Here is some interesting information on propane usage, prices, companies and regulations in Virginia (VA), to help you find the best propane deal for your home. Remember that these represent averages and that should you be looking for propane in Virginia, it is best to rely essentially on detailed quotes from companies.

Propane usage

As you can see from the table below, people in Virginia (VA) use less propane than Americans on average but pay more for it. While an American uses 464 gallons of propane per year, according to the US Energy Information Administration (2009 averages), inhabitants of Virginia averaged 319 gallons over the same year when it comes to propane consumption. This means that total spending on propane in Virginia (VA) per household is lower ($763 in 2009) than in the country as a whole ($973 for the same year). This is compensated by the fact that in Virginia, electricity and natural gas are more popular than propane.

	Virginia (VA)	US
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season)	$2.892	$2.436
Propane usage per household (gallons)	319	464
Propane spending per household (dollars)	763	973
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars)	679	957
Electricity usage per household (kWh)	14,442	11,320
Electricity spending per household (dollars)	1,584	1,340
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars)	315	222
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet)	63	66
Natural gas spending per household (dollars)	887	804
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars)	614	607
Average energy spending per household (dollars)	2,162	2,024
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars)	602	N/A

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

Propane prices

At $2.892 per gallon on average over the 2012-2013 winter season (October to March), propane in Virginia (VA) seems more expensive than in the US as a whole ($2.436 per gallon over the same period, according to the US EIA). Two factors explain this: First, Virginia has relatively cold temperatures, which means more propane is used, which in turn pushes the Virginia propane price up; second, Virginia (VA) is relatively far from a major propane supply source (Gulf Coast or Midwest), which implies more expensive propane since transportation costs have to be taken into account by propane companies.

The following graph shows average propane prices in Virginia (VA) during the last winter season. This can be a useful tool to check whether propane company daily prices reflect average propane prices in Virginia (VA). However, remember that your price will also depend on your home usage and will not necessarily be reflected in the graph below.

Propane companies

A lot of propane companies operate in Virginia (VA). Of course, the three national propane companies (Amerigas, Ferrellgas and Suburban Propane) all have outlets in Virginia. However, the choice is important since propane companies such as Virginia Propane, Southern States, Sharp Energy, Anderson's Propane, Atkins Propane, Titan Propane, Revere Gas, to name but a few, all have outlets in Virginia (VA). There are probably also smaller, more local, companies and cooperatives selling propane that might be worth looking into.

Choosing a propane company involves several steps if it is to be done properly. First, think about the services you want your propane company to provide. Gas, of course, but what else: maintenance, a propane tank, a budget plan, fixed prices? Once you have made this list, call or write to propane companies in your area to request detailed quotes. This should give you enough elements for a good comparison and to make the right choice in terms of propane companies for your home in Virginia (VA).

The propane industry and regulations

The Virginia Propane Gas Association is the state organization in charge of training, communications, marketing, lobbying and many other activities regarding the Virginia propane industry. For consumers, it is helpful for Virginia (VA) propane companies to be members because it helps guarantee certain safety standards (the Certified Employee Training Program, for example).

Although Virginia (VA) does not have specific LPG institution (like a board, for example), propane falls under to laws: the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 38, Liquefied Petroleum Gases; the Code of Virginia, title 18.2, Crimes and Offenses Generally.