LANSING – State Representatives John Kivela (D-Marquette), Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), Frank Foster (R-Petoskey) and Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), and state Senators Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) and Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) announced today that they are aware of the current propane shortage in the Upper Peninsula and are closely monitoring the situation.

According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, propane inventories in the U.P. are 43 percent below last year’s level. With the record-breaking cold temperatures Michigan is facing this winter, the propane shortage is causing major problems for Northern Michigan residents. The legislators have stated they will be contacting the state attorney general to ask that his office monitor the situation to protect consumers from any potential price gouging. They are also working with the governor and the Public Service Commission to make sure everything possible is being done to help get supplies into the region, including lifting any regulations that impede deliveries. Other states are also being consulted to make sure any impediments to propane transportation are removed.

In the meantime, legislators are asking U.P. residents to conserve as much fuel as possible, as they are unsure of how long the propane shortage will last. If residents have any concerns with this situation, they are asked to contact their local legislative office.