Propane-Powered School Bus Initiative

(York, NE) On January 11, Central Valley Ag (CVA) presented $5,000 to Centennial Public Schools in Utica, Neb. for its partnership with CVA and the CHS Inc. Propane-Powered School Bus Rebate Program.
 
“CVA is dedicated to helping our local schools within the cooperative trade territory,” said Mark Pollet, energy lead for CVA in Nebraska. “Helping convert school buses to propane is one way we can help our local schools reduce cost while lowering overall emissions.”
 
As a CHS propane customer, CVA receives a rebate for every gallon of propane purchased which can be used to adopt propane-powered technologies, including assisting schools with converting school buses to propane. For every bus that is purchased using the CHS/CVA funded program, CVA can donate $2,500 per bus up to 10 total buses. Currently, CVA has assisted schools with propane-powered school buses in Nebraska and Iowa.
 
According to the CHS website, propane-powered buses provide multiple benefits, one being an increase in reliability. Propane-operated school buses deliver excellent performance every time, providing owners with energy security. The propane engines start quickly even when temperatures plummet, and the buses warm up in about 10 minutes, significantly reducing idling time and fuel use. This also helps ensure that students arrive at school safely and on time. A few other benefits would be:
 

• Fewer emissions. Propane Autogas fueled buses emit 18 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline buses, according to PERC. School districts that have made the switch also appreciate clean-burning Autogas as a way to help meet environmental initiatives.
• Less noise. Propane’s high octane gives plenty of power, yet drivers have found that propane Autogas buses run quietly as well.
• Cost-effective. Propane’s higher-octane ratings allow for higher compression ratios and better engine efficiencies. Due to its clean-burning properties, long-term maintenance costs are lower as propane-powered buses do not require additional fluids, additives, or filters. Fleet owners who use propane Autogas can also save money by taking advantage of federal, state, and local incentives that may be available to them.

 

To learn more about how your school can take advantage of the CHS Propane-Powered Rebate Program with CVA,  contact Mark Pollet in Nebraska at mark.pollet@cvacoop.com, Kane Kuehl in Iowa at kane.kuehl@cvacoop.com, or Karl Serrien in Kansas at karl.serrian@cvacoop.com