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impact will vary by region: New England households
may pay $13 more per month, while the West South
Central region is expected to see the highest average
bills overall.
This outlook highlights the continued value
of propane as a cost-effective and reliable energy
source. Propane’s cost per BTU remains competi-
tive, especially in areas where electricity prices are
volatile. Propane offers greater reliability, particularly
in rural areas or during peak demand periods when
electric grids are strained. With over 11 million U.S.
households relying on propane for heating, cooking,
and water heating, it continues to serve as a critical NPGA Welcomes New Officers
alternative in the face of rising electricity costs. At its recent Annual Meeting in Washington,
Questions? Contact NPGA’s Senior Manager DC, Outgoing Chair Tom Van Buren of PICO Propane
of State Government Affairs, Austin Wicker.■ passed the gavel to new NPGA Chair of the Board of
Directors Michael Hopsicker of Ray Murray Inc. (RMI).
Maine Protects Energy Choice Pictured above are the new NPGA Officers, from left to

This week, Maine’s Governor signed LD 556 right: Chad Kroening of Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp., new
into law, making Maine the 28th state to protect Treasurer; Trent Hampton of Lakes Gas, Vice Chair; DD
energy choice. LD 556 ensures consumers and busi- Alexander of Global Gas Inc., Chair-Elect; and Michael
nesses have legal protections to access the heating Hopsicker.
or energy fuel – including propane – of their owning In recognition of his service to the NPGA Board
choosing. Furthermore, the bill also includes a provi- of Directors, Tom Van Buren received a plaque with
sion that disallows local governments from restricting gavel and a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey signed by Mean
access to the “energy needs of a motor vehicle,” Joe Greene.■
thereby ensuring propane remains an option in the
marketplace to power vehicle engines. With the Save the Dates for NPGA’s Upcoming Board Meetings
inclusion of Maine, energy choice laws now protect Save these dates for NPGA’s upcoming meet-
51 percent of all gallons sold – an important industry ings! NPGA is excited to host members in two very
milestone! different parts of the country:
Executive Director of the Propane Gas As- NPGA Fall Board of Directors, Committee & Section
sociation of New England (PGANE), Leslie Anderson, Meetings
has been working to protect energy choice in the October 20 – 22, 2025 at Hotel Champlain in
Pine Tree State since 2022. “After three years and two Burlington, Vermont. New England at its very best.
failed attempts, we successfully passed Energy Choice Enjoy the famous fall foliage, break out a cozy sweater,
in Maine,” stated Anderson. “We began with a pledge take in the beautiful views of Lake Champlain.
from reelection candidates and then introduced bills
two years in a row. This monumental achievement NPGA Winter Board of Directors, Committee & Section
highlights the importance of perseverance and col- Meetings
laboration between PGANE, MEMA, NPGA, NEFI, and January 27 - 29, 2026 at the M Resort Spa Ca-
our highly engaged member companies!” As of the sino in Henderson, Nevada. We’re going to Vegas! Test
2023 sales report, Maine is the 20th largest state pro- your luck and skill at slots or table games, relax at the
pane market in the country, with 166 million gallons spa, enjoy restaurants and entertainment.
sold. Click on the links to add these meetings to
For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior your calendar! NPGA will announce registration and
Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson.■ hotel information as we get closer to the meetings.■

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