Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) announced today it will make $1.5 million available to provide funds for 50 fuel cards for heavy truck fleets. These fuel cards will help accelerate the transition to low- and zero-emissions vehicles in the heavy-duty transportation sector, the company said.

A $30,000 Fuel Card

For 90-days, starting today through Dec. 8, 2024, companies that purchase a qualifying vehicle can apply for a fuel card through SoCalGas' Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Fuel Card Incentive Program.

The $30,000 fuel card is designed to help support the transition to cleaner fuels in alignment with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Scoping Plan for reaching carbon neutrality, by decreasing the demand for petroleum fuels to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

"As a company with approximately 5,000 light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as trailers and equipment, we understand the financial challenges that come with transitioning to a low- or zero-emissions fleet," said Jawaad Malik, chief strategy and sustainability officer at SoCalGas. "By implementing innovative incentives like these fuel cards, we can help provide commercial fleet owners with significant cost savings to encourage their transition to a cleaner fleet, which ultimately contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable and resilient economy for California."

Under the CARB LCFS program, SoCalGas receives credits for procuring low emissions fuels.

The credits lower fuel prices at SoCalGas' 16 public access stations, which dispense 100% renewable natural gas (RNG). The creation of a fuel card incentive program is an additional way SoCalGas is giving credits back to customers in its service area to further support California's climate and clean air goals.

"We are excited that SoCalGas is offering this fuel card program that will provide significant savings for fleet operators," said Hal Meriwether, regional general manager for Rush Truck Centers in California. "As the nation's leading supplier of natural gas vehicles and consulting services, we are committed to helping customers make the best decisions for their business. This initiative makes the adoption of low- and zero-emission trucks more financially attractive for California fleets."

Small Fleets a Priority

To participate in the SoCalGas LCFS Fuel Card Incentive Program applicants must purchase a Class 8 Heavy-Duty natural gas truck on or after the launch date of Sept. 9, 2024. Prioritization will be given to fleets with fewer than 10 vehicles. Selected applicants will receive a fuel card worth $30,000 that can be used at SoCalGas public access stations, while cards last.

"We appreciate the collaboration with SoCalGas and their commitment to supporting and growing the renewable natural gas market," said Mark Jamieson, business development director at Cummins Alternative Technologies. "We're grateful this program will encourage heavy-duty and line haul fleets to experience renewable natural gas with the new Cummins X15N and the emission reductions that it can deliver."

SoCalGas said it is a leader among utilities in its sustainability goals and was among the first and largest natural gas distribution utilities in the United States to announce its aim to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2045.

As part of its ASPIRE 2045 sustainability strategy, SoCalGas has converted 38% of its over-the-road fleet1 to alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) with an aim to reach 50% by 2025 and operate a 100% zero-emissions fleet by 20352. SoCalGas was also recognized with the Leading Private Fleet Award at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in 2022 acknowledging the company's efforts to go above and beyond what is required to achieve sustainability in fleet operations.

The LCFS program was initially implemented in 2011 and is designed to encourage the use of cleaner low-carbon transportation fuels in California and the production of those fuels to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector. Learn more about SoCalGas' LCFS Fuel Card Incentive Program at socalgas.com/FuelCard.