Atlanta Gas Light Plans CNG Vehicle Fueling Stations
May 17, 2011
ATLANTA -- Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) has filed a plan with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to build a network of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations over the next five years in the metropolitan Atlanta region and along major transportation corridors in the state.
The plan also includes low-cost equipment leasing options for home fueling stations. CNG retail prices are over a third less than that of petroleum -- $2.19 per gallon of gas equivalent -- as currently posted at Georgia retailers.
"Demand for CNG is growing in the United States, and Atlanta Gas Light is committed to attracting interest in this important new investment opportunity to Georgia," said Ian Skelton, director of Atlanta Gas Light's natural gas vehicle program. "Natural gas is abundant and clean, and the U.S. is estimated to have a 100-year supply that is readily deliverable to Georgia. Fleet owners and vehicle manufacturers are beginning to recognize the significant price advantage CNG holds over petroleum at the pump and, as a result, demand for CNG should increase."
Under the plan to be considered by the PSC later this summer, AGL proposes to invest nearly $12 million dollars to stimulate private investment in the construction of approximately 10 to 15 fueling stations, depending on the size of the station and the level of private investment. The stations would be owned and operated by private retailers who must invest approximately 50 percent of the cost of the CNG station. Retailers would purchase natural gas from certificated marketers and resell it as CNG. The initial station locations will be largely determined based on proximity to commercial fleet customers that contract for service.