City Using Alternate Fuels & Conservation Measures to Combat Rising Fuel Costs

Posted 04/28/06


The City of Moline’s Fleet Services Division is addressing concerns over the rising cost of fuel by using alternate fuels and conservation measures.

The City is currently using E-85, the ethanol based renewable fuel option, in 19 of its vehicles. By mid June, the City will have 25 units in service that can use E-85 or regular unleaded. E-85 fuel is currently available in Silvis, Illinois.

The average price per gallon for E-85 since Moline started using this fuel in December has been $1.65 per gallon. That compares to the latest unleaded bulk purchase of $2.51 per gallon. While fuel mileage evaluations indicate about a 19% loss in fuel economy with E-85 versus regular unleaded, the price differential makes the E-85 the more cost effective option.

“We have continued to evaluate any efficiency options that we think have merit and we have now taken advantage of some opportunities that were not previously economical,” said J.D. Schulte, Fleet Manager.

Costs are being evaluated to determine the feasibility of installing an above ground E-85 storage tank on-site at the City’s municipal center located at 3635 – 4th Avenue. Presently, the City is using an employee on light duty to fuel vehicles after hours in Silvis.

“The City of Moline projects using over 189,000 gallons of fuel in 2006”, said Mayor Don Welvaert. “With that in mind, we must look at alternatives to lower the cost and consumption of fuel.” Alternative fuels and conservation measures are two such alternatives.

Additionally, the City has looked at bio-diesel and soy-diesel options for trucks and heavy equipment. Currently B20, which is a blend of 20% soy-diesel (fatty acid ester as it is formally called) and 80% #2 diesel fuel, is about .04¢ less than 100% #2 diesel per gallon. Moline has purchased a transport load (7,400 gallons) of B20 and has already used over 6,000 gallons.

“It has been three weeks since our first fill up, and we have had no maintenance problems to date”, said Mr. Schulte. The City of Moline plans to order an additional transport load of B20 as long as efficiencies and economics continue.

The City has developed guidelines for its employees to use to help lower costs through lower consumption without causing a change to the service level provided to the community. Under these guidelines, employees are encouraged to do the following:

Check Tire Pressures – City departments are asked to monitor their tire pressures closely. Departments have been provided with their own gages and instructions on the proper inflation amount. Studies show that one under-inflated tire will lower fuel economy by 1% for each pound of pressure below the proper level. This can also decrease tire life by as much as 15%.

Avoid Long Idle Periods – Employees that currently have the vehicles and equipment idle during break periods or at job sites have been asked to turn engines off when the weather allows.

Remove Excess Weight – Studies indicate that fuel economy can be lowered by as much as 5% for every 200 pounds of additional weight in a passenger vehicle or light-duty truck. Trunks and cargo storage areas should have unnecessary items removed when possible.

Make Drivers more Energy Conscious – Air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by as much as 5 – 20% Drivers are encouraged to use the fan and heater modes when possible and only use the air conditioning and defrost features when driving conditions make it necessary.

Avoid Unnecessary Trips – When job assignments and labor agreements allow, drivers should be encouraged to take their break near their work site to minimize trips to and from the job site.

Residents may also consider using these guidelines to help lower fuel consumption with their personal vehicles.