Emergency Waiver of Certain L.C. Gas Standards and Procedures

[LOGO] # MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT MIKE CHANEY Commissioner of Insurance State Fire Marshal MARK HAIRE Deputy Commissioner of Insurance 501 N. WEST STREET, SUITE 1001 WOOLFOLK BUILDING JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 www.mid.state.ms.us MAILING ADDRESS Post Office Box 79 Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0079 TELEPHONE: (601) 359-3569 FAX: (601) 359-2474 BULLETIN NO. 2014-1 MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE ## EMERGENCY WAIVER OF CERTAIN LC GAS STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES JANUARY 23, 2014 Due to the current and forecast extreme weather conditions that are creating a prolonged period of below-freezing temperatures across Mississippi and the eastern half of the United States there is a greatly increased demand for propane gas. This demand has created a sharp decline in propane inventories. Furthermore, this demand/supply challenge has led to distribution and delivery problems in particular areas of Mississippi. In response to this situation the U.S. Department of Transportation, as of January 21, 2014, promulgated an emergency declaration providing regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations delivering propane and home heating fuels in 31 states and the District of Columbia. In Mississippi there is propane gas available, however there are distribution problems preventing delivery. Specifically, United Propane Gas (UPG), also known as Delta Propane and Pearl River Propane, is unable to service all its customers. As of this date they have suspended delivery to Poultry Farms, Schools, and Municipalities, among others. They will continue residential deliveries and deliveries to certain emergency agencies. To address this imminent peril to the public health, safety and welfare due to a lack of needed propane gas, the Mississippi Insurance Department is issuing this Emergency Bulletin. Under this Emergency Bulletin the following procedural waivers are effective immediately: 1. Mississippi Department of Insurance Regulation 2011-2, Handling of Liquefied Compressed Gas Containers, Section 4.A, is hereby waived so that any UPG Propane Gas customer with a UPG Release may request another dealer to fill their tank(s). 2. Mississippi Department of Insurance Bulletin 2010-4, Leak Checks, Paragraph I. is hereby waived so that Leak Checks are not required upon "first time service" of UPG commercial customers only. All other leak check requirements remain in place. All other legal and procedural requirements remain in place. Companies are expected to observe all safety rules and regulations to ensure that no unsafe situation is allowed to exist. Price gouging will not be tolerated. This Waiver only applies to UPG commercial customers who request a Release from UPG and service from another dealer. This Emergency Bulletin shall continue through February 11, 2014, unless renewed or modified. MIKE CHANEY COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE