing a conundrum when trying to save money on LPG delivery by making fewer runs and installing larger vessels at accounts drawing heftier loads.

Well-designed marketing plans, orchestrated pitches to promote budget plan enrollment and established collection procedures for when customers fall behind are being touted as key solutions for propane retailers faced with payment shortfalls.

With the price of oil topping $100 per barrel amid a sputtering overall economy, propane marketers and customers alike spent much of the 2007-08 winter heating season struggling to cover their costs. And while some regions saw record-setting snowfalls, bitterly cold temperatures, crippling ice...more >>