The $6 Diesel Squeeze: Propane to the Rescue

Send us Fan MailWhen diesel gets expensive, everyone pays—even if you’ve never filled a diesel tank.On this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss how fuel costs ripple through trucking, farming, and the grocery aisle. They also explore Europe’s natural gas challenges and what growing demand for American energy exports could mean for U.S. utility bills.Could propane help protect your bottom line? Tom and Rand cover fleet-conversion incentives, on-site refueling, agricultural applications, and home energy options. Plus, Tom shares his experience driving a propane-powered Ford F-250.Presented by METSA Tanks.

Send us Fan MailCould Denver’s building electrification rules mean the end of flame-broiled burgers and 1,800-degree steaks in new restaurants? Tom and Rand examine Denver’s restrictions on gas appliances, the growing strain on the electric grid, and what happens when communities put all their energy eggs in one basket. Plus, they discuss Utah’s recent power outage, propane backup power, and $610 million available for cleaner public transit. 

Send us Fan MailA major federal funding opportunity could put more propane-powered buses on America’s roads. Tom and Rand discuss who qualifies, why propane can outperform costly battery-electric options, and how communities can stretch their transportation dollars further. Plus, propane-powered data centers, winter supply planning, crop drying and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy-2026-notice-funding-opportunity-grants-buses-and-bus-facilities-infrastructure#Eligibility

Send us Fan MailCalifornia’s aggressive EV mandates are facing new legal challenges, electricity rates are climbing, and America’s aging grid is being asked to power more than ever—from electric vehicles and heat pumps to massive new AI data centers.Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt break down why the push to electrify everything may be running into economic and infrastructure reality. They look at California’s EV mandate, the growing demand for electricity, nuclear power development, grid reliability, and the rising importance of on-site power generation.Plus, Tom explains why propane continues to make sense for fleets, school buses, homes, businesses, and power generation—offering reliable American energy, greater energy security, and potentially significant fuel savings.Is America’s energy future really all-electric, or will practical solutions like propane play a much bigger role?The State of Energy takes on the debate.

Send us Fan MailAs wildfires spread across the West and power outages become longer and more frequent, how prepared are you when the lights go out?In this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the growing challenges facing America's electric grid, the Department of Energy's warnings about future reliability, and why backup power is becoming an essential part of home and business preparedness. They also cover wildfire safety around propane systems, practical tips for protecting your property, and how propane-powered generators provide dependable, long-lasting energy when the grid can't.Whether you live in the city, own a mountain cabin, or simply want peace of mind during the next outage, this episode explains why energy resilience matters—and why propane continues to be one of the most reliable backup energy solutions available.

Send us Fan MailThe State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt sit down with Brian Richeson, editor-in-chief of LP Gas Magazine, and Chris Markham, managing editor, for a fun and insightful conversation about the publication that has been covering the propane industry since 1941. The episode covers the history of LP Gas Magazine, the value of print in a digital world, the next generation entering the propane industry, Propane Days in Washington, D.C., the LP Gas Hall of Fame, power generation, AI, and where the industry may be headed next. 

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt recap Propane Days in Washington, D.C., where propane professionals met with congressional offices to talk about energy choice, LIHEAP, and propane’s role in America’s energy future. They also dive into propane power generation, the new JuiceBox generator, Nexio’s purpose-built propane delivery truck, propane’s unexpected role in space, and finish with timely grilling safety tips for summer. 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The State of Energy, Rand and Tom dive into the wild energy headlines—from Skinwalker Ranch and Utah’s proposed data center boom to rising gasoline and diesel prices. Tom shares his costly Memorial Day fuel adventure, including a diesel truck, a gas-hungry boat, and a near-sinking brand-new boat at Bear Lake.The conversation turns to why propane remains one of America’s most stable, affordable, and domestically produced fuels, especially during global oil uncertainty. Tom also breaks down the opportunity for propane in fleet vehicles, temporary construction heat and power, and the new Juice Box mobile propane generator now available for demonstrations through RMPA, CPGA, and NMPGA.

Send us Fan MailThis week on The State of Energy, Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt take on the fast-growing world of AI, data centers, and the energy demand that comes with them. From Utah’s proposed massive data center projects to the global movement of LPG through the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation shows how connected energy, technology, and propane really are.Special guests Kevin Jaffe and Matt Tredinnick from Mopeka join the show to talk about why data matters in the propane industry, how tank monitoring is evolving, and why products like Sentinel and GaugeLink are helping marketers improve safety, efficiency, and customer service. It’s a conversation about propane, power, technology, and the digital future of the industry.

Send us Fan MailThe State of Energy is live from Nashville for Best of Nashville: Part 2 at the NPGA Propane Expo!In this episode, Tom and Rand continue their conversations from the show floor with industry leaders covering propane technology, agriculture, tanks, insurance, and field equipment.First, Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at PERC, joins the show to talk about combined heat and power, cooling applications, and how propane can help businesses improve energy reliability and efficiency.At 19:34, Michael Newland, Director of Agriculture Business Development at PERC, discusses propane’s role on the farm, including ag applications, propane use incentives, and a new propane-powered tractor that could help expand clean, reliable energy options for agriculture.At 48:33, Daniel Quiroga, Sales Manager at METSA, and Hernan Elizondo, Account Manager at METSA, talk propane tanks, including new aboveground/underground hybrid tanks and innovations like the new underground tank dome.At 59:30, Tom Mullaney with AEGIS General Insurance Agency Energy Insurance Solutions joins the conversation. As a commercial insurance risk control expert, Tom explains rising insurance costs, industry protections, and what propane companies should be thinking about when managing risk.At 1:25:55, Dan Cramer with First West Insurance discusses insurance needs for propane businesses and how operators can better protect their companies, employees, and customers.At 1:34:56, Steve Clayton and Tracy Wells from Gas Equipment Company highlight the new tank evacuation compressor. The GEM gas transfer and recovery compressor provides a cost-effective way to remove liquid and vapor from aboveground and underground tanks before tank exchange or valve replacement. With more than 150 units in operation worldwide, the GEM compressor is known for reliability, speed, and fast return on investment.From CHP and farm fuel to tank innovation, insurance, and real-world service tools, this episode brings another round of conversations from Nashville focused on helping the propane industry work smarter, safer, and stronger.