Businesses Turn to Propane for Energy Security and Efficiency

11/19/2024

Natural disasters, power outages and other unforeseen events can pose significant risks to infrastructure and interruptions in business operations. Developing emergency plans for multifaceted business systems requires careful planning, including determining the right energy solutions. Businesses that rely solely on the electrical grid can face operational vulnerabilities and safety concerns. It’s essential for business owners to establish primary and back-up power solutions to ensure continuity of operations and service delivery while alleviating many safety concerns.  

In 2019, during a series of destructive wildfires, California experienced widespread blackouts that threatened the operations of many businesses, including the wine industry. Fisher Vineyards was at risk of losing nearly 90 percent of its seasonal grape harvest. The company needed a new energy solution that would not only power the applications needed to save the grape harvest but would also meet their high sustainability standards. Fisher Vineyards’ solution was to incorporate propane-powered systems into their operation to accomplish energy and sustainability goals and much more. 

A Versatile Energy Solution for Businesses 

Propane can power a business’s crucial systems, providing efficiency and reliability. Fisher Vineyards leveraged the power of propane for multiple purposes: 

• Power Generation for reliable backup power during harvest and electricity outages. 
• Refrigeration to maintain optimal temperatures during the barrel-aging process. 
• Grape Preparation to power the equipment needed in grape processing and fermentation. 
• Frost Prevention fans to protect crops during frost events. 
• Water Heating for the vineyard’s operations. 
• HVAC Systems to ensure consistent climate control throughout the facility. 

The decision to power each of these applications with propane provided Fisher Vineyards with a high level of energy security. Able to be stored on site, propane can help any business become independent from the electrical grid. That makes propane an especially smart choice for those businesses that cannot afford critical operations to be interrupted. Propane also does not degrade over time, making it a valuable energy source for backup power generation and other various applications. As California continues to struggle with outages, Fisher Vineyards remains operational without any loss of business. 

The Long-Term Benefits of Using an Efficient Energy Source 

Fisher Vineyards’ investment in propane technology has proven to be a long-term asset that goes beyond emergency preparedness. One of propane’s key advantages is its lower energy costs compared to other energy sources. Propane-powered systems, such as heating and power generation, typically consume less energy than those powered by other fuels and are more efficient, meaning businesses can expect to see cost-saving benefits over time. 

Another major advantage is the extended lifespan of propane-powered equipment. For example, propane-fueled furnaces can last up to 50 percent longer than electric heat pumps, reducing replacement costs and offering better long-term value. Similarly, propane-fueled tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of about 20 years, which is significantly longer than conventional storage water heaters. This durability means fewer replacements and repairs and lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the equipment. 

The Future of Sustainable Energy 

With a growing trend toward sustainable energy solutions, different industries can use propane to support sustainability efforts without compromising operational reliability and efficiency. In 2018, Fisher Vineyards was certified Napa Green for meeting the highest sustainability standards in the wine industry, so it was crucial that the chosen energy source did not tarnish the business’s green efforts. Propane produces 52 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S grid. 

According to Rob Fisher, CEO of Fisher Vineyards, propane has seamlessly integrated with the other energy sources used in the vineyard’s operations. Propane’s flexibility makes it ideal in hybrid energy systems, which combine propane with renewables to minimize environmental impact. By leveraging other energy sources alongside propane, Fisher Vineyards has maximized its energy value with low emissions and high efficiency to maintain a greener operation. 

Bert Warner is the director of commercial business development at the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at bert.warner@propane.com