Are you looking to buy propane, fill your propane tank, or switch propane companies in California (CA)? Here is a little advice and a few facts on propane in California (CA) that might help you out in your research. Remember that the only true way to get a deal that really suits your home is to request detailed quotes from propane companies. The data in this article are averages and might not represent your situation exactly.

Propane usage and spending

People in California (CA) are relatively well-off compared to people in the US on average insofar as they spend about 25% less on energy than the country as a whole. In 2009, the US Energy Information Administration estimated that people in California (CA) spent $1,422 on energy, while the average US household spent $2,024. Similarly, propane usage in California (CA) is slightly less than in the US on average: 358 gallons of propane are used in California (CA), while 464 gallons are used in the US generally. This is mostly because California (CA) is a relatively warm state so less energy is needed for heating.

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

Propane prices

The US EIA does not follow propane price trends in California (CA). However, based on spot web research, Propane Deal has worked out a $2.556/gallon average price for propane over the last winter season (October 2012-March 2013). Based on the US EIA's 2009 data, the average propane price in California (CA) is $2.29/gal while the average price in the US is $2.09/gal. This is slightly higher than national averages but remains relatively low compared to other, colder or more isolated states.

Propane companies

California (CA) has outlets of all three major national propane companies: Amerigas, Suburban Propane and Ferrellgas. JS West and Co. is based in California (CA) and is also a major propane company, while Delta Liquid Energy, another propane company among the 50 largest in the country, also serves California (CA). Northern Energy Propane is smaller but has many outlets in California (CA). One cannot exclude more local propane companies or cooperatives in California (CA), which may not have as interesting services as large propane companies but may be closer to your home.

Choosing a propane company is no simple matter. It is recommended by simultaneously listing the services you will require your propane company to provide (e.g., maintenance, propane tank, etc.) and check out which propane companies are close to your California (CA) home. Then, call each company to request detailed quotes. It is the comparison between these quotes that will enable you to make an informed choice and find the best propane deal for your home in California (CA).

The propane industry and regulations

The Sacramento-based Western Propane Gas Association is responsible for industry lobbying, training and networking in California (CA). This is not only important in terms of getting tips for propane usage and preserving the environment; it is crucial in so far as, in California, it is the Western Propane Gas Association that provides the industry with important safety training modules, such as the nationally-recognized Certified Employee Training Program.

California also has a myriad of propane-related rules and codes, among which: the Code of Regulations, Title 8, Chapter 7 (General Industry Safety Orders), the Public Utilities Code, the Labor Code, the Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code.