UPDATE – ON: CPA continues to work on TSSA issues

The CPA and Propane Advisory Council (PAC) members continue to work on Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) issues. Below is an update on fee increases and the treatment of underground tank installations by the Authority. 

Fee increases: TSSA has proposed a revised 2022 fee structure with the following considerations: providing relief for sites with auxiliary tanks of 5,000 gallons or less from paying double for the extra fuel and then offering three scenarios for how the fee hikes could be re-distributed among larger operators to mitigate the cost for smaller businesses.

PAC industry representatives reviewed the new fee structure and in February 2022, Chair Dave Karn informed the TSSA that the overall fee increases averaging 30 per cent remain unacceptable for industry. He indicated support for lower auxiliary tank fees and protection of smaller operators from large TSSA fee hikes.

He also requested the TSSA and PAC review how the regulator can reduce costs related to propane industry oversight and regulation as a formal agenda item at the next meeting on March 1, 2022. In addition, Karn tabled a proposal to remove Risk and Safety Management Plan requirements for Level 1 facilities for consideration. 

CPA Director of Government Relations for Ontario, Marcelline Riddell, has arranged a meeting with the Minister of Government and Consumer Services’ Policy Director, Michael Bonner, and staff along with impacted PAC members to review the issue and discuss remedies for the sector on February 10, 2022. Members will be informed of the outcome of these discussions.

Underground tank applications process and costs: The CPA has scheduled a meeting with TSSA Statutory Director of Fuels Sam Sadeghi and new TSSA Engineering Manager Gary Highfield, along with impacted industry representatives to review this issue and discuss mitigation measures on March 3, 2022. Highfield has worked in the propane and fuels industry, so there is optimism that he will bring an informed and open ear to the discussion. 

Please contact marcellineriddell@propane.ca for more information on these items. Further updates will be provided in subsequent newsletter editions.