With blackouts on the rise, National Propane Day underscores propane’s value in keeping homes powered and secure
As concern for energy reliability surges nationwide, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is marking the fourth annual National Propane Day on October 7 by encouraging builders to explore propane as a powerful tool for meeting today’s home energy challenges. This year’s theme, “Prepare with Propane,” highlights the critical role it plays in supporting more resilient, energy-independent homes.
Today’s builders and remodelers are being asked to deliver homes that meet modern energy demands while also battling high costs, climate change, and the challenges of adopting new technologies with outdated infrastructure. Propane addresses these challenges head-on as an affordable, sustainable, versatile, and efficient energy source. From whole-home backup power and space heating to high-performance cooking, hot water, and laundry appliances, propane ensures homeowners are better prepared for the future.
“The home is often our most expensive purchase and our most valuable asset,” said Bridget Kidd, chief operating officer at PERC. “The last few years have shown us that preparing for the unexpected is no longer a nice-to-have, but a necessity. That’s why it’s so important for builders to have early conversations with their clients about energy choices. Propane offers a dependable, on-site solution that gives homeowners the security, comfort, and peace of mind that the lights will stay on, no matter what.”
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy warns that blackouts in the United States could increase 100-fold by 2030 as electricity demand outpaces grid capacity. Builders who incorporate propane-powered systems — such as backup generators, space and water heating, cooking appliances, and more — are giving homeowners added protection against the real and rising risk of outages.
Propane generators provide near-instant backup power, kicking in within seconds of an outage to keep critical systems like HVAC, lighting, safety alarms, and refrigeration running. Because propane is stored on site and doesn’t degrade over time, it remains ready when other energy sources are offline.
Builders can also increase whole-home resilience by combining propane appliances with a standby generator, creating layered protection while reducing the size and cost of the generator. With more homes affected by outages each year, propane offers an efficient way to add lasting value through energy security.
Beyond resilience, propane also gives builders a powerful market advantage. PERC’s Propane Construction Research Program provides financial incentives for builders and remodelers who install propane appliances and share installation data. In 2024, program participation reduced carbon emissions by 35% per project while also lowering utility bills for thousands of homeowners. For builders, the result is stronger research, satisfied customers, and a meaningful competitive edge. Builders can learn more at propane.com/pcrp.
National Propane Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the ways propane helps homeowners prepare for and enhance everyday living. Whether it’s gathering around a propane fireplace, cooking in an outdoor kitchen, or enjoying reliable hot water during family holidays, propane supports the experiences that make a house feel like home. For builders, it’s one more way to deliver lasting value by offering energy systems that not only perform in a crisis but also elevate daily living.
From critical backup power to everyday comfort, propane’s versatility helps prepare homeowners for the unexpected and enhances the moments that matter most. To learn more about how propane can support your next project, visit propane.com/residential.
