Propane in North Carolina (NC)
If you are looking for a propane company in North Carolina and advice on how to get the best propane deal, here is some information you might find useful. Keep in mind that the best way to find the right propane company is to compare quotes between local propane companies and see which best takes into account your propane needs.
Propane usage in North Carolina (NC) is lower
United States Energy Information Administration data for 2009 shows that people in North Carolina (NC) use 342 gallons of propane each year on average, lower than the 464-gallon US average propane consumption. Consequently, average propane spending per home in North Carolina is lower ($796 per year) than in the US as a whole ($973 per year). On the other hand, people in North Carolina (NC) use more electricity (14,045 kWh in NC compared to 11,320 kWh in the US on average) and less natural gas (53,000 cubic feet in North Carolina compared to 66,000 cubic feet in the US on average).
North Carolina |
US |
|
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season) |
$2.712 |
$2.436 |
Propane usage per household (gallons) |
342 |
464 |
Propane spending per household (dollars) |
796 |
973 |
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars) |
725 |
957 |
Electricity usage per household (kWh) |
14,045 |
11,320 |
Electricity spending per household (dollars) |
1,487 |
1,340 |
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars) |
260 |
222 |
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet) |
53 |
66 |
Natural gas spending per household (dollars) |
723 |
804 |
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars) |
643 |
607 |
Average energy spending per household (dollars) |
1,878 |
2,024 |
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars) |
503 |
N/A |
Propane prices in North Carolina (NC) are higher
North Carolina (NC) is an expensive state for propane gas when you consider that the 2012-2013 winter season average propane price in North Carolina was $2.712 per gallon, higher than the $2.436 per gallon national average. This is in part because North Carolina, like Mid-Atlantic states in general, is relatively far from the US major propane supply sources - the Midwest and the Gulf Coast - making propane transportation cost, and therefore residential propane prices, higher.
The following graph should nevertheless help you understand how propane prices in North Carolina (NC) fluctuate and check that prices propane companies quote reflect these trends when applied to your propane usage. Remember, however, that these prices may not match your situation exactly - only detailed quotes will ensure you are given an accurate propane price for your household usage.
There is no shortage of propane companies in North Carolina (NC)
Besides the three national propane companies (Amerigas, Suburban Propane and Ferrellgas), all of which operate in North Carolina (NC), many of the top 50 propane companies in the country operate in North Carolina: United Propane Gas, Southern States, Paraco Gas, Thompson Gas, Diversified Energy, Energy United, and the Williams Energy Group. Depending where in North Carolina your home is, there may also be smaller propane companies and local cooperatives.
Choosing the right propane company for your home in North Carolina (NC) should start by making a list of the services you require from a propane dealer, such as tank lease, maintenance services, budget plans, pricing options or delivery solutions. Check which propane companies in your area of North Carolina offer this combination of services and request detailed quotes from them. Only then will you have an accurate picture of how North Carolina propane companies compare for your situation.
The propane industry in North Carolina (NC) falls under dense regulations
North Carolina (NC), like most other states in the US, as a propane gas association: the North Carolina Propane Gas Association, or NCPGA. Based in Raleigh, it represents the interests of the North Carolina propane industry. This is important insofar as the NCPGA is also responsible for informing its members of evolutions in safety procedures.
Propane in North Carolina (NC) is highly regulated through the LP Gas Law and five sections of the North Carolina Administrative Code: Title 38, Section 0700, Standards for storage, handling and installation of LP Gas; Title 38, Section 0702, Meters on tank trucks; Title 38, Section 0703, LP Gas inspection report; Title 38, Section 0704, Approved third party testing laboratories; Title 38, Section 0705, Notification of former supplier before disconnecting.