Propane in Connecticut (CT)
People who require or wish to have propane in their current or new homes should base their choice of propane company on an in-depth comparison of detailed quotes from different suppliers. Although the following information should help you better understand the quotes and choose the best propane deal, it remains indicative and based on official average statistics (it does not necessarily apply to individual situations).
Propane usage and spending
According to the US Energy Information Administration (2009 data), Connecticut propane users average $916 in spending on propane every year. They consume 318 gallons of propane per household (year average – EIA). The larger part of propane spending (an average of $1182 gallons[1]) goes to space heating.
Connecticut temperatures can go quite low so homes require more propane for heating in winter than other states. Therefore, usage is higher in those homes than national averages. It is important to bear in mind that usage and supply and demand are two crucial factors in the price a propane dealer might offer a customer per gallon.
The table below shows that Connecticuters use less propane each year than the national average. Consequently, yearly propane spending in Connecticut is lower than in the US. However, for climate reasons, propane spending on heating is slightly higher than the national average.
CT |
US |
|
Average propane price ($/gal, 2012-2013 winter season) |
$2.844 |
$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 |
11320 |
Electricity spending per household (dollars) |
1,418 |
1340 |
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 |
2024 |
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars) |
1266 |
N/A |
Propane and energy statistics, 2009 figures
Source: US Energy Information Administration
Propane prices in CT
The average propane price per gallon in Connecticut is higher than the national average because it is a relatively cold region and cold climates make propane prices increase, generally. The graph below shows Connecticut propane price trends over the 2012-2013 winter season. When requesting quotes from different propane companies in your area you should check whether their propane prices follow these trends.
Propane companies in CT
All three national propane companies (Amerigas, Suburban Propane and Ferrellgas) operate in Connecticut. However, other non-national but relatively large propane companies also operate in Connecticut, such as Paraco Gas, Eastern Propane Gas, Superior Plus Energy Services and New England Propane, to name but a few. There are also smaller, community propane companies.
Start by listing propane companies near your home and request detailed quotes from as many as possible. Establish what your needs are in terms of propane usage, tank rental or ownership and services you may require (e.g., maintenance, appliances, etc.) to find the best propane deal for your home.
The propane industry and regulations in CT
The Propane Gas Association of New England represents the Connecticut propane industry. It participates in legislative matters and offers dealers various safety training programs, including the Propane Education & Research Council’s Certified Employee Training Program.
In Connecticut, the industry is regulated through the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Code. But Connecticut does not have an independent LP gas state institution (e.g., LPG gas board).
[1] This figure is higher than average propane spending because some propane users do not use LP gas for heating and the consumption average factors this in.