TruStar Energy Announces Grand Opening of Houston Public CNG Fueling Station for Freedom CNG

HOUSTON, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TruStar Energy, one of the leading developers of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling infrastructure, is excited to announce the grand opening of a new truck-friendly public fast-fill fueling station in Houston, TX, constructed for Freedom CNG.

The station, located at 7155 High Life Drive in northwest Harris County, will allow both commercial and public CNG-powered vehicles to fuel via three separate fuel islands, protected from the elements by a large, well-lit canopy that will easily accommodate tractor trailers.

"We're excited about this station as it represents an important dot on the map in terms of available public-access CNG fueling infrastructure," said TruStar Energy Vice President, Scott Edelbach. "With more CNG product offerings coming on the market, it's important that infrastructure be available to support the increasing demand that's heading our way."

Bill Winters, President of Freedom Fuel Operating LLC, said the release of the Cummins-Westport 12-liter CNG engine also has provided additional incentives for fleet owners to look at alternative fuel – especially in Texas, where natural gas is plentiful.

"The 12-liter engine provided the initiative for fleets to seriously consider natural gas. With the price differential between CNG and diesel, we think there's substantial opportunity for growth," said Winters.

Edelbach said the releases of consumer-targeted CNG-powered vehicles like the new CNG-powered Chevrolet Impala are also contributing to the need for quicker development of more infrastructure throughout the United States – something that TruStar Energy is uniquely qualified to handle.

"Given that TruStar Energy staffs our own professional engineers and construction crews and service technicians, it is much easier for us to respond to station builds that must be completed by a given date," said Edelbach. "Having everything in house provides our customers with an added sense of comfort as we're not waiting on subcontractors or other disruptions."

The station, designed around two large 250-horsepower compressors is capable of delivering approximately 1,500 gasoline gallon equivalent [GGE] of fuel per hour via three dispensers that will facilitate both commercial and consumer vehicles.

Winters said that Freedom CNG's business plan anticipates adding an additional 10 fueling locations within the greater Houston area.

TruStar Energy began building private "behind the fence" fueling stations in 2008, but has expanded their product offerings to include public / private station builds along with TruStar Energy-owned stations.

"Converting from diesel to CNG is a game changer for enhancing the profitability of transportation operations," said TruStar Energy President, Adam Comora. "Fuel savings from 30% to 50% create significant value for fleet operators and their partners. Natural gas is better for the environment, better for domestic energy independence and better for the bottom line – truly a win-win-win solution."

Comora said TruStar Energy has the capability of building 40 CNG stations per year and expects to double that capacity over the next few years.

"The company's successful growth is being driven by being the preferred partner for companies desiring to convert their fleets from diesel to CNG. Given the significant cost savings, 'speed is of the essence' in order to capture these cost savings as quickly as possible."

TruStar Energy LLC is the preferred partner for commercial fleets looking to transition their fuel supply from oil to natural gas.  TruStar Energy provides a suite of solutions making the transition as simple and easy as possible for the customer.  With station builds throughout the US and Canada, TruStar Energy is a recognized leader in providing CNG infrastructure and CNG fueling solutions.

Freedom Fuels LLC was born out of an immediate need for a cleaner, affordable fuel for local wood recycler and products manufacturing company, NOVUS Wood Group LP, a leader in environmentally friendly processes and solutions. Freedom CNG is dedicated to developing a fueling infrastructure for NOVUS' fleet and for others interested in lowering fuel costs, playing a role in improving the air quality in Texas and reducing dependence on foreign oil. For more information about Freedom CNG, visit www.freedom-cng.com or dial 281-484-3875

For more information, contact Jeffry Swertfeger at 813-957-1846

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SOURCE TruStar Energy