DTE Energy/MichCon (DTE) unveiled a new, four-pump compressed natural gas station in Melvindale, Mich. earlier this month. In 2009, DTE was awarded a $5.4 million grant from Clean Energy Coalition to boost the number of CNG fueling stations in Michigan and to convert 173 Ford Ecoline vans to operate on the fuel. The grant was made possible through the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).This alternative fuel provides a more attractive option for heavy vehicle operators, as it produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than diesel. Additionally, CNG currently averages about $1.95 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) compared to gasoline prices of $3.70 a gallon.
“As you make it more convenient for people and there are more options for refueling, it makes it a more attractive alternative,” said John Austerberry, a spokesman for DTE.
MichCon president and chief operating officer Jerry Norcia said he personally bought and converted a Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson model to run on CNG.
“Especially at $1.94 a gallon [gge], it makes me feel good every time I jump in that truck and drive it,” he said. “I’ve already saved about $1,000 in fuel,” he added.
DTE Energy is investing an additional $6.8 million toward buying and converting the new vans and refurbishing more than 10 other fueling stations around Michigan.
Clean Energy Coalition is helping five Ypsilanti nonprofit organizations achieve energy efficiency in their buildings. Through the grant funded initiative, CEC performed complimentary energy evaluations for selected applicants:
- Corner Health Center
- Community Driven Credit Union
- Dawn Farm
- Glen Oaks Cooperative
- Harvest Kitchen
This year alone, our energy auditors have examined over 81,000 square feet of building area for potential energy saving opportunities through the Rebuild Ypsilantiprogram. Combined, 109 possible energy saving measures have been identified. These measures range from simple practices that staff can make to conserve energy to major capital improvements that will have long reaching impacts. After delivering the energy audit report, our expert staff then work with building managers to implement appropriate and feasible energy conservation measures.
Rebuild Ypsilanti is a part of Rebuild Michigan, a network of community partnerships made up of local organizations and businesses that save money by saving energy. These voluntary partnerships, working with the Michigan Energy Office, choose the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of commercial, government, educational and public housing buildings.
To learn more about Rebuild Ypsilanti, or to become a partner, contact CEC Project Manager Nick Helmholdt.
