FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike McGill
(910) 332-6704
After Hours: (910) 622-8472
Mike.McGill@cfpua.org
communications@cfpua.org
WILMINGTON, NC, July 9, 2014: The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is pleased to announce the results of the first six months of CFPUA’s use of a GPS system in its fleet. After GPS devices were installed in December of 2013, data was collected from Authority vehicles for the first three months of operation so testing could be conducted and a formal policy could be developed to govern the system’s use. Once the Authority’s policy was instituted in late March of this year, CFPUA saw impressive increases in efficiency and fuel savings.
An internal audit, reported today during CFPUA’s monthly board meeting, shows that the GPS system has helped cut mileage traveled by Authority vehicles, thereby reducing fuel costs. In a 12-week period since its policy governing the system was put in place, CFPUA vehicles travelled almost 29,000 fewer miles, saving nearly $8,000 in gasoline costs. When the data is projected out over a 52-week period, more than 123,000 miles could be cut from CFPUA’s travels, saving more nearly $34,000 in gasoline costs. In addition, light-duty vehicles are replaced at 120,000 miles (based on cost analysis). As a result, the data shows CFPUA’s GPS system will also “save” the Authority from replacing one vehicle a year, cutting approximately $20,000 a year in costs.
When using a time comparison, the savings are even greater. When gasoline usage was compared to the same January to June time period in 2013, nearly 9,000 gallons of gasoline were saved in the first six months of 2014, reducing fuel costs by more than $30,000 for the six-month period. CFPUA’s GPS system was installed at a cost of approximately $28,000 and has a $33,000 annual cost to operate and maintain.
“We’re proud of the progress we have been able to make in such a short period of time,” said Jim Flechtner, CFPUA Executive Director. “Everyone with the Authority deserves credit for the system’s success. This effort began as an idea from our board, and was developed and implemented successfully by our employees. The savings to our customers could amount to tens of thousands of dollars in just one year.”
“Sometimes the savings gained by increasing efficiency can be hard to measure and show. With our new GPS system, we can simply point to the gas pump,” said Pat Kusek, CFPUA Chair. “Thinking long-term by investing in a GPS system has quickly shown to be a win-win for the Authority and the customers we serve.”
Benefits were also found in increased safety for CFPUA field staff. Since its inception, the GPS system has recorded every time a CFPUA vehicle went five miles an hour or more above a posted speed limit. Before a formal policy was put in place, approximately the first three months, one incident occurred for every 69 miles driven. After the Authority’s policy was put in place, one incident occurred for every 1,320 miles driven during the next three-month period. Stickers have been placed on all vehicles with the GPS system installed to inform motorists in case Authority vehicles are not viewed as moving with the flow of traffic.
“This system has helped us streamline our work and enhance safety,” said Flechtner. “With a clearer understanding of travel times and driving habits, we are able to better program our fleet and highlight the numerous benefits of defensive driving techniques. This helps us reduce costs and keep the roads safe for all of us who share them.”
# # #
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) was formed by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County to combine their water and sewer operations. It began operations on July 1, 2008. Today, the Authority serves more than 67,000 water customer accounts and more than 65,000 wastewater customer accounts. It oversees more than 1,000 miles of water distribution mains and nearly 1,000 miles of sewer mains. For more information, visit www.cfpua.org or contact CFPUA’s Communications staff at communications@cfpua.org.