FAIRPORT — (RealEstateRama) — The New York Power Authority today announced it has expanded its program to help municipal utilities green their vehicle fleets after Fairport Electric bought a plug-in hybrid bucket truck and passenger vehicle.
Fairport, a Rochester suburb, now has 14 electric-drive vehicles, for the village’s electric utility, making it a leader among municipal utilities in the state adopting alternative fuel vehicles.
“As a Power Authority customer, Fairport has access to NYPA’s clean, low-cost hydropower, making these vehicles some of the cleanest and cheapest to operate in the state,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “We commend Fairport for recognizing the value of NYPA’s services and working with us to help reduce carbon emissions.”
The NYPA program supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Charge NY initiative, launched to help foster a statewide clean transportation network. It is also consistent with the Governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a cleaner, more efficient and resilient energy system for all New Yorkers and meet the Governor’s mandate of having half of all energy used in the state come from renewable sources by 2030.
The vehicles, an Altec plug-in hybrid-electric bucket truck and Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid sedan, were acquired as part of NYPA’s Municipal and Rural Cooperative Utility Electric Drive Vehicle Program, a $5 million loan fund that, since 2004, has been tapped by 26 municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives to buy 55 electric-drive vehicles.
“The Village of Fairport appreciates the continuing relationship we have shared with NYPA since 1961,” said Fairport Mayor Frederick H. May.
In 2004, Fairport received a hybrid electric Toyota Prius, its first vehicle in partnership with NYPA. In addition to the newest vehicles, Fairport has acquired four additional Priuses, two bucket trucks, three Ford Escapes, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a John Deere all-electric off-road vehicle. The vehicles are used for various administrative purposes, including meter reading, and everyday transport of workers in the field.
“The use of electric and hybrid vehicles in our fleet helps Fairport Electric to reduce our operating costs while maintaining safe and reliable power to our customers,” said Mitchell Wilke, Fairport Electric Superintendent.
“Altec is excited to work with Municipal Electric Utilities Association members like Fairport Municipal Commission and the New York Power Authority to promote green initiatives and sustainability,” said Jeffrey Smith, Altec account manager. “Altec’s JEMS hybrid operating system is ideal for the utility industry as it reduces fuel consumption and noise pollution, which provides a safer and healthier work environment for operators and crews.”
NYPA’s clean transportation program has placed more than 1,250 electric and hybrid-electric vehicles into service. Together, these vehicles have traveled more than 11 million miles.
About NYPA:
NYPA is the nation’s largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit http://www.nypa.gov/and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy,Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and LinkedIn.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York’s economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York’s Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50% of the state’s electricity needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600% growth in the statewide solar market, enabled more than 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor’s $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.
Contact:
Maura Balaban | Maura.Balaban (at) nypa (dot) gov | (914) 390-8171
