2023 Propane Outlook

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to plan your propane supply for next winter’s heating needs. The most recent winter brought average temperatures and saw strong demand for propane. Propane exports are still up and will affect supply moving forward; this past year, over 50% of our country’s propane was exported elsewhere, mainly to the Asian ring, for use in the production of plastics. Just ten days of export volume from the U.S. equals what Wisconsin consumes in 12 months, 420 million gallons per year or ten days of exports. In addition, agreements on exports are generally made with a 3-to-5-year commitment and are not weather-related. We have seen propane prices move lower in the near term and have ample supply secured for this coming heating season. However, do not allow the recent price pullback to foster a sense of cheaper gas prices yet to come this winter. The supply situation in the U.S. for propane will continue to drive prices higher during peak demand periods.
 
“Rely On Us” is not only our motto; it is what drives us. We go to great lengths to ensure we have two major components in place--supply and service.
 
Ample Storage
United Cooperative proudly invests millions of dollars of working capital to increase local propane storage capacity and purchases propane months before our customers need it. Locally, United Cooperative has almost one million gallons of local storage. This storage capacity, along with our partnership with CHS, one of the largest wholesale propane suppliers in the U.S., allows us to have ample propane supply in the event of propane shortages, such as have occurred in years past.
 
Contracting
Price protection is another part of what we do for you, our valued customer. As a propane consumer, you can contract your propane needs yearly to protect against winter price spikes. Nine out of 10 years, locking in your propane price during the summer can save you money during the winter. There are several contracting options:
 

• Budget plan: Lock in a fixed price and spread your payments for the propane you use for home heating into manageable, equal monthly amounts.
• Booking plan: Lock in a fixed price and pay for your propane fuel as it is delivered.
• Pre-paid plan: Lock in a fixed price for the season and pay for your propane upfront.
• Summer Fill Discount: Fill in June, July, or August for the best pricing.
• E.Z. Gas: No commitment; pay upfront and self-budget for your propane needs.

 
Call us today to discuss contract options to help you keep you and your family warm with propane and take the guesswork out of annual home and business heating costs.
 
Updates to the Propane Tank Lease Fee
A few changes to your tank lease include when the fee is billed to your account and the price increase. The Tank lease fees were being billed to your account in November, but to be in line with the start of the heating season, they will now be billed annually to your account on September 1st. With the high purchase, maintenance, and replacement costs associated with the equipment installed on a customer's property, tank leases will be $29 for the first tank and $5 for each additional tank. This will bring uniformity to all our customers, new and existing.
 
Quality Service
Service is essential to us, and something discount suppliers just can’t provide. The cornerstone of our business is safety and service—our certified technicians back every gallon delivered by our certified delivery specialists. We have someone from each location available 24/7 in case of emergencies. If you do encounter a propane emergency at your home, farm, or business, we urge you to call us, day or night, at 1-800-924-2991.
 
United Cooperative is a branded CENEX propane dealer. Our team provides quality propane that’s clean, efficient, reliable, and affordable; safe service; and delivery that’s far more dependable than our competitors.
 
You can “Rely On Us” for propane supply and service needs.

Bill Herbst

Vice President - Energy