Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles

As the price of natural gas decreases and interest in alternative fuel sources increases, MLGW is positioning itself to capitalize on the low cost of natural gas. First, 32 compressed natural gas (CNG) pickup trucks are currently deployed in MLGW’s fleet and three more are being converted. As employees go about their daily functions, driving to and from worksites, they’re able to save the Division about $2 per gallon compared to regular gasoline.

Rhonda Morgan, Water Matrix, sees the cost savings of the CNG vehicles as a major advantage, but is equally bullish on CNG vehicles for environmental reasons. Morgan points to near zero emissions and reduced dependency on foreign oil as pluses for their usage. An additional 20 CNG vehicles are in the 2012 budget and should arrive in the next few months.

Secondly, plans are underway to construct five public access fueling stations over the next five years in Shelby County. The CNG fueling stations will provide the Division additional revenue and offer residents convenient access to an alternative, less expensive fuel source.