Eastern Propane and Sharp Energy have joined the growing Alliance AutoGas network to help more East Coast vehicle fleets switch to clean, affordable propane autogas. Powering 18 million vehicles globally, autogas allows U.S. fleets to cut fuel costs by thousands of dollars annually while improving air quality in their local communities.
"Propane autogas is the most cost-effective alternative fuel on the market today, so we're excited to help fleets in our region make the switch through the Alliance AutoGas complete program," says Sharp Energy President Bob Zola. "Right now, autogas fleets are saving around $1.50 per gallon on fuel compared to gasoline. And because Alliance will install an autogas fluel station at a fleet's home base at no up front cost, fleets that convert through Alliance benefit from both convenient fueling and immediate fuel cost savings."
These new Alliance AutoGas partners will not only provide autogas fueling, but also facilitate vehicle conversions, fuel station installation, maintenance and safety training, and ongoing support for fleets in their Alliance network coverage areas. Eastern Propane will cover New Jersey and Sharp Energy will serve Delaware, Eastern Maryland and the shore of Eastern Virginia.
"We've been running our company fleet on autogas since 1955, and now have one of the largest propane-powered fleets in the state of New Jersey," says Robert B. Nicholson III, President and CEO of Eastern Propane. "Propane autogas has provided our fleet with efficiency and longevity, and we are pleased to join Alliance to help expand the market for this clean fuel technology in the U.S."
Propane autogas is 30 percent cleaner than gasoline, so autogas vehicles produce significantly fewer harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Because autogas is cleaner burning, many fleets running on autogas report their vehicles require less maintenance and have an increased engine life. Using autogas also reduces our nation's dependence on foreign oil because 98 percent of the U.S. autogas supply is made in America.
"Partnering with these leading propane retailers boosts our momentum as we encourage widespread autogas adoption among U.S. fleets," says Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie. "Autogas is the most viable domestic clean fuel because implementation costs are much more affordable compared to other fuel alternatives. Autogas is a safe, reliable, proven alternative fuel that's readily available, now. It helps enhance American energy security and protect the environment, all while ultimately saving fleets thousands on fuel costs."
Eastern Propane is headquartered in Oak Ridge, N.J., where it has been owned and operated by the Nicholson family since 1938. Eastern provides clean propane energy to businesses and residences, and provides installation, maintenance and repair servcies for gas heating systems and appliances throughout northern New Jersey, northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New York. Propane autogas has been used in their company fleet since 1955. Sharp Energy is one of the largest propane companies on the Delmarva Peninsula, with offices in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Southeastern Pennsylvania, serving more than 34,000 customers.
