The Minnesota Propane Association announced that Robert (Bob) Gorham, founder and former owner of Northwest Gas, died March 10 at Cambridge Medical Center in Minnesota at the age of 88. Gorham served the National Propane Gas Association on the research and development committee before the Propane Education & Research Council formed. His son, Mike, was the NPGA president from 2000... read more
The industry is in a slump, and collaboration is the key to overcome it. The long-term downward gallon trend is the most significant issue facing our industry’s leaders. Fewer gallons sold means higher propane margins must be earned to offset the gross margin being lost from the decline. This makes propane less competitive to electricity. Then, the higher cost of... read more
Alliance AutoGas plans to provide a propane-fueled engine conversion system for the 3.7-liter Ford Transit wagon this year. Alliance AutoGas says it will install 21 gallons of useable autogas capacity without compromising the vehicle’s safety or operational benefits. The conversion will give drivers the option of switching between gasoline and autogas. The company, a division of Blossman Gas, says the... read more
The Blackmer Ebsray RC20 and RC25 regenerative turbine pump models for use in autogas-handling applications produce flows to 24 gallons per minute at pressures of 145 psi with speeds to 3,600 rpm and a power range to 4 horsepower. Compared to competitive models, the Ebsray pumps are about 30 percent more efficient in terms of energy use, Blackmer reports. The... read more
Bill Waldheim, president of DCP Midstream Partners, announced his intent to retire on May 1 of this year following a 37-year career in the energy industry. In addition, DCP Midstream made an adjustment to its board of directors with the addition of Fred J. Fowler, who will serve as an independent director. Fowler replaces Paul F. Ferguson and Stephen R.... read more
Amthor offers four propane models so you can select a tank that fits your needs. Amthor’s Combo unit offers a special proprietary feature: a rear deck cover that protects equipment, keeping it dry in rain or snow so that it will last longer. This makes your driver’s job easier and more efficient. We have propane tanks ready to go. If... read more
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) approved the following projects from its consent calendar during a February conference call, with the principal contractor in parenthesis where applicable: • $416,000 for professional and support services, providing PERC with technical knowledge and expertise, and implementation support of new products and market opportunities. • $198,200 for a project that will update the... read more
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities program awarded $6 million to 11 projects that are aimed at improving potential buyers’ experiences with alternative fuel and plug-in electric vehicles. The following projects received DOE funding, some for the propane autogas market: Penske Truck Leasing Co. L.P. in Reading, Pa., received $400,000. Triangle J. Council of Governments in Durham, N.C., received... read more
Propane retailers hit multiple roadblocks in the fall and winter of 2013-14 – crop drying season business increased; a polar vortex struck most of the United States; and propane prices soared in January. And for any propane dealer in the Upper Midwest, the Cochin Pipeline shut down. Minnesota-based Pirkl Gas dealt with all of these roadblocks. Greg Pirkl, the company’s... read more
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) needs comments from members of the propane industry and public on its 3- to 6-ton forklift engine development project. PERC is requesting to use $2 million on the project. The project proposal can be viewed online. According to PERC, the popular GM 3.0-liter engine is going out of production at the end of... read more
