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With snow in the weekend forecast, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency in response to a propane shortage.
Executive Order No. 408 went into effect 9 a.m. Dec. 12 and will remain so until it is determined the emergency has subsided.
The governor’s office said the move comes in response to a service disruption at a major propane distributor across the border in Pennsylvania. The order makes it possible to extend the maximum driving time for operators transporting propane.
In November, an electric transformer at Marcus Hook Terminal disabled the propane truck-loading rack for three days, National Propane Gas Association said Dec. 11. NPGA added the disruption has created “lingering problems” at the Energy Transfer Partners-operated terminal.
Energy Transfer has been unable to pump propane from its storage caverns, NPGA said. Because the terminal is loading directly from the pipeline, wait times have increased.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” said Murphy, noting approximately 186,000 residents rely on propane for home heating.
Under the EO, the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor carriers transporting propane will extend from 11 hours to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving time. The move is possible under a federal waiver available during a declared State of Emergency, according to the governor’s office.
Stable supply
Based in Whippany, Suburban Propane has served the market since 1928. The company is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity; along with a producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives.
The company serves the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers. Its footprint comprises approximately 750 locations across 42 states.
Check ready.nj.gov for important updates and safety information and NJ211 for information on resources and warming centers.
In a statement shared with NJBIZ responding to the state of emergency, Suburban Propane reassured customers and the public of its ample supply and that “our operations remail fully stable.”
“There are currently no impacts to our supply, delivery schedules, or customer service. We continue to monitor regional conditions closely to ensure safe, reliable service throughout the winter season,” Nandini Sankara, vice president of marketing and brand and company spokesperson, said in the statement. “Customers with questions about their account or deliveries may contact us at 1-800-PROPANE or visit suburbanpropane.com.”
The New Jersey Propane Gas Association released the following statement on current market conditions:
“It’s important for New Jersey consumers to know there is no shortage of propane fuel,” NJPGA said.
“U.S. Department of Transportation regulations limit how many hours drivers are allowed to work per day and per week,” the statement continued. “Gov. Murphy’s targeted action is providing the necessary flexibility to help address this supply chain disruption “
