Cairn Control Systems Inc.
To Rob Cairns, owner of Cairn Control Systems Inc., time is money.
That's why he's chosen to refuel his fleet of four natural gas vehicles
at his business. "We are more productive by not having our employees
stopping to get fuel, and I like the security of having our equipment
parked at the business in Mississauga while it refuels overnight."
Enbridge leases Cairns the refuelling equipment, which includes a
full-service 24-hour maintenance agreement. With the lease cost
included in the cost of fuel, the net price is less than 50% of
retail gasoline prices and natural gas doesn't fluctuate as much as
traditional fuel. "We've been saving between $10,000 and $20,000 per
year for the last eight years," says Rob.
Dial Auto Parts Inc.
Dial Auto Parts Inc. has made customer deliveries with its natural
gas-powered fleet since the late 1980s. It currently has eight trucks
refuelling onsite.
John Cazzolli, President, says the savings of natural gas are clear.
"Factoring in all refuelling expenses, there are savings of about 30%
based on gasoline at 90 cents per litre – it could rise to 50% with
the way gasoline prices are increasing."
John adds, "Environmentally speaking, natural gas runs cleaner with
less emissions generated. Oil changes after 5,000 kms are still
relatively clean."
Dial Auto Parts Inc. knows every little bit helps. It's one reason
they have been using natural gas for so long.
"We need the government to back programs and research in natural
gas." John states, "Hydrogen is at least 10 to 15 years away and
Ethanol E85 is not available in Canada. Natural gas is here and now,
ready for today!"
Brose Manufacturing Inc.
For Brose Manufacturing owner John Italiano, the choice between
natural gas and gasoline as a vehicle fuel is simple: "I would cry
if I had to pay today's gasoline prices," he says.
Brose has converted 12 natural gaspowered fleet vehicles since
1996. Most vehicles fill with natural gas at the plant and several
overnight at their homes. "Over time my eight service vehicles
have saved me between 40% and 60% versus gasoline and my Drive
Clean tests show almost no emissions," he adds.
The Brampton custom kitchen cabinet manufacturer also operates
a natural gas-powered forklift and plans to convert two more vehicles
to natural gas this fall.
Mulmer Services Ltd.
Paul Richey, President of Mulmer Services Ltd., operates a fleet
of 25 buses ranging in size from 20 to 40 passengers that specializes
in customized shuttle bus service in the Greater Toronto Area.
Since the fall of 2007 Mulmer has "gone green" with the conversion
of their first three natural gas shuttle buses which refuel at retail
Shell stations in the City of Toronto.
"It is important to my customers that there are substantial and tangible
environmental benefits from using natural gas as a fuel in our buses,"
says Paul.
Niagara Classic Cars Ltd.
For owner Ian Mole's transportation company, public relations are a key
element to running a successful business. The Niagara-based enterprise
operates four NGV buses that service Para-transit, winery tours, weddings
and regional tourism.
Ian Mole sums up the environmental benefit experience as, "Much cleaner,
quieter than diesel which is a very important issue here in
Niagara-onthe-Lake. We are focused on serving an older population with many
tourists from U.S. and Europe. They are very environmentally sensitive
and appreciate the difference natural gas makes."
Furthermore, Ian states, "Our experience has been positive. We are
learning best practices and believe the natural gas component will give us
a competitive advantage as we expand our business here in Niagara."
Canco ClimateCare Heating and Air Conditioning
Canco has operated three GM cargo vans on natural gas out of their
Newmarket facility for the past 18 months.
President Bob McKeraghan states, "The use of this fuel has given
us a competitive advantage in the marketplace. All of our refuelling
costs in (rental, electrical, etc...) total are less than $.70 per
litre gasoline equivalent compared to gasoline at the pumps up to
$1.32 last summer. A typical range per fill-up is 150 kilometers
and since the vehicles are bi-fuelled we can increase our overall
range when necessary." He continues, "As natural gas is a cleaner
fuel, vehicle maintenance costs have been reduced with less engine
wear. It is also good to know that we are being an environmentally
responsible company by reducing our carbon footprint."
Morningstar Shuttle
Morningstar Shuttle is in a very competitive business which
provides contract customer shuttle services from GTA Hotels to
Pearson International Airport. It is for that reason that owner
Samuel Gori chose natural gas when purchasing his latest two shuttle
vans.
Samuel describes the importance of his NGVs as, "I would have
been losing money on my service when fuel prices passed $1.20 per
gasoline litre and during that time I saved up to 40% on my fuel
costs." He continues, "Public image is so important in our business
and by promoting the clean emissions of natural gas we are
contributing our environmental part for the planet."
