The City of Redlands, Calif., has reported a significant jump in use at its corporate yard alternative fuel station, which provides compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to both city and non-city vehicles, over the first six months of the 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to a report from the San Bernardino County Sun.
Specifically, the city found a 71% increase in use during that six-month time frame, which began July 1, 2016.
According to the report, the City Council recently increased Redlands’ annual budget for LNG purchases from $450,000 to $515,000 in order to meet this growing demand – a move that is expected to generate an additional $86,000.
The fueling station, located at 1270 W. Park Ave., was first built back in 2003 with city grant funding and then expanded in 2014. Applied LNG Technologies supplies fuel to the station, which now offers fast-fill fueling, every week.
Considering that the next-closest alternative fuel stations are located in San Bernardino and Riverside, this station provides a much-needed service to many drivers in the area – especially as Redlands completely eliminated the use of diesel solid waste trucks.
The report says that city officials attributed this growth in fuel consumption to increased visits from non-city-owned vehicles, including the South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Bernardino County, Durham Bus Service, Burrtec Waste Industries and other solid waste companies.
As reported, city-owned vehicles used about 150,000 gallons of LNG and CNG during the previous fiscal year, while non-city vehicles used 200,000 gallons.
Citing Tim Sullivan, assistant director of the quality of life department, the report says that the city also receives a $0.50 rebate per gallon of LNG and CNG pumped, resulting in a $231,000 revenue in 2015-2016.
What’s more, the city has also announced plans to install an electric vehicle charging station at City Hall and expects to receive its first 100% electric vehicle shortly.
