Propane usage

US Energy Information Administration 2009 data show that Ohio propane users spend $1,297 on propane each year, on average. Similarly, Ohioans use 647 gallons of propane for household on average, according to the same statistics. Most of this (583 gallons, on average) is for space heating, though propane is a versatile fuel and can be used for anything from pool heating to indoor cooking.

Ohio is a relatively cold state so many homes need more heating in winter than in other parts of the country. This increases usage in homes that use propane as their main heating energy. Remember that usage is the main factor, along with supply and demand, in the price a propane company will offer you per gallon so try to establish what you are likely to use propane for to get as accurate a quote as possible.

Liquefied petroleum gas use in Ohio is quite representative of national averages. For example, 5.3% of Ohio households used propane for space heating in 2011, compared to a 5% national average. The Midwest region is also where most national propane consumption takes place.

The comparative table below gives you a good idea of how Ohio compares to Midwest and national average propane and other energy statistics. This should assist you as you request quotes from different Ohio propane companies to compare them in your efforts to choose the propane dealer that best matches your needs.

	Ohio	Midwest	US
Homes using propane (%)	5	N/A	5.3
Propane usage per household (gallons)	647	732	464
Propane spending per household (dollars)	1297	1331	973
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars)	1176	1202	957
Electricity usage per household (kWh)	11220	10583	11320
Electricity spending per household (dollars)	1145	1113	1340
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars)	257	213	222
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet)	83	88	66
Natural gas spending per household (dollars)	943	933	804
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars)	706	694	607
Average energy spending per household (dollars)	1948	1981	2024
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars)	710	724	N/A

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

Propane prices

Like in other parts of the United States, propane pricing is determined through complicated calculations taking into account customer usage (the more propane is needed, the lower the price is likely to be), climate and region (cold climates tend to warrant higher propane prices), supply and demand (propane prices during the heating season are always much higher than during summer because more people need propane), crude oil prices (since propane is a byproduct of crude oil production) and proximity to a major supply source (the Midwest is one).

Propane prices in Ohio are relatively close to national average prices, as the graph below illustrates. When shopping around for the right propane company or ordering a propane delivery, the most important issue is ensuring the propane price trends reflect those in Ohio. Indicatively, the average residential propane price per gallon during the first week of March, 2013, was $2.43, compared to the $2.49 per gallon national average.

Propane companies

All three national propane companies (Amerigas, Suburban Propane and Ferrellgas) operate in Ohio. Of the three, Amerigas seems to be the most present. From the top propane retailers in the US, only MathesonGas is present in Ohio, otherwise.

However, Ohio has many smaller propane companies you might consider if they have offices close to your home. Proximity is a key criterion when selecting a propane company and your search should start with a list of propane companies near you and requesting quotes.

Propane company prices in Ohio vary according to the same factors as national and state prices (see above). However, of the three top US propane companies present in Ohio, Amerigas seems to offer the best prices, as the table below illustrates.

Company	First fill (dollars/gallon)	Next fill (dollars/gallon)
Amerigas	1.699	2.099
Ferrellgas	1.499	2.370
Suburban Propane	1.799	2.599

Source: Independent spot calls to companies in the same week.

Although selecting a smaller propane company over a large propane dealer may seem interesting if they have offices closer to your home, remember that there are other criteria to take into account, like employee certification, customer care, equipment, maintenance services, etc. Larger propane companies tend to have a wider range of options than local gas retailers.

The propane industry

Propane companies in Ohio are represented through the Ohio Propane Gas Association. The OPGA is actively involved in Ohio legislative affairs that might concern the state propane industry. It also offers propane companies a series of high quality safety training programs, including the Propane Education & Research Council’s Certified Employee Training Program. When looking around for a propane company, it is recommended that you check whether or not each company participates in the OPGA.

Propane regulations

The Ohio Administrative Code, Chapters 1301:7-7-38 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) contains general instructions on propane, regulates propane installation and equipment, establishes rules on where propane containers should be located, and has crucial information on safety regulations for propane use and storage.