NEWS
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Fairport and N.Y. Power Authority Partner to Create State's Largest Municipal Utility Electric Vehicle Fleet Contact: ( February 25, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FAIRPORT—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel was joined today by Fairport Mayor Frederick H. May to announce the addition of a hybrid-electric bucket truck to the Village of Fairport’s already impressive hybrid electric vehicle fleet. The innovative, heavy duty vehicle, equipped with an aerial bucket body, will join six other vehicles to create the largest municipal utility hybrid electric vehicle fleet in New York State. “The Village of Fairport has been one of NYPA’s most valued municipal customers and through its participation in our hybrid electric drive program, has assembled an impressive collection of hybrid-electric vehicles,” said Kessel. “The Power Authority program, together with the Village of Fairport’s efforts, is in lockstep with Governor Paterson’s ambitious energy goals, which will save taxpayer dollars and reduce harmful emissions.” “NYPA has been a remarkable partner to the Village of Fairport over the years,” said May. “Its electric drive program has helped us to increase the amount of hybrid electric vehicles in our fleet, reducing both cost and emissions. We are excited to incorporate this energy-saving bucket truck into our fleet.” The International® DuraStar® hybrid bucket truck is among the first aerial hybrids in New York State. The truck utilizes the Eaton Corporation’s Hybrid Electric Power System with an electric motor that assists the MaxxForce Diesel engine with supplemental torque for up to 32 percent fuel economy gains in local haul applications. The system stores energy during stopping, through a process called regenerative braking, and then reuses it for acceleration. Fuel use, emissions and noise are greatly reduced. The hydraulic system that operates the aerial bucket has the capability of a 60-foot vertical working height and is powered primarily from the electric motor and battery pack. It can remain silent and emission-free with the engine off for approximately 90 minutes. The diesel engine needs to run for only five minutes to recharge the batteries, at which point the truck returns to full electric mode. By reducing engine idle time in this way, the truck can achieve up to 80 percent in total fuel savings. The amount of fuel saved depends on the number of hours the aerial lift is operated. As a result of the electric motor assistance, the truck’s diesel engine was also downsized to 225 horsepower from the typical 285 horsepower commensurate with a 33,000-pound truck. In 2004, the Village of Fairport received a hybrid electric Toyota Prius, its first vehicle in partnership with NYPA. Since then, it has added two more Priuses and two Ford Escapes to its collection. The vehicles are used for various administrative purposes, including meter reading, and everyday transport of workers in the field. The vehicles are all part of the Municipal Electric-Drive Vehicle Program, a $1.2 million loan-fund established by NYPA to provide loans to municipal electric utility systems and rural cooperatives seeking to purchase all-electric or hybrid electric vehicles for their fleets. NYPA’s clean transportation program has placed more than 1,000 hybrid and all-electric vehicles in the fleets of numerous public entities. Through this program, the Power Authority has helped to avoid 4,615 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 31,952 in barrels of oil. The Power Authority is a leader in promoting energy efficiency and new energy technologies. NYPA is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating plants and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines in various parts of the state. Navistar International Corporation is a holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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