Case Study: Energy Partners LLC
New Braunfels, TX
Overview
Energy Partners LLC is a leading propane marketer based in Montana, with seven office locations and headquarters in Missoula. The company serves the Western Montana region, operating 27 bulk tanks—each holding up to 31,500 gallons—with more than 750,000 gallons of total storage capacity.
DeWayne O’Brien, General Manager of Energy Partners, brings years of industry experience and a forward-looking leadership style. Energy Partners’ mission—“Exceptional service with advancement. Big enough to serve, small enough to care”—drives every decision. The company is known for always looking 5–10 years ahead, adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and growth.
With top-tier employees and plans for further storage expansion, Energy Partners is positioning itself for continued leadership in Montana’s rapidly evolving propane market. Mopeka is now a standard across all new tanks, as Energy Partners recognizes it as the best in the industry.
The Challenge
The propane industry demands accurate, timely service—especially in Montana’s rugged terrain. Getting supplies into the Rockies presents logistical hurdles, and as Energy Partners grows, managing scale while preserving service excellence has become vital.
The main challenge was a lack of trusted, real-time visibility into tank levels. Traditional float gauges and read-ready systems were inaccurate by 3–5%, affecting confidence in inventory, shipping verification, and efficient resource allocation.
Energy Partners is aggressively expanding storage and fleet capacity, requiring better systems to stay ahead. “We’re the fastest-growing propane marketer in Montana, and to support that growth, we must move resources efficiently and enhance the customer experience in real time,” said O’Brien.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, Energy Partners deployed 27 Mopeka Pro+ Bulk Tank Sensors. Selected for their accuracy and real-time visibility, these sensors replaced the legacy read-ready gauges that were no longer adequate for the company’s evolving needs.
“We used to read tanks monthly. Now, we have real-time data that shows both incoming and outgoing volumes. We know exactly what’s being delivered and what we have at all times.”
The installation process, following initial discussions at the 2023 LP Gas Growth Summit, was simple and fast—completed by the Energy Partners team in minutes with cellular connectivity.
With the sensors installed, Energy Partners eliminated inaccurate telemetry and streamlined their operations. “Our bulk inventory has never been more accurate. We’ve removed all previous systems and now rely solely on Mopeka.”
Business Impact
The transformation has been significant:
– Real-time data enables precise delivery scheduling and inventory management.
– Monthly reconciliation and inventory sign-off now take hours less, reducing operational costs.
– Confidence in the data has closed the loop on inventory control, minimizing wastage and over-ordering.
– Staff workflows have improved dramatically, enhancing morale and productivity.
– Operational insights from Mopeka data are guiding broader process improvements.
“We’re saving money on inventory, streamlining monthly processes, and getting a clearer picture of our operations than ever before.”
Competition and Collaboration
Energy Partners previously used read-ready telemetry, but the lack of precision led them to seek a superior solution. Mopeka provided the accuracy they needed—and more.
Service and support were equally crucial in the decision. “We are a relationship-based business. Mopeka understands that. Pat Halpin and the Mopeka team have been partners from day one, committed to our goals not just year-to-year but day-to-day.”
“For our customers, propane should be the last thing they need to worry about. With Mopeka, we make sure of that.”
Measurable Benefits
– Improved inventory accuracy has smoothed out fluctuations, reducing inefficiencies.
– Hours of time saved on reconciliation and reporting each month.
– Increased customer satisfaction with more reliable delivery windows.
– Internal confidence in monitoring tools has enhanced team efficiency.
– Strategic decisions are now backed by reliable real-time data.
Energy Partners is confident the Mopeka solution has already delivered a solid return on investment and positioned them to scale further without compromising quality.
Looking Ahead
The Energy Partners–Mopeka partnership is just beginning. The next phase includes:
1. Expanding Mopeka Pro+ Bulk Tank Sensors to leased customer facilities.
2. Deploying Mopeka Pro+ Residential Sensors on 500–1000 gallon company-owned dispenser and nurse tanks.
3. Collaborating on Mopeka’s Cathodic Sentinel technology for underground tank protection—viewed by Energy Partners as a game-changing innovation.
“We’re moving forward with Mopeka at every level of our business. From underground tank protection to residential tank monitoring, this partnership is helping us serve better, grow smarter, and plan for the future.”
About Mopeka®
Mopeka® is a global leader in tank monitoring and cathodic protection solutions. Our portfolio of award-winning solutions helps firms manage liquid commodities such as propane, butane, water, anhydrous ammonia, and others to better control volumes and streamline supply chain operations. We provide solutions for both pressurized and non-pressurized tanks, from residential 20 lb. grills and RV tanks to industrial tanks exceeding 60,000 gallons. We believe in “Accuracy Above Everything.”
Learn more at www.mopeka.com.
About Energy Partners
Energy Partners, LLC (EP) is a leading propane supplier in Western Montana. Serving homes, farms and local businesses, Energy Partners has proudly provided reliable, trustworthy service to customers in Missoula, Seeley Lake, Thompson Falls, Superior, Ronan, Drummond, Hamilton and surrounding areas since 2001. EP is co-owned by Missoula Electric Cooperative and CHS Mountain West Cooperative, both of which have a successful history of serving the energy needs of Western Montana residents and businesses alike.
Learn more at www.energypartnerspropane.com