Prepare with Propane: How Reliable Energy Keeps Critical Operations Running
When the power goes out, propane offers clean, portable, and long-lasting energy for emergency response and disaster relief.
RICHMOND, VA (March 2025) – As extreme weather events and unexpected power outages continue to impact communities across the country, the need for resilient, portable, and reliable energy sources has never been greater. At this year’s Disasters Expo in Miami, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), Evergreen Power, Eco Power, and Westinghouse are showcasing the critical role of propane in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
From standby generators to towable light towers, propane-powered equipment ensures businesses, emergency responders, and critical infrastructure remain operational when conventional power sources fail.
“In the face of disasters, reliability is key,” said Mike Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “Propane is widely available, portable, and can be stored indefinitely, making it an ideal energy source for disaster resilience.”
As the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat events, and winter storms increase, propane stands out as a clean, efficient, and dependable energy solution that can support critical services in remote locations and during grid failures. Unlike diesel or gasoline, propane does not degrade over time, ensuring long-term energy security when it’s needed most.
Key propane-powered solutions for emergency response include:
- Standby Generators – Activate within seconds of a power outage to keep hospitals, businesses, and homes running smoothly.
- Towable Light Towers – Provide bright, reliable lighting in disaster zones to enhance safety and visibility.
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems – Generate electricity while capturing waste heat for hot water and heating, ideal for shelters and critical facilities.
- Portable Water Heaters – Ensure hot water access in emergency response stations and shelters.
- EV Charging Stations – Keep electric vehicles operational with propane-powered mobile chargers when the grid is down.
- Autogas Infrastructure – Ensure first responders and relief teams stay mobile even when fuel supplies are disrupted with propane-powered emergency response fleets.
Propane-powered generators are a low-emission alternative to diesel-powered generators, reducing harmful particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon emissions that can exacerbate poor air quality in disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, propane-powered engines offer quieter operation and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for long-term disaster resilience.
Attendees of Disasters Expo Miami can visit PERC at the Evergreen Mobile Power stand, #521, to explore the latest advancements in propane-powered emergency solutions and learn how propane can enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies.
For more information on propane’s role in disaster recovery, visit propane.com/powergen.
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About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
