America's Energy Future: How Propane Can Ensure Stability in Times of Crisis

As the nation grapples with an increasing number of challenges related to the reliability of its electric grid, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is pushing for awareness on the importance of being energy-prepared. This reminder comes in light of the upcoming National Propane Day on October 7, which aims to emphasize propane's essential role in providing energy to American households, businesses, and farms.

National Propane Day, now in its fourth year, adopts the theme "Prepare with Propane" to highlight the critical nature of this energy source. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy have issued alarming predictions, projecting that blackouts across the U.S. could surge by a staggering 100 times by 2030. This massive increase in blackouts is attributed to the stress the electric grid is under, as demand for energy escalates with growing households, increased manufacturing needs, and the rise of AI-dependent data centers.

As a consequence, homeowners and businesses find themselves increasingly vulnerable to power disruptions. Propane serves as an effective solution, acting as a portable energy source that can be stored directly on a property for added reliability. One major advantage of propane is its long shelf life; it doesn’t degrade over time, ensuring that it remains ready for use even during widespread power outages.

Speaking to the key role propane plays during these uncertain times, Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC, stated, "In a time when the nation's electric grid is under strain, propane quietly works in the background to keep families warm and essential services operational. It is more than just a fuel—it's a move towards energy security and preparedness."

In everyday scenarios, propane is a vital source of energy. It powers emergency backup generators crucial for hospitals and public safety institutions. It operates buses that transport over 1.3 million students safely to and from school. Propane also facilitates the agricultural processes that bring food to our tables, such as powering grain dryers and irrigation systems. Additionally, millions of U.S. households rely on propane for a variety of needs, like cooking, heating, and hot water, which underscores its importance in ensuring comfort and safety.

The reliability of propane as a resource can be attributed to the dedicated individuals working in the propane industry. Behind every gallon of propane, there exist thousands of individuals committed to supplying their communities with dependable energy. Perkins notes, "From truck drivers to technicians and local retailers, members of the propane industry are pivotal in keeping America operational with clean and safe energy. They're often the first responders who deliver fuel and restore power following severe weather events. Their dedication is central to our national energy security."

Established in 2022, National Propane Day aims to boost public awareness of propane's significant contribution to providing clean and reliable energy across the nation. The Propane Education & Research Council emphasizes how indispensable this resource has become in the face of growing global challenges concerning energy reliability.

For more resources or to learn about how propane can serve your community, visit Propane.com/nationalpropaneday. As we anticipate an uncertain energy future, it is paramount that Americans start preparing today with reliable sources like propane for energy security in their daily lives and beyond.