Alliance AutoGas welcomes Key Cooperative, a farmers co-op in Iowa with an energy department that supplies propane fuel for residential heating, farming equipment and vehicles. As part of Alliance AutoGas, Key Cooperative will now help local and regional vehicle fleets easily switch to propane autogas through the Alliance program of vehicle conversions, fueling, staff training and ongoing support.
"As a member-owned organization, we take our obligation to operate a financially sound cooperative seriously, so we strive to stay ahead of the ever-changing agriculture and business landscape," says Lynn Sheets, Petroleum Department Manager of Key Cooperative. "Joining Alliance AutoGas has enabled us to provide the community with the most viable fuel for powering fleets through a no-hassle program. Running on autogas not only reduces fuel costs and emissions, it's also more affordable to install autogas stations and convert vehicles compared to other alternative fuels."
U.S. propane autogas fleets are currently saving around $2.00 on fuel costs, and autogas vehicles produce at least 30 percent fewer harmful emissions than gasoline vehicles. Our nation's autogas is almost entirely domestically produced, with 98 percent of the U.S. supply made in America. Propane autogas is also the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering 18 million vehicles worldwide.
"When people think of fleets operating on propane autogas, school bus or law enforcement fleets may come to mind—but the fact is, fleets of every type and size across the country are using autogas because it's clean, cost-effective and American-made," says Stuart Weidie, president of Alliance AutoGas and founder of Autogas for America. "Key Cooperative joining Alliance AutoGas is the perfect example of this diversity: an Iowa farmer's cooperative helping their community save money and reduce emissions with autogas. Moving into 2013, we'll continue to see more fleets from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest choosing propane autogas."
Fleets can make the switch to autogas at no upfront cost and start saving on fuel costs right away by working with Alliance AutoGas. As part of Alliance, Key Cooperative will coordinate vehicle conversions for fleets—either bi-fuel or dedicated autogas systems—in addition to providing year-round fueling. Alliance will also install an on-site autogas station at a fleet's home base, and even provide safety training and ongoing support for staff to ensure drivers feel confident operating their new propane-powered vehicles.
Established in 1937, Key Cooperative is a progressive, locally owned farmer cooperative serving Story, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Mahaska and surrounding counties in Iowa. Key Cooperative is dedicated to the long-term success of members and customers, with departments that include agronomy, auto service, energy, feed, grain, lumber & construction, precision ag and transportation. Visit www.keycoop.com for more information.
