PENSACOLA UNVEILS FIRST CNG STATION

On Wednesday, the City of Pensacola, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA), and Pensacola Energy unveiled the area’s first CNG station. The facility is located on ECUA property and is fueled by Pensacola Energy. The $1.8 million station has been a cooperative effort between various local governments, which have already converted 80 municipal and county vehicles to natural gas. Mayor Ashton Hayward said the city’s NGV program is a model for other cities to emulate. “Just because we are a small city doesn’t mean we can’t lead,” said Hayward. The station is open to the public, and officials anticipate greater public use as private fleets and individuals make the switch. ECUA anticipates saving $350,000 in maintenance costs and $900,000 in fuel costs annually. The public cooperative has plans for two more CNG stations in Pensacola.