Refuel Colorado Fleets Looking For Towns To Make Clean Fuels Transition

Garfield Clean Energy and the Colorado Energy Office announced on May 7 the launch of Refuel Colorado Fleets, a pilot project to help owners of vehicle fleets and auto dealers take advantage of vehicles that use clean, domestic fuels as an alternative to petroleum.

This pilot project will involve at least seven communities to be selected across Colorado. It’s aimed at accelerating the deployment of alternative fuels, reducing petroleum imports, and increasing fuel cost efficiency in public and private sector vehicle fleets.

Alternative fuels to be considered include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, biofuels, and plug-in electric.

"Alternative fuels allow Colorado consumers and fleets to save money on fuel, contribute towards cleaner air, and use energy produced in Colorado," said Jeff Ackermann, Director of the Colorado Energy Office.

Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) has been contracted by the Energy Office to manage Refuel Colorado Fleets and will deliver approved training for community-based energy coaches working for Garfield Clean Energy in Garfield County, Northern Colorado Clean Cities in Fort Collins, Metro Denver Clean Cities, and Southern Colorado Clean Cities in Colorado Springs.

Garfield Clean Energy is now looking for communities in Garfield County and neighboring counties to participate in the Refuel Colorado Fleets project. Installing new fueling stations throughout the region will make long-distance travel more viable for alternative fuel vehicles, said Mike Ogburn, Energy Engineer for CLEER, which manages Garfield Clean Energy programs.

An initial survey process continues through June, and the selected communities will be announced in July.

"We urge any fleet owners, auto dealers, and community leaders who want their community to be considered for the Refuel Colorado Fleets project to contact Garfield Clean Energy as soon as possible," said Ogburn. "You can nominate your community by visiting the Refuel Colorado Fleets page on Facebook," he said, (or contact Ogburn at mogburn@cleanenergyeconomy.net).

Once the communities are selected, Ogburn will then work with local government and business sector fleet owners over the coming year, helping them learn how to make cost-effective purchases of alternative fuel vehicles and improve overall fleet efficiency.

"We will also work with fuel providers and local governments to develop fueling and charging infrastructure, and work with auto dealers to grow the vehicle sales inventory and maintenance capacity for alternative fuel fleet vehicles," said Ogburn.

The $225,000 project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The project budget does not include funds for fueling stations, charging stations, or alternative fuel vehicles.

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