MOPERC seeks comments on FY 2026-27 budget plan

April 25, 2026 By Mason Kopy 0 Comments

The Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MOPERC) approved a draft budget for its fiscal year beginning July 1 and will accept public and industry comments for 30 days.

The Missouri Division of Energy oversees the budget process.

The council does not receive state or federal funding. It is a nonprofit organization authorized by the legislature under RSMo 414.500 to promote the safe use of odorized propane in Missouri.

Missouri ranks among the top 15 states in propane use. About 9 percent of Missouri households use propane for home heating, hot water, cooking and recreation. Propane is also widely used in agriculture, industry, transportation and commercial applications.

The council is authorized to collect assessments of up to one-half cent per gallon of odorized propane sold in the state. Since 2000, it has provided more than $9 million in appliance rebates.

The council has also pledged up to $1 million over 10 years to help Missouri schools replace diesel bus fleets with propane vehicles. More than 1,000 propane school buses are now operating in the state.

The proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget totals $1.41 million and is based on a half-cent-per-gallon assessment on an estimated 250 million gallons of propane to be sold during the fiscal year. The council also expects funding from its national counterpart and from interest income.

Proposed spending includes:

$519,000 for programs under the Research, Technology and Motor Fuel Committee, including rebates for commercial lawn equipment, fleet vehicles and autogas dispensing.
$333,500 for market development programs, including advertising, residential outreach and appliance rebates.
$230,100 for statewide safety education and training programs.
$324,660 for administrative costs.

Propane marketers and members of the public may submit comments or suggestions on the budget or council priorities in writing to MOPERC at 4110 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65109, or by email to luke@missouripropane.com.

Comments must be received by 5 p.m. May 20. The council will review all comments and vote on a final budget at a later date.

Missouri Propane Gas Association Family Outing

In related news, the Missouri Propane Gas Association will hold its 2026 Family Outing, themed “Propane Palooza,” on July 6-8 at Old Kinderhook Resort and Golf Club in Camdenton, Missouri. The annual event brings together propane industry professionals, suppliers and their families for three days of networking, business meetings and recreational activities along the Lake of the Ozarks. For more information or to register, visit missouripropane.com.

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