LIPA Adds Two Hybrid Bucket Trucks to its Green Service Fleet

New trucks will cut emissions, fuel and noise pollution

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Uniondale, NY— The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is continuing its efforts to be environmentally responsible by integrating its first two hybrid trucks into the Authority’s already green service fleet.

“The addition of these two new trucks reinforces my commitment to LIPA’s continued investment in energy efficiency and clean renewable technology,” said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. “These trucks will provide many green benefits including: improving our air quality, curbing noise pollution, increasing energy efficiency and providing financial savings for our customers.”

Each new vehicle is estimated to save 35% to 55% of fuel, based on similar prototype vehicles. With an annual consumption of 1,970 gallons of diesel fuel, at $3 per gallon and an approximate minimum reduction of 35% in fuel, LIPA will save 1,400 gallons of fuel per year for total savings of $4,200 dollars. Moreover, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 10-15 tons per truck annually; resulting in $500 to $750 in carbon offset savings.

The new trucks are equipped with the same size engine as a conventional truck and will operate like a normal hybrid vehicle. However, a key efficiency component of these trucks begins when the aerial bucket operates with the engine completely off, while workers use the bucket to perform day to day operations. Furthermore, the engine will also kick off when the vehicles are idling, reducing fuel usage and exhaust emissions.

The hybrid system also features regenerative braking. As the brakes are applied, the energy is captured and used to charge the lithium-ion battery system. This battery is used to operate the boom, (the part of the truck used to lift workers), for up to two hours with the engine off.

More than 25% of LIPA’s 607 vehicles contain a clean energy component including, gasoline hybrids, bio-diesel, and compressed natural gas. LIPA envisions continuing to add more energy efficient vehicles as some of the older trucks and cars in the service fleet need replacement.

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LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2010, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency of service interruptions, and ranked second for duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org.

Media Contact Information
Mark Gross
Phone - (516) 719-9892
Media Pager - (516) 229-7248
media.relations@lipower.org

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