WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One hundred years after the commercialization of clean, domestically produced propane, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is investing in new propane technology that helps Americans save money, cut carbon emissions, and increase energy security.
Propane makes a substantial contribution to America's energy needs, with about 44 million residential customers and 875,000 commercial users. Propane contributes nearly $49 billion a year to the U.S. gross domestic product.
PERC leaders will be speaking at a two-part open house held by propane equipment supplier Bergquist Inc. about high-efficiency propane products such as tankless water heaters, commercial lawn mowers, irrigation engines, on-road vehicles and fleets, and generators.
Roy Willis, president and CEO of PERC, will visit Bergquist in Bowling Green, Ky., on August 23.
"Propane is used to heat homes, operate farm machinery, fuel mowers and school buses, and of course cook outdoors," said Willis. "Propane is price-competitive and widely available, making it an excellent source of energy for fleets, landscape contractors, builders, and other businesses."
In Kentucky, propane contributes $466 million a year to the state's GDP, generating 652 direct jobs, according to a report from ICF International. The total market value of propane sold in Kentucky topped $248 million in the latest year for which statistics are available.
And Patrick Hyland, director of industry programs at PERC, will lead a Bergquist seminar on August 21 in Toledo, Ohio.
In Ohio, propane contributes $1.2 billion to the state's GDP, generating 1,208 direct jobs. The total market value of propane sold in Ohio topped $636 million.
Bergquist is a 48-year-old propane equipment supplier with three distribution centers in Denver, Kentucky, and Ohio that stock more than 12,000 items. It is an active supporter of a continuing education series for its staff and customers on the safe and efficient use of propane.
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The Propane Education & Research Council promotes the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy resource through research and development, training, and safety programs.
The Propane Education & Research Council was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of Public Law 104-284, the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on October 11, 1996. The mission of the Propane Education & Research Council is to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source.
1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1075, Washington, DC 20036. Tel. 202-452-8975. Fax 202-452-9054. www.propanecouncil.org