The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is actively seeking public input regarding two significant funding requests prior to its upcoming December meeting scheduled in picturesque Naples, Florida.
The council has proposed an $11.2 million funding initiative aimed at enhancing its comprehensive integrated marketing and communications plan for the year 2025. Additionally, PERC is pursuing a $2.25 million allocation intended for its 2025 propane construction research and data collection program.
According to PERC, the integrated communications and marketing docket is designed to bolster 2025 programming across all markets. This initiative is rooted in a well-defined communication strategy and messaging objectives that encompass paid and earned media, alongside the council’s owned media channels. Furthermore, it includes programming focused on environmental thought leadership, corporate communications, in addition to developing and strategizing digital content.
PERC plans to reduce expenditures on the 2025 marketing and communications plan by 13 percent compared to its 2024 counterpart. The council indicates that it is reallocating funding previously designated for autogas communications towards research and development, while also scaling back investments in environmental thought leadership initiatives and residential construction projects.
The propane construction research and data collection program, according to PERC, aims to capture comprehensive data from builders regarding homes constructed or remodeled throughout 2025. This data will facilitate a comparative analysis of carbon dioxide emissions from propane-powered homes against their all-electric counterparts. The aim is to ascertain whether high-efficiency propane appliances consistently demonstrate lower emissions when compared to electric alternatives.
Builders are encouraged to install propane appliances in the homes they construct. This program incentivizes builders to earn up to $1,000 per home based on specific installations—$500 for central heating systems that may include hybrid heat pumps operating in dual-fuel mode; $300 for water heating installations; and an additional $100 for each extra gas appliance or opening integrated within the home. Moreover, a $500 bonus is available for remodel projects that successfully replace oil or electric appliances with propane solutions.
Download the dockets here. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 1. The council is scheduled to convene on Dec. 5 in Naples.
How can stakeholders provide feedback on the PERC’s funding requests and initiatives before the upcoming December meeting?
**Interview with Jane Smith, Communications Director of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. The PERC has made some significant funding requests ahead of your December meeting. Can you explain the rationale behind the proposed $11.2 million funding for the integrated marketing and communications plan for 2025?
**Jane Smith:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The primary goal of this funding request is to enhance our outreach and communication strategies across all markets. We want to effectively convey the benefits of propane as a clean energy source through a comprehensive approach that includes paid media, earned media, and our owned channels. This funding will enable us to implement a robust communication strategy that emphasizes our environmental initiatives, positions propane as a leader in clean energy, and engages a broader audience.
**Editor:** That sounds like a well-rounded approach. Can you tell us more about the second funding request for the propane construction research and data collection program?
**Jane Smith:** Of course. The $2.25 million request is focused on our research initiatives related to propane construction and its various applications. This program is crucial for gathering data that can help us better understand industry trends, market demands, and areas for innovation. By investing in research, we can support our stakeholders and ensure that propane remains a competitive and reliable energy source in the construction sector.
**Editor:** How can the public participate in providing feedback on these initiatives before your meeting in Naples?
**Jane Smith:** We encourage the public and all interested stakeholders to provide their input through our online channels and community forums. We value diverse perspectives and want to ensure our strategies align with the needs and expectations of the communities we serve. Specific details on how to submit feedback can be found on our website.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Jane. It sounds like PERC is taking significant steps to enhance its communication and research efforts for a sustainable future in propane energy.
**Jane Smith:** Thank you! We’re excited about the potential impact of these initiatives, and we look forward to engaging with the public as we move forward.