Report cites important role of propane to Michigan

Region has reliable supply of propane via Line 5

Feb. 26, 2025

Bundled in hats, scarves, gloves and heavy coats, it’s not as if Michiganders need to be reminded that it’s still winter.

With approximately three weeks to go until winter’s official end, Michiganders have experienced more than 100 inches of snowfall so far this winter.

Additionally, the Great Lakes Region—and a significant portion of Michigan—have a near equal chance of below or above normal temperatures for this winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), contributing to a complex landscape of energy preparedness.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Winter Energy Appraisal for 2024-25 projects increased electricity demand and stable natural gas demand for residential customers.

Equally significant, the MPSC report highlights propane's crucial role for Michigan as it navigates this winter. Consider these facts:

• Michigan uses more propane for residential heating than any other state, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
• Approximately eight percent of Michigan households rely on propane for heat, compared to five percent for households across the U.S.
• At 370 million gallons, Michigan’s residential sector consumed more hydrocarbon gas liquids (primarily propane) than any other state, according to the EIA.

The EIA also noted that areas of the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula have some of the highest proportions of total households using propane for home heating—with some counties topping 50 percent.

 

“Our communities depend on us well beyond winter, and we are committed to the continued safe operation of Line 5.”

—Paul Meneghini, Enbridge community engagement manager

While U.S. propane production remains robust and Midwest inventories are healthy, according to the MPSC report, the potential impacts of arctic blasts and the reliability of supply chains remain a concern.

Line 5 is important for MI, the region

"Access to affordable energy is never more important than when the temperature plummets in the winter," said Derek Dalling, executive director of the Michigan Propane Gas Association.

"Line 5 delivers most of the propane we use in the state of Michigan, and it delivers it safely and reliably. Freezing weeks like those we've been having lately just remind us how critical it is to keep Michigan homes warm—- and that we build the Great Lakes Tunnel as soon as possible."

Demand for propane

When the temps go down, demand for propane goes up.

“Weather patterns play a significant role in propane demand,” says Paul Meneghini, Enbridge’s manager of community engagement based in Michigan.

“Fortunately, Michiganders can continue to depend on Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac to meet their energy demands. Our communities depend on us well beyond winter, and we are committed to the continued safe operation of Line 5.”

As Michigan and other parts of the Midwest often have grappled throughout winter with the impacts of arctic blasts and increased energy consumption, pocketbooks frequently are strained.

The MPSC encourages Michiganders having trouble with home energy costs to visit its own one-stop webpage, which contains information and links to programs that offer energy bill assistance to income-qualified households.