LP Gas, December 2017

STATE O F THE INDUSTRY Biggest energy competitor READERS CHOICE Natural gas T he topic of subsidized natural gas expansion has been top of mind in the propane industry in recent years and it doesnt appear ready to dissipate anytime soon Still leaders at state and national propane gas associations are working diligently behind the scenes to Natural gas 64 Electricity 27 Heating oil 3 Renewables 2 solar wind etc Other 4 stem the tide A lot of great state executives have stepped up to the plate and not only responded in defense of the propane industry but now they are taking an offensive approach says Sarah Reboli director of regulatory affairs at the National Propane Gas Association Reboli points to the Illinois Propane Gas Associations approach as an example of success in this area The state association has successfully lobbied for legislation that would prevent natural gas utilities from forcing a subsidy structure on current customers to expand gas lines Over the last two years the propane industry has stood up and defended itself against natural gas and shown ourselves to be willing competitors and willing fighters Reboli adds Now were at the point of not just defending our line but moving it forward While natural gas was the clear overall favorite over electricity in our survey electricity remains a formidable competitor to propane in the South and West THEY SAID IT Miscellaneous We spend too much time trying to pick off the low hanging fruit from our competitors as opposed to creating new business or expanding our customers that we have into greater users We pick from the backyards of our competitors rather than grow our industry and we dont do ourselves any favors an independent New England marketer As far as supply thats always a concern but I think the one good thing about our industry is when the chips are down we all kind of pull together to make sure that our customers have what they need an independent New England marketer Retailers can raise their hands and shout out their priorities and we will take the lead for them Sarah Reboli NPGA Best ambassador for the propane industry READERS CHOICE Employees and customers S THEY SAID IT 38 LPGas December 2017 www LPGasmagazine com PHOTO BY MEGAN SMALLEY urvey respondents provided a wide variety of diligent and respected men and women who represent the propane industry and serve as ambassadors across the country These leaders have lifelong established careers in the industry through their own operations some work with state and national councils and others have contributed to the industry However there were two nominations that received the majority of votes and for good reason employees and customers Without employees and customers none of the industrys work would happen nor would it be required Customers are the lifeblood of the industry and they depend on employees to provide reliable service One retailer in our survey says that employees are the best ambassadors to represent the industry They interact with our current customers and potential customers and they help to retain our current customers and bring in new ones he says Another retailer notes The retailers can and should be the best ambassador for the industry Who else has the knowledge and experience to promote and tell the story of propane other than someone that lives that life every day Best ambassador I loved the old commercials with the propane guy vs the electricity and natural gas guys They were informative and catchy I dont like the new campaign with the dog It doesnt catch anyones attention or interest an independent West Coast marketer The propane guys Engaging people with little knowledge of our industry to ask questions an independent Midwest marketer Local staff in the community is the best ambassador They are local trusted well respected members of the community that make a difference both at work and at home a Midwest farm co op representative