Florida Utility Expands Natural Gas Fleet

Bonita Springs Utilities (BSU), the local utility serving the City of Bonita in Southwest Florida, is expanding its NGV fleet. In 2012, the utility started a pilot program by installing a fueling station and converting four high-usage trucks. The city reported that the program resulted in significant reductions in fuel and maintenance costs. BSU currently operates six CNG vehicles and is adding an additional four. The BSU station is also being expanded to accommodate up to 35 vehicles. “BSU has 68 vehicles servicing our 60-square-mile area,” said Andy Koebel, director of operations. “By choosing CNG vehicles instead of traditional gasoline-powered trucks, we have the potential to generate long-term cost savings and reduce our emissions of particulate matter and carbon dioxide.”