Page 26 - marchapril2024_neat

NPGA corner

$1.5 Billion Available for Propane Buses & Fueling
Infrastructure

The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) has an-
nounced the availability of nearly $1.5 billion to
replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses, related
equipment, or facilities with alternatives like propane
autogas under the Buses and Bus Facility Program and
the Low or No Emission Grant Program. States, local
governmental authorities, Indian Tribes, and fixed-
route bus operators and services are eligible appli-
cants. Grant funds can cover 80-90% of project costs,
and grant funds are available to awarded projects for
four fiscal years.
Propane plays a critical role in ensuring energy
Last year, propane received nearly $44 million security in times when inclement weather sweeps
in grant funding through this program to purchase pro- through a part of the country - from powering back-up
pane buses and install propane fueling infrastructure. generation when electric service is down, to powering
The diverse recipients ranged from major cities to rural warming centers, and disaster-aid operations. Energy
communities to tribal nations in Colorado, Minnesota, security is best achieved when residents and the state
Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Ohio.
alike have energy options at their disposal to rely on
For more information on how to apply, links in the face of disaster. For more information, please
to register for an information webinar, and a template contact NPGA’s Manager of State Government Affairs,
letter to send to eligible localities within your state, Austin Wicker.■
visit the Propane Buses tab on the member dashboard
Questions? Contact NPGA Director, Regulatory Affairs U.S. Energy Information Administration Heating Oil
& Associate General Counsel Kate Gaziano.■ and Propane Update
The latest report from the U.S. Energy Informa-
Electricity Power Interruptions Remain High in 2022 tion Administration (EIA) provides key insights into the

According to a recent report by the Energy propane market as of February 28, 2024. Here's a brief
Information Administration, electricity customers in summary:
the U.S. averaged five and one-half hours of power Residential Propane Prices: The national av-
interruptions in 2022. This was partially due to the fact erage was $2.610 per gallon, lower than last year by
that the U.S. experienced eighteen weather-related $0.086 per gallon. Prices varied across regions, with
disasters that ultimately exceeded one billion dollars in the East Coast averaging higher prices ($3.471 per
damages per event, including Hurricane Ian, Hurricane gallon) compared to the Midwest ($2.119 per gallon).
Nicole, and Winter Storm Elliott. According to the re-
port customers in West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, New Wholesale Propane Prices: The U.S. average
Hampshire – and the nation’s third most populated was $1.017 per gallon, up from the previous year by
state, Florida – experienced the most interruptions in $0.025 per gallon. The Central Atlantic region had high-
2022. er prices compared to the Gulf Coast.
In January 2024 both Oregon and Washington For more detailed information, click here to
State were hit by one of the worst ice and windstorms review the report. For questions or comments on the
in recent decades, leaving nearly 125,000 people report, please contact Twana Aiken, NPGA Senior Man-
without power. These events highlight the necessity ager of Industry Affairs.
of ensuring that states have ample access to energy Disclaimer: NPGA solely provides EIA data; all numbers
options of their choice in order to adequately respond reported are sourced directly from the Energy Informa-
to unexpected disasters. tion Administration (EIA).■

26 Alabama Propane Gas Association | March / April 2024