Arctic blast drives up propane consumption

Propane flame

Line 5 pipeline keeps the energy flowing, helps Michiganders stay warm

Feb. 16, 2021

As demand for propane soars during the polar vortex, Enbridge Line 5 continues to be a reliable source of propane across Michigan and is operating to meet demand.

“We are well prepared for extreme weather events like the deep freeze we’re experiencing,” said Mike Moeller, Enbridge’s director of the Great Lakes region. “We have normal operations thanks to the preparations our team made in anticipation of the severe weather. We know that tens of thousands of Michiganders rely on propane to heat their homes and businesses. Line 5 is vital for that reason as well as providing energy to other parts of the region.”

Last week, demand for propane and propylene surged to a record 2.2 million barrels a day, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, pushing propane supplies to the lowest levels in nearly two years.

“We are actively monitoring operations during this challenging weather event,” said Moeller. “No one can afford to be without heat. We take our jobs seriously. This weather event drives home the point why Line 5 is critically important and relevant for Michiganders.”

More than half of Michigan — and 65% of the Upper Peninsula — relies on Enbridge’s Line 5 for propane for home heat.

Propane’s widespread use in Michigan and across many states in the U.S. is on the upswing. A report tracking annual retail gallon sales shows propane usage increased on a yearly basis, too. Propane sales topped 10 billion gallons for the first time in more than a decade, according to data compiled in the Annual Retail Propane Sales report for 2019, prepared for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and released in December.

LP Gas Magazine, which follows energy trends, reported recently residential consumers are the biggest users: “Residential gallons accounted for 58 percent of total sales, followed by the commercial market at 20 percent. Propane water heating and other appliances, such as cooking and clothes drying, are also contributing to a rise in propane usage per household.”

Guess who’s at the top of the list? It’s the Great Lakes State.

In 2019, Michigan sold the most retail propane gallons for the second straight year, supported by its No. 1 ranking in residential market sales. Minnesota passed California and finished as runner-up.

Michigan – 587 million gallons
Minnesota – 559
California – 556
Iowa – 544
Illinois – 505
Wisconsin – 488
Texas – 449
New York – 432
Pennsylvania – 402
North Carolina – 364

For a deeper analysis, visit LP Gas Magazine online.

Because of Line 5’s importance to the State, some Michiganders don’t understand why the Governor would want to shutdown Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. The pipeline has been delivering energy reliably and safely, without incident, for more than 68 years.

Enbridge, which owns Line 5, is planning to build a tunnel under the Straits to house a replacement section of the pipeline and possibly other utilities, like high-speed internet services.

“Building a tunnel is the best way to reduce an event happening in the Straits to nearly zero,” said Moeller. “We’re committed to the Great Lakes Tunnel project and helping to ensure Michiganders always have a reliable source of propane – for today, tomorrow and beyond.”