PERC approves projects, proposed 2022 budget

August 18, 2021 By    

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) approved the following funding requests during its July meeting in Colorado.

  • $945,937 to support PERC’s strategic pillar of increasing propane’s voice in the national energy conversation and increasing the perception of propane as a clean fuel.
  • $920,700 for Certified Employee Training Program modularization development, which covers updates to the exterior vapor distribution curriculum.
  • $654,850 for an assessment of liquid direct injected fuel systems for propane engines.
  • $414,500 (change order) for entry-level driver training, which covers funding needed to support the workforce by creating an entry-level driver training program with additional functionality, learning paths and activities to make the program meet all industry needs.
  • $282,000 for 2021 Learning Center operations, covering operational support, including help desk, system updates and program operations within the Learning Center.
  • $190,375 to support research that will utilize recognized testing information to determine a standard for an autogas dispenser’s maximum refueling pressure output so that unintended activation of the vehicle storage tank’s pressure relief valve does not occur during refueling.

Proposed 2022 budget

In addition to the funding requests, PERC approved a proposed 2022 budget of about $35.3 million.

The council says four strategic objectives guided development of the budget: developing the industry’s workforce and trade allies through safety and technical training; increasing propane’s voice in the national energy conversation; growing the autogas market; and engaging in commercialization efforts to create market growth opportunities.

The council expects to generate $42.2 million in assessment revenue from its rate of five-tenths of a cent per gallon on odorized propane sales. The budget includes $32.6 million for program funding and $8.4 million for the state rebate program.

The budget is out for public comment through Aug. 31.

New officers

Also at the meeting, Stuart Weidie of Blossman Gas became chairman, replacing Daniel Dixon of AmeriGas. Joining Weidie on the executive committee are Casey Cramton, vice chairman, marketers, Dead River Co.; Duncan McGinnis, vice chairman, producers, Aux Sable; Jeff Kerns, treasurer, ThompsonGas; and Gary France, secretary, France Propane Service.

PERC’s next council meeting will take place Nov. 10-11 in Destin, Florida.

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About the Author:

Brian Richesson is the editor in chief of LP Gas Magazine. Contact him at brichesson@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3748.

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