May 7, 2008 – National Grid has added more than 60 new compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its fleet this calendar year as part of a continuing effort to reduce its carbon footprint and reduce greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.
Recently added to the company’ existing fleet of approximately 900 CNG vehicles are 66 new Honda Civic GX sedans, recognized as the “Greenest Vehicle of 2008” by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Civic GX is powered by a four-cylinder engine that has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the “Cleanest Production Engine” currently available.
“We recently announced our intent to increase our target for reducing company-wide greenhouse gas emissions from 60 to 80 percent by 2050 and adopt carbon budgets across our operations,” said Jennifer Zschokke, vice president, Sustainable Development for National Grid. “Use of CNG vehicles in our daily operations will help achieve this target while mitigating the effects of climate change without affecting our ability to serve our customers. We’re committed to safeguarding our global environment for future generations to come.”
During 2007, National Grid’s CNG fleet displaced over 360,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel by using clean, economical natural gas, and:
Barry Carr, spokesperson for American Honda said, “We are pleased to work with National Grid to provide products made in the United States that operate on an abundant, domestically available fuel. American Honda is honored to be a part of National Grid’s commitment to the environment.”
National Grid began purchasing Honda CNG vehicles in 1999 and has acquired more than 240 Civic sedans over the past nine years. These Honda vehicles are part of National Grid’s overall U.S. CNG fleet which includes light duty sedans and medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority. It also is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
National Grid is the largest power producer in New York State, owning 6,650 megawatts of electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers and supplies roughly a quarter of New York City’s electricity needs.