As the Hoosier State is facing a propane shortage, lawmakers are getting set to take action.
The situation comes during a time when residents are concerned about the amount of fuel to heat their homes.
An amendment to Senate Bill 1 which would provide relief to Hoosiers who may be affected by the propane shortage is being introduced at the Statehouse Tuesday.
Senator Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) said the amendment is to exempt the sales tax as the price of propane increases over $2.50 per gallon.
The propane shortage is attributed to increased demand for the gas, delivery and logistics issues, as well as more demand in the export market. The issue has impacted propane users nationwide, and also some homeowners and businesses in the region.
“The [amendment] might be a little helpful to people who are trying to keep enough propane to keep their house warm,” Senator Leising said. “It still won’t necessarily deal with the issue of short supply.”
An estimated half a million residents heat their home with propane in Indiana. They are asked to conserve how much of the gas they use. Consumers can turn down thermostats and place blankets over windows. Also, monitor your propane tank’s levels.
With bitterly cold temperatures impacting the area, local EMA officials recommend conserving electricity during peak demand hours- 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
They ask residents to avoid using dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers during these time, to conserve electricity.
A Facebook post from Southeastern Indiana REMC said, “We will be on-call 24/7 to take care of any outages, but conserving during these times and during high demand hours could help prevent outages.”
Also, if you are out of heat, contact the state’s 2-1-1 hotline to connect with local organizations who could provide relief.
Temperatures will continue hovering in the single digits with wind chills close to 20-below zero on Tuesday evening. A wind chill advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
