Propane Supply Chain Meeting and Working Group

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was the 2014 Chair of the MGA and his agenda focused on propane, particularly regional supply and delivery infrastructure. This focus comes after an unusually wet fall and cold winter in 2013-2014 which increased propane demands for drying grain and heating homes and businesses throughout the Midwest. By bringing states together for discussions, the region hopes to minimize the potential for future shortfalls.

Informational Needs

  • Database of Propane Distributors
  • Location of infrastructure
  • Number of propane users in state; amounts used
  • Historical data/levels of propane supply
  • Other waivers besides hours of service that could utilize
  • Effects of Cochin pipeline reversal next year
State Links
Illinois– 1/31/14 Additional Relief; Encourages Residents to Report Suspected Price Gouging
Indiana– 1/29/14 Action to Assist Hoosiers
Iowa– Propane Shortage and Heating Assistance
Kansas– 1/29/14 Actions to Minimize Effect of Propane Shortage
Michigan

– 2/5/14 State to Offer Additional Heating, Financial Assistance

– 1/31/14 Extends Statewide Energy Emergency

– 1/30/14 Directs Agencies to Assist Residents

Minnesota

– 1/30/14 Statement of Gov. Dayton; Steps Taken

Missouri– 2/3/14 Gov. Nixon Announces New Measures
Ohio– 2/14/14 Extends Energy Emergency Declaration to Expedite Heating Propane Shipments
Wisconsin

– Ready Wisconsin

– 4/17/14 Governor Declares Energy Emergency in Response to Continuing Cold Temperatures and Need for Propane

Expired State Emergency Declarations available at U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Propane News
5/2/14U.S. Winter Propane Shortage Prompts Senate Hearing
3/4/14U.S. DOT Regional Emergency Declaration Extended: MO
2/28/14U.S. DOT Regional Emergency Declaration Extended: IN
2/25/14U.S. DOT Regional Emergency Declaration Extended: OH
2/25/14U.S. DOT Regional Emergency Declaration Extended: IL, MI, OH AND WI
2/11/14FERC Extends Emergency Propane Shipments
2/7/14FERC Acts to Help Alleviate Propane Shortages in Midwest, Northwest
2/5/14Woman Dies in Dakotas with no Propane to Heat Home
1/19/14U.S. DOT Regional Emergency Declaration Issued: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH AND WI

General Information

Quick Links
NASEO 2015 Winter Energy Outlook ConferenceU.S. Energy Information Administration
MGA Letter to President ObamaNational Propane Gas Association
HHS’ LIHEAP ProgramMidwest Propane Gas Association
Propane Education and Research CouncilMidwest Congressional Delegation Request for Propane Hearing
Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation Act 

GAO 6/27/03 Report: Causes of Price Volatility, Potential Consumer Options and Opportunities to Improve Consumer Information and Federal Oversight

GAO 12/16/97 Report: Propane Price Increases During the Winter

of 1996-97

NPGA 3/6/14 Testimony before House Energy and Power Subcommittee

(Click here for video)

GAO 6/30/10 Report: Federal Oversight of the Propane Education and Research Council and National Oilheat Research Alliance Should be Strengthened

NASEO 4/22/14 Propane Stakeholders Meeting Results
EIA Propane Situation Update – 4/22/14

Reliable Home Heating Act – 6/24/14

Senate May 1, 2014 Propane Hearing (Video and Testimony)

Iowa Agriculutre Letter
Missouri AG Koster Releases Report on Winter Propane Price SpikesIowa DOT Freight Transportation network Opimization Strategy
Iowa DOT Propane Supply Chain Optimization StrategyButane Propane News Article
Franken-Portman Propane Bill S 2762

MGA Propane Meeting #2

October 14-15, 2014 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) held a two-day meeting in Milwaukee focused on strengthening the Midwest’s propane supply chain and working with industry on better preparing for the upcoming winter. The meeting brought together state, industry and federal stakeholders to discuss steps taken last winter as well as preparations for the coming winter.

Under Governor Walker’s leadership as Chair, the MGA has convened a propane supply chain working group consisting of state government agencies and industry representatives to identify opportunities to better enhance consumer awareness and industry preparedness for the upcoming winter.

This meeting built upon a June propane supply chain meeting that took place in Madison.

Co-Hosting Organizations

National Association of State Energy Offices (NASEO)

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability

Agenda
Speaker Bios
Attendee List
Propane Triggers
Seasonal Propane Triggers
Propane Toolkit

Handouts

  • NGPA 1-Pager

  • NPGA Supply and Infrastructure Task Force Recommendations from the Industry/Marketer Education Working Group

  • El Nino Impact and Outlook


    • Presentations

  • Susan Grissom, U.S. EIA

  • Robert Johansson, USDA

  • Craig Markley, Iowa DOT

  • John Orgen, NOAA’s National Weather Service Updated Winter forecast

    • Press Release

    MGA Propane Meeting #1

    June 4-5, 2014 – Madison, WI

    Agenda
    Speaker Biographies
    Attendee List
    MGA Press Release
    Press Summary

    Speaker Presentations

    State Information

    Conference Calls

    Introductory Conference Call – April 15, 2014
    Propane Association Conference Call – May 8, 2014
    LIHEAP Conference Call – May 13, 2014
    HOS Conference Call – May 20, 2014
    Propane Association Conference Call – June 12, 2014
    Rail Conference Call – June 26, 2014

    LIHEAP Conference Call – July 15, 2014
    Propane Association Conference Call – July 17, 2014

    Communications/PSA/Early Fill efforts Conference Call – July 22, 2014
    Contingency Plans Conference Call – July 24, 2014
    NPGA Conference Call – August 5, 2014
    Metric Sharing Conference Call – September 4, 2014

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