PERC approves new strategic plan, 2026 budget, projects

December 17, 2025 By Brian Richesson 0 Comments

At its December 2025 meeting in Destin, Florida, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) approved a new three-year strategic plan, its 2026 budget and 15 new dockets.

PERC’s strategic pillars are focused on developing industry and allied partner employees through the adoption of safety, training and education; expanding propane’s market share; and increasing the awareness of propane as an energy choice.

“Having a clear strategic plan, one we believe in, guides us to a clear strategy,” says PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins, who credited the work of the council’s Advisory Committee.

“Their work really helps emphasize not only the strategy but the tactics,” he adds. “It helps us execute on the current strategic plan, ready to execute on [the new] plan, and I’m happy with that.”

Regarding the budget, the council expects $46.3 million in assessment revenue based on estimated sales of 9.3 billion gallons – with 20 percent of those assessment dollars returning to the states as rebates. It approved total revenues of $38.7 million and total expenses of about $38.5 million.

Here are the dockets that PERC approved during the meeting:

$10.03 million for the 2026 integrated marketing and communications plan, which encompasses total programming for all markets, digital development, corporate communications/market support and energy thought leadership. PERC says the 2026 plan represents a significant pivot from its broad awareness-building campaign that has led with environmental messaging to one that leads with propane’s core attributes.
$2.25 million for the 2026 propane construction research and data collection program, which will gather data from builders on homes built or remodeled in 2026. This year’s program will compare carbon dioxide emissions of propane-powered homes and their all-electric counterparts and operational savings with propane appliances. The program features a $500 remodeling bonus, and builders can receive up to $1,000 for each new project they complete.
$1.35 million for the 2026 National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) services agreement, which allows PERC to collaborate with NPGA on initiatives including industry communications and activities, allied partner advancement and engagement, codes and standards advancement and education, and more.
$882,000 for 2026 industry engagement, covering outreach and meeting expenses as PERC participates in state meetings, marketer events and industry trade shows
$833,000 for 2026 Learning Center operations, supporting the central repository and tracking program for PERC’s training programs
$623,000 for the 2026 market data and research program, which includes the annual retail propane sales report and an economic impact study
$589,600 for 2026 workforce outreach and education, supporting workforce training, external audience training to allied markets and technical school curriculums
$569,090 for 2026 agriculture/off-road market business development activities
$500,438 for 2026 residential market business development activities
$463,310 for 2026 autogas market business development activities
$379,350 for 2026 commercial market business development activities
$329,550 for 2026 material handling business development activities
$300,000 for 2026 PERC Education Program (PEP) content updating and maintenance. This docket includes the building of a cylinder exchange program and a series of instructor training sessions.
$256,000 for 2026 research and product development, including business development initiatives and components of the strategic plan
$175,000 for a propane-powered irrigation engine and landscape equipment demonstration program

PERC will next meet virtually on Feb. 11 before an in-person meeting April 22 in Nashville, Tennessee, following the Southeastern & International Propane Expo.

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