NGVs are convenient for fleets since the vehicles usually return to the same location each night for refueling. Fleet fueling stations can be conveniently located on-site, using either the "fast-fill" or "time-fill" method of fueling. Fast-fill refueling is similar to using a gasoline pump and takes minutes to refuel. Time-fill refueling is usually done overnight, in about five to eight hours. A refueling station may be installed wherever natural gas is available.
Benefits of an on-site station
Building your own compressed natural gas (CNG) station has major benefits for your operation.
- Fuel production control. With your own station, you know that you will have CNG available exactly when and where you need it and with the capacity you need.
- Cost. Producing your own CNG on-site is generally less expensive than paying a markup and buying it from someone else. This often results in the lowest available fuel cost per gas gallon equivalent (GGE). You can also save on labor costs in the time saved to make refueling trips to remote stations.
- Flexibility. A station of your own can be tailored to specific needs. You can build the exact number of time fill posts to refuel every NGV in your fleet. You may also choose to add fast fill dispensers, especially if you choose to offer public access.
- Goodwill and the bottom line. If you choose to install public access dispensers ("pumps") as part of a new on-site station, it demonstrates your commitment to the community and clean air by providing the public with the ability to conveniently refuel NGVs. And, depending on how you price the CNG, a public station may also provide incremental revenue and Federal tax rebates to help offset the cost of building and operating the station.
Process for building a new station
There is a specific process and certain requirements (pdf) for obtaining natural gas service and installing and operating a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle refueling station within Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) service area. Depending upon the engineering involved, the process may typically take five to seven months, so involve SoCalGas early.
- E-mail us to have a Natural Gas Vehicle Account Executive assigned to you.
- The NGV Account Executive will work with you to complete a Preliminary NGV Site Evaluation form (pdf). Based upon this form, the SoCalGas engineering department will develop a preliminary gas supply plan and calculate the available pressure.
- With knowledge of the gas pressure, you can determine the appropriate CNG compressor model and costs. When the decision is made to construct the CNG station, you should complete the Request for Non-Residential Gas Facilities form (pdf). Once SoCalGas receives this form, detailed engineering of the gas lines and the MSA (Meter Set Assembly) can begin. Once engineering is complete, a project cost is determined.
SoCalGas has compiled a list of suppliers (pdf)* which includes consultants, component manufacturers, installers and more which may prove helpful to you in this process.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact us at 1-800-GAS-2000 or ngvinfo@semprautilities.com.
* Provided for information purposes only. Neither Southern California Gas Company, nor the CPUC recommend or endorse the products or services of any third party listed herein, or represent that the particular products or services are fit for any particular purpose or use. By publishing this list, neither Southern California Gas Company nor the CPUC is acting in an advisory capacity and does not assume any responsibility for use of the list by customers. Although commercially reasonable efforts are used in posting this list, no representation is made that it is complete or free from error. Related information is posted at www.socalgas.com. There are numerous qualified third party product and service providers, but neither Southern California Gas Company nor the CPUC recommend or endorse the products or services of any third party listed, or represent that the particular products or services are fit for any particular purpose or use.
Updated 8/2012