GARNER, N.C., Aug. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of 32
electric power outlets will help trucks at the Golden State Foods
(GSF) distribution center cut costs and lower air emissions as part
of a Duke Energy electrification project.
As one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice
and retail industries, GSF will allow cargo trucks to stop idling
their engines to keep food cold, and instead plug into power
outlets at the facility. The $300,000
project will help lower exhaust emissions, and is cheaper than the
practice of running trucks on diesel fuel. SafeConnect® Systems
installed the power outlets.
"Duke Energy is a strong believer in the benefits of
electrification for our industrial customers," said Clark Gillespy, senior vice president, Economic
Development at Duke Energy. "At Golden State Foods, truck idling
will be lessened – saving money, lowering noise levels and reducing
air emissions."
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
long-duration truck idling results in more than 1 billion gallons
of wasted fuel and 11 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each
year. On average, an hour of idling uses a gallon of fuel.
"Incorporating renewable energy at all GSF facilities and fleets
is a priority, and part of our fundamental values and GSF's 2020
sustainability goals," said Gregg Tartlon, general manager, GSF
Garner. "These new electric power outlets are estimated to save
Garner nearly $110,000 a year, resulting in 80,000 gallons of
fuel saved for our 65 trucks. There are 15 GSF and Quality Custom
Distribution (a GSF-owned company) centers currently leveraging
this type of technology."
This is Duke Energy's third project in North Carolina using electricity to power
trucks instead of idling engines. The company has funded other
projects at MDI Distributors in Catawba
County and at Big Boy's Truck Stop in the Johnston County town of Kenly.
"Because of Golden State Foods' pursuit of new solutions to
realize internal carbon emission reduction goals, lower overall
energy costs and keep drivers safe, we've had the privilege of
installing our innovative electric standby connection system at
more than 10 of their distribution facilities over the last three
years," said Bob Provencher,
Director of Technology and Sales, SafeConnect.
Duke Energy funding for the project is available by a 2015
settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
environmental groups.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A "plug-in" event at the GSF Garner
distribution center will occur Wednesday,
Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. Experts from
all companies will be available for interviews. To attend, please
contact Ashley Blua;
ablua@goldenstatefoods.com; 818.326.5369.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the
company is available at duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about people, innovations, and community
and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and
insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
About Golden State Foods
Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers
to the quick service restaurant (QSR) and retail industries.
Established in 1947, the company is values-based with proven
performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service
throughout the QSR industry. With 7,000 employees worldwide, GSF
services more than 125,000 stores on five continents from its 50
facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid
products, protein, produce, dairy and full-line logistics services
to the foodservice and retail industries. The company also runs the
GSF Foundation, a national nonprofit organization to help children
and families in need. For more information, please visit
goldenstatefoods.com.
About SafeConnect Systems
SafeConnect Systems is the developer and manufacturer of an
innovative, control-circuit enhanced electric standby connection
system for hybrid (diesel-electric) Transport Refrigeration Units
(e-TRUs). The company's six-pin control circuit system, safeguards
people and equipment from the dangers of high-voltage electricity
commonly associated with human error and traditional connection
systems. SafeConnect has earned EPA's coveted SmartWay® Verified
Technology status, to make it a quickly emerging new standard for
electric standby connection systems. For more information visit
safeconnectsystems.com or call 844 R U SAFE 2 (844.787.2332).
Media Contacts:
Duke Energy: Randy Wheeless
Office: 704.382.8379
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Email: Randy.Wheeless@duke-energy.com
Twitter: @DE_RandyW
Golden State Foods: Ashley
Blua
Office: 949.247.8000
Cell: 818.326.5369
Email: ABlua@goldenstatefoods.com
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SOURCE Duke Energy