The two electric vehicles will be used by the Water Metering Team. These staff travel the City on a daily basis to gather water meter information which represents more than 25,000 miles traveled annually.
“As an organization that manages a vital natural resource, we understand the importance in making changes in our operations and equipment to help combat climate change. We will continue to challenge the way things have historically been done to keep finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Water Commissioner Joe Coffey.
“The start of this transition to an electric fleet is a great step for the Department to achieve its sustainability goals. We applaud this accomplishment and look forward to the addition of more electric vehicles and the carbon savings they will represent,” said Water Board Chairman Charles Houghton.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Adding two electric vehicles to the Water Department’s fleet further exemplifies my administration’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring we are creating a more sustainable City. Albany continues to be a national leader in fighting climate change and this investment brings us one step closer to our goal of utilizing 100% renewable energy by 2035."
AWD uses its vehicles frequently in the course of normal operations – traveling to capital improvement construction sites, water main and sewer repair operations, customer request visits, hydrant maintenance, catch basin cleaning, as well as trips to the Water Filtration Plant and reservoirs located outside of the City.
AWD’s fleet includes 101 total vehicles including cars, trucks, and construction vehicles. By eventually converting the majority of its fleet to electric, the Department aims to make a significant impact in the carbon output of daily operations.
