zzz

About Us

News

Pensacola Energy News

Pensacola Energy Receives $10 Million In Federal Grant Funding

April 25, 2024
Federal Funding

Pensacola Energy was awarded $10 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace unprotected bare steel mains with polyethylene pipe throughout the City of Pensacola and Escambia County.

The substantial sum, presented at a special April 25 press conference, was funded by DoT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrations’ Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program in the form of two projects: Greenhut Court and Peachtree Park. “How can we help communities do the work they need to get done, beyond regulations,” said Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). “Pensacola’s request was part of $1.8 billion requested during this phase of the grant.”

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves commended Pensacola Energy Director Darryl Singleton. “Darryl and his team consistently drive home safety for our customers, community, and our employees. This grant is a testament to that commitment.”

Stuart Saulters, the Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Public Gas Association said, “This grant money is extra help to do what you already do well.”

15 miles of outdated pipe will be replaced in the Greenhut Court and Peachtree Park project areas. In addition, DoT has defined the two project areas as historically disadvantaged communities. The awarded grant dollars will improve these underserved neighborhoods by reducing safety incidents and fatalities while also attracting new development and employment opportunities.

Project 1: Greenhut Court ($6,000,743 requested)

The Greenhut Court project will replace 9.7 miles of unprotected bare steel mains and services from the 1950s with polyethylene pipe and eliminate methane emissions from leaks, removing infrastructure-related disparities by providing equitable access to modern infrastructure.

Project 2: Peachtree Park ($4,076,114 requested)

The Peachtree Park project will replace 5 miles of unprotected bare steel mains and services from the 1950s with polyethylene pipe, directly impacting the area’s environmental burden by reducing methane leaks.

The NGDISM grant program is available to municipalities and community-owned utilities for the repair, rehabilitation or replacement of natural gas distribution pipeline systems. The grant dollars may also be used to acquire equipment to reduce incidents and fatalities, and avoid economic losses.

For more information about these projects, please contact Pensacola Energy at 850-474-5300.

 

Pensacola Energy Achieves Silver-level SOAR Recognition from APGA.

August 24, 2023
SOARCongratulations to the Pensacola Energy team for achieving silver-level SOAR recognition from the American Public Gas Association! SOAR (System Operational Achievement Recognition) honors natural gas distribution utilities that demonstrate commitment to excellence in four areas: system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. A system must get 90-96% of all possible points to achieve silver SOAR status.

 

2023 Fiesta Seafood Grille by Pensacola Energy at the Pensacola Seafood Festival September 29 – October 1

August 7, 2023

fiesta seafoodPensacola Energy proudly presents the Fiesta Seafood Grille at the Pensacola Seafood Festival. Watch as top Pensacola chefs prepare signature dishes featuring fresh Gulf seafood. Take part in the raffle for a chance to taste the dishes and to win gift certificates for the restaurants.

Cooking Demo Schedule:

Friday, September 29th

5:00 p.m. – The District

Saturday, September 30th

12:00 p.m. – Café Single Fin

1:30 p.m. – Southern GRIT Culinary

3:00 p.m. – Pensacola Smokehouse

4:30 p.m. – A Rustyc Spoon

Sunday, October 1st

12:00 p.m. – Calvert’s in the Heights

1:30 p.m. – Classic City Catering

3:00 p.m. – Sabai on Jefferson

The 46th annual Pensacola Seafood Festival takes place September 29- October 1 in Downtown Pensacola’s historic Seville Square. Admission is free, bring the entire family for a weekend filled with a variety of foods, arts and crafts and live entertainment.

 

City of Pensacola Marks Notable Renewable Energy Achievement With Landmark Pensacola Energy RNG Partnership

July 28, 2023

RNG FleetPensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is leading the charge towards the city’s renewable energy goals through an unprecedented partnership that marks a major step forward. Mayor Reeves has orchestrated a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with Pensacola Energy, the City’s natural gas department. By harnessing the potential of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), derived from landfill emissions, Mayor Reeves and Pensacola Energy are setting Pensacola on a path towards a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.

In a July 11, 2023 press conference, Mayor Reeves announced that The City of Pensacola’s fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles have now switched to renewable natural gas, contributing to the city’s overall Renewable Energy Goal. The change was made possible through an agreement signed by Pensacola Energy to purchase renewable natural gas, or RNG, for use in the city’s vehicles that previously used compressed natural gas, or CNG.

Pensacola Energy director, Darryl Singleton, shared that The City of Pensacola currently has 87 CNG vehicles in its fleet, including garbage trucks, recycling trucks, and Pensacola Energy crew service vehicles. Singleton added that more CNG/RNG vehicles will be added to the fleet each year to further the City’s goals towards becoming carbon neutral. RNG is produced from natural decomposition of organic materials in landfills where the methane is captured and converted to pipeline quality RNG, displacing the use of fossil-based natural gas. By tapping into this innovative energy source, Pensacola Energy aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainability.

Garbage Trucks Powered by Waste: A Remarkable Feat: A notable achievement of this landmark initiative is the adoption of RNG to fuel Pensacola’s garbage trucks. These essential vehicles are now propelled by the very waste they collect, rendering them practically fueled by garbage, and making them carbon neutral. This groundbreaking development not only demonstrates the ingenuity of Pensacola Energy’s approach but also highlights the vast potential of waste as a valuable resource in the quest for sustainability.

Assistance for Fleets Interested in Carbon Neutrality: Recognizing the broader implications of RNG adoption, Pensacola Energy is well-prepared to support and assist other fleets interested in becoming carbon neutral. Leveraging their expertise in RNG, Pensacola Energy is poised to guide and collaborate with local businesses seeking to explore this sustainable fuel option. Their readiness to provide support ensures that other fleets can readily embrace RNG, fostering widespread adoption and expediting the transition to renewable energy sources. Interested parties can learn more by contacting Pensacola Energy at 850-436-5050.

To learn more about the City of Pensacola’s environment and sustainability initiatives, visit the city’s online dashboard.

 

Darryl Singleton Selected as Director of Pensacola Energy

January 27, 2023

Darryl Singleton has been selected as the Director of Pensacola Energy, responsible for overseeing and leading the City of Pensacola’s natural gas utility company.

Darryl SingletonSingleton has worked for the City of Pensacola for 27 years, receiving numerous promotions throughout his career at Pensacola Energy. Most recently, Singleton was promoted to Deputy Director of Pensacola Energy in April 2022 and to Interim Director in October 2022 following the retirement of long-time Pensacola Energy Director Don Suarez.

Singleton earned his a Bachelor of Science in management information systems from the University of West Florida, and he is a Studer Community Institute Leadership Development Program Level 3 Certified Leader.

“I am excited to continue my career with Pensacola Energy and to have the opportunity to lead such an incredible, hardworking team,” Singleton said. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and City of Pensacola leadership to continue to provide the highest quality of service to our Pensacola Energy customers, while continuing to build valued community partnerships and provide public education about natural gas energy.”

As the Director of Pensacola Energy, Singleton will coordinate and oversee all operations of Pensacola Energy, including policies and procedures, training and development of personnel, managing Pensacola Energy’s budget and more. Singleton will also act as a liaison with federal, state and local agencies as needed.

In addition to his extensive experience in natural gas operations and management, Singleton serves as the President of the Florida Municipal Natural Gas Association. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Florida Natural Gas Association and serves as a Committee Member for the American Public Gas Association.

Singleton will work under the direction of Deputy City Administrator Amy Miller to direct and coordinate efficient operations at Pensacola Energy while working to ensure quality natural gas services are provided to customers. As an enterprise of the City of Pensacola, Pensacola Energy does not receive money from taxes paid to the city.

“We are very fortunate to have Darryl leading Pensacola Energy, with his many years of experience, institutional knowledge and high level of expertise in natural gas operations,” Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “The City of Pensacola’s enterprises play such an important role in generating revenue for the city without using taxpayer dollars, and it is critical to have leaders like Darryl to keep operations running efficiently. I look forward to seeing Pensacola Energy continue to thrive under his leadership.”

 

Fiesta Seafood Grille at the Pensacola Seafood Festival – September 23-25, 2022

September 10, 2022

Pensacola Energy proudly presents the Fiesta Seafood Grille at the Pensacola Seafood Festival. Watch as top Pensacola chefs prepare signature dishes featuring fresh Gulf seafood. Take part in the raffle for a chance to taste the dishes and to win gift certificates for the restaurants.

Cooking Demo Schedule:

Friday, September 23rd
• 5:00 p.m. – The District

Saturday, September 24th
• 12:00 p.m. – Bar 515
• 1:30 p.m. – Kitty Mitchell
• 3:00 p.m. – South Market

Sunday, September 25th
• 12:00 p.m. – Rusty Spoon
• 1:30 p.m. – Classic City Catering
• 3:00 p.m. – Black Garlic Market

 

 

The 45th annual Pensacola Seafood Festival takes place September 23-25 in Downtown Pensacola’s historic Seville Square. Admission is free, bring the entire family for a weekend filled with a variety of foods, arts and crafts and live entertainment.

For more information visit PensacolaEnergy.com or call (850) 436-5050.

Scam Alert: Fraudulent Phone Calls Posing as Pensacola Energy

May 19, 2020

Pensacola Energy has received reports from customers about a phone call from an individual claiming to represent Pensacola Energy and demanding payment over the phone.

These phone calls are not legitimate. Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call or email from someone claiming to represent Pensacola Energy and demanding payment to avoid disconnection or prosecution should immediately hang up or delete the email, and contact Pensacola Energy at 850-435-1800.

Pensacola Energy customers are reminded of the following information to help protect themselves and identify potentially fraudulent activity:

• Pensacola Energy will never show up at a residence to collect a payment.
• Pensacola Energy will never solicit payment via email.
• Pensacola Energy will never demand that a payment be made immediately via telephone to avoid legal action or disconnect.

For more information or any questions about Pensacola Energy accounts, please contact customer service at 850-435-1800

APGA Congratulates Pensacola Energy for Operational Excellence

Washington, DC- (May 6, 2020)

The American Public Gas Association presented Pensacola Energy with the prestigious APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition for excellence in operating its natural gas utility. Pensacola Energy is the City of Pensacola’s natural gas utility serving approximately 44,000 customers throughout Escambia County, Florida.

Public natural gas systems are entrusted by their customers to deliver clean and affordable natural gas through a safe and reliable distribution pipeline system. To accomplish this mission, a forward thinking natural gas utility constantly strives to improve its operating capabilities, overcome challenges and adapt to its changing environment.

“We are honored to be recognized by the APGA and grateful to our talented team of employees for their dedication and hard work in serving this community” said Don Suarez, director of Pensacola Energy.

Out of approximately 750 APGA members, Pensacola Energy was selected for SOAR level Gold by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas: system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.

· System integrity refers to the natural gas distribution system performing its overall intended function safely, efficiently and effectively—distributing energy to all customers without being degraded or impaired by its internal or external environment.

· System improvement refers to keeping the natural gas system well maintained and up-to-date through a self-improvement program that includes both an eye on the future through research and development, technology integration and a commitment to system improvement programs.

· Systems that exhibit excellence in employee safety include adopting a safety program that includes policies and procedures for education involvement and accountability for all employees, as well as tracking safety performance.

· Workforce development focuses on creative recruitment, training, education and development practices that provide a return on investment through increased employee loyalty, motivation, safety and productivity.

APGA President and CEO Dave Schryver remarked, “Pensacola Energy was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. Pensacola Energy consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country. APGA is proud to recognize Pensacola Energy and is confident in their continued success.”

Pensacola Energy was one of 25 SOAR recipients recognized in 2020, joining the 39 previous SOAR award recipients. The system also received a plaque signifying Pensacola Energy’s commitment to and achievement in excellence in operating a natural gas utility system.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC GAS ASSOCIATION

APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public gas utilities are not‐for‐profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.

Reminder: LifeLock Signup Deadline is April 30

April 8, 2020

Those who received notices in the mail in January with information about signing up for a free year of LifeLock Defender services are reminded that the deadline to sign up is Thursday, April 30.

Please note: This only applies to individuals who received letters in the mail from LifeLock related to the cyberattack the City of Pensacola’s network suffered on Dec. 7, 2019.

Anyone with questions regarding the security breach or personal information that was kept by the city should please contact LifeLock at (877) 368-4457 by April 30, 2020.

Additional Information

The City of Pensacola’s computer network suffered a cyberattack during the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 2019. The city took immediate steps to limit the damage sought to be caused by the hackers. In the days that followed, city personnel worked tirelessly to bring the city’s computer network back online and worked with outside consultants and law enforcement to analyze the breach and any data that was compromised.

While there has not been any confirmation that personal data was compromised, the City of Pensacola chose to make notifications to the public in an abundance of caution.

COVID-19 Information

March 20, 2020

During this constantly shifting COVID-19 situation, Pensacola Energy wants you to know what we are doing to keep operations as normal as possible. We know this is a difficult time and we are committed to providing natural gas service during this time of uncertainty.

Pensacola Energy’s Customer Service office, located on Reus Street next to City Hall is temporarily closed to walk-in customers, but will continue to take drop box payments. Please note the changes outlined below:

  • While offices and pay centers may be closed to the public, you can pay online at www.paycityofpensacola.com or over the phone by calling 850-435-1800.
  • Pensacola Energy employees are following the recommendations of the government, including social distancing and personal protective equipment when interacting with each other and customers. For more information on how to best protect yourself and others, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
  • If you are having difficulty making payment on your account due to financial strain, please contact us at 850-435-1800 to learn about options and available resources.
  • Service disconnections are suspended through May 31 and will be reevaluated at that time.

If anything changes, Pensacola Energy will continue to post updates. We are in touch with our fellow public natural gas systems to exchange best practices for continued safe and reliable operations. Should you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@cityofpensacola.com.

Public Notice: Personal Information In City of Pensacola Cyberattack

January 17, 2020

The City of Pensacola’s computer network suffered a cyberattack during the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 2019. The city took immediate steps to limit the damage sought to be caused by the hackers. In the days that followed, city personnel worked tirelessly to bring the city’s computer network back online and worked with outside consultants and law enforcement to analyze the breach and any data that was compromised.

The city cannot determine with certainty that personal information has not been compromised in the cyberattack. The personal information that may have been obtained by the hackers includes individuals’ first and last names; social security number, driver license number, or other identification number; bank account number, credit card number, or debit card number.

While there has not been any confirmation that this data was compromised, the City of Pensacola is choosing to make notifications to the public in an abundance of caution.

Anyone with questions regarding the security breach or personal information that was kept by the city should please contact LifeLock at (877) 368-4457 by April 30, 2020.

For more information and frequently asked questions about the cyberattack, visit cityofpensacola.com.

Pensacola Energy celebrates Cast Iron Day to mark the end of an era in downtown Pensacola

November 8, 2019

PENSACOLA, FLA. (November 8, 2019) – To celebrate the completion of a large-scale underground pipeline replacement project that spanned three years of construction and five project areas around downtown, Pensacola Energy held a special ceremony entitled Cast Iron Day at its operation center on Atwood Drive on Friday, Nov. 8.

In September 2019, Pensacola Energy replaced the last of its centuries-old cast iron piping system under Pensacola. To officially say farewell on Friday morning, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson and Deputy City Administrator Keith Wilkins unveiled a new display memorializing the history of Pensacola’s cast iron piping at a special presentation breakfast for its staff. Cast Iron Day was also held to congratulate and acknowledge the Pensacola Energy staff’s hard work in eliminating and replacing the antiquated piping system.

Cast iron pipe installation began in the late 1800s around Pensacola, primarily for natural gas lighting. Installation continued into the early 1900s until bare steel piping became the norm. By the early 20th century, a total of 88 miles of low-pressure cast iron gas main was installed around Pensacola, supplied by seven regulator stations.

In September of 2016, Pensacola Energy began the first of five project area gas main upgrades around Pensacola. Over the next three years, Pensacola Energy replaced the remaining 80.2 miles of main; 3,527 services; 3,419 residential customers; and 108 commercial customers with new, leak-free, high-pressure service. All upgrades were installed in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and completed in September 2019.

Friday’s Cast Iron Day celebration at Pensacola Energy marked the end of an era for Pensacola.

Big Oil: Natural Gas Here to Stay Beyond Energy Transition

November 2018

Major oil companies are moving with growing urgency to develop cleaner energy sources, with growing investments in solar and wind power, electric vehicle technology and even forestation. But they’re also betting that demand for natural gas will rise at break-neck pace for decades.

“Shell’s core business is, and will be for the foreseeable future, very much in oil and gas…and particularly in natural gas,” Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said in a speech at a recent London conference.

Natural gas is around 22% of the global energy mix, and van Beurden said Shell expects demand to grow annually by 2%, twice the pace of worldwide energy demand.

Qatar, one of the world’s largest gas suppliers, is set to grow its LNG capacity more than 40% by the next decade to around 110 mtpa to meet expected demand.

“We believe that natural gas will continue to play a key role, not as a so-called transition fuel but rather as a destination fuel,” Qatar Petroleum CEO Saad Al Kaabi said.

Source: Pipeline & Gas Journal, November 2018

The City of Pensacola Fuels the Way for Economic Development

January 2, 2017

2016 was an active year for Pensacola Energy’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) market.

After the first public station was opened in September 2012 serving 50 natural gas vehicles (NGVs), local vehicles have grown to 229 with 15-20 new NGVs added each year. The second public station opened in April 2014 and provided a balanced access to fuel across the county area.

A successful mayoral initiative lead to a partnership between Pensacola Energy and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA), a regional water and sanitation utility. Together, we invested in and built the infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and the partnership has made this coastal community an example for others. CNG vehicles feature reduced emissions and less fuel and maintenance costs when compared to traditional diesel and gasoline vehicles.

Pensacola Energy has a fleet of 21 vehicles and also serves Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, the City of Gulf Breeze and a regional AT&T fleet. Transient fleets using the stations include Frito-Lay, Seaboard Transportation, UPS, Raven Transportation, Coremark Trucking, and others. Our stations can accommodate big rigs — up to 53 feet long. They are open 24-7, well-lit, take major fleet cards, and they have on-call customer service 24 hours a day. Pensacola Energy has continued to reach out to large national corporations to let them know the CNG infrastructure is in place. Station locations are at 6722 Pine Forest Road and 3320 Copter Road; both in Pensacola, FL.

In 2014, the state rebate program began and the City of Pensacola has been compensated for 24 new vehicles, an average of 6-8 vehicles per year.

Pensacola Energy began the year with a multi-month advertising campaign focused on inviting innovation for fleet needs and promoting the state rebate program; then, a particular focus on mass transit companies and highlighting cities like Atlanta, Jacksonville, Dallas that are reaping the benefits of NGVs in their communities; and completing the campaign with a salute to local companies that have converted their fleets.

Two local automobile dealerships associated with Chevrolet and Ford, have the ability to convert and service fleets as well as sell new natural gas vehicles in the area.

The Emerald Coast Clean Cities Coalition has continued to work on grant opportunities for local fleets. In May, the Clean Cities Coalition as well as local utilities including Pensacola Energy hosted the Green Bridge Technologies CNG Road Show which showcased the Chevy Trax and featured Stephe Yborra who has played a pivotal role in educating the public on the NGV industry.

Our natural gas stations are a great selling point because they help promote Pensacola as a green community. Businesses and companies are attracted to smart and progressive cities. We are proud of the investment in compressed natural gas stations, the number of fleets that we serve in the area, the hope we provide for future vehicles to run on safe, reliable, and clean natural gas, and the footprint we make as a municipal government.

American Public Gas Association Phone Survey

April 21 2016

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) will be conducting a phone survey of Pensacola Energy customers from April 25-29. The purpose of this survey is to collect data that can be used to measure the effectiveness of Pensacola Energy’s public awareness program. These surveys are conducted every four years. Questions concerning the survey can be directed to 850-474-5300.

Natural Gas Meter Audit

April 13, 2016

As part of Pensacola Energy’s commitment to provide you with excellent customer service, Pensacola Energy will be performing a manual inspection of all natural gas meters in the near future. You may see Pensacola Energy representatives in the field doing these manual checks. This routine audit is done to ensure the accuracy of Pensacola Energy’s automated meter reading (AMR) system. Questions about this process can be directed to 850-474-5300 or info@pensacolaenergy.com. Thank you for choosing natural gas!

Pensacola Energy recognizes the hard work of its local crews on National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day in March

March 16, 2016

In celebration of National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, Pensacola Energy will honor its local work crews on Friday, March 18. This newly designated nationwide recognition is intended to build public awareness about the environmental and cost benefits of using natural gas, as well as emphasize the important work done by employees of natural gas utilities to ensure that natural gas is delivered to customers safely and efficiently.

Pensacola Energy knows that delivering reliable, affordable and safe energy to its customers relies on the quality service provided by its natural gas utility employees.

Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution and the employees of Pensacola Energy work hard every day to ensure that natural gas is delivered to customers safely and efficiently.

Pensacola Energy is proud to join other natural gas utilities across the nation to celebrate National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day honoring local natural gas work crews.

For questions on Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, please contact Don Suarez at dsuarez@cityofpensacola.com.

Pensacola Energy brings relief and lunch to tornado-affected service areas

February 25, 2016

Pensacola Energy will be bringing their mobile cooker to tornado-damaged neighborhoods and providing lunch to residents, cleanup crews and first responders working in those areas. Look for the Pensacola Energy Blue Flame Grill at the following locations and times:

Northpointe Neighborhood
Tuesday, March 1 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Harbor Square Neighborhood
Tuesday, March 1 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Eau Claire Neighborhood
Wednesday, March 2 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Dunmire Neighborhood
Wednesday, March 2 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

To help offset the cost of replacing appliances, Pensacola Energy is offering special rebate assistance to homeowners in their service areas that experienced tornado damage. Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, fully supports the effort, stating “The City of Pensacola is dedicated to helping our neighbors rebuild and recover from this devastating storm. Pensacola Energy’s efforts demonstrate the care and compassion we have for our citizens, neighbors and friends.”

Residents can learn more about these special rebates and find out if they qualify by calling Pensacola Energy at 850-436-5050.

Pensacola Energy Perdido Key Expansion

July 8, 2015

Recently, Pensacola Energy successfully crossed the Intracoastal Waterway to Perdido Key and natural gas service is now available to the area surrounding the Oyster Bar and Marina located on the East side of River Road. Future plans will take natural gas to Johnson’s Beach to provide service to various locations including a 64 unit upscale Condominium project that will soon be under construction. Additionally, natural gas service will be available to the areas along the West end of River Road and Lost Key.

For more information, contact Jim Bouterie at Pensacola Energy Marketing at 850-436-5050 or jbouterie@cityofpensacola.com.

V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante and Pensacola Energy featured in national restaurant industry magazine

June 30, 2015

One of Downtown Pensacola’s newest restaurants was recently featured in Cooking For Profit magazine, a professional-level monthly trade publication directed to owners, managers and chefs of food service facilities.

The national magazine, which has published for more than 80 years and has a 65,000-membered audience, presents stories, recipes and feature spreads about the benefits of cooking with natural gas.

V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante, owned by Paul Bruno, Jr. and his partner David Hambrick, opened in the historical Brent building in August 2014 with Executive Chef Tricia Horton at the helm.

The restaurant has a seating capacity for 200 and features a kitchen filled with a vast lineup of natural gas cooking equipment and an exhibition cooking area.

“Gas cooking is a key ingredient to our cooking regimen with nearly one million BTUs of connected equipment in our overall cooking lineup,” said Horton.

In the magazine article, Horton explains that her customers enjoy watching their food being prepared before their eyes, and that gas is a key and entertaining ingredient in their display cooking area.

Pensacola Energy, owned and operated by the City of Pensacola, provides the natural gas energy to V. Paul’s, along with thousands of customers in the city. Pensacola Energy assisted V. Paul’s owners and staff during the renovation and equipment selection phase of the restaurant’s opening. The restaurant also appeared on Pensacola Energy’s locally-televised cooking show, “Coastal Cooking.”

“V. Paul’s has been a tremendous addition to Palafox (Street), which was recently named one of the American Planning Associations’ Great Streets in America,” said Ashton Hayward, Mayor of Pensacola. “Like many of the great restaurants in Downtown Pensacola, V. Paul’s chooses to cook with natural gas – the best, most economic choice and the choice of top chefs around the country.”

Download and read the full article here.

Pensacola Energy’s Partnership With ECUA Produces Big Benefits for the Pensacola Bay Area

May 29, 2015

A unique partnership between Pensacola Energy and ECUA has produced big benefits for Escambia County, The City of Pensacola, ECUA and area citizens.

For details on this unique partnership, read the full article at AmericanCityandCounty.com.

Natural Gas Powers Pensacola’s Fleets

June 1, 2014

Abundant, affordable, clean burning natural gas presents a tremendous opportunity for our community to realize an energy future using domestic resources to fuel our transportation needs. Since September 2012, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has set the standard for alternative fuel use in Florida. With over 70 natural gas-powered vehicles (NGVs) in their fleet, of which 50 are refuse trucks, ECUA leads the way in the use of natural gas as a motor fuel.

Plans to add an additional 20 NGVs in each of the next five years will strengthen ECUA’s position as an alternative fuel user and a good steward of the environment. The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) has reduced ECUA’s fuel and maintenance cost by $1.3 million annually. These savings have been passed on to the customer by eliminating the Diesel Fuel Surcharge and enhancing the Bulky Waste and Yard Waste program at no additional charge to the customer.

 

NGVs are available in many makes and models ranging from light to heavy duty trucks, delivery and passenger transport vans, cement trucks, semi-trucks, sedans and transit and para-transit buses and much more. To help offset some of the cost of purchasing a vehicle equipped with CNG, Florida currently offers a rebate of up to $25,000 per vehicle. Few alternative fuels offer the distinct and unquestionable advantages of natural gas. Natural gas is widely available, offers greenhouse gas reductions, and produces fewer emissions compared to other traditional and alternative fuels. The use of natural gas vehicles also facilitates energy security and energy diversity.

 

For additional information on how you can transition your fleet to natural gas, contact the Pensacola Energy marketing department at 850-436-5050.