The City of Norman is starting an infrastructure update that will see its public/private CNG station at 2351 Goddard Ave. undergo significant changes, with the replacement of both electric drive Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compressors set to begin the week of July 21, 2025. As reported by the City of Norman's official website, interruptions in service are anticipated as the city moves to install the new equipment with a targeted completion date of August 29, 2025.
Efficiency upgrades come as a necessity, as the current compressors have reached the end of their operational life and, are plagued with ongoing maintenance and reliability issues. The overhaul is not merely a reactionary step but a proactive stride toward servicing Norman’s ascendant fleet of over 157 CNG vehicles, ensuring both the public and the city vehicles have unimpeded access to an affordable fuel source. Over the last year, this CNG consumption has translated into nearly $500,000 in savings in fuel costs for the City, when compared to traditional gasoline and diesel.
This project has its financial footing in a grant, the ACOG Public Fleet Conversion Grant Program to be exact – a program that gave its nod to the City Council's Resolution R-2324-48 on September 12, 2023. From a pool of nine projects which sought ACOG's approval in February 2024, Norman's application stood out, securing a substantial $1.14 million towards the compressor replacement estimated to coast $1.42 million. According to the details provided by the city's announcement, the remaining balance of $284,000 is to be covered through local funds.
The financial aspect of the upgrade concludes with reimbursement, set to occur following the project's completion as endorsed by the Council on March 26, 2024.
