Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Mark Thompson, Key Accounts Manager for Florida Public Utilities , spent a half hour at the beginning of the December 3, 2013 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) updating the FBCC and city staff on the advances in compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling and natural gas vehicles. He reported that currently there are 9 CNG fueling stations in Florida and fewer than one thousand in the United States, despite the many benefits of this fuel, not the least of which is cost to operate. The American Automobile Association listed per gallon gasoline prices for Florida effective November 1, 2013 as follows: Unleaded, $3.26; Mid range, $3.51; Premium, $3.47 and Diesel, $3.87. The Florida average price for the equivalent of CNG at the same time was $2.25.
Thompson cited other benefits of CNG, including:
- Economic
- Environmental – cleaner air
- Improved energy security
- Noise reduction
In response to a question from Commissioner Arlene Filkoff, Thompson said that the biggest obstacle to converting to CNG from gasoline for municipalities is the conversion cost. It costs about 12% more to purchase a compressed gas equipped (CGE) vehicle, and fueling stations cost $2-3M to build. He added that less periodic maintenance is required with the natural gas vehicles.
Commissioner Ed Boner talked about the city’s building such a station. However, Mayor Sarah Pelican informed him, “We’ve talked about putting this in the county, Mr. Boner.” Pelican did not amplify this statement to include details of who had been in on the discussion, when it had been held, or where in the county the proposed station would be located. Boner questioned whether savings could be maximized if city vehicles had to travel to a county station and remain there for overnight fueling.
Thompson claimed that a return on investment would be seen within 2 years.
The purpose of the presentation was to update the FBCC on development of natural gas alternatives to conventional fuel. The FBCC did not take action.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
December 8, 2013 11:45 p.m.
The City reviewed natural gas vehicles in detail this year. The first cost and payback are significant. Much more than 2 years FPU indicated.
Interestingly I believe FPU only has one natural gas vehicle. (a car)