The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is actively encouraging members of the public to provide feedback on two significant funding requests in anticipation of its upcoming meeting scheduled for December in the picturesque locale of Naples, Florida.
PERC is putting forth an ambitious funding request totaling $11.2 million dedicated to its comprehensive integrated marketing and communications plan for the year 2025. Additionally, the council is requesting $2.25 million to support its propane construction research and data collection initiative for the same year.
As outlined by PERC, the integrated communications and marketing plan under discussion is designed to support programming for various markets for 2025. This plan is grounded in a well-defined communication strategy that encompasses objectives for both paid and earned media, as well as the council’s owned media channels. Included within this request are efforts aimed at fostering environmental thought leadership and enhancing corporate communications, in addition to the development of digital content and strategic initiatives.
PERC has announced a strategic intent to scale back expenditures, planning to allocate 13 percent less on the 2025 marketing and communications plan in comparison to the budget for 2024. This adjustment follows a reallocation of funds, shifting financial resources from autogas communication efforts towards critical research and development endeavors, alongside a reduction in funding for environmental thought leadership and residential construction initiatives.
The propane construction research and data collection program, as emphasized by PERC, aims to meticulously gather data from builders regarding homes that are constructed or remodeled in the year 2025. This data compilation will include vital comparative analysis of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by propane-powered homes versus those powered exclusively by electricity. The council’s objective is to meticulously evaluate whether high-efficiency propane appliances consistently yield lower emissions compared to their electric counterparts.
Builders are incentivized to install propane appliances in new homes, with an enticing opportunity to earn financial rewards amounting to as much as $1,000 per home constructed. This incentive structure includes $500 for the installation of central heating systems, which can incorporate hybrid heat pumps in dual-fuel mode; $300 for water heating systems; and an additional $100 for every extra gas appliance or gas-specific opening included in the home. A generous $500 bonus is also available for remodeling projects that involve replacing existing oil or electric appliances with newly installed propane alternatives.
Download the dockets here. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 1. The council is slated to convene on Dec. 5 in Naples.
How does PERC plan to engage the public in providing feedback on the funding requests ahead of the December meeting?
### Interview with Jean Thompson, Executive Director of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jean. PERC is making significant funding requests for 2025. Could you share more about the objectives behind the $11.2 million funding request for the integrated marketing and communications plan?
**Jean Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Our $11.2 million request is focused on a comprehensive integrated marketing strategy that aims to engage various markets effectively. We want to ensure that our message is clear and resonates with our stakeholders. This plan will include both paid and earned media strategies, as well as initiatives targeting environmental thought leadership and enhancing our corporate communications.
**Interviewer:** That sounds ambitious! How will you measure the success of these marketing efforts in the coming year?
**Jean Thompson:** Success will be measured through a combination of metrics, including engagement rates, reach of our campaigns, and feedback from both consumers and industry partners. We are also focusing on improving our digital presence, so analytics from our owned media channels will play a critical role in evaluating our impact.
**Interviewer:** Alongside the marketing request, PERC is asking for $2.25 million for propane construction research. Why is this initiative important?
**Jean Thompson:** This funding is essential for advancing propane construction research, which is critical to developing innovative strategies and technologies within the industry. Supporting data collection and research allows us to make informed decisions, drive advancements in efficiency, and promote safety standards in construction using propane.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a strategic intent to reduce expenditures by 13 percent compared to 2024. What led to this decision?
**Jean Thompson:** We have been closely evaluating our expenditures to ensure that we are using our resources as effectively as possible. This reduction is part of a strategic reallocation to focus on high-impact initiatives that will deliver the most value to our stakeholders, ensuring that we remain responsible stewards of the funds we receive.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how can the public get involved and provide feedback on these funding requests before the December meeting?
**Jean Thompson:** We encourage the public to share their insights and opinions! Feedback can be submitted through our website, where we have set up a dedicated platform for comments on these funding requests. We want to hear from everyone—community members, industry stakeholders, and anyone interested in the future of propane energy. Your voices matter in shaping our initiatives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jean. We appreciate you taking the time to explain PERC’s strategic initiatives for 2025, and we look forward to seeing how this all unfolds!
**Jean Thompson:** Thank you, it was a pleasure speaking with you!
