RHOADS WINS STATE GRANT TO CONVERT VEHICLES TO PROPANE

Rhoads Energy has been awarded $63,952 under Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program (AFIG). The company will use the funds to purchase two propane vehicles and to convert 14 existing vehicles to propane fuel. Rhoads is Lancaster County’s lone recipient of an AFIG grant for 2014.

“This grant enables Rhoads to take a huge step toward expanding our propane-powered vehicle fleet,” said Michael DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy. “Propane offers significant economic and environmental benefits, and we plan to take full advantage. We also hope this grant will encourage energy users in our market to explore alternative fueling.”

DeBerdine notes that propane is significantly less expensive than diesel and that propane vehicles produce far less smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions. Rhoads Energy already incorporates some propane-powered vehicles in its fleet. The company is also a major provider of propane in the county, serving residences and commercial operations. Rhoads Energy also supplies the fuel for Hempfield School District’s new fleet of 100 propane buses.

AFIG grants, which are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, provide financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects with the result of reducing air emissions in the state.