If you live or are moving to Massachusetts and need or want propane in your new or current home, the most important thing to do is compare detailed quotes from suppliers. The figures below should assist you in that comparison but are only indicative insofar as they represent official averages and not individual cases.

Propane usage and spending

2009 US Energy Information Administration data indicates that Massachusetts LP gas users spend $979 each year on average. The average household propane consumption is 371 gallons of LP gas per year. Homes using propane for heating spend an average of $1,036 per year on this. [1]

Massachusetts is a relatively cold state. Therefore, homes need more gallons of propane for heating in winter than in other states of the country. This implies that consumption is higher in those housing units than national averages. And supply and demand (influenced by usage) is an important factor when companies set their propane prices (the higher the demand, the higher the propane price, normally).

The table below illustrates yearly data for Massachusetts propane users. Although Massachusetts families use less propane than the national average, they pay more for propane for the reasons given above. Propane spending is also higher than the national average each year.

	US	MA
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season)	$2.436	$3.151
Propane usage per household (gallons)	464	371
Propane spending per household (dollars)	973	979
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars)	957	1,036
Electricity usage per household (kWh)	11,320	6,967
Electricity spending per household (dollars)	1,340	1,131
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars)	222	243
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet)	66	76
Natural gas spending per household (dollars)	804	1,120
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars)	607	948
Average energy spending per household (dollars)	2,024	2,478
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars)	N/A	1,083

Propane and energy statistics, 2009 figures / Source: US Energy Information Administration

Propane prices

The Massachusetts average propane price per gallon was $3.151 over the 2012-2013 winter season. This is much higher than the $2.436 average because Massachusetts has lower temperatures in winter and propane demand is higher. Colder climates and higher demand usually lead to increased propane prices. The graph below shows propane price trends over the 2012-2013 heating period. When requesting quotes from propane companies, verify that their seasonal prices match these trends.

Propane companies

Amerigas, Suburban Propane and Ferrellgas, the three companies that have outlets all over the United States, all operate in Massachusetts. Other large propane companies also serve Massachusetts, such as Paraco Gas, Eastern Propane Gas, Superior Plus Energy Services, New England Propane, among others. Depending on where you live, there may also be interesting local propane companies.

The best way to find the best propane deal is to list propane companies nearby, establish what you need from your propane dealer (pricing, budget plans, services, tanks, etc.) and request detailed quotes from various suppliers. Only then will you truly be able to compare company offers and see which is best suited to your needs.

The propane industry and regulations

The Massachusetts LPG industry is represented through the Propane Gas Association of New England for anything from common services to legislative and government lobbying. It also offers solid safety training programs, such as the PERC’s CETP.

Two important elements of the LP gas legal framework in Massachusetts are the Fire Prevention Code and Part 56 of the Administrative Code: “Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases”. They should serve as your reference if you have a legal issue you need to look up. Massachusetts does not have an LP gas official institution such as an LPG board.