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Many homeowners desire gas appliances such as gas ranges, water heating, clothes dryers, built-in grills or outdoor stoves, and fireplaces. But sometimes natural gas infrastructure is not available or it’s not cost effective to extend the service to a development. Community propane systems (CPS) are used to supply propane to individual homes in a community through a centralized delivery system. The systems distribute propane gas through a network of underground pipes that connect to homes with individual gas meters. They provide a scalable and flexible energy solution from a few homes to a neighborhood with hundreds of houses.
Community propane systems allow builders to sell gas amenities to buyers without the need for natural gas infrastructure. They can also power other community amenities such as backup generators, pools, clubhouses, gas lamps, and snow melt systems. For the homeowner, a community propane system functions just like a natural gas system — each home is separately metered and they are billed as they use the fuel. The CPS is remotely monitored, so the tanks are filled on demand to protect against the risk of running out of fuel.
Planning for a Community Propane System
A propane provider works with the developer and builder to design and install the central tank (or tanks) and piping system, ensuring that the system is up to federal and state code. They will also typically handle the monitoring and refueling of the central tank, as well as ongoing maintenance of the system. They establish what propane-powered appliances are going to be in each unit, then determine the BTU needed, which will determine the underground gas line size and meter size. Interior piping from the meter is owned by the builder. With a community propane system, the builder does not have to make room for individual tanks on tight lots. Rather, a CPS is installed in a centralized location. If possible, it should be located in an area where it’s easy for the propane truck to pull up and fill without disrupting the community.
Propane providers may take on some of the cost of designing and installing a community propane system in exchange for connection fees and/or an agreement to provide the community’s propane. Alternatively, developers can pay for their own propane infrastructure, if they don’t want to be tied to a contract with a provider. Either way, the propane retailer installs the tank and meters, inspects appliances and plumbing, and safety-checks the entire system as part of the install. They then conduct regular inspections, leak checks, and maintenance and are typically responsible for record keeping such as regulatory compliance, monthly fees, and permits.
Project Highlight: Brookside Development
Brookside Development specializes in building energy-efficient homes, utilizing solar, electric, and propane systems to cut carbon emissions and energy use. The company also incorporates high-efficiency propane appliances into its projects to attract homebuyers in a competitive housing. market. Rather than focusing on the purchase price of a home, they prefer to help owners understand the true costs of home ownership, such as utilities. Brookside designs their homes with sustainable and energy efficient propane appliances to not only help homeowners lower their monthly costs but to meet customer demand for gas stoves, gas fireplaces, tankless hot water heaters, and backup generators in their residences.
Brookside’s use of propane appliances and their installation has evolved over the years. Mark Nuzzolo, Brookside Development’s owner, says, “We began using above ground tanks, then partnered with HOCON Gas Company to lease buried tanks, and now use large tanks to serve multiple units through a community propane system. Propane is less expensive, quicker to install, and is cost competitive with natural gas for home buyers, particularly when a larger buried tank is employed.”
Brookside also finds installation versatility a bonus. In subdivisions or planned developments, the builder uses 1,900-gallon and 1,000-gallon tanks to create the community propane system. The customers have metered service with an agreed price, which means they pay based on their actual service usage, but with a predetermined rate. The development’s homeowner’s association leases the tanks with a buyout schedule.
Brookside’s most recent project is a 25-unit age-restricted community. The homes average 2,200 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, and easy one-floor living with additional space on the second floor for extended families and guests. Like all Brookside residences, they are built to high energy standards and with occupant health and comfort in mind. At this new development, five tanks of various sizes serve all units via a community propane system. Brookside digs the trenching for the tanks and supply lines, while HOCON Gas, the propane supplier, provides the tanks, lines, and meters and installs the systems. Nuzzolo is a big proponent of propane for both its sustainability and cost, noting: “The State of Connecticut produces 93% of its electricity from natural gas, but unfortunately electricity averages 33 cents per kWh. This is one of the highest costs nationwide, making propane an affordable and reliable fuel source.”
Community Propane Systems Help Sell Homes
When planning your next development, keep community propane systems top of mind. As a builder, they offer lower costs, quick installation, and can be installed in any location, even if natural gas infrastructure is not available. For homeowners, community propane systems provide metered service with the convenience, cost-savings, reliability, and efficiency of desirable propane-powered appliances.
Download the Ultimate Guide to Community Propane Systems to learn more.
