ILLINOIS PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION

Certified employee training program (cetp) the cetp basic principles & practices of propane class is a 1-day class and is a prerequisite for the remainder of the cetp classes. The training covers the physical properties and combustion characteristics of propane, the identification of propane industry standards, safety codes and regulations. Students will also learn the basic parts of tanks, cylinders, bulk storage installations and how to maintain a safe working environment. Upon completion of this class, students should be able to identify piping and tubing materials, fittings and associated tools used by propane personnel. The cetp propane delivery is a 1-day class. The training covers pre and post trip inspections, cargo tank markings, plant loading systems and customer deliveries of propane. Upon completion of this class, the student should be able to identify the proper filling procedures for propane storage containers, recognize placards and understand trip inspection requirements.the cetp vapor distribution system operations (dso) class is a 3-day class. This training examines the installation and preparation of propane storage tanks and cylinders, vapor regulation, distribution and metering systems, liquid distribution and vaporizer systems. It also covers pressure testing, leak checking procedures, installing and testing cathodic protection systems. Upon completion of this class, the student should be able to identify polyelthelyn (pe) tubing, copper tubing and black pipe fittings. The student also should be able to establish appropriate line size and manifold systems when placing regulators and appliances into operation.the cetp - plant operations is a 2-day advanced cetp class. Plant operations are more safely and efficiently completed by individuals who have a thorough knowledge of asme and ddot container maintenance, proper dispenser equipment operation, plant equipment inspections and maintenance, and proper procedures for product transfer. The class covers maintaining asme tanks including personal protective equipment (ppe), combustible liquids, ammonia contamination, purging/evacuating, flaring, replacing valves/fittings, corrosion protection, and protective coatings. Also included is maintain dot cylinders examining, evacuating, and purging cylinders, replacing fittings, requalification, and preparing for scrap. Also, operating dispensing equipment to fill containers by weight or volume, preparing cylinders for transportation and filling vehicle mounted asme tanks. Maintaining bulk plant equipment is also covered.

Safety meetings and education the project is a continuation of the 2023 continuing education/ safety meetings. Ipga strives to provide the highest quality educational and safety training for all illinois propane marketers. This training includes meetings held at 12 locations, 2 times per year for a total of 24 meetings plus safety training videos for continuing education. The format of these meetings is to include a dinner followed by an educational training seminar. In response to demand, the ipga intends to provide greater depth in the educational value of these meetings including hands-on training whenever possible.emergency personnel training fireburn programthe 2024 fire burn reimbursement program is a continuation of the 2023 project. Due to the increased cost in business, the reimbursement for 2024 will remain at the laid in price of propane used plus an additional $.60 per gallon for labor. By offering this reimbursement to illinois marketers, the ipga hopes that fire training units will be able to locate area marketers willing to assist in these important training exercises. Not only will this foster a positive relationship between the firefighters and marketers, but it also emphasizes an industry commitment to safe and knowledgeable handling of propane in emergency situations.intern training programthis program establishes incentives for propane marketers to hire high school and college students as interns for the summer. By doing so, it is the intent of the ipga to draw new employees into the propane industry that may not have considered a career in the field previously. This program will allow the intern to experience all areas of the retail propane industry. They will be required to spend 1/4 of their time in office/customer service, 1/4 of their time in service, 1/4 of their time with a bobtail driver, and 1/4 of their time with equipment maintenance. There will be a one day introductory meeting at the ipga office to get a condensed version of the ctep basic principles and practices of propane class. The ipga will reimburse the marketer for half the interns hourly rate up to $10/hr for a maximum of 480 hours. The marketer will be responsible for the remainder of the hourly rate. Marketers must submit all time cards with amount of time spent in each area. Reimbursement will be made at the end of the program.military education & recruitmentilpga proposes to partner with the veterans education & transition services (v.e.t.s) and generationext to provide the propane industry and veterans with the education, training and outreach necessary to increase military recruitment into the propane industry in illinois from the united states military service members. Many propane companies do not understand how to access military gi benefits for training and to minimize their employee expenses, or how to properly attract military personnel. Ilpga plans to work collaboratively with v.e.t.s. And generationext to provide this training to our industry so that we can increase the number of qualified veterans working with propane in the state of illinois. Ilpga plans to work with v.e.t.s. To develop outreach materials aimed at veteran groups so that we can educate the military community about the benefits of working in the propane industry and successfully recruit human resources necessary to the survival and growth of the propane industry.promotional advertisingthis grant is for promotional advertising and materials to assist the marketer in promoting our rebate and incentive programs. This ties in with the consumer awareness campaign to promote the rebate and incentive programs in various forms of marketing. Examples include but not limited to: print ads, radio, and web-based.rebate website the 2024 consumer based website is designed to provide general awareness of propane as a green, clean fuel, for home heating, water heating, and as an alternative fuel for vehicles. The website would provide a place for our rebate programs to be featured and for the consumer to apply for the rebate programs we offer all in one place.vehicle incentiveillinois organization's & residents are eligible for rebate with the purchase of new propane vehicles or new vehicle conversions to propane or to build the infrastructure needed to fuel propane vehicles. Ipga will offer rebates as follows:24/7 public fueling infrastructure $20,000 (1 available)private fueling infrastructure $10,000 (2 available)school bus, shuttle & paratransit $4,000 (40 available for all vehicles & conversions)other new propane-fueled vehicle $4,000vehicle conversion kit up to $4,000funds may be reallocated to each of these rebate areas as one may be more popular than another.this will be first come first served and when funds are depleted this program will close.applicants through their dealer and supply documentation to the illinois propane gas association (ipga). The reimbursement will only be paid to the applicant. Dealers will be supplied with marketing tools for local promotion.rebates are available to illinois residents for eligible purchases on new propane vehicle, new vehicle conversions, and new propane fueling infrastructure. Ultimately, the goal of this program is to promote propane as a safe "green fuel". Autogas bus campaignthe 2024 autogas bus campaign will promote the inclusion of propane autogas in school bus and other commercial people transport service. The program will assist the marketer with educating the consumer on the benefits of using autogas. This program will also assist the consumer and marketer with locating and understanding other grants available for the purchase of autogas vehicles. The campaign will promote awareness of the low emission results and cost savings when propane fueled vehicles replace high carbon fleets.