From propane to renewables, Suburban Propane is leading the charge toward energy transition
Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane is dedicated to being a reliable and innovative energy resource for American households. As Company President, and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Stivala, begins: “Suburban Propane is a prominent distributor and marketer of energy products, including propane, renewable propane, fuel oil, natural gas, and electricity. With over 700 locations across 42 states, we proudly serve more than one million customers. Founded in 1928, Suburban Propane has a nearly 100-year legacy as a trusted local energy distributor.
“While we’ve built a reputation as a reliable propane supplier, we are also positioning ourselves as a leader in renewable energy, with a strong focus on driving a lower-carbon future through innovation. Our commitment to sustainable solutions and technological advancements sets us apart from others in the United States propane industry, making us a key differentiator in current and future energy markets.”
As a leading provider of both traditional propane and renewable alternatives, Suburban Propane boasts a varied and unique product portfolio. As Michael details: “Our primary product is propane, which is one of the most versatile, low carbon, and abundantly available domestic fuel sources in the market. Beyond its share of the household heating market, propane serves a wide range of essential industries, due to its flexibility, reliability, and on-demand nature. These markets include transportation, construction, hospitality, and agriculture.
“In addition to propane, we offer a variety of renewable energy solutions, such as renewable propane, renewable natural gas, and, through investments, clean hydrogen. We also market natural gas and electricity in deregulated markets in New York and Pennsylvania, and are actively involved in investing in innovative, low-carbon fuel alternatives.
Strategic vision
“Formed in 2022, Suburban Renewables is an interconnected, renewable energy platform that builds off the well-established legacy of Suburban Propane and houses our renewable energy assets and technologies. This branch of the company also drives long-term strategic growth and diversification efforts, aiming to identify new areas of investment, strategic partnerships, and collaborations within the renewable energy space. Our mission paves the way toward a low carbon future.”
Michael has been instrumental in bringing Suburban Propane into the sustainable energy space, as he discusses: “I have been Chief Executive Officer since September 2014, and company President since April of the same year. Before taking over as President of Suburban Propane, I served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for seven years, and, prior to that, as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from 2001, through to 2007.
“Over my 20-plus years with the company, I’ve worked to bring a clear strategic vision. My goal is to instill a safety-first mindset that protects our employees and local communities, while driving innovation forward, and setting Suburban Propane on a path for its next century. I’ve also been a passionate advocate for highlighting the clean qualities of propane as a key solution on the pathway to a sustainable energy future.
“Two of my main goals are to meet our current customers’ energy needs, and carve the path to a sustainable future. As CEO, I ensure that we are meeting the diverse energy needs of our customers. This involves making strategic investments in technologies and products that deliver the best energy solutions, whether traditional or renewable, based on what makes the most sense for each customer. My focus is on driving innovation and ensuring that we are positioned to lead in both conventional and emerging energy markets.”
Renewable energy development 
Pioneering renewable energy practices in the propane industry has required years of strategic investment and hard work. As Michael reveals: “Throughout my career at Suburban Propane, we’ve made significant investments, totaling over $2.5 billion in mergers and acquisitions. We’ve strategically acquired smaller propane distributors in key markets, consolidated the industry by acquiring the third largest competitor when we were the fourth largest, and begun diversifying into renewable energy through an acquisition of renewable natural gas producing assets.
“Our business strategy focuses on growing our core propane business, while also investing in the energy transition. We’re building a renewable energy platform that aims to lower the overall carbon footprint and establish Suburban Propane as a trusted, localized energy distributor for the next 100 years.
“Our energy transition program, led through Suburban Renewables, is well underway with a robust portfolio of renewable energy solutions. This includes, Fuel Cell Grade Hydrogen, Renewable Dimethyl Ether (rDME), Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), and Renewable Propane (rP).
“Additionally, our efforts have extended beyond traditional energy markets. For example, last summer we were recognized for our contributions to agriculture and the wine industry. We spent time with farmers in California’s vineyards to understand how propane supports their daily operations, particularly in preventing frost damage to grapes. The agriculture and transportation industries continue to turn to propane as a clean, portable, reliable energy source, and to Suburban Propane for our best-in-class operating performance, dependability and customer service-oriented approach to the relationship.
“In November 2024, we completed a significant milestone with the delivery of a new low carbon blended product, Propane and rDME, to partners in Canada to support their agricultural needs. This delivery, shipped by train from Los Angeles, is a proud example of how we are collaborating to provide reliable energy solutions throughout North America. These strategic investments in niche markets and industries with a need for dependable energy are key drivers of our business growth, and will continue to shape our future,” he concludes.