Bay Shore's Paraco Gas Leads Discussion on Propane Benefits at NSWCA Meeting

February 21, 2014; Albertson, NY, USA - Emergency energy and storm preparedness were topics of discussion during a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting that was held in conjunction with NSWCA’s ongoing Educational Series and sponsored by the Plainview Water District.  Discussing the merits of propane gas for water districts and other municipality use, particularly during emergencies, was guest speaker Charles Buonincontri, Long Island sales manager with Paraco Gas in Bay Shore, NY, the region’s largest independent propane retailer.

"Propane is an ideal fuel for emergency generators that are used all over Long Island.  It stores easily and requires far less maintenance.  Unlike oil, it can sit for long periods without evaporation or decomposition to sludge, so it is safe and ready for unexpected situations like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene,” said Mr. Buonincontri, who also pointed out that propane is less expensive to use than diesel or kerosene, which supports NSWCA’s ongoing efforts to control costs.   

NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District remarked, “As elected commissioners of local districts, NSWCA member commissioners continually research and evaluate new safety and power solutions to ensure that a safe, uninterrupted supply of water is delivered to consumers. It is part and parcel of the NSWCA Educational Series.”

NSWCA 1st Vice President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District added, “The use of emergency generators during Superstorm Sandy ensured that no commissioner-run district experienced water interruptions, despite significant power outages. Educating our commissioners and the public about alternate power sources, as they relate to future emergency energy and storm preparedness, is at the core of the NSWCA Educational Series.”

Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations and other issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association President Howard Abbondondelo via phone at (516) 621-3610 or email, awd11577@optonline.net. 

Agency Contact, or for information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc., Tel: 631-756-7160, email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured during Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association’s meeting regarding propane benefits relative to water safety and emergencies are: (Back row left to right) NSWCA member Gary Brosnan of South Farmingdale Water District, NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District and NSWCA First Vice President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District with (Seated left to right) NSWCA Guest speakers Charles Buonincontri and  Bob Pearse of Bay Shore-based Paraco Gas with NSWCA member Nicholas Bartilucci of Jericho Water District.