Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office to Save Thousands with Propane-Powered Cruiser
DODGEVILLE, Wis. – August 21, 2012 – The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office near Madison, Wis., expects to save between $5,000–$5,400 annually on fuel costs after converting just one cruiser to run on propane autogas this summer. Charter Fuels coordinated the vehicle conversion and autogas fueling as part of the national Alliance AutoGas network, which helps fleets across the country switch to American-made clean fuel.
“We first started looking into alternative fuel when we thought gasoline prices were high—and it’s a good thing, because they’re even higher now,” says Sheriff Steve Michek. “Propane autogas saves us about $1.50 per gallon on fuel costs, and in the long run we’ll save on oil changes and overall maintenance costs because it’s a cleaner technology. The deputy who drives the vehicle has even noticed a slight improvement in vehicle performance driving on autogas.”
Alliance AutoGas converted Iowa County’s 2010 Ford Crown Victoria through partner Fox Valley Truck, a certified conversion center in Appleton, Wis. Deputies currently refuel at the Charter Fuels autogas station in Cobb, Wis., but the County plans to have an on-site fuel station installed through Alliance AutoGas as they convert more vehicles in the future.
“We’re helping Midwest businesses and governments drive cleaner and cut their fuel costs, one fleet at a time,” says Josh Budworth of Charter Fuels, who worked directly with Sheriff Michek to coordinate the vehicle conversion, fueling and safety training. “Iowa County is already experiencing significant cost savings with their new clean autogas cruiser, which also helps improve the air quality in their community.”
Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering 18 million vehicles globally, and the U.S. supply is almost entirely made in America. Fleets running on autogas currently save around $1.50 per gallon on fuel compared to gasoline. Autogas is also cleaner-burning than gasoline, so most autogas fleets report reduced maintenance needs.
Alliance AutoGas is a nationwide partner network that provides fleets with autogas vehicle conversions, installation of a fuel station at a fleet’s base, data integration for fuel management systems, operational and safety training, and ongoing technical support.
About Charter Fuels
Family owned and operated for four generations, Charter Fuels has provided the communities it serves with reliable warmth, expert energy solutions and greater peace of mind for more than 86 years. It has offices servicing 46 counties across Wisconsin, upper Michigan, northern Illinois, eastern Iowa and eastern Minnesota. Charter is part of the national Alliance AutoGas complete program, providing vehicle conversions, fuel station installation, fuel supply, staff safety training and ongoing technical support. Active in the local community, Charter Fuels donates profits from its pink propane delivery truck in conjunction with the American Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Pink-Ribbon” campaign. Visit www.charterfuels.com for more information.
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