WEBINAR: Solar Energy for Auxiliary Power in Trucks and Trailers

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Interest in using solar panels for auxiliary power is growing among fleet operators as main truck batteries are often no longer able to meet the power needs of today’s trucks due to new idle-reduction legislation and increased driver comfort demands.

NACFE recently released a Confidence Report on the use of solar technology on both tractors and trailers to help fleets determine if solar panels make sense in their application. With the growing emphasis on ecological stewardship, many are turning to photovoltaic systems to decrease their carbon footprint and you can even Compare home solar panels prices from local installers in Northern Ireland if you’re interested in this type of energy. These systems are an excellent way to harness renewable resources, offering significant reductions in monthly energy expenditures. For those considering this eco-friendly upgrade, comprehensive options for setting up solar power in residences are available to guide you through the process, ensuring that every aspect of the installation is handled efficiently. Find out the expenses of installing a 16kW solar system here.

Participate in this webinar to gain insight into how fleets can evaluate if solar panels are a good investment, as well as the many benefits solar energy can offer, including:

• Minimizing engine idling while parked, providing fuel economy
• Supporting battery HVAC systems and hotel loads without batteries
• Reducing the expense and inconvenience of jump-starts and unplanned downtime
• Increasing driver retention by powering computers, cell phones, microwaves, etc.
• Supporting liftgate, telematics and reefer operations

Electrical Safety Tips: Keeping Your Home and Family Safe

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Electrical safety is crucial for protecting your home and ensuring the well-being of your family. With the increasing reliance on electrical devices and systems, understanding how to safely use and maintain electrical equipment is more important than ever. Here are essential electrical safety tips to help you create a safe environment in your home.

1. Understand Your Electrical System

Familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical system, including the main electrical panel, circuit breakers, and outlets. Know how to turn off the power in case of an emergency, and label your circuit breakers to easily identify which ones control specific areas of your home.

2. Use Appliances and Devices Properly

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using electrical appliances and devices. Avoid overloading outlets by plugging in too many devices. Use appliances in well-ventilated areas and keep them away from water sources to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

3. Inspect Cords and Plugs Regularly

Check electrical cords and plugs for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. If you notice any issues, replace the damaged cords immediately. Never use appliances with damaged cords, as they can lead to electrical fires or shocks.

4. Avoid Overloading Outlets

Overloading outlets is a common cause of electrical fires. Limit the number of devices plugged into a single outlet and use surge protectors to protect your electronics from power surges. Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution, as they can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

5. Install GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are essential in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These outlets automatically cut off power when they detect a ground fault, reducing the risk of electrical shock. Ensure that these outlets are installed where needed, and test them monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly.

6. Keep Water Away from Electrical Devices

Water and electricity do not mix. Keep electrical devices away from wet areas and avoid using electrical appliances with wet hands. Install splash-proof covers for outdoor outlets and ensure they are protected from rain and moisture.

7. Use Child Safety Measures

If you have children, take extra precautions to keep them safe from electrical hazards. Use outlet covers to prevent little hands from inserting objects into outlets. Teach older children about electrical safety, emphasizing the dangers of playing with electrical devices and cords.

8. Schedule Regular Inspections

Regular inspections by a qualified electrician can identify potential hazards in your electrical system. Schedule inspections every few years or whenever you notice flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or other unusual electrical issues. A professional can also help you upgrade outdated wiring or equipment to meet current safety standards. Do you need electrical contractor bonds? BSB offers instant electrical contractor bonds nationwide.

9. Be Cautious with DIY Projects

While DIY projects can be rewarding, electrical work can be dangerous if not done properly. If you’re not experienced with electrical systems, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician for installations, repairs, or upgrades. Attempting complex electrical work without the proper knowledge can lead to serious accidents or damage.

10. Know the Signs of Electrical Issues

Be aware of the warning signs that indicate potential electrical problems:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Burning smells or scorch marks around outlets
  • Frequent circuit breaker trips
  • Buzzing sounds from outlets or switches

If you notice any of these signs, contact a qualified electrician immediately. For anyone interested in enhancing their home’s safety, Premium Electric’s blog offers valuable residential electrical safety advice from seasoned professionals.

Nearly 1 Million U.S. Students Ride Propane Autogas Buses

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According to a new report by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane autogas school bus registrations in the U.S. have increased by a whopping 700% in the last five years.

The report says school buses powered by propane autogas are transporting approximately 928,000 students every day at more than 840 public and private school districts in 48 states. For the report, PERC used vehicle registration data from IHS Polk.

Propane autogas school bus adoption continues to rise across the country, according to the new data: The number of school buses powered by propane autogas in operation at the end of the first quarter of this year was more than 15,200 nationwide. In 2017 alone, approximately 90 new school districts and bus contractors transitioned to propane school buses for the first time.

UPS Makes Another Huge Investment in CNG Trucking

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Building upon its previous commitments to compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling, UPS has announced plans to build an additional five CNG fueling stations and add more than 700 new CNG vehicles, including 400 semi-tractors and 330 terminal trucks.

This $130 million investment in CNG capacity for 2018 builds on prior UPS investments of $100 million in 2016 and $90 million in 2017. In total, from 2008 through 2018, UPS says it will have invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations.

“We strongly believe further investment in our natural gas fleet is a key element to help us achieve our long-term goals for reducing our CO2 emissions,” states Carlton Rose, president of global fleet maintenance and engineering for UPS. “We demonstrated the effectiveness of natural gas vehicles and fuel in 2017 by using 77 million total gallon equivalents in our ground fleet. UPS is a catalyst for wide-scale adoption of natural gas vehicles.”

LG&E/KU Unveiled New Charging Station in Elizabethtown

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LG&E and KU has installed their 9th level 2 electric vehicle charger!! The charger is located at 201 Main Street in Elizabethtown, KY. With two dedicated parking spots, drivers of plug-in electric vehicles can get a charge while enjoying downtown Elizabethtown.

The commitment to installing charging stations is an example of LG&E and KU’s dedication to support environmental sustainability in our communities. LG&E and KU has committed to install 20 public EV charging stations across the state. To date, nine stations have been installed. There are five chargers installed in LG&E’s territory and four installed in KU territory.

Other locations are being determined to best serve electric vehicle drivers in the region. These will be in public access areas, such as street parking, parking lots and outdoor areas.

Waste Management Opened $30M Renewable Natural Gas Facility in Louisville

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KCFC Executive Director was honored to speak at the Waste Management Grand Opening of the $30 million renewable natural gas facility in June. Waste Management’s new state-of-the-art technology at its Outer Loop Recycling and Disposal Facility, turning waste disposed at the site into usable, renewable energy. This innovative infrastructure will capture methane produced by the landfill and convert it to pipeline quality natural gas.

“The Outer Loop facility accepts approximately one million tons of waste a year from area businesses and homes. This project closes the loop. This new facility will produce enough pipeline-quality natural gas each day to fuel 800 of our CNG (compressed natural gas) collection vehicles across North America or power up to 14,000 homes a day,” Wells said.

“We are proud to play an important role in making Louisville more sustainable for today’s residents and for generations to come,” said Waste Management Area Vice President Tim Wells. “We are grateful for Mayor Fischer’s sustainability efforts and thank Louisville for being a good partner to us.”

“The people of Louisville share Waste Management’s deep commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “We need more companies to follow their example, and invest in renewable energy solutions that will make our community better.”

The emphasis on sustainable practices highlights the growing importance of comprehensive waste management strategies, including hazardous waste management services. Such services are crucial in ensuring that all types of waste, especially those with potential environmental or health risks, are handled with the utmost care and precision. The focus on renewable energy and efficient waste processing aligns with broader industry trends, such as those indicated by GFL’s recent comments.

The CEO of GFL has highlighted how waste giants like Waste Management and GFL are being ‘significantly undervalued’ amid buyout discussions, pointing to the substantial investments and advancements these companies are making in sustainability. These developments not only reflect a shift towards more responsible waste management but also emphasize the broader economic and environmental impacts of such innovations.

As the city of Louisville continues to prioritize sustainability initiatives, waste management practices stand at the forefront. Alongside major projects like the Outer Loop facility, local efforts to improve waste collection and disposal are crucial. The implementation of efficient waste bin systems, such as those provided by companies like Cheapest Skip Hire Rochdale, can significantly contribute to this mission. By utilizing cost-effective skip hire services, residents and businesses alike can ensure proper waste segregation and disposal, further reducing the environmental impact.

In Brisbane, similar initiatives are underway to enhance waste management practices through innovative solutions like SkipMate. These skip bin hire services offer a streamlined approach to waste disposal, allowing residents and businesses to conveniently manage their waste while adhering to sustainability goals. By leveraging SkipMate, individuals can choose from various skip sizes tailored to their specific needs, whether for a small residential cleanup or a large-scale commercial project. This flexibility not only promotes efficient waste segregation but also ensures that materials are disposed of responsibly.

This is not Waste Management’s first sustainability project in Louisville. The company has also invested $30 million converting its entire fleet of local collection diesel trucks to a compressed natural gas fueled fleet; helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air and noise pollution.

“Waste Management, by converting its fleet, has reduced its use of conventional fuel by millions of gallons. That has translated to thousands of tons of greenhouses gases that were not emitted because of the company’s remarkable efforts,” Carpenter said. “This new project with its state of the art technology allows Waste Management to have an even bigger impact on reducing those emissions.”

Click Here for the Insider Louisville Article:

https://insiderlouisville.com/economy/waste-management-unveils-30m-sustainability-infrastructure-at-outer-loop-facility/

Click Here for the WDRB Event Coverage:

http://www.wdrb.com/story/38355497/waste-management-investing-30-million-into-using-trash-as-alternative-fuel

Clean Diesel National Grants 2018 Request for Proposals Open

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EPA anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

 

Proposal packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) no later than June 12, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) to be considered for funding.

 

Electrify America Starts Installing DC Fast Chargers

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The Electrify America program through the Volkswagen Settlement has begun installing DC fast chargers. While they have not indicated exact locations, the program has indicated that they plan to install DC fast chargers in Kentucky. The settlement required VW to invest $2 billion ($800 million in California and $1.2 billion for the remainder of the U.S.) to promote the use of zero emissions vehicle technology across the country. The funds created the Electrify America program. Over a ten year period ending 2027, Electrify America will invest the $2 billion. The funds will be invested over four 30 month cycles.

Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Fleets Save Over 16 Million Gallons of Fuel in 2017

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The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition’s Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program reduced gallons of conventional fuel used in 2017 by over 16.2 million GGEs. In 2017 the program had its largest level of participation in program history. The combined sustainability efforts in 2017 of the participating fleets led to a reduction of greenhouse gas emitted by over 123,000 tons of GHGs. KCFC hosted the seventh annual Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 23rd in Louisville.

Fleets Recognized with Leadership Awards

Lextran – Greenest Transit Fleet

 

M & M Cartage – Greenest Freight Fleet

 

Mercer Transportation – Greenest Corporate Fleet

 

UPS – Greenest On-Road/Off-Road Combination Fleet

 

Waste Management – Greenest Refuse Fleet

 

City of Somerset – Greenest Municipal Government Fleet

Crittenden County Board of Education – Greenest Public School Fleet

Kentucky Division of Fleet Management – Greenest State Government Fleet

 

Other Fleets Recognized

Bourbon County Schools

 

City of London

 

Kentuckiana Cleanfuel

 

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

 

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

 

Transit Authority of River City

 

Other Program Participants

Allen County Schools

Bath County Schools

Carrollton Utilities

Darling Ingredients

DoubleTree by Hilton Cincinnati Airport

Fort Campbell

Hardin County Schools

Irvington Gas

Jefferson County Public Schools

LaRue County Schools

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government

LG&E/KU

Louisville Metro Government

Metropolitan Sewer District

Murray State University

Nicholas County Schools

Rumpke

Schwans

Standard Sales Company

Taxi 7

Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

Trimble County Schools

University of Louisville

Zenith Motors

Alternative Fuels Corridors Designated “Corridor-Ready” By Federal Highway Administration

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The Federal Highway Administration designated alternative fuel corridors in Kentucky as “corridor-ready”. The designations are the result of an application with corridor nominations submitted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in 2017. The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition coordinated with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to assist with compiling the application of potential corridors in Kentucky.

The Alternative Fuels Corridor Program was created due to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. No. 114-94). Fast Act section 1413 required the Secretary of Transportation to designate corridors to improve mobility of passenger and commercial vehicles that employ electric vehicle charger, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling technologies across the United States. With the designation of alternative fuel corridors, Federal Highway Administration is establishing a national network of alternative fueling and charging infrastructure along national highway system corridors.