Rhoads Energy Awarded AFIG Grant from DEP

RHOADS ENERGY AWARDED STATE GRANT TO PURCHASE PROPANE TRUCKS

FUNDS ENABLE COMPANY TO EXPAND FLEET OF CLEANER BURNING VEHICLES

LANCASTER, Pa. - Rhoads Energy has been awarded $45,098 under Pennsylvania's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program (AFIG), funds the company will use to purchase two propane-powered trucks.

AFIG grants, which are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), provide financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects aimed at reducing harmful emissions. Propane vehicles produce far fewer harmful pollutants than their diesel and gasoline counterparts.

Rhoads Energy, a full-service energy company serving Southcentral Pennsylvania, is one of only two entities based in Lancaster County to receive a grant during this round of funding. The company already operates numerous propane-powered vehicles as part of its fleet of service vans and delivery trucks.

The most recent round of AFIG grants awarded more than $3.47 million to 27 recipients across the state. The funds will enable recipients to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, build out alternative fuel infrastructure, cut costs, and improve air quality in 17 counties across Pennsylvania.

"We're pleased to partner with the state to help bring healthier air and greener solutions to our area," said Michael DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy. "We hope this grant will encourage energy users in our market to explore propane as an economical, domestically produced alternative fuel."

DeBerdine noted that propane offers significant economic and environmental benefits for fleet operators. Pr opane vehicles are quieter, cleaner, and far less [DR1] expensive to operate than those running on diesel.

In addition to operating Rhoads-owned propane vehicles, the company also supplies the fuel for more than 250 propane-powered school buses in the region.

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Rhoads Energy offers heating oil, natural gas, and propane delivery; complete HVAC installation and service; and fleet fueling services . In 2017, the company celebrated its 100^th year of continuous service. The employee-owned organization serves Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of northern Maryland. For information, visit www.RhoadsEnergy.com .