Iberdrola USA to Convert Vehicle Fleet to Alternative Fuel

NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine, Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Iberdrola USA recently signed a commitment agreement with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to spend at least five percent of its annual fleet acquisition budget on plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and equipment. This commitment is the latest step in Iberdrola USA's ongoing strategy to utilize and support alternative-fuel vehicle technology throughout its utility operations.

The EEI fleet electrification commitment is part of its long-term strategy to help develop the market for plug-in vehicles. EEI is encouraging its member companies to expand their use of electric vehicles & technologies and lead the way in demonstrating the benefits of PEVs to the public and supporting growth of that nascent industry.

"Our commitment will benefit and no doubt grow the alternative fuel technologies market," said Kevin Walker, COO of Iberdrola USA Networks. "Iberdrola USA has spent more than $4 million on fleet electrification during the last six years. We've discovered the many benefits of alternate-fuel transportation, and we're not going to stop."

Currently, Iberdrola USA maintains a fleet of 84 passenger PEV's/hybrids and 13 hybrid bucket trucks in its three utility operating companies in Maine and New York.

"I commend Iberdrola USA for its leadership as it is helping to usher in a new era of clean transportation for our nation. This commitment to electric vehicle transportation makes good business sense, and will benefit local communities and customers," said EEI President Tom Kuhn.

Benefits of Electrification for Utility Fleets
Electric-based vehicles offer utilities the following benefits:

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Improved crew safety and customer satisfaction through quieter job site operation
• Reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint
• Improved Company reputation

"Besides the dollars and cents benefits to the bottom line, electrification of our fleet has great intangible benefits too. Moving to alternate-fuel vehicles will help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil; help slow the rate of climate change; and make our customers happier," said Walker. "Iberdrola USA once again is leading by example and showing our customers the benefits and possibilities of making the switch."

Iberdrola USA is the U.S. subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola, S.A. The Iberdrola USA companies employ about 5,000 people with operations in 24 states from New England to the West Coast, providing electricity generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas storage and distribution, and energy services. For more information, please visit our website: www.iberdrolausa.com. Follow us on Twitter: @IberdrolaUSA  

Edison Electric Institute represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Its members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. EEI has 70 international electric companies as Affiliate Members, and 270 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. www.eei.org

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SOURCE Iberdrola USA