WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency due to a propane distribution issue for residential and commercial heat.
Murphy’s office said there was a “service disruption at a major propane distribution plant” in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. Officials said there was a power outage at the Delaware County gas refinery about a week before Thanksgiving, and since then, the industrial complex has only been open intermittently.
As a result, wait times have gotten longer at the propane truck terminals at that facility and distribution centers in nearby states, including New Jersey.
The executive order, which took effect on Friday, Dec. 12, allows drivers hauling the propane to work longer than is usually permitted. Drivers will be allowed to work 14 hours instead of the regulated 11, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving times.
This will be the case until the state of emergency is lifted.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” Murphy said in a statement. “I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”
But it’s not just an issue in the Garden State. In Pennsylvania, PennDOT signed off on a waiver that allows bulk propane delivery drivers to be out up to 12 hours instead of 11. This is in effect through the end of Christmas Eve.
As for customers, Eric DeGesero, spokesman for the New Jersey Propane Gas Association, said the last thing people should do is panic-buy, like many did with toilet paper and hand sanitizer during the early days of the pandemic.
“Yeah, there’s a problem. Are we working on fixing it as an industry? Yes, the propane is flowing. Do not change your behavior,” he urged.