John Ray & Sons has introduced a new propane tank exchange program entitled, “Get the Full 18,” with three locations in the Capital Region.
In time for the height of the barbecue season, the propane tanks are filled to the maximum of 18 pounds by the Troy-based energy services company.
John Ray & Sons President Ken Ray said that the idea to start the propane tank exchange began with customer requests for the service.
“Our ‘Get the Full 18’ propane program is a benefit to consumers who recently have been receiving only 15 pounds of propane from national supplier exchange programs,” he said.
Many companies reduced the amount of propane in their tanks from 18 to 15 pounds last year when fuel costs were high to avoid a price increase.
“By filling the tanks to the maximum, the fuel lasts longer and reduces the need to exchange tanks as frequently,” said Ray.

The first three locations for John Ray & Sons’ Propane Tank Exchange Program are:

• Sycaway Sunoco at 558 Hoosick Street, Troy.

• Bob’s Sunoco Mini Market, corner of Wolf and Albany Shaker Roads, Colonie.

• Cohoes A Plus, 245 Ontario Street, Cohoes.

“Because of an increased customer demand for propane tank exchange programs, we’ll be adding more locations over the summer,” said Ray. “Our tanks are clean, safe and convenient.”

“Propane has become increasingly popular for outdoor grilling for a number of reasons, particularly environmental considerations,” said Ray. A recent British study showed that every charcoal cookout has twice the carbon footprint of a propane cookout. Because a propane grill heats more quickly than a charcoal grill and can be shut off, there is less waste.

John Ray & Sons has been in business in the city for more than 100 years and has evolved through the years as times have changed – delivering ice, coal, wood, kerosene, diesel fuel, heating oil, propane, and biofuels to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital Region.