Gov. Mike Pence and Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann today announced a number of measures to help Hoosier families and businesses cope with the propane shortage caused in part by recent extreme winter weather.

To assist propane suppliers in meeting the needs of Hoosiers, Gov. Pence has again extended an emergency proclamation to waive propane transport statutes until March 1. The Governor first issued the order on Jan. 3, and then extended the order to Jan. 31.

Pence today also signed Executive Order 14-02 declaring an energy emergency and suspending limitations on divisible loads for propane carriers. In addition, he instructed the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Department of Revenue to expedite permit applications and waive any fees for overweight and oversize loads for propane suppliers. For public safety reasons, drivers of overweight and oversize propane loads should provide route information, as well as truck weight, size and configuration to the DOR by calling 317-615-7234.

“Hoosier homeowners, businesses and the farming community are facing propane shortages and unrelenting temperatures, and the state continues to exhaust all possible options to alleviate the impact of this crisis,” said Pence. “As in the past, the compassionate nature of Hoosiers is evident, and I urge all to be mindful of their propane usage, and I ask those who might have a surplus to help their neighbors in need.”

Nearly 10 percent of Indiana residents use propane for residential heating. To assist low-income Hoosiers with their energy needs, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program today released an additional $5 million in funds to local service providers who cover all 92 counties.

In addition, the state increased the LIHEAP crisis benefit from $400 to $550 through March 31. Hoosiers who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level (roughly $35,000 a year for a family of four) who are interested in the program can call LIHEAP at 1-800-872-0371 or the United Way at 211 for more information.

“Again, we see Hoosiers coming together to address a potentially life threatening situation,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “The governor has implemented the emergency steps to facilitate distribution and delivery of propane. We are asking farmers and others to voluntarily make excess supplies of propane available to others. Further, we are increasing energy assistance dollars available to low income Hoosiers facing escalating propane use. With this cooperation we will minimize the impact of this shortage on residents, agriculture, and businesses.”

Across the state, the commercial grain industry and farmers are stepping up to return any propane left over from the grain drying season to their suppliers to help ease the limited supply. Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Growers Association have called on their members to check stocks, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture also has communicated with the commercial grain industry, asking for a recheck on stocks that might be available for resale.

Hoosiers who have a surplus and wish to provide assistance are asked to contact their local propane supplier.

During this shortage, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General will continue to protect the rights of Hoosiers who feel they are being subjected to price gouging. To file an inquiry, please call the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 1-866-241-9753.

Sources: Office of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Inside INdiana Business