Propane in Michigan (MI)
Information on this page will help you find the right propane solution for your home. Having said this, figures and advice published below are based on averages and will not necessarily apply to your situation. Though they can be useful references, you should still request quotes from companies in your area. The comparison should provide you will situation-specific elements and help you choose the right propane company.
Propane usage and spending
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Michigan (MI) propane users consume 60% more propane (770 gallons per year) than the national average (464 gallons per year). Indeed, the colder Michigan (MI) climate requires more heating, which also explains the higher average yearly spending on propane, and on propane for heating, per household in the Great Lakes State: $1,558 and $1,332, compared with $973 and $957 nationally.
|
Michigan (MI) |
US |
|
|
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season) |
$2.044 |
$2.436 |
|
Propane usage per household (gallons) |
770 |
464 |
|
Propane spending per household (dollars) |
1,558 |
973 |
|
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars) |
1,332 |
957 |
|
Electricity usage per household (kWh) |
8,695 |
11,320 |
|
Electricity spending per household (dollars) |
1,011 |
1,340 |
|
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars) |
164 |
222 |
|
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet) |
100 |
66 |
|
Natural gas spending per household (dollars) |
1,134 |
804 |
|
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars) |
830 |
607 |
|
Average energy spending per household (dollars) |
2,148 |
2,024 |
|
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars) |
887 |
N/A |
Propane and energy statistics, 2009 figures / Source: US Energy Information Administration
Propane prices
However, because of Michigan's (MI) proximity to the Midwest major propane supply source and since many propane users have relatively high usage, average propane prices are significantly lower in Michigan (MI) ($2.044 per gallon over the 2012/2013 heating season) than in the US as a whole ($2.436 per gallon over the same period).
The graph below shows Michigan (MI) propane price trends over this period. You can use it to check that prices offered by propane companies follow the same trends over a similar period as you request quotes.
Propane companies
The US’s three countrywide propane companies, Suburban Propane, Amerigas and Ferrellgas, all have outlets in Michigan (MI). Yet other LP gas dealers also operate in the Wolverine State, such as Cenex, Lakes Gas Co., Tri-County Propane (Matheson), Blue Flame Propane, Hamilton Propane, among others. You might also find smaller local propane dealers or cooperatives in your area.
What you should do is list your propane needs (pricing options, budget needs, maintenance, tanks, for example) and contact propane dealers in your area to get quotes so you can establish what the best deal is for your specific situation.
The propane industry and propane regulations
The Michigan (MI) propane industry finds a voice through the Michigan Propane Gas Association, which is in charge of organizing local networking events, lobbying state institutions and most importantly setting high safety standards for industry employees and propane users. Propane issues mostly fall under the Fire Prevention Code and the Michigan Administrative Code, Part 56, Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases.