State officials are optimistic that propane will be in better supply this winter. Last winter season, propane shortages across the state left many struggling to heat their homes.
Kentucky Propane Gas Association Executive Director Todd Griffin says one of the factors in last year’s shortage was an abundance of summer rain leading to a longer grain drying season in the fall.
“That really put us behind the 8-ball because right after the grain drying season we had bitterly cold weather that came into the state and hung around for many months," explained Griffin. "As everyone will remember, we had very, very cold weather with the polar vortex that came in. Quite frankly, the inventory and the supply levels just couldn’t keep up with the increased demand for heating.”
Griffin says suppliers encouraged customers to buy up propane earlier which in turn will stabilize wholesale and retail prices come winter. Griffin recommends customers sign up for automatic deliveries rather than a will-call basis which helps truck drivers prepare more efficient routes. Customers should also request to refill their tanks around the 25 percent mark rather than waiting for it to run down completely.