SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Kum & Go LC is preparing to open its first compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling site, at an existing convenience-store in Arkansas.
The West Des Moines, Iowa-based chain, which has more than 430 c-stores across 11 states, is adding CNG to a location in Springdale, Ark. The company will hold an open house on June 4 at the site, which is also the first public CNG fueling location in northwestern Arkansas.
Kum & Go has been on an alternative-fuels roll recently, having just announced it will be introducing E15, a 15% ethanol 85% gasoline blend, to dozens of sites over the next two years.
The company had first revealed plans to introduce CNG last year, at two locations in Springdale. The Springdale Sewer & Water Commission had purchased two natural-gas vehicles (NGV) for its fleet and will serve as an anchor tenant. The desire to save money on fuel motivated the utility.
In Conway, Ark., at the current closest public CNG fueling site to Springdale, CNG was selling for $1.50 per gallon equivalent as of early April, according to CNGprices.com.
“That demonstrates our enthusiasm for CNG and wanting Springdale Water to be at the forefront. I think the possibilities are great and others will follow our lead,” said Heath Ward, executive director of the utility.
Kum & Go received a $400,000 rebate from Arkansas’ Energy Office as part of its Gaseous Fuels Rebate Program, which aims to support the public availability of clean-burning fuels.
“Kum & Go has a proud tradition of being an industry leader in sustainable practices,” said Kyle Krause, CEO of Kum & Go. “By providing CNG to our Northwest Arkansas communities, we are not only filling a need for our customers, we’re also staying true to our commitment to operating our business with a focus on being environmentally friendly.”