CenterPoint Energy Begins Fleet Conversion Initiative
In 2013, CenterPoint Energy will add 35 natural gas vehicles to its fleet across Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Additionally, the company expects to provide natural gas service to at least 17 new compressed natural gas fueling stations built in the company’s service territory.
The expected 2013 additions will bring the number of natural gas fueling stations in the company’s service territory to at least 49, with the majority located in Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. A number of retail gasoline stations have also begun exploring plans to add natural gas pumps to their locations.
Several companies with fleets – the largest market for natural gas vehicles - have embraced the transition. Waste Management, municipal buses in cities throughout the country and other companies with high mileage fleets have already begun converting to natural gas.
The company’s own natural gas vehicle fleet will grow to 85 vehicles by the end of 2013. Across its service territory, CenterPoint also provides guidelines and tools to help identify promising candidates for natural gas fleet conversion.
In addition to building gas infrastructure to serve compressed natural gas fueling stations, converting its own fleet to natural gas, and providing tools to encourage natural gas fleet conversion, the company supports legislation and participates in organizations that promote natural gas as a transportation fuel.