NEWS

Despite Rising Gas Costs, ACUA Trucks Fuel for Less Thanks to Beneficial CNG

Jun 02, 2022

While diesel rates are climbing, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) and its customers -- municipalities and taxpayers where ACUA collects solid waste and recycling – continue to benefit from cleaner and cheaper compressed natural gas (CNG). The alternative fuel powers more than 90% of ACUA’s collection fleet that serves 24 municipalities across Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties.
 
ACUA currently pays $1.33 per gallon to fuel its vehicles. In comparison, diesel rates are exceeding $5.90 per gallon.
 
“ACUA’s decision to pursue alternative fuels before it became the trend continues to benefit the Atlantic County community,” said President Rick Dovey. “While the difference in price is particularly significant today, CNG has consistently cost less than diesel fuel.”
 
Since its fueling station opened in 2010, ACUA has saved an average of $0.68 cents per gallon by using CNG instead of diesel.
 
In addition to consistent low rates, ACUA customers benefit from the public bidding process that enables ACUA to enter longer-term contracts for fuel. ACUA’s current CNG fuel price was established in 2020 through a two-year contract with UGI.
 
“Instead of passing on unstable fuel prices to our customers, ACUA is able to minimize costs through the public bidding process,” said Dovey.
 
The CNG station located at ACUA’s Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township opened in 2010 with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Since, ACUA and its customers have received more than $4 million in benefits from fuel cost savings, sales revenues, and tax credits.
 
The community has also benefitted from decreased vehicle emissions. Switching to CNG has prevented more than 7,600 metric tons of CO2e from entering the atmosphere. This decrease comes from ACUA vehicles as well as any sales made at ACUA’s station by external customers.
 
“We’re proud to serve as an example of a public agency that makes responsible and forward-thinking decisions that positively impact our community and the environment,” said Dovey.
 
In addition to using CNG, ACUA will soon be adding an electric truck to its fleet of collection vehicles. The Authority was recently one of five entities awarded a state grant to purchase an electric waste collection truck through New Jersey Governor Murphy's initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
 
Entities interested in learning how to switch to compressed natural gas or using ACUA’s fueling station are encouraged to call ACUA at 609.272.6950 or visit www.acua.com/cng for more information.