NYSEG and RG&E Add Industry’s First Zero-Emission Electric Backhoe Loader to Fleet

Utilities continue to electrify fleet to reduce emissions 

ROCHESTER, NY — March 4, 2021 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are one of the first utilities in the world to incorporate an all-electric backhoe loader into its fleet. The zero-emission construction equipment, built by CASE Construction Equipment after a request from NYSEG and RG&E, was unveiled today at RG&E’s Scottsville Road office and demonstrates the companies’ efforts to reduce emissions and create more sustainable communities. 

“Electrification of the transportation sector will play a large role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Carl A. Taylor, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “NYSEG and RG&E, in conjunction with our parent company AVANGRID, are committed to taking proactive measures to help achieve a clean energy future for our customers and the communities that we serve. We’re proud to lead the industry and the world with the addition of the EV backhoe loader to our operations.” 

NYSEG and RG&E plan to use the new zero-emission 580 EV backhoe loader primarily in its gas construction businesses across its service area. The equipment offers a variety of benefits, including lower daily operating costs; reduced noise for quieter work zones, allowing for improved communication among workers to create a safer environment; and elimination of fossil fuel exhaust, which benefits the environment and creates healthier worksites for employees. In addition to these benefits, the EV backhoe maintains power and performance equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes. 

The EV backhoe utilizes a battery from Buffalo based manufacturer of advance motion control products, Green Machine, who is known for a variety of battery powered products including mini excavators.

“We commend NYSEG and RG&E for its forward-thinking commitment to a cleaner, greener community,” said Jon M. Williams, Chairman/CEO of Viridi Parente, the parent company of Green Machine. “We’re proud to have our state-of-the-art battery technology powering the CASE 580 EV, allowing it to be among NYSEG and RG&E’s vital fleet of construction equipment. We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship with the company as it moves closer to its environmentally responsible goal of zero emissions while demonstrating that clean energy innovation and manufacturing in the development of battery systems for the construction industry and point of use safe stationary systems for residential and commercial applications is alive and well in Buffalo, NY.”

NYSEG and RG&E’s parent company, AVANGRID, was the first utility in the nation to announce its pledge to achieve generation-related carbon neutrality by 2035 and plans to further electrify its fleet to reduce emissions. The company’s goal is to convert 60% of its fleet to clean energy vehicles by 2030, and this EV backhoe is one step toward achieving that target. In addition to the new EV backhoe, NYSEG and RG&E also use electric mini excavators, bucket trucks and cars in its fleet. This battery-powered construction and fleet equipment is one example of how the company is supporting New York state’s ambitious energy and decarbonization goals. 

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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com . 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

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