Energy Partners in Superior under new management

Energy Partners in Superior has a new general manager, Garth Riebe. He stepped in after long-time manager Kirby Smith left Energy Partners to pursue other opportunities. Kirby had been with the company for over 30 years and the transition is a big one, Riebe said.

Paul Gayton, who helps with sales and technical support, will also be at the Superior location for a few months to help make the transition a smooth one. Riebe is from Missoula and has worked for Energy Partners for more than 12 years. The timing is perfect for Garth and his wife, Kari Ann, to make the move into the area. Their daughter just graduated from high school and was the youngest of five children who are all grown and out of the house.

“We are looking forward to moving out here and being a part of the community,” Riebe said. “I love to hunt and fish and want to get out and explore the area.”

Oftentimes, employees from other branches help out when needed, and he has been in the area several times delivering propane and really liked it. His wife works for the Veterans Administration in Missoula and will continue to commute for work.

“She loves her job and has no intention of quitting,” he said.

The couple will be looking for a new home that will also accommodate their three yorkies and yellow lab.

“We want to assure our customers that they will continue to receive the same service they have grown to expect. I want to improve on that customer service, and look forward to making new friends and meeting our customers,” Riebe said.

Energy Partners supplies propane to homes, farms and businesses throughout Western Montana, and are co-owned by Missoula Electric Co-op and Mountain West Co-op (Cenex Harvest States). They deliver propane, as well as install new tanks, gas appliances and service them.

Currently, the company is busy with “summer fills,” which is offering propane at the lowest prices of the year. From July to August, they can top off customers tanks and provide contracts with a price cap for the winter. Prices are usually at their highest from January through March, and with the price locked in with prepaid contracts, customers don’t pay higher bills during the winter months. With prepaid pricing, contracts need to be paid by the end of August.

However, if customers don’t use all of the propane, they receive a credit and it gets rolled over into next year’s buy or the credit can be used for other Energy Partner services. They also offer budget billing, and work with the low-income LIEP program.

“We are local and help customers any way we can,” said Gayton. “Our drivers are good at letting our customers know how much propane they need and we never push for higher fills.”

The other services offered at Energy Partners will remain the same with gas pumps and a car wash. They will also continue to support local charities and events such as 4H, BPA, Relay for Life, softball and other groups.