Southern California Gas Co. is accepting applications through the end of the year for a first-of-its-kind program to provide free short-term rentals of compressed natural gas trucks to qualified customers.
“We’re hearing from many customers who are interested in taking advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas, but are hesitant to change to an unfamiliar technology,” said Rodger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas.
“Our Truck Rental Program gives customers the opportunity to experience how the latest natural gas trucks provide tremendous benefits with similar performance to diesel trucks,” he said.
The cost of fueling the trucks is also included in the program, according to SoCalGas. Participants will be given a payment card that will be accepted at most public CNG fueling stations, including the more than 125 stations located across Southern California.
Applications are being accepted from Southern California-based customers with trucks that operate at least 60,000 miles annually, consuming at least 10,000 gallons of diesel per year.
The rental of up to two weeks, pending availability, will be administered through Ryder, which has a large natural gas fleet. Four different models of trucks are available, depending on the applicants’ needs.
The program is being operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Natural gas is one of the most affordable and cleanest burning alternative fuels available, according to SoCalGas, which reported that prices this month at its CNG pumps are averaging $2.25 per gallon.
For more details and to learn how to apply, visit socalgas.com and search for “NGV.”
