PR86508

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- Biomethane gas created by landfill decomposition would power local bus fleet

CPS Energy and VIA Metropolitan Transit announce details about a new fuel

supply partnership that will provide Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) created by

landfill biogas to VIA's fleet of over 500 buses, beginning in 2021.

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The announcement highlights CPS Energy's partnership with the region's mobility

provider to supply renewable fuel for use in its compressed natural gas (CNG)

fleet. VIA has a diversified active fleet portfolio consisting of 502 buses

powered primarily by CNG fuel, with some diesel-electric hybrid, electric,

diesel and propane vehicles in use. VIA's conversion to a CNG fleet began in

2017 and is designed to reduce NOx emissions by 97% from the diesel buses they

replaced. This unique partnership supports VIA's efforts to be environmentally

responsible by providing a negative- to low-carbon emission product to fuel its vehicles.

"CPS Energy thinks globally and acts locally to bring innovative solutions to

our community. We are excited about this new venture with San Antonio's

long-term public transportation company," said Paula Gold-Williams, President &

CEO of CPS Energy. "VIA has been a great leader and partner in many of our

community's endeavors. Now, both CPS Energy and VIA are taking this important

step forward together to help improve the Environment. Importantly, RNG, a new

technology, will help reduce San Antonio's carbon footprint. For CPS Energy, it

is also one more component of our creative Flexible Path(SM) strategy, which

has been designed to leverage emerging environmental stewardship opportunities,

while we keep our customers' bills Affordable and our services Reliable."

Naturally, the landfill decomposition process produces methane, which without

intervention is released into the air.  Alternatively, RNG uses that methane to

create renewable and environmentally sustainable biomethane. RNG can be blended

with and is interchangeable with traditional natural gas.  The enhanced natural

gas is then distributed through San Antonio's existing gas lines as normal.

When used as a vehicle fuel, RNG provides a substantial environmental

benefit—an 85% reduction of CO2 emissions relative to diesel fuel. The

distribution and use of CNG gas emphasizes both CPS Energy's and VIA's goal of

reducing emissions and preserving the environment and should be available for

VIA's CNG fleet in the fall of next year.

"This is a natural next step in our continued partnership with CPS Energy to

provide a cleaner, 'greener' future through the use of renewable energy," VIA

President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. "Incorporating RNG fuel technology is part

of VIA's ongoing commitment to offer sustainable transit options that keep San

Antonio moving."

VIA operates the nation's largest CNG fueling station to power its CNG fleet.

The addition of RNG fuel will include use of existing infrastructure while

expanding VIA's collaboration with CPS Energy.

Australian-headquartered EDL, a global producer of sustainable, distributed

energy, will design, construct, own, and operate the RNG production plant in

Converse, Texas. The RNG will be injected into CPS Energy's natural gas system.

Groundbreaking for the new facility is expected later this year with an

anticipated completion timeline of fall 2021.

Globally, changes to reduce emissions and preserve the environment are a

significant focus.  For their part, CPS Energy stands ready to provide

customers with reliable fuel sources to help power their vehicles.

About CPS Energy

Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation's largest public power, natural

gas, and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced

service to 860,934 electric and 358,495 natural gas customers in San Antonio

and portions of seven adjoining counties. Our customers' combined energy bills

rank among the lowest of the nation's 20 largest cities – while generating $8

billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for more than seven decades. As

a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation,

economic development, and educational investment. True to our People First

philosophy, we are powered by our skilled workforce, whose commitment to the

community is demonstrated through our employees' volunteerism in giving back to

our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. CPS Energy is

among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in

Texas for solar generation.

About VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA provides safe, reliable transportation options that put opportunity within

reach for millions of passengers each year. VIA serves 14 member cities and the

unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 92 routes

and mobility-on-demand options that connect our community, support economic

vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. In 2019, VIA

provided nearly 37 million rides across San Antonio and Bexar County and

continues to provide essential service in a safe environment. Visit VIAinfo.net

for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CPS Energy Media Contact 210-353-2344 or toll free at: 833-331-6397

SOURCE CPS Energy