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The State of Energy

The State of Energy

Hosted by Rocky Mountain Propane Association

BusinessNewsScienceInterviews guests

Episodes

184

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Ignite The Propane Conversation. The State of Energy is a podcast / broadcast show that brings you everything you ever needed to know about propane. For your home, business or farm. For fleets of school buses or forklifts. We will discuss how “Propane Can Do That”.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
July 18, 2026Episode 1325 min

No Power, No Problem

Send us Fan Mail As wildfires spread across the West and power outages become longer and more frequent, how prepared are you when the lights go out? In this episode of The State of Energy , Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt discuss the growing challenges facing America's electric grid, the Department of Energy's warnings about future reliability, and why backup power is becoming an essential part of home and business preparedness. They also cover wildfire safety around propane systems, practical tips for protecting your property, and how propane-powered generators provide dependable, long-lasting energy when the grid can't. Whether you live in the city, own a mountain cabin, or simply want peace of mind during the next outage, this episode explains why energy resilience matters—and why propane continues to be one of the most reliable backup energy solutions available.

June 24, 2026Episode 1226 min

The Voice of Propane: Inside LP Gas Magazine

Send us Fan Mail The State of Energy , Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt sit down with Brian Richeson, editor-in-chief of LP Gas Magazine, and Chris Markham, managing editor , for a fun and insightful conversation about the publication that has been covering the propane industry since 1941. The episode covers the history of LP Gas Magazine, the value of print in a digital world, the next generation entering the propane industry, Propane Days in Washington, D.C., the LP Gas Hall of Fame, power generation, AI, and where the industry may be headed next.

June 12, 2026Episode 1126 min

Fuel, Freedom, and the Future

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The State of Energy , Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt recap Propane Days in Washington, D.C. , where propane professionals met with congressional offices to talk about energy choice, LIHEAP, and propane’s role in America’s energy future. They also dive into propane power generation, the new JuiceBox generator, Nexio’s purpose-built propane delivery truck, propane’s unexpected role in space, and finish with timely grilling safety tips for summer.

May 29, 2026Episode 1025 min

Fuel Prices, Data Centers & Propane’s Big Moment

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The State of Energy , Rand and Tom dive into the wild energy headlines—from Skinwalker Ranch and Utah’s proposed data center boom to rising gasoline and diesel prices. Tom shares his costly Memorial Day fuel adventure, including a diesel truck, a gas-hungry boat, and a near-sinking brand-new boat at Bear Lake. The conversation turns to why propane remains one of America’s most stable, affordable, and domestically produced fuels, especially during global oil uncertainty. Tom also breaks down the opportunity for propane in fleet vehicles, temporary construction heat and power, and the new Juice Box mobile propane generator now available for demonstrations through RMPA, CPGA, and NMPGA.

May 9, 2026Episode 939 min

Data Is King: AI, Propane, and the Future of Propane Data

Send us Fan Mail This week on The State of Energy , Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt take on the fast-growing world of AI, data centers, and the energy demand that comes with them. From Utah’s proposed massive data center projects to the global movement of LPG through the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation shows how connected energy, technology, and propane really are. Special guests Kevin Jaffe and Matt Tredinnick from Mopeka join the show to talk about why data matters in the propane industry, how tank monitoring is evolving, and why products like Sentinel and GaugeLink are helping marketers improve safety, efficiency, and customer service. It’s a conversation about propane, power, technology, and the digital future of the industry.

April 29, 2026Episode 81 hr 45 min

Best of Nashville Part 2

Send us Fan Mail The State of Energy is live from Nashville for Best of Nashville: Part 2 at the NPGA Propane Expo! In this episode, Tom and Rand continue their conversations from the show floor with industry leaders covering propane technology, agriculture, tanks, insurance, and field equipment. First, Bert Warner , Director of Commercial Business Development at PERC, joins the show to talk about combined heat and power , cooling applications, and how propane can help businesses improve energy reliability and efficiency. At 19:34 , Michael Newland , Director of Agriculture Business Development at PERC, discusses propane’s role on the farm, including ag applications, propane use incentives, and a new propane-powered tractor that could help expand clean, reliable energy options for agriculture. At 48:33 , Daniel Quiroga , Sales Manager at METSA, and Hernan Elizondo , Account Manager at METSA, talk propane tanks, including new aboveground/underground hybrid tanks and innovations like the new underground tank dome . At 59:30 , Tom Mullaney with AEGIS General Insurance Agency Energy Insurance Solutions joins the conversation. As a commercial insurance risk control expert, Tom explains rising insurance costs, industry protections, and what propane companies should be thinking about when managing risk. At 1:25:55 , Dan Cramer with First West Insurance discusses insurance needs for propane businesses and how operators can better protect their companies, employees, and customers. At 1:34:56 , Steve Clayton and Tracy Wells from Gas Equipment Company highlight the new tank evacuation compressor . The GEM gas transfer and recovery compressor provides a cost-effective way to remove liquid and vapor from aboveground and underground tanks before tank exchange or valve replacement. With more than 150 units in operation worldwide, the GEM compressor is known for reliability, speed, and fast return on investment. From CHP and farm fuel to tank innovation, insurance, and real-world service tools, this episode brings another round of conversations from Nashville focused on helping the propane industry work smarter, safer, and stronger.

April 29, 2026Episode 71 hr 27 min

Best of Nashville Part 1

Send us Fan Mail The State of Energy is live from Nashville at the NPGA Propane Expo! In this episode, Tom and Rand sit down with industry leaders to talk safety, training, compliance, technology, and advocacy across the propane industry. First, Kirstain McArdle , Senior Manager of Industry Engagement at PERC, and Elena Bennett , Senior Manager of Industry Training and Education at PERC, join the show to discuss the Everyday Safe program and other PERC resources designed to support propane marketers, employees, and safety culture across the industry. At 23:45 , Stephen Kaminski , President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association, and Andrea Pavon , Director of ACE Services & External Relations at NPGA, break down the NPGA ACE program and how it helps companies navigate the red tape around Entry Level Driver Training , known as ELDT. NPGA’s Administrative Compliance Experts™ program gives propane businesses support in staying compliant and keeping drivers on the road. At 35:56 , Brian Humphreys , CEO of One-Tank, and George Kanuck , COO of Myriota, discuss the future of satellite-based tank-level monitoring and how new technology is helping propane companies improve deliveries, reduce runouts, and better serve customers in remote areas. At 53:40 , Michael Baker , Chief Legislative Officer for NPGA, joins the show to talk DC politics, federal advocacy, and the upcoming NPGA Propane Days event in Washington, D.C. From Nashville to Washington, D.C., this episode covers the people, programs, and technology helping move the propane industry forward.

April 3, 2026Episode 626 min

Fuel Surcharges, Farm Relief, and the Propane Fix

Send us Fan Mail This week on The State of Energy , Tom Clark and Rand DeWitt break down rising fuel costs, the U.S. Postal Service adding fuel surcharges, new relief efforts for farmers, and why propane keeps showing up as the affordable, reliable American-made answer. From fleet vehicles to farm equipment to backup generators, this episode is packed with real-world energy talk, industry humor, and practical solutions.

March 12, 2026Episode 525 min

Energy Chaos and the Propane Advantage

Send us Fan Mail This week on The State of Energy , Rand and Tom break down rising oil-market tensions, wild swings at the gas pump, and the growing cost of bad energy policy. From Iran-driven price volatility to Colorado’s water-heater mess, they explain why propane gives consumers more control, more reliability, and fewer surprises. Propane incentives Commercial Combined heat and power https://propane.com/alttech/ Farm Program https://propane.com/about/research-programs/propane-farm-research-program/ Home Builder https://propane.com/pcrp/ Sponsored by One-Tank

February 13, 2026Episode 431 min

Hall of Fame Energy Talk: Robert Bryce on the Grid, Storms & the Future of Power

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a special Hall of Fame edition of The State of Energy , hosted by Rand DeWitt and Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Propane Association in alliance with the Colorado Propane Gas Association. This episode features a heavyweight guest in the energy world — author, journalist, and documentary producer Robert Bryce — for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest issues shaping America’s energy future. The discussion dives into Winter Storm Fern vs. Winter Storm Uri, why duration and fuel diversity matter during extreme weather, and how hydrocarbons like propane and natural gas continue to prove critical when the grid is under pressure. Tom and Rand also explore Department of Energy emergency orders, data center power demand, and whether behind-the-meter generation actually helped stabilize the grid during recent cold snaps. Robert Bryce shares insights on: The real lessons from major winter storms and grid resilience Chris Wright and the current direction of U.S. energy policy The nuclear comeback and the rise of mini-reactors Why Big Tech and data centers may consume the next wave of new power generation Energy poverty, global electrification, and supply chain constraints Court battles over electrification mandates and fuel choice The conversation also brings it back home to energy consumers — highlighting how propane for heating, water heating, cooking, and backup power can reduce grid demand, improve resilience, and strengthen energy security for rural and urban communities alike. With signature humor, policy insight, and a few off-the-grid moments (including UFO energy theories and baseball rule reform), this episode blends serious energy analysis with the classic State of Energy banter listeners expect. Presented by Metsa Tanks and fueled by real-world energy conversations that matter — from the Rockies to the national stage.

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