With U.S. propane supplies about 25 percent lower than last year, the Michigan Agency for Energy is advising Michiganders to lock in a contract for the winter.
Roughly eight percent of Michigan households, in predominantly rural areas, rely on propane to heat their homes.
Judy Palnau is with the M-A-E. She said based on past winters it is better to purchase propane early.
“I think we all learned a lesson several years ago when the polar vortex hit Michigan and there was a propane energy crisis in Michigan and 30 other states. Supply was real tough to get a hold of and customers who had locked in prices early fared far better.”
Palnau said now is the time to get propane at an affordable price.
“We are encouraging propane customers to contact, get some quotes from various dealers, and take care of your supply well ahead of the heating season so you’ll be assured of having what you need come winter.”
Palnau said the state only monitors propane prices.
“Propane is not regulated the price is not regulated by the state but we do monitor supplies so we are aware that stocks are lower than they were the last few years so it’s a good idea to take care of that.”
Propane users are concentrated in rural areas of lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula.