Partnerships, programs mark latest PERC funding requests

November 24, 2021 By Brian Richesson

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) met in November in Florida and approved the following funding requests:

$1,495,000 for its 2022 partnership with industry organizations, designed to foster a strategic alignment and effective allocation of resources, primarily among PERC, the National Propane Gas Association and GPA Midstream.
$1 million for the 2022 propane construction incentive program, which provides marketers with a tool to convince builders to construct new homes with propane as a fuel of choice. The program also allows marketers to build relationships with construction professionals, says PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins. PERC plans to use emissions data collected during the program to highlight how building a mixed-fuel home lowers carbon emissions and accelerates decarbonization.
$290,100 for a propane engine fuel service training program, which will create an introductory course for service technicians and provide train-the-trainer outreach for the curriculum. PERC says technician training continues to be a barrier to adoption of propane-fueled engines.
$250,000 for an Axiom Energy black start project using the company’s micro-combined heat and power product. Black start capability would allow the unit to start and operate during a power shutdown and work independently of the electric grid.
$242,500 for the annual sales report (2021), which provides a state-by-state assessment of U.S. odorized propane sales by end-use sector and allows PERC to meet funding distribution requirements to the states. The council plans to build an online portal where propane marketers can submit their sales report information.
$210,000 for 2022 market and industry training through three programs: train-the-trainer training for HVAC and plumbing professionals; expanded environmental training for propane marketers; and a workforce development digital ad campaign.
$145,000 for PERC to create four projects this year with the Utilization Technology Development (UTD) consortium. The UTD is a research-based nonprofit organization composed of natural gas distribution companies that are focused on the development of safe and efficient end-use gas technologies. According to PERC, the projects represent opportunities to grow the residential and commercial markets, and combat the electrification movement.