National Grid “Fat Trucks” Are Cutting Costs and Restoring Power Faster Across New York
If you live in many parts of New York State, National Grid trucks are commonplace. National Grid uses bucket trucks, gas vehicles, diggers and other equipment every day to ensure electricity and gas continue to reach customers safely and reliably.
Although much of National Grid’s infrastructure can be reached by road, there are thousands of miles of electric infrastructure that cannot. When the energy system needs to be repaired in those areas, National Grid often brings in wood to create makeshift roads, or matting, for traditional work vehicles to drive on.
Building these roads can take time and money, delaying repairs.
To reduce costs and operate more efficiently, National Grid purchased all-terrain, amphibious vehicles, more commonly known as “Fat Trucks,” that can carry workers and equipment to work sites without matting or helicopters.
These trucks help identify issues on the system faster and move needed materials and workers to sites quickly, saving National Grid customers time and getting the power back on faster than before.
"These trucks are engineered for challenging environments. They are designed to go where standard vehicles cannot. They are a critical piece of equipment when restoring power in upstate New York,"
-National Grid New York Chief of Electric Operations, Matt Barnett
From Mud to Snow, These All-Terrain Vehicles Help Reach Remote Areas
The truck’s wide, low-pressure tires provide increased flotation, allowing them to traverse mud, snow, sand, and uneven terrain without getting bogged down. From construction sites and remote infrastructure projects to emergency response and environmental work, "Fat Trucks” ensure crews and equipment reach critical locations safely and efficiently.
Heavy-duty all-terrain utility trucks help save customers money by making utility operations more efficient and cost-effective. Their ability to carry larger payloads and reach remote or difficult terrain in a single trip reduces fuel use, labor hours, and the need for multiple vehicles.
The "Fat Truck’s” low-impact design also minimizes damage to roads and land, lowering repair and environmental restoration costs. By improving access during outages and emergencies, they speed up service restoration and reduce overtime expenses, while also supporting better reliability performance.
Additionally, using purpose-built equipment reduces wear and tear compared to conventional vehicles, cutting maintenance and replacement costs. Their year-round versatility helps National Grid avoid use of seasonal equipment, and improved safety reduces incident-related expenses—all of which contribute to more efficient operations and lower overall costs passed on to customers.