7 Top Components to an Effective and Cost Saving Autogas Conversion Project for Municipalities
The motivation to begin an autogas program within a law enforcement, public agency or business usually comes from one or more of several important factors, according to Mike Phillips, a twenty-six year veteran of law enforcement. Phillips, the Law Enforcement and Government Fleet Specialist at Alliance AutoGas www.allianceautogas.com notes, “a successful autogas program will provide you with the ability to reduce operation expenses, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and reduce emissions, creating a healthier environment in your jurisdiction and community. Choosing a vendor that will work as a partner to insure that your program goals are achieved is a critical factor.
Here are Mike Phillip’s 7 Top Components to insure that your autogas conversion program will be effective and cost saving.
- Consultation- the company that you work with to begin your program should have a trained and experienced staff that can help direct you through the project process.
- Conversion Equipment– the equipment that will be used for your conversions should be tested and EPA certified equipment that is proven to be safe and reliable.
- Installation/ Conversion– the technicians that are conducting the installation of the components should be well trained and certified personnel who provide quality and professional service.
- Training- your vehicle support personnel should be trained and certified to install, diagnose and repair all equipment placed on your vehicles during the conversion process.
- Support- continuing support after the conversions are complete should include warranty service, diagnostic assistance and quick access to any parts or tools that are required.
- Fuel Infrastructure– conversion of the vehicle is only half of the program. Unlimited access to a fuel supply is critical to the success of the program. Requiring that storage and dispensing unit be provided to your agency insures your fleet 24/7 access to fuel.
- Fuel– providing the fuel to the infrastructure on a regular basis will keep your fleet operational. A reliable fuel management system is the best way to track fuel usage and predict future needs.
Meeting each of these components is critical when starting a propane autogas program for a law enforcement or government fleet. Deciding how to put all of these components together can become confusing and cause delays of actually getting the project operational. The best solution is to utilize the experience and abilities of the company that can provide a turn-key solution to your project needs.
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Michael (Mike) Phillips, a twenty-six year veteran of law enforcement is the Law Enforcement and Government Fleet Specialist at Alliance AutoGas. Retired from the Iredell County NC Sheriff’s Office as Captain of Criminal Enforcement, Mike represents Alliance Autogas as a solution for law enforcement and government fleets’ alternative fuel needs. His duties included director of special projects and grant writing and management. One special project was the conversion of 30 patrol vehicles to the bi-fuel Prins system. The project received the 2012 NC Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) award from the NC Solar Center. He has also successfully written and managed more than 2.5 million dollars in grant funding. Mike has remained active in the alternative energy arena. Mike may be reached at (704)574-4927 or at mphillips@allianceautogas.com.