The current propane shortage is a real and serious issue for our state.  Disruptions in supply are causing very high prices for both residential consumers and small businesses throughout our area.  Seniors on fixed incomes and families who set expense budgets well in advance are facing the highest propane prices that have been seen in decades.

Many of you have contacted me with details about your energy situation, and with questions about what can be done.  The propane shortage is affecting all of our communities throughout the 35th Assembly District.  One of the areas I have had many calls from is Tripoli, WI where last weekend’s price was estimated to be approaching $6.00 per gallon.  Consumers are facing these prices throughout northern Wisconsin and the rest of the state, and across the entire Midwest.

The Governor has declared a State of Emergency in response to the propane shortage. This directs all state agencies to be on high alert, and ready to assist the estimated 250,000 Wisconsin residents who use propane to heat their home or business.  Today, the Governor also convened state officials and propane transporters from across Wisconsin to identify ways to bring additional relief. 

State efforts currently underway:

• On January 24, 2014, Governor Walker directed the Department of Administration’s Division of Energy Services to release $1.5 million in additional Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis Benefit dollars to the 49 counties/tribes that have a high percentage of propane households.

• Governor Walker issued a public service announcement on January 23, 2014, providing Wisconsin citizens with information about the current propane shortage in Wisconsin and asking their help in looking out for residents who are being impacted.

• At the request of Wisconsin and other Midwestern states, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Midwest regional declaration of emergency on January 19, 2014, extending state emergency declarations for purposes of exempting hours of service requirements for propane and fuel transporters; and

• On January 3, 2014, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Department of Administration authorized a weight limit relief order for vehicles transporting energy in the state in order to increase the amount of propane carried in a single trip.

• The Department of Administration’s Division of Energy Services has contacted approximately 23,000 low-income propane customers recommending that they contact their propane vendor when their tank reaches 30% full to ensure they continue to have heating fuel and provided information on assistance available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

• The Department of Administration’s Division of Energy Services issued information to all of the local/partner contacts for WHEAP that outlines the benefits available to customers, including the availability of Crisis Benefit dollars to pay for lodging or temporary shelters.

• The Governor has issued Executive Orders allowing propane transport drivers to log additional hours to transport more propane. Typically, a propane driver can drive 70 hours per week based upon Wisconsin and federal laws. Several state petroleum terminals have not been able to meet the demands of their customers and are currently on a propane rationing system. The increased demand and limited regional supplies of propane means drivers are working more hours per day to obtain propane, causing drivers to reach maximum weekly driving and on-duty limits more quickly than normal. Carriers continue to remain responsible for ensuring they operate safely.

1. Call the non-emergency number of your local sheriff’s department if you need the location of a local warming shelter or other local resources. As always, call 911 for an emergency.

2. Check on friends, neighbors, and loved ones to ensure everyone has a warm place to stay.

3. Call toll-free1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) for information about where you can purchase propane in your area, or to apply for assistance towards your propane heating bill.

You can also visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov about where to apply for heating assistance through the WHEAP program.  Your local agency will determine eligibility for heating benefits based upon your household income, size, and the home’s heating costs.  If you are eligible, WHEAP will make a payment directly to your fuel supplier towards the cost of your propane.  These benefits are available through May 15, 2014.  Your local agency will also determine if you are eligible for Crisis Benefits.

4. If you go to a local warming shelter, turn off the water in your home and drain your pipes to ensure they pipes do not freeze in your absence.  If you are hesitant to use a shelter because you are afraid to leave a pet behind, please call your local warming shelter/human services agency as many warming shelters also offer pet shelter when an individual or family utilizes the shelter.

This crisis has been building since last fall, and the bitter Arctic temperatures over the last month have taken a dramatic toll on energy supplies. The propane shortage has been caused by:

• unusually cold winter temperatures

• a major pipeline suppling propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa was temporarily closed for maintenance from November 28 – December 18

• a wet fall increased propane demand for grain drying

Additionally, I've heard from many people the concerns with increased export of propane and other global factors that affect the market price.  There has been a great deal of media attention to the propane shortage recently:

U.S. propane shortage hits millions during brutal freeze

Farmers, schools scramble for propane amid freeze

Propane shortage prompts Governor Walker to declare State of Emergency
 

Ready Wisconsin is coordinating information from all state agencies to help residents deal with this week's dangerous cold and snow.  The "Triple Whammy" of weather with intense wind, snow and cold that created severe conditions over the weekend is forecast to last through Wednesday.

Forecast – The National Weather Service says travel will be difficult, with winds of 20-30 mph gusting to 40 mph
across the state, combined with light snow and existing powdery snow already on the ground to create slick roads and limited visibility.  The arctic blast currently settled in Wisconsin has dangerous wind chills, with meteorologists are predicting lows Monday night into Tuesday morning of -15 to -30 with wind chills at -30 to -50.

Health Risks - With these bitter temperatures, beware of hypothermia and frostbite.  Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes.  Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of the nose.  Limit your time outside.  If you see these signs, seek medical care immediately.  If you must work outside, wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.  If possible, use the buddy system; work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.

Carbon Monoxide Danger - Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.  Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood and can cause death within minutes at high levels.  Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath/chest pain, nausea/vomiting, and confusion.  With furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves working overtime during extreme cold temperatures, the risk for carbon monoxide increases. 

Warming sites are available for those seeking relief from extreme cold at ReadyWisconsin.gov.

Pet Precautions - Dogs, cats, and other pets are susceptible to this bitter cold.  It is recommended to bring them indoors to avoid frostbite, and be aware that ice-melting chemicals can irritate paws and animals' skin.

Livestock Precautions - Harsh conditions can weaken the immune system of livestock and open the door to illness.  Calves and swine are particularly at risk.  Make sure animals have a windbreak or three-sided shelter to seek refuge from the wind.  Dry bedding can also protect from frostbite.  Animals work over-time to keep warm in bitter cold, and need a higher caloric intake to keep safe.  They also need access to fresh water. 

On the Road - If you must travel, make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.  Items to include in the kit are candles and matches, a flashlight, pocket knife, snacks, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing.  Call 511 or go to www.511wi.gov for the latest Wisconsin road conditions before you set out from home.