Propane Laws and Incentives in Colorado

The list below contains summaries of all Colorado laws and incentives related to propane.

Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Tax

Compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane are subject to excise tax imposed on a per gallon basis as follows:

Fuel Type Tax
CNG $0.183
LNG $0.12
Propane $0.135

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 39-27-102)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Registration

Upon registering a motor vehicle with the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles, the vehicle owner must report the type of alternative fuel used to operate the vehicle and whether the vehicle is dedicated to one alternative fuel or uses more than one fuel. The Department of Revenue provides forms for the purpose of registering motor vehicles and must include space for the following fuel types: gasoline, diesel, propane, electricity, natural gas, methanol/M85, ethanol/E85, biodiesel, and other. For more information, see the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles website.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 42-3-113)

Gasoline and Diesel Gallon Equivalent Definition

Motor fuels, including alternative fuels, may be sold by gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) as long as the dispenser used for the sale of motor fuel in GGEs or DGEs clearly displays the applicable conversion factor and other required information. (Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 8-20-232.5)

Natural Gas and Propane Licenses

Any person or entity that distributes, supplies, imports, exports, carries, or blends natural gas or propane must obtain a license from the Colorado Department of Revenue.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 39-27-104)

Public Utility Definition

A corporation or individual that resells alternative fuel supplied by a public utility for use in an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) is not subject to regulation as a public utility. Additionally, a corporation or individual that owns, controls, operates, or manages a facility that generates electricity exclusively for use in AFV charging or fueling facilities is not subject to regulation as a public utility provided that the electricity is generated on the property where the charging or fueling facilities are located and the electricity is generated from a renewable resource. For the purposes of this definition, alternative fuel is defined as propane, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, or electricity.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 40-1-103.3)

Vehicle Fleet Maintenance and Fuel Cost-Savings Contracts

Government fleets may finance the lease or purchase cost of alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fueling infrastructure through energy performance contracts where vehicle operational and fuel cost savings pay for the capital investment. Energy performance contracts must show that the annual cost savings associated with the fueling and maintenance of vehicles with higher efficiency ratings or alternative fueling methods is equal to or higher than the annual contract payments.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 24-30-2001 through 24-30-2003 and 29-12.5-101 through 29-12.5-104)

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Weight Exemption

Gross vehicle weight rating limits for AFVs are 2,000 pounds greater than those for comparable conventional vehicles, as long as the AFVs operate using an alternative fuel or both alternative and conventional fuel, when operating on a highway that is not part of the interstate system. For the purpose of this exemption, alternative fuel is defined as compressed natural gas, propane, ethanol, or any mixture containing 85% or more ethanol (E85) with gasoline or other fuels, electricity, or any other fuels, which may include clean diesel and reformulated gasoline, so long as the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission determines that these other fuels result in comparable reductions in carbon monoxide emissions and brown cloud pollutants.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 24-4-1104 and 42-4-508)

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Infrastructure Coaching Service

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) administers the ReCharge Colorado program (ReCharge) to advance the adoption of EVs and installation of charging infrastructure in Colorado. ReCharge provides coaching services to consumers, local governments, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings to help them identify monetary savings, grant opportunities, and other EV benefits. ReCharge also helps build local stakeholder support for EVs. For more information, see the CEO ReCharge Colorado website.

Point of Contact
Matt Mines
Program Manager, Transportation Fuels and Technology
Colorado Energy Office
Phone: (303) 866-2128
matt.mines@state.co.us
https://energyoffice.colorado.gov

Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Sales Tax Exemption

Vehicles, vehicle power sources, or parts used for converting a vehicle power source to reduce emissions are exempt from state sales and use tax. Exempt vehicles include vehicles certified to federal LEV standards that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds (lbs.). The exemption also applies if the GVWR is greater than 10,000 lbs. and if the vehicle, power source, or parts used for converting the power source meet the definition of a category 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 7, or 7A truck, as defined in Colorado Revised Statutes 39-22-516.8. The vehicle power source includes the engine or motor and associated wiring, fuel lines, engine coolant system, fuel storage containers, and other components.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 39-26-719)

More Laws and Incentives

To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.