The LP Gas Association

The LPGA is a non profit making Association which was founded in 1969. It has approximately 140 Full Members and 40 Affiliate Members. It represents all the major LP gas companies in the UK and the sales from member companies cover over 95% of the total LP gas sales in the UK.

3. Representing the industry to the relevant Government departments including the Health and Safety Executive, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Department for Transport, HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office. The Association is also represented on numerous bodies such as the BSI, CBI, CORGI, Energy Institute etc.

4. Representing the UK industry in Europe to ensure that our views are known when EC Directives are being formulated.

6. Ensuring that adequate training is available and, where applicable, setting the syllabuses for the courses.

7. Publishing Codes of Practice.

8. Operating the LPGA Approved Installer Scheme.

The LP gas industry is committed to safety and without safe practices the industry could not exist. The LP Gas Association co-ordinates the experience and requirements of the industry with those of the regulatory bodies such as the HSE, DTI, DfT etc., as well as the European Commissions, to develop and update safe procedures for use by the industry.

Through the Association the consensus requirements of the industry can be established and represented by a single voice to the regulatory authorities both in the UK and Europe.

Full membership of the Association is open to companies involved in the sale of LP gas in the UK or, alternatively, to companies involved in the supply of equipment or services which are predominantly related to LP gas usage, including autogas conversion companies..

Affiliate membership is open to consultants, installers, dealers, stockists or other small companies as determined by the Executive Committee. All members of the Association agree to abide by the Codes of Practice and procedures published by the Association. This gives credibility to the membership and confidence to the consumer when they are dealing with members of the Association.

1. The opportunity of expressing your opinions and influencing legislation governing our business - particularly in your own sphere of activity - thereby giving strength and unity to our industry.

4. The opportunity to join any relevant subject Working Group of special interest to members and contribute views and experience.

Policy decisions and the overall framework for the Association are determined by the Executive Committee which has 9 members and which usually comprise the senior executives of major companies in the LP gas industry.

The technical activities of the Association are undertaken by the various Working Groups and controlled by the Technical Manager and Technical Management Committee which has representatives from most of the major companies.

The LP Gas Association is a member of the AEGPL, which is the European Association for the LP gas industry. The LPGA contributes to the running of the AEGPL and is very involved with its many Commissions. This ensures that the UK voice is represented in Europe and that the UK is kept fully aware of any developments in Europe which may affect our industry. The Association has a full time Director General, Technical Manager and Autogas Manager, together with Secretarial and Administrative Support. When combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Executive Committee, Technical Management Committee and Working Groups, the Association has unrivalled experience in its field of operation and tremendous influence.

The Association holds its Annual Conference and AGM in April/May each year as well as a twice yearly Forum for the LPGA's Approved Installers. The Association also hosts two meetings a year, in a central location, covering presentations on industry matters and allowing the opportunity for discussion on issues which affect the industry. These meetings, combined with the numerous meetings of the Working Groups, provide ample opportunity for the membership to participate in resolving problems and enjoying the opportunities facing the industry. In addition, since 2000, the Association has organised several LP gas exhibitions.

The LP gas industry in the UK has a total annual turnover in excess of £500 million and employs around 15,000 people.

The industry provides more than 5 million residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial customers with a modern gas service which is dependable and safe. The industry has around 10 principal sources for supply and storage, around 100 bulk storage and distribution points, over 100 cylinder filling plants, some 16,000 retail outlets and in excess of 17 million cylinders in circulation in the UK

LP gas is obtained from the refining of crude oil or directly from extraction areas such as the North Sea. Its big advantage over mains gas is that it can be easily and conveniently stored as a liquid. This liquid expands about 250 times when it becomes a gas, so a lot of fuel can be stored in a relatively small space, for use almost anywhere.

The two principal types of LP gas are propane and butane. Propane is stored at a pressure of around 100 p.s.i.g. (6.9 bar) at 15°C and butane at 25 p.s.i.g. (1.7 bar) at 15°C.

The LP Gas Association, Unit 14, Bow Court, Fletchworth Gate, Burnsall Road, Coventry, CV5 6SP

Email: mail@lpga.co.uk


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