While Texans Celebrate the Holidays, Propane Keeps the Season Moving

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season reaches its peak, propane is playing a critical—though often unseen—role in keeping homes comfortable, businesses operating, and essential holiday services moving across Texas. While consumers may associate propane with cooking and heating, the Propane Council of Texas is highlighting that the fuel is also powering a lot of the behind-the-scenes activity that makes the holidays possible.

Often associated with backyard grills or cozy fireplaces, propane plays a far broader role during the holidays, when demand spikes not only in homes but across the systems that keep communities running. From the preparation of holiday meals to the movement of packages and the hosting of winter events, propane is embedded in the season's most essential operations.

Inside the home, propane-powered ranges and ovens provide steady, responsive heat for holiday cooking, while propane water heaters keep pace with guests, laundry, and cleanup. When winter weather arrives abruptly—as it often does in Texas—propane furnaces and fireplaces deliver reliable warmth, even as electric demand strains the grid.

Beyond the front door, propane becomes part of the holiday economy. Distribution centers and warehouses rely on propane-powered forklifts and material-handling equipment to move millions of packages during the busiest shipping weeks of the year. These machines refuel in minutes, perform consistently in cold weather, and help keep goods moving when time matters most. Some delivery hubs serving national carriers also use propane-powered vehicles and equipment to maintain schedules during winter conditions.

The holiday food supply depends on propane as well. Poultry producers use it to heat barns and protect flocks during cold snaps. Farmers rely on propane for crop protection, grain drying, and greenhouse operations that produce seasonal plants such as poinsettias and evergreens. In restaurants, catering operations, and food trucks, propane fuels the ovens, fryers, and hot water systems that support peak December demand.

Propane is also present at the season's gatherings. Outdoor markets, parades, festivals, and light displays use propane to heat tents, power generators, and fuel food vendors—allowing celebrations to continue even as temperatures drop.

And when winter storms or high electrical loads interrupt power, propane-fueled standby generators help keep homes, businesses, and community facilities operating, protecting heat, food, and essential services.

"Propane's role during the holidays is largely invisible, but it's substantial," said Bill Van Hoy, executive director of the Propane Council of Texas. "It supports comfort at home while also powering the supply chains and services people depend on at this time of year."

As Texans celebrate the season, propane remains a steady presence—working quietly behind the scenes to keep holiday traditions, commerce, and communities moving.

SOURCE Propane Council of Texas