Last winter, an unexpectedly high amount of propane was used for grain drying in the fall, followed by record cold temperatures that led to an unusually high demand for home heating. Some residential will-call customers who waited until the last minute to order propane faced a temporary surge in prices and long wait times in some areas. They also put a severe strain on marketer resources.
At Flynn Energy we have already started conversations with customers to ensure that they are prepared this winter. Here are some common questions we’ve been asked about the outlook on propane for this Winter.
Is there enough propane?
Yes. The long-term supply picture for propane is positive. In fact, the U.S. actually produces more propane than it uses. But in times of extremely high demand, infrastructure can limit how quickly we can get large quantities of propane from the areas of the country where it’s produced to the areas where it’s needed. That’s why we’re encouraging our customers to plan ahead and sign up for our automatic delivery program.
When you’re on automatic delivery, you never have to worry about your fuel level again. We keep track of your fuel use based on your past history and the weather, and we make deliveries accordingly to avoid any risk of a run-out. You won’t use any more fuel than you normally would. Because of our advanced tracking system, we can be proactive and get fuel in your tank in plenty of time when a big storm is coming our way.
Is this winter going to be like last winter?
The biggest challenges of last winter were the result of high demand for grain drying, record cold temperatures (brought by weather events like the polar vortex), and transportation challenges that at times made it difficult to quickly get propane from where it was stored to where it was needed. The good news is, the long-term supply outlook is positive. The U.S. produces more propane now than ever before, and production is expected to increase.
Weather is an important factor in propane demand, and weather is unpredictable. The combination of factors last winter was unusual. But to ensure that your family is prepared for anything this winter, we encourage you to enroll in automatic delivery.
What else can I do to prepare for winter?
- Have your heating system and appliances inspected by a qualified service technician. This will ensure that they’re running as efficiently as possible, and it could help conserve fuel and save you money on utilities.
- Consider purchasing a propane generator. When other power sources fail, a propane generator can keep your house operating without interruption.
- Have you installed propane gas and carbon monoxide detectors? Only install UL-listed models and follow manufacturer instructions for installation, location, and maintenance.
- To learn more about appliance efficiency visit www.propanecomfort.com.
Is propane the best option to heat my home?
Yes. Propane-powered appliances deliver a better value and comfort level than appliances that run on most other energy sources, while also reducing overall energy costs. For instance, the heated air leaving a propane furnace is near 120 degrees Fahrenheit — a warmer, more consistent heat than electric heat pumps produce. Propane furnaces also qualify for Energy Star’s Most Efficient label, so you can be sure your energy expenses are being used wisely.
Have you thought about propane?
We are 100% committed to ensuring our customers satisfaction and safety throughout the winter. Fill out the form below to inquire about becoming a Flynn Propane customer.
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