In a program authorized by state regulators late last year, Atlanta Gas Light Co. (AGL) on Monday issued a request for proposals (RFP) for developers interested in building compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations for commercial fleets and passenger vehicles in Georgia. The RFP envisions a five-year push that could cost nearly $12 million.

A major national supplier of CNG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transportation along with fueling infrastructure, Seal Beach, CA-based Clean Energy Fuels Corp., told NGI Monday that it plans to submit a bid in the Atlanta-based utility’s solicitation, which calls for submissions by April 16. AGL seeks to have work on some of the stations begin by the end of this year. Clean Energy already has fueling projects in the Atlanta area.

The RFP is the latest step in AGL’s implementation of a network of CNG fueling stations, which was approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) last November (see Daily GPI, Nov. 2, 2011). The PSC authorized AGL to invest $11.7 million to stimulate private investment in the construction of as many as 10 stations, depending on the size of the station and level of investment. Private retailers are eyed as the owner/operators of the stations.

Bidders being sought must demonstrate that they can secure the real estate for the stations, develop the site in line with local zoning, install the CNG dispensers, and make all necessary site improvements, AGL said. They also needed to secure contracts with commercial fleet operators equating to at least 20% of the station’s overall fueling capacity.

“Georgia is one step closer to meeting the region’s growing demand for CNG through the realization of the CNG infrastructure program,” said Ian Skelton, AGL natural gas vehicle program director. Skelton said given the interest in the program he was encouraging qualified applicants to get their bids in early.

AGL plans to evaluate all submissions and work with applicants whose proposals are accepted. More information is at www.atlantagaslight.com under “CNG Plan.”

Separately, Greene County and City Utilities in Missouri said they plan to open an $850,000 CNG fueling station that will be open to the public and fleets. The city is buying seven CNG pickup trucks and the county is planning to purchase a similar complement of CNG trucks and passenger vehicles for its fleet.

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