September 20, 2021
In Brief
In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, the association gives you an update on an important regulatory matter we've been working hard to resolve for our members.

Secondly, the regular Texas Legislative Session ended this past Memorial Day. There have been two special sessions since then, and another starts today. Learn more in this week's Messenger.

We've been coming across a lot of great stories from LP Gas and BPN lately some are too good not to share. Like in our third story of the morning, one marketer offers some very valuable insights to prepare for fall deliveries.

With winter around the corner, the association also wanted to share some great downloadable resources developed by the Propane Education & Research Council to encourage propane customers to think about filling early well before cold weather arrives. Learn more about what's available in our final story of the morning.

Lastly, in our Quick Links, check out UPDATES to the recent Nicholas Texas Disaster Declaration. Download the most recent version of the declaration. Liberty and Wharton counties were added. We also included a link to Louisiana's Nicholas waiver for those helping with recovery efforts to our Cajun neighbors.

Additionally, get quick access to the Hurricane Ida Emergency Declaration, our appliance rebate program as well as read more about the recently issued CDL medical card waiver extension in case you missed it last week.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • TDLR Update
  • Texas Special Session
  • Fall Deliveries
  • Early Fill Marketing Materials
  • Quick Links
TDLR LPG Motor Fuel Meter Rule Reversal in the Works
Since the Texas Legislative Session ended and TX HB 3408 failed to pass during the 87th Regular Session, the Texas Propane Gas Association has worked closely with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) to find a solution to remove the duplicative regulation of LPG meters.

Currently, TDLR is working to submit a rule proposal to remove their regulatory authority over LPG "motor fuel" meters and leave all LPG meter regulation regardless of end-use to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

The rule proposal has many channels it must go through before it is officially adopted, including going to the Governor for fiscal impact analysis, out for comment to the public, and to the TDLR commissioners for final approval.

In the meantime, in anticipation of the adoption of the rule, TDLR is working with all their attorneys, enforcement, accounting, and IT to turn off invoicing and renewals and all references to LPG motor fuel meters.

TPGA is meeting with TDLR again in the upcoming weeks to provide an administrative process and direction for invoices and renewals already received since TDLR bills 90 days out.

TPGA hopes to get back to members in the next couple of weeks with clearer instructions on handling LPG meter invoices and renewals you receive from TDLR.
3rd Special Session Kicks of Today
Today marks the first day of the third Special Session for the Texas Legislature.

While the third Special Session is supposed to focus on redistricting, legislation providing appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and COVID-related matters, over 100 bills on a variety of issues have been already been pre-filed ahead of the Special Session.

The Texas Propane Gas Association continues to monitor bills daily during these special sessions and will report back in pivotal legislation should it affect the propane industry.
Insights for Fall Propane Deliveries
Wednesday marks the first day of Autumn. It brings with it, a cool front.

In a very recent article in LP Gas magazine, one marketer brings some good ideas and clever insights for customer deliveries before the winter.
Consumer Education
Marketing Materials to
Encourage Early Fills
In addition to Mr. Caywood's insights in the above-linked story, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has developed consumer education materials for propane marketers to download and use to encourage their customers to fill up early before cold weather arrives.

Here is a listing of what is available:
  • Facebook ads
  • Taggable radio spot
  • Newspaper advertisement
  • Full-page print ad
  • Customizable bill stuffer
  • Brochure

The bill stuffer and brochure can be downloaded, and files provided to your local print shop in town.
Quick Links
TEXAS HURRICANE NICHOLAS
HOURS OF SERVICE
WAIVER (LIBERTY & WHARTON COUNTIES ADDED)
FMCSA
EMERGENCY
DECLARATION
HURRICANE IDA
PROPANE FURNACE & WATER HEATER REBATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR TEXANS
CDL MEDICAL CARD WAIVER
IN EFFECT FOR SOME EXPIRED CARDS UNTIL NOV 30TH