Electric Zambonis Lead to Cost Savings, Reduce Impact on Environment
Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat has completed the purchase and commissioning of two electric ice resurfacers as part of an on-going effort to find operational cost savings and efficiencies within the organization.
A grant program available through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) provided $100,000 towards the total investment. This grant allowed the City to invest in electric technology that will reduce operational costs, improve operational efficiencies and service levels, while remaining under the capital budget.
“We are expecting to see significant cost savings by switching to the electric Zambonis,” said Justin Brunelle, Manager of Fleet Services. “In fuel costs alone, we have estimated that we’ll see savings of up to 80 per cent compared to the gasoline units these are replacing.”
The electric units are also expected to see up to a 30 per cent reduction in maintenance costs compared to the current gasoline and propane-powered vehicles, which have reached their end of life.
“By switching to electric vehicles at our rinks, we will also eliminate operational emissions, leading to a reduction in environmental impact, as well as improving the health and safety for both staff and patrons,” said Stephane Rainville, Superintendent of Recreation Facilities Operations.
This project will also further reduce operational cost by improving efficiencies related to ice building and maintenance in City-owned rink facilities.
To date, the City has purchased several electric vehicles, including scissor lifts, fork lifts and small utility vehicles, as vehicles reach their end of life.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Justin Brunelle
Manager, Fleet Services
City of Medicine Hat
403.529.8217
A grant program available through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) provided $100,000 towards the total investment. This grant allowed the City to invest in electric technology that will reduce operational costs, improve operational efficiencies and service levels, while remaining under the capital budget.
“We are expecting to see significant cost savings by switching to the electric Zambonis,” said Justin Brunelle, Manager of Fleet Services. “In fuel costs alone, we have estimated that we’ll see savings of up to 80 per cent compared to the gasoline units these are replacing.”
The electric units are also expected to see up to a 30 per cent reduction in maintenance costs compared to the current gasoline and propane-powered vehicles, which have reached their end of life.
“By switching to electric vehicles at our rinks, we will also eliminate operational emissions, leading to a reduction in environmental impact, as well as improving the health and safety for both staff and patrons,” said Stephane Rainville, Superintendent of Recreation Facilities Operations.
This project will also further reduce operational cost by improving efficiencies related to ice building and maintenance in City-owned rink facilities.
To date, the City has purchased several electric vehicles, including scissor lifts, fork lifts and small utility vehicles, as vehicles reach their end of life.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Justin Brunelle
Manager, Fleet Services
City of Medicine Hat
403.529.8217
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