Citizens Energy Group’s Commitment to Sustainability is a pledge to our customers, communities, employees, and regulators that we will be prudent with investments and balance costs and benefits for all stakeholders as we contribute to the long-term sustainability of the community. This commitment was formalized in 2013 when Citizens recognized an opportunity to demonstrate a leadership role in environmental and sustainability practices.
This new section of Engauge seeks to share the building blocks of our Commitment to Sustainability – a focus on the Environment, our Businesses, and the Communities in which we live and work. We hope through these stories of sustainability, you will learn more about the EBCs!
Vehicle Idle Reduction Program Promotes Clean Air, Reduces Fuel Use
An essential part of Citizens’ Commitment to Sustainability is implementing operational policies. One such example is the Vehicle Idle Reduction Program. Employees are expected to avoid all unnecessary vehicle idling.
Exceptions to the Vehicle Idle Reduction Program do apply. For example, vehicle idling can be necessary to power equipment and safety lights. Also,in cold weather, diesel vehicles need time to warm up. Under the Vehicle Idle Reduction Program, diesel vehicles shall not idle more than 15 minutes if the ambient outside air temperature is between 20 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and not more than 30 minutes if the ambient outside air temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Did You Know? Idling consumes from a half to a full gallon of fuel per hour!
Learn the EBCs
Environmental Impact – The Vehicle Idle Reduction Program reduces emissions, improving air quality.
Business Impact – The program reduces the cost of fuel for Citizens Energy Group and decreases the wear and tear on utility owned vehicles.
Community Impact – Reduced emissions mitigate the formation of ground-level ozone that can aggravate breathing issues in asthmatics, creating a healthier and more desirable place to live and work.
Do Your Part
- Warm up your engine by simply driving. No more than 30 seconds of idling is needed, even on winter days, before starting to drive.
- Avoid using remote car starters.
- Avoid drive-thru windows; park your vehicle and go inside (the lines are often shorter, anyway).
- Turn off your engine if you are going to stop for more than 30 seconds. More than 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
- Plan trips to avoid traffic and thus less driving.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Check tire inflation often. Your car’s engine will work harder if the tires are not properly inflated, causing it to use more fuel.
- Tune up your vehicle on a regular basis. Changing your vehicle’s oil and air filters keeps it running smoothly, reduces fuel usage and increases the life of your vehicle’s engine.
