DISH Deploys Propane Autogas Vehicles to Cater to Los Angeles Customers

Propane autogas offers the largest public refueling network of all alternative fuels. It is also environmentally friendly because it drastically reduces greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, and emits fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons when compared with other conventional fuels. Additionally, private, on-site refueling infrastructure costs less than any other alternative fuel option.

All these reasons have motivated DISH and its network to select propane-fueled vehicles as an alternative to support residential and commercial customer service in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

DISH said that it has added 47 customer service vans fueled by propane autogas in the Los Angeles area. The company deployed these vehicles during an event entitled “Driving Cleaner Solutions for Our Customers and Communities.” 

“DISH is proud to begin deploying a vehicle fleet in the LA area that emits fewer greenhouse gases and uses a domestically sourced fuel,” said Erik Carlson, executive vice president of service and installation at DISH. “This is just part of our larger propane autogas fleet rollout and we look forward to rolling out more across the country.”

Some of the reasons that convinced DISH to pick propane autogas were the cost savings, national availability of a domestically sourced fuel, on-site fueling benefits and original equipment manufacturer choices that meet service requirements.

So far, DISH has deployed 22 vans in the Detroit area and has added 24 of 44 planned for the Atlanta area. Additionally, there are about 40 more planned for the San Francisco area and another 45 planned for the Chicago area, said Candace Dean, a DISH spokeswoman.

The telecommunications company has utilized the expertise of ROUSH CleanTech to convert the Ford E-250 vans to run on the alternative fuel. The fleet will emit 3.2 million pounds less of carbon dioxide emissions over the lifecycle of the vehicles.

“Industry leaders such as DISH are recognizing the value that propane autogas brings to their operation,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “The ability to reduce fuel costs in excess of 30 percent, significantly reduce harmful emissions and utilize an American-made energy source produces a positive ROI for all involved: shareholders, employees and the communities that DISH services.”