Fueling the Future: Why Propane – and the Right Training – Should Be Part of Your Business Growth Strategy
By Tammy Hirsch
Whether it’s managing energy costs, expanding services, or offering more to environmentally conscious customers, one energy source is quietly rising to the top: propane.
Propane is a key part of Canada’s energy future, long valued for its versatility, portability, and lower emissions. But what many business owners may not realize is that propane isn’t just for homes, cottages, or construction sites. It can also be a valuable revenue stream and customer draw for retail operations, including carwashes.
Propane services can help carwash operators diversify their offerings from cylinder filling stations to exchange programs, build stronger community ties, and unlock new earning potential. But like any energy source, handling propane requires care, expertise, and proper training. That’s where The Propane Training Institute (PTI) – run by the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) – comes in.
Cylinder Filling: A Strategic Addition to Your Site
Propane filling stations are a natural fit for carwashes and service stations looking to expand their offerings. Propane dispensing equipment on your site allows properly trained staff to refill 20-lb BBQ cylinders and ASME tanks on RVs – needs that are consistent year-round and especially peak during spring and summer months.
Installing a propane filling station not only attracts a broader customer base, it gives your business a visual edge: the iconic white propane tank doubles as signage, drawing in passersbys and promoting your propane services without the need for extra advertising.
The Role of the Propane Training Institute (PTI)
PTI is Canada’s recognized leader in propane safety training, offering a wide suite of programs designed to meet national regulatory standards. The institute’s most relevant course for carwash operators is 100-08 Propane Cylinder Filling, which equips employees with the knowledge and practical skills to safely refill propane cylinders, identify hazards, and follow emergency protocols.
PTI offers both in-person and online learning options in English and French, making training accessible and flexible for busy teams. And since the course is valid across all jurisdictions in Canada, it simplifies compliance for businesses operating in multiple provinces.
In today’s labour market, where staffing can be unpredictable, having multiple trained employees means you’re not dependent on a single person to keep your propane services operational. More trained staff equals greater reliability, smoother scheduling, and better customer service.
Training Your Own Trainers
Looking to bring training in-house? PTI’s Train the Trainer program is the next step. This program allows businesses to certify one or more internal trainers who can then deliver approved PTI curriculum to their own teams. It’s a smart move for companies that want faster onboarding, greater control over training schedules, and a long-term reduction in training costs.
This is especially beneficial for larger or multi-location businesses, where consistent, high-quality training is essential across sites.
Exchange Programs: A Scalable Alternative
If installing a filling station isn’t feasible for your business at the moment, there’s still a strong entry point into the propane market: the cylinder exchange program.
With a propane exchange setup, customers trade their empty cylinders for pre-filled ones – no filling required on-site. These programs are low maintenance, easy to manage, and still offer excellent visibility and convenience for your customers. And they don’t require the same level of infrastructure and training as installing a cylinder-filling station.
Grow Your Business with Confidence
Adding propane to your product mix is more than a value-add – it’s a smart, strategic investment. Whether you choose to install a full filling station or start with an exchange program, it opens up new revenue potential and strengthens your connection to the community.
But safety and compliance must come first. The Propane Training Institute provides trusted, bilingual training that helps your team operate safely and confidently, while helping you stay on the right side of regulation.
Ready to take the next step? Visit www.propane.ca to explore training options, learn more about renewable propane developments, and discover how your business can become part of Canada’s cleaner energy future.
Tammy Hirsch is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. As the senior director of communications and marketing at the Canadian Propane Association, Tammy leads national initiatives that strengthen the visibility, reputation, and impact of the propane sector across Canada.
