Advocacy, Leadership & Education for ’s Energy Marketers

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Cavagna_MEMA_Ad 8.75x11.25.indd 1 1/25/21 10:50 AM Contents spring 2021 • volume 4 issue 1 8 12 MEMA Member Info

6 Meet our New Members MEMA’s membership continues to grow

7 From the Desk of Charlie Forging Maine’s energy future forward

8 130th Maine Legislature Session 13

12 Reviving Maine Energy Facts Educating Mainers on heating choices

13 Fuel Your LOVE Small acts of kindness fuel good

18 The Next Generation for MTEC 20 New educational video series launches

19 Tech Tips by the Granite Group Propane regulator tips

20 Biodiesel 101 Getting your questions answered

22 Q&A with Mike Estes 22 What the path to Net ZERO looks like MEMA MAG is a quarterly magazine designed to engage and communicate 24 Coping at the WHoworkplace can I add biodieselwith to members my withoperation? useful, timely, and member related content. MEMA MAG will be published four times each year by MARS Marketing LLC. Ideas by Diversified InsuranceIf you’re a fleetGroup and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t require any vehicle upgrades.Do If youyou have are a suggestiona retailer for or MEMA a fleet MAG? that Would operates you like to your ADVERTISE own fueling site, biodiesel is OR SUBSCRIBE? Contact Hannah Estes, Business Manager at MEMA. Email 26 MTEC 2021 Coursealso an Scheduleeasy switch from a supplyher at [email protected] and infrastructure standpoint. or call 207-729-5298. If you want blended fuel, ask your current Learn more here: mtecenter.com/courses/diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. To do your Copyright ©2021 MARS Marketing LLC & Maine Energy Marketers Association. All rights own blending, you will need reserved.a dedicated No part of this biodiesel publication may storage be reproduced tank or transmitted and blendingin any form or by system. any means, While there is an initial cost, the return on investmentelectronic or mechanical, is often including achieved photocopy, in recording, only or six any toinformation 18 months. storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from MEMA and/or the publisher. Printed in Maine, USA.

www.maineenergymarketers.comHow popular is biodiesel?3 U.S. biodiesel consumption rose 135 percent between 2011 and 2016, the most recent year stats are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.2 Anecdotally, countless public and private fleets are using the fuel, including FedEx, Florida Power & Light and the city of New York.

2www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec10_8.w

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact REG at (844) 405-0160 or [email protected]. regi.com © 2020 Renewable Energy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Every member of MEMA is eligible to sit on one or more of the Association’s Committees. All of MEMA’s operations are based on the “one compa- ny, one vote” principle. Each & every member company counts as each has one single vote. The largest member has one vote – the smallest member has one vote. We believe every company’s opinion is important and is weighed equally. Whether your opinion is brought to the table and voiced, however, is up to YOU!

OUR 2021 COMMITTEES & TRUSTS

Advertising Committee Membership Committee This committee is responsible for advising and assisting MEMA staff with This committee is responsible for establishing policies that will grow the advertising and communication campaigns and management of federally organization by attracting new members and retaining existing members provided NORA advertising funding. through clear focus on ensuring and delivering superior value to members.

Chair: Claudette Townsend, Dead River Company Chair: Mark St. Germain, St. Germain

Convenience Retailing & Transportation Education Committee This Committee is responsible for setting association policy on motor fuel This committee is responsible for establishing policies, providing advice, and convenience store issues. and aiding staff that guides planning and oversight of technical training and management level seminars for MTEC and the association. Chair: OPEN Chair: Roger Arsenault, Community Energy

Governance Committee Heating Fuels Committee This committee is responsible for creating a model organization within the This Committee is responsible for setting association policy on heating fuels boundaries of its founding and operating documents (By-laws and policies) issues including: Propane, Heating Oil, and Liquid Biofuels. for the purposes outlined in these documents and for the full potential of board members. Chair: Charlie Page, Maritime Energy

Health Trust Workers’ Comp Trusts This trust is responsible for the planning and management of the Self-In- This trust is responsible for the planning and management of the Self-In- sured MEMA group health, life, dental & vision insurance programs. sured Workers Compensation Trust.

Chair: Tim Freeman, Daigle Oil Co. Chair: David Thompson, Waldo-Thompson Brothers

Convention Committee Golf Committee This committee assists the MEMA and EMANH staff in the planning and This committee is responsible for the planning, fundraising, and execution execution of the Annual Northern New England Energy Conference. of the Association’s annual golf events.

Chair: Jeff Murdy, Renewable Energy Group

4 MEMA MAGMAG || SpringSpring 2021 2021 Charlie Summers Megan Diver Hannah Estes Sarah Nadeau Christa Fairbanks President & CEO Vice President Business Manager Administrative Insurance Our Assistant Administrator Team

Bryan Champagne Dan Weber Don Hobbs Jennifer Grace MTEC Senior MTEC Instructor MTEC Instructor Director of Marketing & Instructor Communication

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike McCormack Charlie Burnham Claudette Townsend Downeast Energy Charlie Burnham Energy Dead River Company Chairman of the Board Vice Chair Treasurer

Executive Board Mark St. Germain ~ St. Germain Tom Schwarm ~ Gould Technologies Michael McCormack ~ Downeast Energy Robert Luce ~ Valley Gas & Oil Company William Beck ~ Gulf Oil, LP Claudette Townsend ~ Dead River Company Saunya Urban ~ H.A. Mapes Inc. - Alt Marc LaCasse ~ Augusta Fuel Company Tim Heutz ~ Heutz Commercial Enterprise Association Board Carrie Tomforde ~ Irving Oil Charlie Burnham ~ Charlie Burnham Energy Jamie Robinson ~ A.E. Robinson Oil Co. Matt Poole ~ Colby & Gale Steve Flewelling ~ Irving Oil - Alt David Babcock ~ Adams & Fogg Oil Equip. Jim Carroll ~ J.P. Carroll Fuel Co. Roger Arsenault ~ Community Energy Robert Shibley ~ Bob’s Cash Fuel LLC Michael Estes ~ Estes Oil & Propane Steve Ness ~ Ness Oil Company Peter Buotte ~ Community Energy Company Robert Tracy ~ R.H. Foster Energy, LLC Max Marston ~ Fabian Oil Carter Vaillancourt ~ Daigle Oil Company Jonathan Mapes ~ H.A. Mapes Inc. Jeff Murdy ~ Renewable Energy Group Deanna Sherman ~ Dead River Elwin Scott ~ Simard & Sons, Inc. Rob Cort ~ Maine Energy Inc. Greg Krise ~ Eastern Propane & Oil, Inc. Charlie Page ~ Maritime Energy Marc Dorsey ~ Sprague Energy Jim Pike ~ Energy Kinetics Michael Tammaro ~ V.L. Tammaro Oil Co. Mark Gagnon ~ P. Gagnon & Sons Inc. Judy Delaney ~ Global Petroleum Corp

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FUEL YOUR LOVE Page 13 www.maineenergymarketers.com

1 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 Join us Today! FMI: Contact Jennifer Grace at 207-729-5298 or email: [email protected]

www.maineenergymarketers.com 5 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

New England Installations, LLC Lincoln Laboratory New England Installaions specializes in Appliance Installation and Lincoln Laboratory was founded in 1958 with a mission of providing Repair. Their business began in the early stages of COVID-19, so corrosion protection for oil tanks and fuel enhancing additives to the they are very familiar with and continue to follow CDC guidelines. oilheat industry. Residential oil tank services were integrated soon On their trucks they carry masks, booties for their shoes, gloves, after with the establishment of Bond-Tite Tank Service. Their staff disinfecting tools and before and after entering your homes. With is committed to providing the highest quality products and service patience and prayer, NEI has been moving towards a level of success and, as the oilheat industry has evolved over time, they have adapted that’s exciting. They look forward to putting in the hard work for to new challenges. They have solutions for performance issues that their clients. This is a continuously changing industry and they feel have accompanied the new ultra low sulfur heating oil and biofuel blessed to be in position with their skills obtained throughout the blends. As the cost to replace residential storage tanks has increased years. For more information, visit www.neillc.me/about-nei Lincoln Lab has responded with creative warranty protection programs. Bond-Tite Tank Service installs a variety of oil tanks including double wall tanks. For more information, visit lincolnlaboratory.com Evergreen Home & Hearth Since 2007 Evergreen Home & Hearth has been a Maine, fami- ly-owned business providing wood stoves and fireplaces, gas stoves and fireplaces, and pellet stoves as secondary heat sources for your ET Products, LLC home. They are proud to say that more than half of their sales are ET Products is a premier manufacturer of premium fuel supplements. derived from Maine made products and more than 90% are from Established in 1977 their company facilities began as a home office products made right here in the United States. For more informa- and a small local warehouse. Over the next 40 years they expanded tion, visit www.mainestoves.com into nearly twenty thousand square feet of office and manufacturing space in Northern Indiana, 4 regional sales offices and our corporate

headquarters based outside Chicago, Illinois. Founded upon the core belief that their customers come first, they have built our existing foundation believing when quality and performance count, count on Quirk Auto Group ET Products. We currently serve customers across the United States Searching for a new vehicle? Your search will be cut short once and Canada in the agricultural, marine, transportation, mining and you visit the Quirk dealerships in Bangor, Portland, Augusta, and municipality markets. They offer an expansive line of superior fuel Belfast. At their dealerships, they have a great selection of vehicles additives for both gasoline and diesel engines servicing both the win- ready to be test driven immediately with fresh, updated special offers ter and summer seasons. ET Products continues to be a family owned on your favorite brands. Not only do they possess plenty of high and operated business that takes pride in its high quality products quality Chevy, Subaru, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and customer loyalty. ET stands behind its products and the engines and Mitsubishi models, they have top-notch service centers to help they service. For more information, visit www.etproducts.com ensure the best auto repair and services for all types of vehicles. Looking for a used vehicle? They have a tremendous selection of quality used vehicles at Motor City Used Vehicle Centers in Bangor, Belfast, Augusta, and Portland. Looking for a wholesale to the public vehicle? Visit Cars By Us at 361 Griffin Road in Bangor. For more information, visit www.quirkauto.com Not a member yet? Reach out to the MEMA staff to hear about all the great benefits Tri-County Energy LLC of membership! Tri-County Energy started out as a small heating and plumbing com- pany that served Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc Coun- ty, but has now expanded across the state of Maine. At Tri-County Energy they strive to make your experience more personal, because they care about our customers. Tri-County Energy started May 1st, 2013. Ron Wing has been in the heating and plumbing industry for 24+ years. Erik Robinson has been in the heating business for the past 21+ years. Between the two combined, they have over 40 years of hands on experience! For more information, visit www.tricoun- 25 Greenwood Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 • 207-729-5298 tyenergyllc.com

6 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 “Mom and Pop stores are not about something small; they are about something big. Ninety percent of all U.S. businesses are family owned or controlled. They are important not only for the food, drink, clothing, and tools they sell us, but also for providing us with intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and connection to our communities. We must have mom and pop stores because we are social animals. We crave to be a part of the marketplace.”

– Robert Spector, author

Dear MEMA Members,

The above quote seems particularly relevant to our industry and where we find ourselves today. You, the more than 300 members that comprise MEMA, are truly the backbone of Maine’s economy. Small, family owned businesses that for generations have not only provided a critical commodity – but the good paying jobs that continue to strength- en our towns, cities, and ultimately, our state. Having grown up in and later run my own small business, I know that small businesses are most often a world within a world, where customers are friends and truly the “connection to our communities.”

Today, in an uncertain world reeling from the effects of COVID, COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL SALESSALES && SERVICESERVICE political unrest, and the extreme cold that has gripped much of our With locations in Westbrook & Auburn, Rowe has one of the largest country, the reliability and stability of the heating fuels industry shines selections of commercial trucks around. We stock F150 thru 750 series through and is needed now more than ever. In fact, while government’s Trucks, Superduty, Transit Connects, Plow Trucks, Service Trucks, reaction to the pandemic has shuttered or severely restricted much Dump Trucks, Propane & Oil Trucks, Full Size Box Trucks, & more. of Maine and America’s small business community, the heating oil, propane, biofuels, and motor fuel providers as well as convenience stores OPEN TILL MIDNIGHT have remained on duty – ensuring warmth, food, and critical transporta- Rowe Commercial Truck in Westbrook is open 7AM until midnight Monday thru Friday tion services of our communities continue, 24/7, uninterrupted. EXPERIENCED STAFF In these times, and in the future, the team at MEMA remains resolute Our commercial truck centers have experienced sales staff & highly skilled technicians in our core mission to

“…promote the best interests of the Demanding Reliable Trucks Association and the individual members.” For Reliable This means on the legislative front with full time representation in Au- gusta. In our communities with programs like “Fuel Your Love” which Service we’ve enhanced this year by partnering with WGME TV and providing an additional 5000 gallons of heating fuel, at no cost, to Mainers in need. And, of course, by working to promote the latest advances in equipment, technology, and bio-fuels. All of this is a tall order, indeed. However, with clear vision, a strong work ethic, and your continued support, we will succeed in advancing and protecting the interests of our great industry and the best trade association in Maine!

I look forward to seeing you in the field.

Best, 866-753-7011 888-719-3581

Charlie

www.maineenergymarketers.com 7 8 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 The 130th Maine Legislature

s many things in 2020, the 130th Maine Legislature started The Legislature also elected the state’s three constitutional officers. the First Regular Session differently than any other year. AUnlike years past the 130th Maine Legislature wasn’t sworn Former Senator won the race to replace outgoing into office in the House and Senate Chambers at the State House and Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. Bellows is the first female to were sworn in at the Augusta Civic Center instead. hold the position of Secretary of State in Maine. Bellows’ election as Secretary of State created a vacancy in State Senate District 14 and a The first day of the new session is when legislators who were elected special election was held in March of 2021. or re-elected in November take the oaths of office for the Legislature to elect Senate President and Speaker of the House as well as Maine’s The Legislature voted to re-elect , a Bangor Democrat, as Constitutional Officers. The ceremonies at the Augusta Civic Center attorney general and re-elected , a Biddeford Democrat, were pandemic-adapted, everyone that was allowed inside the facility as state treasurer. was required to wear a mask or face shield throughout the day and the rooms, tables and chairs were arranged to allow for ample social Former Secretary of State, Matt Dunlap was elected to serve a four- distancing. The ceremonies, which are usually open to the public, year term as state auditor. State auditor is not considered a constitu- were closed to only legislators, support staff and credentialed State tional officer, but is also elected by the Legislature. House media to limit exposure of COVID-19. It was expected that the House and Senate would hold floor sessions Typically, the governor is the one who swears in new legislators. In at the Augusta Civic Center, in order to allow for more distancing, in December, the governor was quarantined due to a COVID-19 expo- January. However, the presiding officers chose not to do so. As sure. The Legislature was sworn in by Andrew Mead, the acting chief anticipated this unusual legislative session has started to pick up as justice of the state’s Supreme Judicial Court. legislative staff members work through the process of writing the legislative documents. The House of Representatives elected Democratic Rep. of Biddeford to serve as House Speaker. Fecteau, 28, is the youngest In late December, the Maine Legislature released bill titles submitted person to serve as House Speaker in a legislature across the country by legislators and State Agencies. This is the first step in the annual and is Maine’s first openly gay speaker. The Senate nominated and bill drafting process and is an early indication of the subjects that will unanimously re-elected Senator Troy Jackson as Senate President—a be addressed by Maine legislators this session. While there are fewer logger from Allagash now serving his ninth term in the Legislature. bill requests in 2021 than recent years, more than 1,600 potential Jackson is the first resident of Aroostook County to ever be elected legislative proposals were submitted. The Office of the Revisors of to two consecutive terms as Senate president. Statues has started printing those bills and we have started to learn more details about the actual bills, however, there appears to be a

www.maineenergymarketers.com 9 number of “concept drafts” proposed this session and those bills we Sale of Ethanol-free Gasoline and as anticipated, COVID-19 will be won’t know the details on until the public hearing is scheduled and the a focus for Maine legislators during the 2021 session. Bills relating to bill sponsor shares the concept. A concept draft contains only a sum- COVID-19 range from vaccine policy to financial relief for businesses mary of the proposed legislation. It is not a fully drafted bill or resolve hardest hit by pandemic restrictions, as well as protecting the rights of but it is submitted for printing and reference to committee in the same COVID-19 patients. There are at least 20 pandemic-related bills that manner as a fully drafted bill or resolve. have been filed, while an additional five bills that address COVID-19 and public education. Maine legislators are not alone in pursuing coro- Legislators proposed 1,689 bills for the Maine Legislature to consider. navirus-related legislation. More than 3,445 bills have been brought MEMA has identified bill titles and bills that are of potential interest— forward in state legislatures since the onset of the pandemic last year, including many that address climate and energy issues. Legislators have according to a database created by the National Conference of State submitted numerous climate-related bills this session and proposals are Legislatures. also expected to be submitted by Governor Mills to implement recom- mendations from the state’s newly-approved Maine’s Climate Action MEMA will be sure to update you as the Legislature progresses through Plan, including, adapting to sea level rise, expanding the use of electric the Session and will continue to update MEMA’s Legislative Bill Track- vehicles, encouraging carbon sequestration, and addressing the siting of ing page with updates on all these priority bills. renewable energy. https://maineenergymarketers.com/legislation/bills-were-following/ Other proposed bills would reverse the plastic bag ban law from the 129th Legislative Session, capping Maine’s minimum wage, allowing the In a “typical” year, January is usually marked by introductory committee meetings and the full body meeting to assign bills to committees. That happened without the full bodies of the Legislature working in person. Committees met virtually and the process of bill assignment was turned over to the Maine Secretary of the Senate Darek Grant and Clerk of the House Robert Hunt. These two positions are allowed to refer bills when the Legislature is in recess for more than four days.

Bills are moving to Public Hearings in committees at a faster pace. Committee Meetings are well underway. Legislative committees will continue holding public hearings, work sessions and other meetings vir- tually but with some members located in their traditional State House rooms. Testimony from the public is welcome on any of these bills.

More bills have been released as the legislature moves through its work.

On behalf of our members, MEMA looks forward to working with legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle as well as Governor Mills

10 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 in 2021. We know that this is a critical time for Maine individuals helped alleviate the impact of the virus on Maine’s people and Maine’s economy as we continue to feel the government finances. impacts of COVID-19. It is critical that our newly elected and re-elected leaders work together to address important Maine’s current two-year, $8 billion budget will expire at the end issues that affect Maine’s heating oil, propane, biofuels and of the fiscal year on June 30. The Legislature must approve a new motor fuels providers as well as convenience store owners. budget before then to avoid a state government shutdown. If you have any questions about the Maine Legislature, please contact Megan Diver at mdiver@maineenergymar- The Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations and Finan- keters.com. cial Affairs Committee has been meeting almost monthly since March of 2020 and has been monitoring the finan- Governor Mills proposed biennial budget cial ups and downs caused by COVID-19.

Governor released an $8.4 billion In March 2020, Mills and the Legislature worked quick- biennial budget proposal that avoids making deep ly to pass a supplemental state budget that reduced state cuts to balance the budget in large part because of spending while setting aside $184 million in the state’s emergency short-term federal funding provided in budget stabilization fund. That money has yet to be the stimulus bill passed by Congress in December. used, and the next budget proposal from the Governor While the proposal does provide some additional also leaves this money in the “rainy day” fund intact. funding for Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nursing homes, addiction treatment Initial revenue forecasts showed state government could and services for adults with disabilities, the overall see a revenue shortfall of more than $1.5 billion over the budget is largely flat-funded. next three fiscal years, including the current fiscal year. But those predictions have proved to be high by about 50 percent. Maine government finances were ahead of what was Megan Diver The latest forecast suggests revenue losses on the order of anticipated going into the COVID-19 pandemic last $255 million for the current fiscal year – about half the original March. This positioned the state well for the revenue losses triggered by projection of $528 million. Revenue losses for the following two fiscal restrictions on business ordered by the Governor to slow the spread of years, 2022 and 2023, were also downgraded sharply. the virus. In addition, the revenue losses were not as severe as expected, and early financial support from Congress for state government and

THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS INCLUDE:

• $3 million to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Pre- • $1.8 million to facilitate the expansion of broadband into areas vention (Maine CDC) to fund the Health and Environmental with inadequate service (supplemental). Testing Lab, the Health Inspection Program, the Maine Immuni- zation Program, and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness • The combined budgets add $61 million to the Budget Stabiliza- Program (biennial); tion Fund, otherwise known as the Rainy Day Fund, across the three Fiscal Years to help the State weather the pandemic and • $5 million for Maine CDC for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and as a hedge against future fiscal crises. If approved, these budgets support services for people who need to stay in isolation and would increase the Budget Stabilization Fund to more than $320 quarantine (supplemental); million.

• To further fulfill the State’s commitment to vulnerable Maine • The Governor also proposes adding $25.5 million to the Medic- people, $6 million to fund Section 29 services for adults with de- aid Stabilization Fund to budget for MaineCare. velopmental disabilities in their homes and communities, adding 30 more slots per month (biennial); and $45 million for Maine- • The Governor has also submitted to the Legislature proposals Care rate increases for nursing facilities, residential facilities for for Highway Fund budgets, including a supplemental proposal children and older Mainers, services for adults with intellectual for Fiscal Year 2021 and a biennial proposal for Fiscal Years and developmental disabilities, and other providers as rates are 2022-2023. The supplemental proposal is balanced and utilizes renewed, per state and federal requirements (biennial); $21.8 million in balance forward generated in Fiscal Year 2020. The biennial proposal, also balanced, comes in at $676 million, • $7.5 million for mental health and substance use disorder ser- and when combined with anticipated federal funds and bonding, vices, including funds for community mental health and $2 mil- lion for the OPTIONS (Overdose Prevention Through Intensive maintains essential levels of service. Outreach, Naloxone and Safety) Initiative to dispatch mobile response teams in every Maine county to communities with high rates of drug overdoses (biennial);

• $45 million for K-12 public education, making progress toward a minimum teacher salary of $40,000 and allowing local districts to manage in-person, remote, and hybrid learning options during the pandemic. If approved, the increase in the State’s commit- ment to GPA from 51.78 to 51.83 percent will be the highest level of state funding for education ever (biennial); and

www.maineenergymarketers.com 11 MEMA Revives Maine Energy Facts

ven though Maine is primarily a liquid fuels State with well over It is abundantly clear that the consumer is in need of true and accurate 70% of people using oil, propane, and kerosene for their home Maine Energy Facts. The question for MEMA is - how do we do it? Eheating choices, the industry is feeling the punch of what’s to come. It is MEMA’s job to make sure that Mainers stay safe and warm In 2016, MaineEnergyFacts.com page was launched as an effort from during the coldest temperatures and the most effective way to do that is Blaze Marketing during the natural gas fights. The majority of the site with liquid home heating fuels. was a factual comparison between oil and natural gas. It was launched, For decades MEMA has been fighting legislation attacking the fuels in- populated with initial content and dustry regardless of the fact that the majority of Maine residents are set updated only once a year during the up to heat their homes with liquid fuels. Alternate choices such as heat Fuel Your Love Event. pumps and electrification have been popularized and encouraged, yet the liquid fuels business has stayed steady and continues to look past the This year a decision needed to be trends and stick to the facts. made about what to do with the site. Do we try to combine it with the We are not here to attack the MEMA site or do we keep it its own methods of home heating. In vessel to reach consumers perhaps in fact, many of our members install a less biased more neutral way than and service heat pumps. Recent the MEMA brand? research shows that heat pumps can contribute to a reduction So we made the call, overhauled the in carbon emissions, however, site, updated the logo design, added depending upon the size and content about Propane, heat-pumps, layout of a house, current heat biofuels, and finally populated it pump technology may not be with Fuel Your Love videos. It has sufficient to heat your home. Un- also housed the Fuel Your Love fortunately, that is the case with Nominations form where WGME many Maine homes, which is TV is directing their viewers to why MEMA likes to train MTEC search the page. Over the next year, technicians on all equipment in we hope to fill the site with usable their HVAC-Pro class, including content for our members to share heat pumps. with their clients and allow their audience to view it directly. It’s all about education. It is essential that MEMA educate the general public about This site has a full internet presence with a YouTube channel, Facebook, their energy choices regardless of Twitter, and Instagram pages. The Facebook account has gone through what they are. MEMA believes it is vital for consumers to have all the several growth campaigns - including five years worth of Fuel Your Love facts before deciding which heating units are best for their homes. It is video boosts, the Twitter, Instagram, important that they get the facts about the heating fuels industry and and YouTube pages are slender to the green story that continues into 2021. say the least. Nonetheless, having them will allow MEMA to cross- BioFuels is a prime example. Many consumers are not even aware that run ads as well as stream video on there are alternative fuels that are better for the environment available the website without slowing down today and can be used in their homes with little or no upgrades at all. page load time (which then flags Or, that many sectors of the industry (including MEMA) have signed Google to place us lower on the onto a path towards a net zero future that will require little to no heating search engines). system updates or waste. For suggestions and questions about Most Mainers don’t even know that their home heating systems are the launch of this page, we invite already running on Ultra Low Sulfur (ULSHO) oil that is cleaner and you to reach out to Jen Grace at burns more efficiently in their tanks. Many don’t know that this was MEMA, (207) 729-5298 or jgrace@ a law put forth by MEMA members. We have updated policies and maineenergymarketers.com. continue to study bioblend technology to ensure that the environment wins in the end and that consumers don’t have to spend the money to upgrade to heating technology that has not been adequately tested over- time and could wreak more havoc on the environment during its process of construction.

12 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 FUEL YOUR LOVE

ince 2016, the Maine Energy Marketers Association (MEMA) and WGME is asking their viewers to submit nom- its members have celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving away free inations for the Keep Fueling Your Love Fund Soil to homes across the state. It’s our way of delivering some love and give a Maine person/family the opportunity to to our fellow Mainers. The Fuel Your Love program is designed to give receive help with heating their home this winter. the gift of fuel to people in need. It’s something recipients say the world needs more of. Kindness. This is a way for families to obtain free deliveries of heating oil, propane, or kerosene, especially those Anyone who lives in Maine knows that winter brings cold days. This families that don’t qualify for the Low Income Home winter has been fairly mild so far, but Maine people also know February Energy Assistance Program. The fuel cost will be paid for and March can be the coldest and the snow falls are the greatest. On by MEMA. average, temperatures dip into the low 20s during February. Even the warmest days struggle to break 30 degrees. These cold temperatures make The Keep Fueling Your Love Fund will provide fifty it difficult for many people to pay for the oil they need to heat their homes in Maine with 100 gallons of heating fuel. Those homes. who receive a gift of warmth are only asked to spread a little extra kindness this year. Financial donations are The home heating oil industry is crucial to Maine residents and an im- being accepted to allow MEMA to continue this new tradition in years portant part of our local economy. 73% of Maine households use oil fuel, to come. kerosene or propane as their primary source of heat in winter. Maine’s oil heat industry companies – many of which are small, family-run business- Support in 2021 was provided by the companies below: es – employ hard-working people in every one of the state’s counties. Augusta Fuel Company (of Kennebec County) Dozens of struggling residents won’t have to worry about how they’ll keep their homes warm throughout one of Maine’s coldest months after Colby & Gale (of Lincoln County) Valentine’s day – their oil tanks will be topped off for free. Dead River Company (of Androscoggin, Oxford, MEMA sponsors and organizes the Valentine’s day deliveries. Each oil and Penobscot Counties) company that joins the campaign for Fuel Your Love provides the oil, trucks and driver services to spread the love through the state. Without Murray-Heutz Oil & Propane (of Androscoggin County) the participation of MEMA members, Fuel Your Love simply would not be possible. We are so grateful to our members for their commitment to Maine Energy (of Penobscot County) this event and grateful for the opportunity to give back to our communi- ties with programs like this! Maine Standard BioFuels (of Cumberland County)

2021 Fuel Your Love Expansion and partnership with RH Foster (of Penobscot County) WGME Channel 13 VL Tammaro (of Washington County) COVID-19 pandemic has had an affect on all of us in some way or another. The Maine Energy Marketers Association wanted to take the Annual Fuel Your Love campaign and make this year, unlike those in the past, after all the past year hasn’t been anything like previous years. Fuel your love. Love your fuel.

In partnership with WGME Channel 13, MEMA has launched Keep Fueling Your Love.

www.maineenergymarketers.com 13 FUEL YOUR LOVE

14 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 FUEL YOUR LOVE

www.maineenergymarketers.com 15 MEMA Ad 2021.pdf 1 1/11/2021 12:11:13 PM

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16 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 LEADING PROPANE SOLUTIONS

AND DRIVING SUCCESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

At CHS, our priority is supplying your propane needs today and tomorrow. With extensive assets and terminals throughout the supply chain, we have the network to meet your demands. Plus, our industry-leading online supply tools and risk management programs are more valuable than ever. That’s how we build long-term relationships to meet your propane needs.

Visit CHSpropaneinsights.com, contact Eric Brandt at [email protected] or call 866-839-7145 to start planning your supply needs today.

© 2021 CHS Inc.

www.maineenergymarketers.com 17

JOB #: CHS8500_STATE PROPANE AD Bleed: NA ALBARELLA DESIGN Print Scale: 100% Trim: 7.5x10 CLIENT: CHS Live: NA Date: January 2021 Gutter: None Description: 4C CHS 2020-2021 CHS State Propane Ad Fold Type: None Publication: Maine Energy Marketers Assoc (MEMA) Document Name: chs8500_MaineEnergyMarkertersAssoc_7.5x10 FUELING THE NEXT GENERATION VIDEO SERIES ince the Pandemic first hit in early 2020, Maine schools After multiple discussions with the PATHS HVAC teacher Paul remain one of the most affected public sectors. This is espe- Chapin, it became clear that he was succeeding most elegantly Scially true for tech schools such as Portland Arts Technology by making instructional videos for his students. As a result, the High School (PATHS) where much of their curriculum requires Education Committee decided that MEMA should create a video hands-on training. series that would succeed in bringing MTEC to the students, their teachers, counselors, and parents. This too presents a serious dilemma for MTEC, since many of our students are sent to us from tech schools like PATHS and Region This video series, which has already begun filming by Praxis Video 10. This on top of the sudden halt of school career and education will follow at least one student through the HVAC course - start fairs as well as new school protocols for allowing in-person speak- to finish and will be filmed in documentary style. The video series ers to present in-class to the students. This was a platform that will run for six months with six episodes ending in a long single MEMA and MTEC used for reaching a broad range of students and documentary inclusive of all the footage. staff about opportunities in the trade as well as the Maine Fuels environmental story, such as Ultra Low Sulfur Oil, Propane, and The series is titled The Next Generation and will touch on import- the prospect of upcoming bio based fuels. ant subjects such as the economic impact of the industry, workforce development, the importance of the HVAC trade and trades in So, the question was posed. As schools recollect and learn to learn general, as well as the role fuel dealers and HVAC professionals in new ways, how can MTEC reach its prospective student body currently play and will play in Maine’s environmental story. in a way that can be used in conjunction with and independently from the school systems? Fulfilling a goal to recruit and incur new We hope you will tune in to the series, which rolled out in late students for the HVAC-Pro program as well as reach out to stu- February, and share the videos heavily across all social media dents, teachers, and the general public with education about how platforms. the Maine Energy Dealers play a role in a carbon net-zero future is imperative to MEMA.

18 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 brought to you by:

inter always has its demands, which means we tend to face absolute anhydrous methanol* (99.85% pure) for each 100 gal. of water a handful of seasonal challenges. Among these, is often the capacity of the container. Woccasional nuisance frozen regulator. Buckets of hot wa- ter are employed, regulators are swapped out and methanol levels are ***Do not use methanol to remove ice from the inside of a frozen reg- questioned. Sometimes the problem is fixed and sometimes the problem ulator. Methanol could cause severe damage to the diaphragm and seat persists. Sometimes warmer weather postpones the problems, only until disc.*** old man winter rears up again. • How is the regulator placed? Regulator freeze ups often have very little to do with the regulator itself. Make sure your regulator is installed higher than the container connec- In almost every case there are other circumstances outside the regulator tion. This will ensure that any liquid droplets that could be formed in that are the true causes of the issue. In this article we will take a closer the pigtail will drain back into the container. look at some of these causes and possible solutions. • Replace your twin stage regulator with a two-stage system Regulator freeze ups happen when there is excessive moisture in LP gas. Two-stage systems can greatly reduce the possibility of freeze-ups and The freeze up occurs when moisture in the gas condenses, then freezes on resulting service calls as the expansion of gas from tank pressure to 11” the cold surface of the regulator nozzle. The nozzle becomes cold when w.c. is divided into two steps, with less chilling effect at each regulator. high pressure gas expands as it exits the nozzle into the regulator body. • Check for restrictions in your piping system? These conditions can happen in older as well as newer LP-Gas contain- Freeze-ups can also occur when there is a restriction of flow in the inlet ers when heating demands are higher during colder temperatures. Freeze- piping. Check to make sure your pigtails and hogtails are not kinked or ups can also occur in pigtails that are kinked or bent. This results in bent. This will cause the free flow of the LP-Gas to be restricted. If you the free flow of the LP-Gas being restricted. Freeze-ups can occur when are experiencing a large vapor load use a hogtail or pipe properly with the moisture, gas flow and temperature combine to create a substandard schedule 80 piping per NFPA 58 requirements. condition. Freeze-ups can occur at temperatures above 32º F. • Using new regulators and new pigtails and hogtails on every new Any container suspected of having excessive moisture should be treated installation will also help to reduce the chances of freeze ups. with the proper amount of methanol. Following these steps will help to avoid or troubleshoot any frozen regu- What to look for when you encounter a frozen or frosted regulator lators you may encounter. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns. I am always happy to help and to work with the • Has the container been purged properly? manufacturer to come up with solutions. A very important step which must not be overlooked by LP-Gas market- ers is the importance of properly purging new LP-Gas containers. Atten- Matt Wotton tion to this important procedure will promote customer satisfaction and Fuel Products Market Manager greatly reduce service calls on new installations. The Granite Group

• Has methanol been added to the container properly? Whether in a new installation or existing installation LP-gas should be treated properly with Methanol to neutralize moisture. Remember when FMI please visit: www.regoproducts.com/lpg/ purging your tank, it is recommended to neutralize the moisture in the RegO’s L-545 Serviceman’s Manual LP-Gas cylinder. A rule of thumb for neutralizing moisture in an ASME www.thegranitegroup.com/my-granite-access/knowledge-warehouse/ container calls for the introduction of at least one pint of genuine PERC/BATTELLE - Recommended proper use of methanol

www.maineenergymarketers.com 19 RENEWABLERENEWABLE ENERGY ENERGY GROUP GROUP BIODIESELBIODIESEL 101: 101: YOUR YOUR QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ABOUTABOUT BIODIESEL BIODIESEL ANSWERED ANSWERED Switching your operation to biodiesel blends is easy. But if you’re Switchingnew to yourthe operationfuel, understanding to biodiesel blends what is easy. it But is andif you’re the new terminology to the fuel, under - standing what it is and the terminology associated with it can take a little while to learn. associated with it can take a little while to learn. That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about biodiesel. That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about biodiesel.

WhatWhat is isbiodiesel? biodiesel? Howensure can quality. things B20 has like a nearly canola identical oil ASTM and specification to No. 2 Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that is renewable and biodegradable. ULSD, for example. Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that is renewable beef tallow be turned into fuel? It is a cleaner-burning, drop-in replacement to petroleum diesel fuel. In That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about additionand biodegradable. to vehicles, it can It beis aused cleaner-burning, in heating systems drop-in to warm buildings.Keepingbiodiesel. it to a high-level explanation, biodiesel replacement to petroleum diesel fuel. In addition is made through a chemical process called to vehicles, it can be used in heating systems to What is biodiesel made from? transesterificationB20? What’s that? in which those oils or fats are Biodieselwarm buildings. is primarily produced from animal fats, inedible corn oil, convertedThe amount to ofwhat biodiesel are known mixed into as petroleumfatty acid is methyl the product’s blend recycled cooking oil and vegetable oils. Skilled producers can create esterslevel. (FAME), This is commonly which is abbreviated the chemical to “B” name and thenfor that number. B20 high-qualityWhat is biodiesel biodiesel that meets made customer from? specifications from a variety is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, for example. B5 of feedstocks, something that’s known as feedstock neutrality. biodiesel.contains 5Biodiesel percent biodiesel. has ASTM standards that Biodiesel is primarily produced from animal ensure quality. B20 has a nearly identical ASTM Howfats, caninedible things corn like oil, canola recycled oil cooking and beef oil tallow and specification to No. 2 ULSD, for example. What are the advantages of biodiesel? bevegetable turned intooils. fuel?Skilled producers can create This is an easy one. There are several ways fleets and retailers can benefit Keepinghigh-quality it to a high-level biodiesel explanation, that meets biodiesel customer is made through a chemical process called transesterification in which those oils or fats are from biodiesel. Here are some of the big ones: convertedspecifications to what fromare known a variety as fatty of acid feedstocks, methyl esters (FAME), which issomething the chemical that’s name forknown biodiesel. as feedstock Biodiesel has neutrality. ASTM standards that 20 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 B20? What’s that? B20? What’s that? B20?The amount What’sof biodiesel mixed that? into petroleum is the product’s blend level. This is commonly abbreviated Theto “B” amount and then of biodiesel that number. mixed B20 into is petroleum 20 percent is biodiesel the product’s and 80 blend percent level. petroleum This is commonly diesel, for abbreviated example. ThetoB5 “B”contains amount and then 5of percent biodiesel that number. biodiesel. mixed B20 into is petroleum 20 percent is biodiesel the product’s and 80 blend percent level. petroleum This is commonly diesel, for abbreviated example. B5to “B”contains and then5 percent that number. biodiesel. B20 is 20 percent biodiesel Howand 80 percentcan I petroleumadd biodiesel diesel, for example. to my operation? WhatB5 contains are 5the percent advantages biodiesel. of biodiesel? If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t ThisWhat is an are easy the one. advantages There are several of biodiesel?ways fleets and retailers can benefit from biodiesel. What are the advantages of biodiesel? require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, biodiesel is ThisHere is are an some easy one.of the There big ones:are several ways fleets and retailers can benefit from biodiesel. ThisHere is are an some easy one.of the There big ones:are several ways fleets and retailersalso canan easybenefit switch from biodiesel. from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask your current Here are some of the big ones: Performance Performance — Fleets — Fleetsthroughout throughout North America North diesel AmericaHow supplierpopular wouldn’t is if biodiesel?use they biodiesel can get blends you if theproduct. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. To do your How can I addwouldn’t biodiesel use biodiesel to myblends operation? if the fuel didn’t per- How can I add biodiesel to my operation? U.S. biodiesel consumption rose 135 percent between 2011 and 2016, form. 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Emissions Emissionsmonoxide — A emissions —B20 A blend B20 hasbyblend morebeen has shown than been to10 shown percent to and reduce unburned particulate hydrocarbons matter and by carbonmore between 2011 and 2016, the most recent GHG reducemonoxidethan Emissions particulate 20 percent emissions — matter A inB20 andheavy-duty byblend carbon more has monoxide than highwaybeen 10 shown percent engines.How to and reduce Apopular unburned recent particulate study is hydrocarbons biodiesel? by matter Argonne and by National carbonmore year stats are available from the U.S. Energy GHG emissions by more than 10 percent and unburned thanLaboratory,monoxide 20 percent emissions Purdue in heavy-duty University by more thanand highway the10 percentU.S. engines.U.S. Department and biodiesel A unburned recent of consumption studyAgriculture hydrocarbons by Argonne rosefound 135by Nationalthat more percent 2 GHG hydrocarbons by more than 20 percent in heavy-du- How popular is biodiesel? Information Administration. ty highwayLaboratory,biodieselthan 20 engines. percent reduces Purdue A recentin greenhouse heavy-duty University study by Argonne andgas highway emissionsthe U.S. engines.between Department by 72 A percentrecent 2011 of and study Agricultureand 2016, fossil by Argonne the fuel found most use National that byrecent 80 NationalbiodieselpercentLaboratory, Laboratory, compared reduces Purdue Purdue greenhouse with University University petroleum andgas and emissions thediesel. U.S.1 year Department by stats72 percentU.S. are of availablebiodiesel Agricultureand fossil from consumption fuel found the use U.S. thatby Energy 80 rose 135 percent Anecdotally, countless public and private U.S. Department of Agriculture found that biodiesel reducespercentbiodiesel greenhouse compared reduces gas emissions greenhouse with petroleum by 72 gaspercent emissions diesel. and 1 Information by 72 percentbetween Administration. and 2011 fossil fueland2 use 2016, by 80 the most recent fleets are using the fuel, including FedEx, Business — These days, it’s common for1 companies and governments to have fossilpercent fuel use compared by 80 percent with compared petroleum with petro diesel.- Anecdotally, countless public and private 1 year stats are available from the U.S. Energy Florida Power & Light and the city of leumsustainabilityBusiness diesel. — Theseplans thatdays, apply it’s common to both theirfor companies operations1 http://biodiesel.org/news/news-display/2018/01/22/us-government-report-strengthens-con and and governments their vendors. to Walmart,have - fleetssensus-on-biodiesel-benefits are using the fuel, including FedEx,2 Business sustainabilityBusinessfor example, — These — hasThese plansdays, a it’s statedthatdays, common apply it’sgoal commonfor to of companies both reducing theirfor companies emissionsoperationsInformation inand and its governments supplytheir vendors. chainAdministration. toby Walmart, have1 gigaton New York. Florida2 Power & Light and the city of andsustainabilityforby governments 2030.example, These to hasplans have organizations a sustainabilitystatedthat apply goal wantto plansof both reducing thatto theirfill up emissionsoperationswww.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec10_8.w their vehiclesAnecdotally, in and its supplytheirwith renewablevendors. chain countless by Walmart, 1fuels gigaton public and private apply to both their operations and their vendors. New York. for example, has a stated goal of reducing emissions in its supply chain by 1 gigaton 2 Walmart,bythat 2030. help for example, Thesethem reduceorganizations has a stated their goal carbon want of reducing tofootprints fill up their — and vehiclesfleets they expect withare renewableusing the same the fuelsfuel,from includingfleets FedEx, www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec10_8.w FOR MORE INFORMATION emissionsthattheyby 2030. helpwork in its Thesethem supplywith. reduce organizationschain by their one gigaton carbon want by tofootprints 2030. fill 2upwww.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec10_8.w their — and vehicles they expectwith renewable the same fuelsfrom fleets These organizations want to fill up their vehicles Florida Power & Light and the city of theythat helpwork them with. reduce their carbon footprintsContact — and REG they at (844) expect 405-0160 the same or [email protected] from fleets or regi.com with renewable fuels that help them reduce their New York. carbonthey footprints work with. — and they expect the same from fleets they work with. 2www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec10_8.w

How can I add biodiesel to my operation? If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel © 2020 Renewable Energy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, biodiesel is also an easy FORswitch MOREfrom a supply INFORMATION and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask your current diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodieselContact producers REG at also (844) supply 405-0160 blended fuel. or To [email protected]. do your own FOR MORE INFORMATION blending,regi.com you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage tank and blending system. While there is an initial cost, the return on investment is often Contact© 2020 REG Renewable at Energy(844) Group, 405-0160 Inc. All Rights Reserved. or [email protected]. achieved in only six to 18 months. regi.com FOR MORE INFORMATION © 2020 Renewable Energy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.maineenergymarketers.com 21 Contact REG at (844) 405-0160 or [email protected]. 1http://biodiesel.org/news/news-display/2018/01/22/us-government-report-strengthens-consensus-on-biodiesel-benefits regi.com 1http://biodiesel.org/news/news-display/2018/01/22/us-government-report-strengthens-consensus-on-biodiesel-benefits © 2020 Renewable Energy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1http://biodiesel.org/news/news-display/2018/01/22/us-government-report-strengthens-consensus-on-biodiesel-benefits with Mike Estes from Estes Oil & Propane

What Does the Path to Net Zero Look Like For Dealers in Maine? Interview with Mike Estes, from Estes Oil & Propane

MEMA: Over the next 10 to 30 years, state policy makers across the Mike Estes: We deliver biofuel because as a dealer we believe we can Northeast (and elsewhere) have plans to diminish carbon-intensive deliver a clean fuel which is better for the environment at about the fuels through methods of electrification and carbon taxation. This same cost as heating fuel. I know that I am in a unique position as I includes home heating oil. As a Maine Dealer, aside from the obvious have bio available to me in Southern Maine that other dealers in the ramifications for our industry, what problems do you foresee this creating State do not have. for our Maine fuel customers?

Mike Estes: As of today, because of our cold climate, there is not an MEMA: Do you see potential for more consumer demands for bio- available fuel for us to sell without creating substantial cost to the in- blends from other dealers in Maine’s future? dustry. Dealers would need to install tank heaters for bulk storage plants, any outside tanks, truck heaters or build heated garages for oil trucks to Mike Estes: As far as consumers go, we have been able to get a few new prevent the blended fuel from freezing in cold temperatures. Although customers interested in B20, but, the majority of our customers, even additives are being looked into, as of right now, they do not exist. though they know about it, don’t ask questions. With State policy in Maine calling for a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and because of the lack of affordability for renewable MEMA: Estes Oil is one of the few dealers in the State of Maine who sources, I really believe that our cost-effective solutions with biofuel will currently delivers a Bio-blend (B20). In your experience, how have the make our customers more accepting of our fuel. For this to happen, the consumers responded to this offering? success of EL into our marketplace will be a major step forward.

22 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 MEMA: If other dealers in the State of Maine adopted B20, what effect terial exists today to fix these, what we have not yet figured out is what would that have to a cleaner future? our conversion plan is and how much it would cost.

Mike Estes: If everybody in Maine was using B20 blend in their heating oil now, we would be reducing our CO2 emissions by 8 metric tons a MEMA: What steps is Estes Oil & Propane taking to educate their year, which would equate to 1.7 million cars being taken off the road, consumers about Bio? which is far faster than converting everybody over to hybrid or electric cars and at a substantially lower cost to the consumer. Mike Estes: We have taken the approach to thank our customers for choosing Bio-heat. We have done YouTube commercials, direct mail- MEMA: What effect would that have on the fuel industry long term? ings, upgraded our websites, used mail stuffers, and we have removed all Do you see any other ways to move towards a carbon free future that will verbiage about heating oil and replaced it with Bio-heat. satisfy the policymakers and consumer base following suit?

Mike Estes: Well, right now, I see our only path forward for higher MEMA: Can you map out for us what the steps look like in a Statewide blends of bio is going to be the success of Ethyl Levulinate (EL) inte- plan for all dealers to implement a Net Zero future to save the industry? gration into our market. What that does is give us a regional fuel not counting on rail service to deliver from the Midwest farm areas a fuel Mike Estes: We cannot map out that path until we identify the obsta- that would operate in cold temperatures, and a fuel that will trigger an cle which we now have. The question of mandate or incentive based economic pathway that would allow us to repurpose our forest industry program is front and center of everybody’s mind. Once we identify the into a renewable future. For EL to be a viable fuel, we must first be able infrastructure downfalls then we must wrap our minds around whether to fix the problem with the swelling of gasket materials used in our this can best be achieved with a mandate or an incentive-based pro- present heating fuel equipment. gram. Both programs are being used effectively in the country today.

MEMA: What is the next step after State-wide implementation of B20? MEMA: What can MEMA do for the dealers in the State of Maine to lead this pursuit? Mike Estes: Right now, I think our best approach is to continue to work with NEFI to identify the problems that we need to overcome Mike Estes: MEMA needs to be engaged now more than ever in the to get to a B20 blend. Once we have that, we can price out the cost of legislature at both the State and Federal levels because the reality is upgrades necessary to provide this product. This includes identifying the most legislators believe that we, the Oil Dealers, do not have a path problems and working with State and Federal legislators about how we forward and this mindset MUST be changed. can get compensated for some of the costs and most importantly solve the supply issues that would occur even if we would go to a B5 blend today.

MEMA: If Maine chooses not to adopt Biofuels, what does our future look like?

Mike Estes: Well, no one really knows. But, if we do not meet 2030 goals, then the Maine DEP gets to write the rules to get us there. Does this put us out of business? Probably not, but with those rules, gallons would continue to be reduced with legislation like in California, which mandates that no fossil fuels would be allowed to be used in new con- struction.

MEMA: What steps do dealers have to take to begin implementation of Bio in Maine?

Mike Estes: The use of Biofuel must be dealer driven because the sup- plier will not spend money where commitment does not exist. Even if available at low amounts of B5 or B2—anything dealers would buy into would be creating more demands on our wholesalers and if they know demand exists, they will be more likely to upgrade their infrastructure.

MEMA: Is offering Bio as an option enough to achieve our Net Zero goals or do you feel we need to mandate it to all dealers like we did with Ultra-Low-Sulfur back in 2018?

Mike Estes: Based on all studies today, the only path to a net zero future by 2050 is if we can bring EL to the market. EL may have to be mixed with other biodiesel products to get there, and, as I said earlier, we need to figure out a way to replace the gaskets in our heating equip- ment, gaskets in our bulk plant pumps, gaskets in our oil truck pumps, and even the rubber hoses we use to fuel houses. Although gasket ma- www.maineenergymarketers.com 23 COPING AT THE WORKPLACE

t’s the start of another week. For many of us, that means trudging Secondly, for employees who are physically coming to work, listen to downstairs to a make-shift office, in our sweats, with the dog fol- their concerns and act on them. Communicate rules around social Ilowing close behind. It means balancing 8th grade algebra and 5th distancing, mask-wearing, temperature checks, etc. Set up schedules grade spelling tests in the middle of Zoom calls and emails to clients. It for conference rooms and eating areas. Invest in extra cleaning services means a routine that is casual but boring. It means anxiety every time we and set up hand sanitizer stations. Your employees are the heart of your turn on the news or look at the notifications flashing across our phones. company so their concerns must be addressed, no matter how minor they It means cooking every meal, stocking up on hand sanitizer and coming may seem. up with a contingency plan in case the grocery store is still out of toilet paper. It means walking out of the house with our keys, our wallet, our In addition to these actions, consider implementing programs that phone and yes, our mask. This is what we have been doing for almost a support mental health. One-on-one health coaching is perhaps the most year now and quite frankly, the novelty has worn off. We are living in a effective way to truly help your employees, as it addresses issues that world overwhelmed by an international health crisis, incredible political are personally significant to the participant. It can be argued that every unrest and acts of hate never before experienced by our generation. In one of us could benefit from a chat. Think about it. Have you ever been short, it is impossible for our current situation not to be taking a toll on upset or stressed but, once you talk to someone, you feel better? That our mental health. Even the strongest among us are suffering. person didn’t “fix” your problem. In fact, nothing regarding your problem has changed. What changed is your outlook and your ability to cope When we think of company wellness programs we often jump right to with it. Sometimes it just feels good to have someone listen. Coaching diet plans, exercise routines and biometrics. While all of these are no provides that ear plus the expertise and resources to deliver legitimate doubt important, programs focused on our physical health almost always help. People who are emotionally well are happier, healthier and better take precedence. Now, more than ever, we need to reframe our thinking able to function on both a personal and professional level. Investing in and make mental health a priority. In fact, this is the perfect time to the mental health of your employees not only benefits the individual but do so since the stigma attached to seeking support for depression and it benefits the company as a whole. It’s a win-win. anxiety has lessened due to a universal understanding that this year has been incredibly difficult. Everyone has dealt with loss; the loss of a loved Consider a coach one, the loss of a job, the loss of the freedom to safely go where we’d like, the loss of routine and maybe most significantly, the loss of our sense of Corporate Fitness & Health, Diversified Group’s wellness company, has security. seen a huge uptick in the implementation and utilization of their coach- ing program over the last year and is proud of the number of people they Ways to cope continue to help. Coaching sessions are virtual so employees can talk in the privacy of their own homes. Topics discussed and the level of support So what can an employer do to help its employees cope? Thankfully, a provided is based entirely on the individual and his/her needs. Some lot! First and foremost, adopt policies which encourage a healthy work- participants want information about at-home workouts and diet-plans. life balance, thereby lowering stress. Consider allowing telecommuting Some ask for stress management tips and others need real, one-on-one and flexible hours. Encourage employees to take short breaks during depression/anxiety support. Whatever the request, coaching allows the day and set boundaries for working from home. For example, if you people to be heard and their feelings to be acknowledged. This alone previously wouldn’t have expected emails to be answered on weekends contributes greatly to emotional wellbeing. make sure employees know this is still the case, even though there is now easy access to work accounts at home. While coaching offers the most personal touch, there are other ways to bring mental health support into the workplace. Things like seminars,

24 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 guided meditations, yoga classes and mental health assessments can help individuals navigate these stressful times. By offering your employees this type of support you are showing that you care about all aspects of their health. You are also setting the stage for a post-COVID world when our mental outlook is undoubtedly better but there are still people in need of NOW STOCKING help. Putting programs in place now will ensure that they are in place for ® those who need them in the future. We are now proudly stocking RegO regulators at all our locations across Maine. This year, set a goal for your wellness program to make mental health a priority knowing that, by doing so, you will not be dismissing physical health. In fact, quite the opposite since the first has a direct effect on the second. Less stress means lower blood pressure. Happiness means less comfort-eating. Confidence means more motivation to exercise. Less anxiety means better sleep and better sleep means lower risk for chronic conditions. It’s all connected. Focus on emotional health and the rest will fall into place.

Consider this quote by Dr. Seuss; ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Today is that moment. These are tough times and the moment has come to trust change, chal- lenge the norm and support your employees in new and relevant ways.

Please feel free to reach out to Diversified Group or Corporate Fitness & Health for more information on bringing mental/emotional support to Get the industry’s best regulators, 100% “Made in your employees. America,” at The Granite Group branch near you!

AUBURN, ME AUGUSTA, ME BANGOR, ME LEWISTON, ME Diversified Group: 888-322-2524 PORTLAND, ME www.thegranitegroup.com Corporate Fitness & Health: [email protected] or 800-423-5591 SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

Specialized Transportation and Maintenance Services since 1958

Call us at 207.850.7975, or find us online at www.HOBOUCHARD.com to see how we can help you! - Bulk transport of energy products including, but not limited to: - Gasoline, Diesel, Heavy Oil, Jet Fuel, Propane, Ethanol

- Maintenance services including, but not limited to: - State & Federal Inspections - Bobtail and trailer tank testing - Yearly preventative maintenance - Suspension, brake, wheel maintenance - Peddle truck mounting and transfering services

www.maineenergymarketers.com 25 2021 COURSE SCHEDULE

HVAC PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER CLASS PROPANE/NG: Member $12,300 Non-Member $13,500

Jul 6 – Oct 22 BASIC PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES Jul 19 – Nov 12 Member $550 Non-Member $650

OIL HEAT TECHNICIAN TRAINING May 10 – May 11 Member $3,775 Non-Member $4,175 May 17 – May 20 (night) Jul 19 – Jul 20 Apr 8 – May 19 Aug 16 – Aug 17 Jul 6 – Aug 13 Nov 8 – Nov 9 Sep 13 – Oct 22 Nov 15 – Dec 23 APPLIANCE INSTALLATION & SERVICE Member $2,775 Non-Member $3,075 EPA CERTIFICATION & INTRO TO AC Member $950 Non-Member $1,050 May 12 – Jun 16 May 24 – Aug 19 (night) Apr 20 – Apr 23 Jul 21 – Aug 24 Jun 1 – Jun 4 Aug 18 – Sep 22 Oct 5 – Oct 8 Nov 10 – Dec 14 Oct 26 – Oct 29 TANKSETTER & OUTSIDE PIPING AC REFRIGERATION & Member $1,150 Non-Member $1,250 TROUBLESHOOTING Member $1,050 Non-Member $1,150 Jun 17 – Jun 25 Aug 23 – Sep 13 (night) Apr 26 – Apr 30 Aug 31 – Sep 9 Jun 7 – Jun 11 Sep 23 – Oct 1 Oct 11 – Oct 15 Dec 15 – Dec 23 Nov 1 – Nov 5 DELIVERY TECHNICIAN 40 HOUR HEAT PUMP TRAINING Member $895 Non-Member $995 Member $1,050 Non-Member $1,150 May 20 – May 25 May 3 – May 7 Jun 29 – Jul 2 Jun 16 – Jun 22 Oct 18 – Oct 22 LARGE EQUIPMENT Nov 8 – Nov 12 Member $600 Non-Member $700 Jul 8 – Jul 9 OIL JOURNEYMANS PREP CLASS (1 Day Class) PLANT OPERATOR Member $199 Non-Member $299 Member $1,000 Non-Member $1,100

Jun 12, Sep 11, Dec 11 Jul 12 – Jul 16

26 MEMA MAG | Spring 2021 A RAR

ME A LET US MEET YOUR EVERY EXPECTATIONS

Horizontal and vertical tanks from 320 to 5,000 USWG Tanks available for Customizable sizes, specifications and colors pick up and local Akzo Nobel Powder coating deliveries out of our Bangor, Me location. Equipped with RegO valves and Rochester gauges

A MAFAR

STORAGE TANKS PROPANE DISPENSERS LPG BOBTAILS AND Up to 90 000 USWG Up to 5,000 USWG HIGHWAY TANKS From 1,200 to 5,000 USWG

Don Nichols (207) 737-9704 [email protected] proparinc.com

A TerraVest Industries company propane.terravestindustries.com

www.maineenergymarketers.com 27 25 Greenwood Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011

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