Unitil Adds More Hybrid Vehicles to Fleet

Rhea-AI Summary

Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) is advancing its sustainability efforts by enhancing its fleet with hybrid electric vehicles and launching an idling reduction program. Following the introduction of its first hybrid bucket truck in 2022, the company now operates nine hybrid pickups in New Hampshire and plans to expand its fleet further by adding more hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. The goal is a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. An idle mitigation program has begun, expected to cut idling time by 92%, leading to significant emissions reductions. Unitil's initiatives reflect a strategic commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Positive

• Addition of hybrid vehicles supports sustainability goals.
• Targeting 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
• Idle mitigation program expected to reduce annual idle time by 92%.

Negative

• None.

Company aims for more sustainable future with decarbonization goals

HAMPTON, N.H., March 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) (unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity delivery service to customers in New England, is continuing its transition to a sustainable fleet by adding more hybrid electric vehicles and launching a program to reduce vehicle idling time as the Company aims to slash its operations-related carbon emissions.

Following the introduction of its first hybrid bucket truck in early 2022 at its electric operations facility in Exeter, New Hampshire, the Company now has nine hybrid pickup trucks operating in New Hampshire and four in Maine. Another five are planned in New Hampshire and six in Maine by the end of the year. In addition, the Company operates one hybrid bucket truck and five hybrid pickup trucks in Massachusetts; six more hybrid pickup trucks and a second hybrid bucket truck are on order for 2023.

“We remain committed to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future and have developed a strategic plan to meet our goals. Part of that plan includes making the switch to a greener vehicle fleet and other similar initiatives that we believe will have long-term environmental benefits,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said.

The addition of hybrid trucks is one step Unitil is taking to meet its goal of reducing direct operational carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. A single hybrid bucket truck, which uses a rechargeable battery to power its boom, is expected to eliminate an estimated 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is equivalent to 4.3 gasoline passenger vehicles a year or the annual energy use of 2.5 households.

The move toward creating a more sustainable fleet began in 2020 when Unitil conducted a comprehensive review of its fleet’s carbon footprint, and gained a better understanding of vehicle uses. Based on that review, the Company explored emission reduction technologies that could best balance its emission goals with operational needs, customer service, and emergency response capabilities.

To help the Company reach its 50% carbon emissions reduction goal, its future fleet will include a mixture of hybrid, electric, and possible alternative fuel and/or technologies for medium and heavy-duty vehicles without a viable electric vehicle alternative.

The Company also recently launched an idle mitigation program in New Hampshire using technology that eliminates unnecessary idling by automatically shutting down the engine when the vehicle is in park, while continuing to provide all required power. The technology is expected to reduce the annual idle time by approximately 92% and lead to annual fuel savings for the five fleet vehicles chosen for the program.

“Idling is a necessary reality in the utility industry. Oftentimes the engine stays on and the vehicle idles because workers need to operate electronics, power equipment and emergency lighting, and run heat and air conditioning. Although the pilot program began just a few months ago, the early results have been favorable,” O’Meara said.

Those results have shown that decreased idling on a medium-duty pickup truck in the idle mitigation program has lowered emissions by approximately 40% annually for that vehicle, or a reduction of approximately six metric tons of carbon dioxide.

If data continues to show favorable carbon reduction results, the Company plans to have five additional vehicles equipped with idling mitigation technology in New Hampshire and two additional vehicles in Maine later this year. To further reduce emissions, the Company also plans to add two compressed natural gas/gasoline bi-fuel duty pickup trucks to its fleet in the Concord, New Hampshire, region this year as well.

More information on Unitil’s sustainability efforts can be found in the 2022 Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Report.

About Unitil Corporation
Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering natural gas and electricity in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to the delivery of dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Together, our operating utilities serve approximately 108,100 electric customers and 87,500 natural gas customers. For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit unitil.com.

For more information please contact:                                                 
Todd Diggins – Investor Relations
Phone: 603-773-6504
Email: diggins@unitil.com

Alec O’Meara – Media Relations                                                                                               
Phone: 603-773-6404                                
Email: omeara@unitil.com

FAQ

What sustainability initiatives is Unitil Corporation pursuing in 2023?

Unitil Corporation is enhancing its fleet with hybrid electric vehicles and launching a program to reduce vehicle idling time.

What are Unitil's carbon emission reduction targets?

Unitil aims for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

How many hybrid vehicles does Unitil currently operate?

As of now, Unitil operates nine hybrid pickup trucks in New Hampshire and has plans to increase this number.

What impact does the idle mitigation program have?

The idle mitigation program is expected to reduce annual idle time by approximately 92%, leading to significant emissions reductions.