From the Director’s Desk: Reviewing November EIA Data, PFI at the HPBExpo, and Membership Renewal Is Here
Reviewing November EIA Data
November Pellet Data (monthly average in parentheses)
Sales – 177,710 tons (214,205 tons)
Production– 157,047 tons (143,763 tons)
Inventory – 183,322 tons (112,174 tons at the close of November 2022)
Despite positive numbers in the PFI Heating Degree Day index, sales numbers for November 2023 (published last week) were disappointing. At 177,710 tons, November of 2023 fell well short of the 215,000 tons the monthly normally produces. November sales bring YTD sales to 1,641,485 tons, still slightly ahead of last year’s pace (1,626,928 tons through November). December sales will need to top 164,089 tons if 2023 is to improve upon the 1,805,574 ton total achieved in 2022. As it happens, the average U.S. total sales in December stands at 163,829 tons. The PFI HDD index saw accumulated Heating Degree Days fall behind the pace of the year prior. This doesn’t tell the whole story, of course, but needs to be considered when wondering about the data we’ll have to wait a month to see.
PFI at the HPBExpo
Next week the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry will come together in Nashville for the HPBExpo. The Pellet Fuels Institute will be in Nashville, connecting with supply chain partners, speaking with appliance manufacturers, and making new connections. On Wednesday, February 14th (1:00 PM), Pellet Fuels Institute Executive Director Tim Portz will lead a discussion, “Wood Pellet Heating in the Context of a New Clean Energy Paradigm”. The discussion will begin with a statistical review of wood pellet sales in the United States before pivoting to a discussion about where wood pellet heating finds itself as state and federal energy policy architects imagine an energy portfolio with zero carbon emissions. Where do wood pellets fit into these ambitious goals and who is advocating for wood pellets to remain a home heating option? If your plans take you to Nashville next week, stop by Room 207AB and say hello.
Membership Renewal Season is Here
With the close of the 2023 calendar year behind us, the organization is now squarely in renewal season. Thank you to those producers who have already renewed. Renewal can be completed on the Pellet Fuels Institute website or by calling the Pellet Fuels Institute Office at (206) 209-5277. Membership tiers are determined by a three-year rolling average of wood pellet sales so you’ll need to have 2023 sales numbers available to execute on your renewal. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office with any challenges or questions!
