“As an industry it is our business to provide all the energy we safely can to as many people as possible!”
Learning about ‘Propane Days’ and Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) - co-organizer of ‘Propane Days’
WLPGA Interview with Roy Willis, President, PERC
WLPGA: How can the LP Gas industry make a difference today?
Roy Willis: Consumers today are looking for efficient, reliable, clean, environmentally-friendly and affordable energy. The demand for energy is increasing as the world’s citizens become more prosperous and use more energy to provide a better life for themselves and their families. The soaring cost of oil and gas and society’s concerns about climate change have prompted consumers to make sharp adjustments in energy use. Propane is one solution as it provides clean, efficient, reliable energy that is highly portable and widely used in domestic, automotive, agricultural, commercial, and industrial applications. To be successful as an industry we must keep pace with market competition; our challenge is to deliver ever cleaner, more efficient technology, equipment, appliances and vehicles that consumers want and need.
WLPGA: Can you tell me about ‘Propane Days’?
Roy Willis: ‘Propane Days’ is about educating and advocating. It’s about educating policy makers and federal agencies about propane and advocating positions that better enable industry to operate competitively. It is an opportunity to put the spotlight on propane and related issues. ‘Propane Days’ also marshals the industry to fine tune its messages and develop the information it needs to effectively communicate to policymakers, consumers, and the markets we serve. PERC’s role for “Propane Days” is to be an information resource.
PERC does not lobby or support candidates for office. NPGA, GPA and other industry associations’ roles focus on that role. PERC provides information on propane and markets – we communicate about Propane being used on the farm, used in homes, greenhouse gas emissions, and propane vehicles.
Click here to learn more about Propane Days
Why was the ‘Propane Days’ initiative needed in your opinion?
Roy Willis: The propane industry in the US needed a way to motivate industry’s grass roots, to make a deeper connection with local congressmen and senators. ‘Propane Days’ gives the industry an opportunity to educate themselves on key issues and then take on the role of advocating their interests to policy makers. The distance between the consumer and policy maker is less today than before, contact is necessary and must increase.
WLPGA: PERC is an organization that reaches out to industry and other LP Gas stakeholders. Is this important to you?
Roy Willis: It is vital. Doing otherwise would make no sense. Identifying and making the most of synergies within the industry are absolutely necessary! ‘Propane Days’ is in fact a part of a larger partnership that PERC and NPGA have established that covers a variety of activities and ensures that nothing is duplicated. For the last ten years, the U.S. industry had two organizations that are actively working on its behalf: the National Propane and Gas Association (NPGA), focusing on public policy in Washington DC and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), dedicated to research and development, consumer education, and safety and training. These two organizations add strength to the industry on a national level.
Similarly, working closely with the WLPGA has produced results for both organization and the industry. The first Global Technology Conference in 2006 is just one example of how working together we have been able to strengthen both organizations and, more importantly, advance the industry’s agenda literally around the world.
About the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
The purpose of the Propane Education & Research Council is to promote the safe, efficient use of propane as a preferred energy source. With the passage of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA) in 1996 by Congress, the industry conduct a referendum among propane producers and marketers, who overwhelmingly approved the formation of PERC. The Council receives funding by an assessment or "check-off" on each gallon of odorized propane gas. The assessment will collect five-tenths of one cent per gallon in 2008. Through the Council, the U.S. propane industry has committed itself to a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to improve consumer and employee safety, to fund research and development of new and more efficient propane equipment, and to expand public awareness of propane and its many uses and environmental advantages. PERC is governed by a 21- member board of directors appointed by NPGA and GPA (gas processes association).
For more information on the establishment of PERC, please click here: http://www.propanecouncil.org/files/RP_pera.doc.pdf
PERCs programs and projects are overseen by a volunteer corps of 100 industry members and 5 advisory committees:
· Research and Development
· Safety and Training
· Consumer Education
· Agriculture
· Engine Fuel
For more information on PERC, please contact Roy Willis by email roy.willis@propanecouncil.org or visit PERC’s website www.propanecouncil.org
