LP Gas, July 2018

propane generators more power than a portable model says Melanie Tydrich senior channel manager at Kohler Plus the homeowner doesnt need to be present to fuel or operate a standby generator like they would with portable generators So thats a big advantage Standby generators are ready to go 24 7 Furthermore Kohler also offers large mobile generators that can be fueled with propane Mobile generators are typically pulled behind trucks and used on construction sites but can also be helpful to first responders and relief organizations particularly when they arrive on site to assist people following severe storms Staying warm all winter long The significance of propane generators is not only noticed in warm weather climates of course Winter storms have just as much influence on peoples electricity and standard of living Every year regions in the northern United States such as New England experience lengthy periods without power often leading to frozen water lines as many homes have hot water systems To prevent this issue and reduce the threat of considerable home and business damage Leslie Anderson president and CEO of the Propane Gas Association of New England advises owners to purchase propane generators The need is especially pressing in the region as the ISO New England electric grid is unable to meet electrical demand During the peak cold period which lasted for 10 days this January the New England power grid used more heating oil to fuel its generators than the state of Vermont uses in an entire year she says If we begin to plug in all the electric vehicles that states are talking about purchasing then we will start seeing rolling blackouts again and propane generators will be in even greater demand PreParing for long term growth A few years ago homebuilders began to realize that more people were working at Propane generators are one solution for easing the strain on new englands overloaded electrical grid theyre especially important for home heating after severe winter storms home and didnt want to spend any time without their electrical needs So they decided to offer generators as added features that homeowners could purchase However once the economic downturn occurred in 2008 that mindset was no longer widespread across the United States Now that the economy is steadily improving and homes are once again being built Tarantin is optimistic that the same mindset can and will occur again perhaps sooner than later Northway believes propane tanks should be available on site so customers can use propane whenever they need it Customers should also know about the benefits of propane especially its reliability and durability thereby ensuring propane generators are never shut off which will help improve their popularity with homebuilders Propane retailers can introduce these benefits to homeowners By installing at least two burner tips such as a water heater and range that will run on propane during power outages homeowners can purchase smaller more affordable generators for emergency backups Propane retailers should take burner tips very seriously Harris says Thats how we ensure customers for long term sales He continues If they dont actively promote the increase of burner tips for existing customers the demand for propane will decrease Simply put it doesnt matter how much supply there is if theres no demand Tydrich is generally optimistic about the future of propane standby generators as well The national electrical grid is aging and the number of power outages lasting more than an hour has risen steadily in the last 10 years Not only that but homeowners dependence on power is also increasing consistently with no apparent signs of letting up These trends point towards increased demand for residential backup power moving forward she says And I would expect that any growth in home standby generator usage will also be a positive for propane suppliers both short and long term LPG Continued from page 34 Photo Courtesy of the ProPANe eDuCAtIoN reseArCh CouNCIL 36 LPGas July 2018 LPGasmagazine com