SoCalGas was recognized as a finalist for the Leading Utility Fleet Award at the 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. The award recognizes utility fleets leading the procurement and deployment of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technology. In March, SoCalGas announced its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.  As part of that commitment, SoCalGas plans to maximize the use of zero-emission fuel cell hydrogen vehicles throughout its operations – the only natural gas utility in the nation to pledge to such an ambitious goal.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the utilities leading the way towards cleaner fleet operations,” said Sandra Hrna, vice president of supply chain and operations at SoCalGas.  “SoCalGas is dedicated to helping lead the transition to a decarbonized energy system in all sectors, including transportation. In part, we plan to replace 50% of our over-the-road fleet with electric, renewable natural gas, and fuel cell electric vehicles by 2025 and operate a 100% zero emission over-the-road fleet by 2035.”

Currently, SoCalGas manages a fleet of over 5,000 units ranging from light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles as well as trailers and equipment. The utility has been at the forefront of fleet sustainability with early implementation of natural gas as a vehicle fuel more than 40 years ago; currently, more than 1,000 company vehicles are fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG). 

For over 30 years SoCalGas has supported the alternative fuel transportation industry by offering public CNG refueling stations at its operating bases. Since 2019, all SoCalGas refueling stations are supplied with RNG.  Currently the utility delivers carbon negative RNG to fuel all of its natural gas powered vehicles, contributing to the combined reduction of over 1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

In April 2021, SoCalGas announced the launch of an ambitious project that would convert 200 new Ford F-250 service pickup trucks with the Eco Ready ultra-low emissions RNG vehicle system; bringing up the share of clean fuel vehicles to 40% of the SoCalGas over-the-road fleet once the conversion is complete. 

For more information on SoCalGas’ commitment and plans for its fleet, check out socalgas.com/mission.