Bert Warner with Propane Education and Research Council

Scott MacKenzie interviews Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), at the Power Gen event in Dallas, Texas. Bert discusses the abundance of propane in the U.S., with 40 billion gallons extracted annually, of which only 10 billion are used domestically. He emphasizes propane's green energy credentials, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural gas and electricity. Bert highlights the importance of responsible energy diversification and the need for greater public education on energy sources. He encourages listeners to visit propane.com for more information.

Action Items

• [ ] Provide more information about propane and its benefits to the public
• [ ] Connect with Bert Warner on LinkedIn to discuss propane further

Outline

Introduction and Welcome

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
• Scott highlights the importance of the PowerGen event in Dallas, Texas, and its significance for the power and fuel industries.
• Scott introduces Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).
• Bert provides a brief background on his role and the council's mission to promote propane use in commercial sectors, particularly in power generation.

Current Energy Crisis and Propane's Role

• Bert discusses the ongoing energy crisis, emphasizing the growing gap between energy demand and supply.
• Scott and Bert agree on the need for a diverse energy mix, including natural gas, hydrogen, and propane.
• Bert stresses the importance of keeping propane in the energy conversation due to its potential to address the current crisis.
• Scott and Bert discuss the societal tendency to react to crises rather than being proactive in energy solutions.

Propane's Abundance and Green Energy Aspects

• Bert shares statistics on propane extraction and usage in the US, highlighting its abundance.
• Bert explains that the US uses only a small fraction of the propane extracted, with a significant amount exported.
• Bert emphasizes propane's green energy credentials compared to the national average electric grid.
• Bert discusses the resiliency of propane, particularly in providing energy to remote or growing areas where traditional infrastructure is costly to extend.

Propane's Flexibility and Market Competitiveness

• Bert explains the flexibility of propane in terms of delivery and usage, making it an attractive option for various sectors.
• Bert compares propane to diesel, highlighting its environmental friendliness and lower maintenance requirements.
• Scott and Bert discuss the growing conversation around decarbonization and the role of propane in this context.
• Bert emphasizes the need for responsible energy diversification to meet high energy demands without compromising on environmental impact.

Retrofitting and Fuel Switching

• Scott inquires about the ease of retrofitting systems to use propane instead of diesel or natural gas.
• Bert explains that retrofitting involves bringing in new tanks and piping, but the process is not overly complex.
• Bert clarifies that it is not necessarily fuel switching but rather building a new system for grid independence.
• Bert highlights the competitive pricing of propane in many markets, making it a cost-effective option compared to electricity.

Economic Considerations and Grid Independence

• Bert shares his personal experience with high electric rates in Indiana and the cost-effectiveness of propane.
• Bert discusses the benefits of controlling one's energy rate and budget with propane compared to utility rates.
• Bert mentions a recent email from his utility about grid improvements and the associated cost increase.
• Scott and Bert agree on the importance of considering economic factors in energy decisions.

Future Prospects and Education

• Bert expresses excitement about greater education on energy sources and their origins.
• Bert highlights the lack of understanding among the public about where their energy comes from.
• Bert believes that increased education will lead to more responsible energy decisions.
• Scott and Bert discuss the role of PERC in promoting propane education and its importance in the energy conversation.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott reiterates the importance of organizations like PERC in the power generation industry.
• Scott provides contact information for Bert and encourages listeners to visit the PERC website for more information.
• Scott thanks Bert for his insights and contributions to the podcast.
• Scott signs off, emphasizing the value of events like Power Gen for networking and learning within the industry.