What Is the G.A.R.C.F. Charge on My Invoice?
Understanding the Government Agency Regulatory Compliance Fee (G.A.R.C.F.)
If you receive propane service from Schagrin Home Comfort Products, you may notice a line item on your invoice labeled G.A.R.C.F., which stands for Government Agency Regulatory Compliance Fee.
This fee helps offset a portion of the costs associated with complying with the many federal, state, and local regulations that govern the propane industry. These regulations are designed to promote safety, environmental protection, emergency preparedness, employee training, and the safe transportation and handling of propane.
The G.A.R.C.F. is not a tax collected by the government. Rather, it is a fee that helps support the ongoing compliance activities required to safely operate and deliver propane service.
Why Does This Fee Exist?
Over the years, propane suppliers have faced increasing regulatory requirements related to:
- Propane storage and facility operations
- Hazardous materials transportation
- Employee safety training
- Emergency response planning
- Environmental reporting and compliance
- Workplace safety standards
- Community right-to-know programs
Meeting these requirements involves significant investments in training, documentation, inspections, certifications, reporting, and operational procedures.
The G.A.R.C.F. helps offset a portion of these ongoing compliance costs while allowing us to continue providing safe, reliable propane service to our customers.
Which Agencies Are Involved?
Several government agencies establish and enforce regulations that affect propane suppliers, including:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA oversees environmental regulations, emergency planning requirements, community right-to-know programs, and reporting standards related to the storage and handling of regulated materials.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT regulates the transportation of propane and other hazardous materials, including vehicle requirements, driver training, shipping documentation, placarding, and emergency response procedures.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA establishes workplace safety standards, employee training requirements, recordkeeping obligations, and operational procedures designed to protect employees and the public.
State and Local Regulatory Agencies
State and local agencies may impose additional requirements involving environmental protection, facility inspections, emergency preparedness, and public safety.
Does This Fee Apply to Every Invoice?
The G.A.R.C.F. is applied to propane invoices to help recover a portion of the regulatory compliance costs associated with providing propane service.
If you have questions regarding a specific invoice or charge, our customer service team would be happy to review your account with you.
Why Doesn’t Schagrin Simply Include These Costs in Propane Prices?
The costs associated with regulatory compliance are separate from the costs of purchasing, storing, and delivering propane.
By identifying the Government Agency Regulatory Compliance Fee as a separate line item, we provide greater transparency regarding the expenses required to maintain compliance with the regulations that govern our industry.
Our Commitment to Safety and Compliance
Since 1932, Schagrin Home Comfort Products has been committed to operating safely, responsibly, and in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Our team continually invests in:
- Employee education and training
- Safety programs and certifications
- Emergency response planning
- Environmental compliance initiatives
- Regulatory reporting and documentation
- Facility inspections and operational improvements
These efforts help ensure the safe delivery of propane and the continued protection of our customers, employees, and communities.
Questions About Your Invoice?
If you have questions about the G.A.R.C.F. charge or any other item on your account, our Customer Service team is available to help.