Propane in Maine (ME)
Current or future Maine (ME) inhabitants will find useful information on propane gas on this page. Because it is based on official averages and not individual information, it remains crucial for people interested in using propane to base their decisions on detailed quotes from propane companies. Prices and services greatly differ from one user to another so you should look around for the deal that best answers your home’s needs.
Propane usage and spending
Propane users in Maine (ME) consume an average of 318 gallons of LPG each year (US EIA). According to the same source, their yearly propane spending average is $916 and those who use it for heating spend on average $1,182 per year on this.
Maine propane statistics are slightly higher than national averages because of lower average temperatures in winter. Therefore, homes consume more gallons of propane to heat indoor spaces. This higher demand leads to higher propane prices. Also, Maine (ME) is not near a major supply source (Midwest and Gulf Coast), which increases propane prices too. The following table provides data on propane usage and spending in Maine.
|
|
Maine (ME) |
US |
|
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season) |
$2.724 |
$2.436 |
|
Propane usage per household (gallons) |
318 |
464 |
|
Propane spending per household (dollars) |
916 |
973 |
|
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars) |
1,182 |
957 |
|
Electricity usage per household (kWh) |
7,940 |
11,320 |
|
Electricity spending per household (dollars) |
1,418 |
1,340 |
|
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars) |
209 |
222 |
|
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet) |
76 |
66 |
|
Natural gas spending per household (dollars) |
1,168 |
804 |
|
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars) |
1,009 |
607 |
|
Average energy spending per household (dollars) |
2,949 |
2,024 |
|
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars) |
1,266 |
N/A |
Propane prices
Maine (ME) propane users spent an average of $2.724 per gallon over the 2012-2013 heating season. This is slightly higher than the 2.436 average for the country as a whole, for the reasons explained above (distance from major supply source, colder climate, higher demand). The following graph illustrates propane price trends over the 2012/2013 heating season – this aims to assist you in checking whether the prices practiced by the propane companies you have solicited match those trends.
Propane companies
The country’s top propane companies – Amerigas, Ferrellgas and Suburban Propane – are all present in Maine (ME). However, several other companies have outlets there, like Paraco Gas, Eastern Propane, Blue Flame Gas, Fuel Services, D.F. Richard Energy, etc. There may also be smaller companies or cooperatives closer to your home.
Start by listing nearby companies and request detailed quotes from them once you have established what you might need from them, such as pricing, usage, services, budget plans, tanks, etc.). Comparing these quotes gives you the highest chance of finding a propane deal that is best suited to your specific needs.
The propane industry and regulations
The Propane Gas Association of New England represents propane gas and equipment companies in Maine (ME). Its role is monitor their activities, defend their positions in government and legislative affairs but it also organizes crucial safety modules for industry employees, such as leak check or gas inspection programs. The industry’s activities are mostly regulated through the Maine Revised Statutes’ Title 10, Chapter 307 on Oils.