CHS Propane-Powered™ Rebate Programs: Sunsetting August 2024

Since 2019, CHS Propane-Powered™ Rebate Programs have helped CHS Propane marketers grow their gallons through investment in autogas infrastructure and other propane-powered technologies. With more than one hundred autogas dispenser installations by 84 marketers across fourteen states, the Propane-Powered Rebate Program has helped in establishing propane-powered technologies.

The Propane-Powered Rebate Program helps you establish propane-powered technologies with your customers to remain competitive with other alternative fuels. Although the program will be sunset, you still have time to use your Propane-Powered Rebate dollars between now through August 31, 2024.

Rebate dollars have been calculated based on the number of CHS wholesale propane gallons purchased since January 1, 2018. Purchases were updated each month based on cumulative propane purchases at $0.01 per gallon. Rebates continued to accumulate through August 31, 2020.

For example, a million-gallon marketer would be eligible for $10,000 in rebate dollars. The gallons are based on combined primary account and subaccount purchases, if applicable. The primary marketer determines how to use combined accumulated dollars.

Propane-powered projects can have a long lead time, so make sure you start planning your propane-powered project now and take advantage of your rebate dollars before they disappear.

Visit the “Programs” tab in the Propane Control Room (PCR) to see the dollars you have available or contact your account manager for details.

Equipment purchased through the program must be purchased through CHS Energy Equipment. CHS will issue rebates in the form of credit to approved applicants. Rebates will appear as a credit invoice. All rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

All applications must be submitted by August 31, 2024

Five On Your Fall To-Do List

Prepare for the busy winter ahead by reviewing this list of five key pre-season tasks:

1. Update demand forecasts. Look beyond the next month or two and make monthly forecasts four to five months out, taking you through the winter season. Review each of the next few months, making adjustments based on demand and delivery cycles through coordinated discussions with your account manager and nominations planning. Consider short and long-term weather forecasts, review volumes from past winters and look for any changes or trends. The CHS Propane Control Room is a convenient supply planning tool that simplifies the updating processes.

2. Identify backup terminals. Building in supply flexibility is important for dealing with unexpected infrastructure problems. Choosing a third and sometimes fourth terminal source is important to do ahead of time to ensure your drivers will be properly trained, wherever they need to go. Remember, your CHS account manager can bring a wealth of information and connections to the terminal selection process.

3. Get carriers carded now. Have your carriers schedule terminal driver training well ahead of the busy winter season. That will ensure they’re qualified to load at all terminals you might need to use, including third and fourth options.

4. Keep your suppliers in the loop. Good communication is a two-way street. To help you meet your goals and secure adequate and timely propane supplies, your account manager needs to be connected and working with you in real time, in order to stay in step with you as market developments and regional demand surges occur. Our account manager regularly communicating with you, the retailer, is the best way for both to stay in lockstep as the season flows.

5. Customer messaging is key. Looking at the winter ahead, industry propane supplies should be adequate, overall. Current industry data show domestic propane inventories are now 16% higher than this time last year. But that doesn’t mean product will always be where it’s needed, when it’s needed. There are likely to be demand spikes throughout the winter. Having your customers on monitors is a good way to avoid the impact of those spikes, and should help in convincing them to upgrade.

New Way to Stay Safe

The little black clip-on device is fairly small – about the size of a walkie-talkie – but it can deliver big safety benefits for propane workers in the field.

The Blackline safety system being installed at CHS Propane locations around the country this year harnesses the latest monitoring and communications technologies in an easy-to-use package that centers around the personalized monitors.

“We’re excited about providing our workers with the ‘lone worker’ and gas detection features,” says Elizabeth Woods, operations manager for CHS Propane. “The Blackline loneworker feature is ideal for some CHS Propane locations, where one person is often responsible for moving tens of thousands of gallons of product.

“There is always the potential for a work-related accident, and if they are by themselves, it may not always be possible for them to call for help, she says. “The Blackline system has a motion sensor that can detect if motion stops, a fall detection feature and a panic switch that allows an injured worker to quickly summon help. All of these features, when activated, will immediately alert the monitoring center that help is needed. Additionally, each monitor can have a customized notification list to directly notify their supervisor or other employees that there is an issue.”

The system uses GPS tracking and provides exact coordinates to first responders, Wood explains. “In remote areas where cell service is poor, it works via satellite, which alleviates one of our biggest safety concerns – making sure workers in isolated areas are safe or have quick access to help, when it’s needed.”

The handheld devices are equipped with four gas detection sensors, which monitor for carbon monoxide, oxygen, flammable gases and ammonia or hydrogen sulfide. “The monitor very accurately measures gas levels, warns of unsafe environments, and can help in isolating a leak,” adds Woods.

CHS currently has deployed these devices at 30 locations nationwide and is continuing to expand the usage to encompass all of its propane operations and beyond.

Contact Energy Equipment for details at 1-800-852-8186, Option 1