Winter Storm Fern: Energy Demand, Grid Stress, and Propane Solutions

Send a textThis week on The State of Energy, Rand and Tom break down rising oil-market tensions, wild swings at the gas pump, and the growing cost of bad energy policy. From Iran-driven price volatility to Colorado’s water-heater mess, they explain why propane gives consumers more control, more reliability, and fewer surprises. Propane incentives Commercial Combined heat and power https://propane.com/alttech/Farm Program https://propane.com/about/research-programs/propane-farm-research-program/Home Builder https://propane.com/pcrp/Sponsored by One-Tank

Send a textWelcome to a special Hall of Fame edition of The State of Energy, hosted by Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Propane Association in alliance with the Colorado Propane Gas Association.This episode features a heavyweight guest in the energy world — author, journalist, and documentary producer Robert Bryce — for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest issues shaping America’s energy future.The discussion dives into Winter Storm Fern vs. Winter Storm Uri, why duration and fuel diversity matter during extreme weather, and how hydrocarbons like propane and natural gas continue to prove critical when the grid is under pressure. Tom and Rand also explore Department of Energy emergency orders, data center power demand, and whether behind-the-meter generation actually helped stabilize the grid during recent cold snaps.Robert Bryce shares insights on:The real lessons from major winter storms and grid resilienceChris Wright and the current direction of U.S. energy policyThe nuclear comeback and the rise of mini-reactorsWhy Big Tech and data centers may consume the next wave of new power generationEnergy poverty, global electrification, and supply chain constraintsCourt battles over electrification mandates and fuel choiceThe conversation also brings it back home to energy consumers — highlighting how propane for heating, water heating, cooking, and backup power can reduce grid demand, improve resilience, and strengthen energy security for rural and urban communities alike.With signature humor, policy insight, and a few off-the-grid moments (including UFO energy theories and baseball rule reform), this episode blends serious energy analysis with the classic State of Energy banter listeners expect.Presented by Metsa Tanks and fueled by real-world energy conversations that matter — from the Rockies to the national stage.

Send a text This week on The State of Energy, Ran DeWitt and Tom Clark go beyond the Super Bowl headlines to talk gas prices, power grids, wildlife impacts of renewables, and why propane remains one of the most reliable energy sources in America. Add a little humor, a lot of facts, and zero political spin—this is energy you can trust. 

Send a text This episode examines the energy impacts of Winter Storm Fern, including widespread power outages, natural gas supply disruptions, emergency electricity orders, and rising utility costs. Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt explain how propane provides reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses during extreme weather—and why energy storage and diversification matter more than ever. 

Send a textAs global conflicts escalate and electricity demand surges from AI and data centers, energy reliability has never mattered more. In this episode, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt explore how international oil disruptions, nuclear power agreements, and state-level regulations impact everyday consumers.They also break down a federal judge’s decision to block Colorado’s gas stove warning law—and why misinformation around indoor air quality misses the real issue. The conversation comes back to a simple truth: propane delivers stable, clean, domestic energy without the volatility of global markets.If you care about energy independence, affordability, and facts over fear, this episode is for you.

Send a text It’s the New Year’s episode of The State of Energy, and Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt are making bold predictions for 2026—from the Super Bowl and crypto to interest rates, electric school buses, AI threats, and where gas prices are really headed. They dig into EV reality checks, grid failures, driverless car chaos, and why propane keeps winning as the most reliable energy option for homes, fleets, and businesses. Informative, irreverent, and unapologetically real. 

Send a textWhat do propane pizza ovens, emissions rollbacks, nuclear power, and Santa Claus have in common? Apparently, a lot. In this festive episode of The State of Energy, Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark talk holiday propane gifts before diving into fuel economy mandates, fleet costs, nuclear power proposals, and why propane remains one of the most stable, American-produced energy sources available. Less hype, more heat 

Send a textIn this Thanksgiving episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt dive into the holiday spirit with propane-powered turkey tips, the dangers of deep-fryer disasters, and the surprising performance of propane air fryers. Then the guys turn up the heat on national energy policy, breaking down New York’s gas ban suspension, Colorado’s problematic water-heater mandate, and the rising cost of electricity. They also highlight the latest propane rebates for homeowners, builders, farmers, and fleets—including Montana’s generous 25% vehicle incentive. It’s the perfect blend of humor, holiday talk, and hard-hitting energy insight. 

Send a textWe question “zero emissions” labels, unpack Colorado’s coal-to-gas reality, and explore why propane often outperforms grid-charged EVs on lifecycle emissions. Michael Baker joins to decode the shutdown, Clean Cities funding, and how to keep energy policy pragmatic.• Ride-and-drive insights on propane vehicles versus EVs• The Comanche coal plant’s debt, timelines, and grid impact• Lifecycle versus tailpipe emissions clarity for fleets• Growth in demand from data centers and population• Gates’s pivot to poverty and health over pure climate targets• Shutdown timelines, LIHEAP stakes, and travel impacts• Policy pendulum and durable strategies for propane• Clean Cities funding outlook and all-of-the-above approach• School bus wins and local chapter engagement• Zion’s propane buses and an EV tow truck• Montana VW funds: 25% toward new propane vehiclesGet 25% of a new vehicle paid for by the Montana DEQ by getting rid of one of your diesel trucks and buying a propane-powered truck. That funding request ends December 4th.https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels

Send a textIn this episode of The State of Energy, hosts Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt mix humor with hard-hitting facts about clean energy, sports, and smart preparation for winter. The duo dives into Montana’s new DEQ rebate program that covers 25% of the cost of new propane-powered trucks, a game-changer for fleet operators replacing old diesel rigs. They also roast the growing list of failed EV bus projects nationwide — from Austin to Prince Edward Island — proving that propane continues to deliver where electric struggles. Plus, Tom and Rand share 10 simple propane safety tips to keep your family safe and warm this winter, and highlight a new $10,000 PERC grant program for high schools teaching propane vehicle maintenance. Stay warm, save big, and laugh along the way — only on The State of Energy. https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels#accordion1-collapse1