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The Department of Energy recently released the 2025 Resource Adequacy Report, which finds that the U.S. power grid is facing an energy emergency due to aging grid infrastructure, increasing demand for electricity, retirement of coal and natural gas production, and over-reliance on alternative energy sources. The electric grid will be unable to support the soaring power demands from data centers, manufacturing, and increased home energy use, meaning communities, businesses and homes will face an increasing number of blackouts and brownouts.
Blackouts are a complete loss of power, where no electricity flows through the system, while brownouts are a reduction in power, where the grid still functions but at a reduced capacity. A brownout can be caused by high demand in electricity, localized demand spikes, or deliberate voltage reduction to prevent a full blackout. This reduced capacity can potentially damage electronics. Both scenarios disrupt daily life, potentially causing safety hazards and economic consequences.
Modeling shows annual outage hours could increase from single digits today to more than 800 hours per year across most regions of the country in the next five years, leaving millions of households vulnerable. This is a blackout increase of 100x by the year 2030.
Prioritizing energy decisions has never been more important for builders and homeowners. Incorporating reliable energy that lowers the impact of grid instability is an opportunity for custom and production builders. It is vital to discuss the challenges of the electric grid as a part of planning upfront, while appliances, utilities, and energy sources are being considered for housing developments.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Whether you are building in a well-developed area or one where utilities have not yet extended power or gas lines (or is cost-prohibitive to do so), propane is a reliable, safe, clean, and abundant energy solution that provides power independently from the grid, giving homeowners more peace of mind and bolstering energy security.
To offer homeowners more energy independence, consider installing a propane standby generator. They can be permanently installed in a home and, when power is lost, the generator turns on within 10 seconds via an automatic transfer switch, so heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration are not disrupted. Propane generators provide a quiet, efficient, clean source of power that can operate for weeks until power is restored, keeping your clients safe, secure, and comfortable.
Consider a Community Propane System
For communities that are particularly large or dense, community propane systems offer a seamless energy option that operates just like a traditional natural gas system. Community propane systems, also known as jurisdictional systems, deliver propane gas through a network of underground pipes that connect to the homes with individual gas meters. Depending on the market, extending natural gas lines can cost as much as $1 million per mile, which could be cost prohibitive for the builder. Community propane systems allow builders to provide gas amenities and upgrades to buyers without the need for natural gas infrastructure. Community systems can also power other shared amenities such as backup generators, pools, clubhouses, gas lamps, and snow melt systems. In these systems, a tank or tanks are installed in a central location below or above ground in a low-visibility common area.
Propane providers may even take on some of the cost of designing and installing a community propane system in exchange for connection fees and/or an agreement to provide the community’s propane.
Offer Energy Independence and Peace of Mind with Propane
While electrification is mandated in some jurisdictions, the vast majority of the country still has the option to install gas appliances and systems in new builds and renovations. The homes you build don’t have to contribute to further strain on the power grid. When propane is part of the energy solution, you give your clients energy independence and peace of mind from the threat of blackouts and brownouts.
Whether your development includes just a few propane homes or a neighborhood-wide community system, your local propane provider is an excellent resource to help you. They can assist in determining the ideal propane-powered appliances for your projects, discuss servicing and maintenance agreements, and provide education about incorporating a community propane system for larger developments. Start the discussion now to build energy security and resilience into your residential developments.
