DEP grant will be used to convert trucks for use with compressed natural gas
Pennsylvania American Water Production Manager Robert Schnitzler (left) and Engineering Project Manager Joel Mitchell, both members of the company’s CNG Fleet Task Force, show off one of the converted vehicles.
Having joined 33 groups that received an Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania American Water said it is poised to expand its fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles across the state.
DEP awarded the company $62,800 in AFIG funding, which will be used to convert 14 new light-duty trucks to use alternate CNG fuel, a company news release said. When the 14 new bi-fuel vehicles are purchased and up-fitted, they will be stationed at the company’s operations including Coatesville, Norristown, and Royersford. In early 2013, Pennsylvania American Water launched a pilot with four CNG-powered Ford F-250 trucks based in Coatesville and Punxsutawney.
“We are a firm believer in CNG’s potential as an important alternative fuel option, which will enable us to better control operational expenses, reduce our carbon footprint, and capitalize on the abundant supply of natural gas right here in the Commonwealth,” said President Kathy L. Pape of Pennsylvania American Water. Compared to gasoline prices that currently range between $3.35 and $3.50 per gallon, she said fueling with CNG ranges from $1.90 to $2.05 per gallon, the release said.
Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Steve Tambini said the company plans to apply for more state grants to further increase the size of its CNG-powered fleet. DEP’s second round of Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle grants is now open for applications, with an estimated $11 million available to help pay for the purchase and conversion costs of heavy-duty natural gas-fueled vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds. Impact fees paid by natural gas operators finance the Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle grants, the release said.
Got to love it , our rates go up once again and they have their hands in the grant till. This company sure knows how to play the game . Too bad nobody filled out the last PUC complaint form .