Avangrid, Inc., a leading sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has announced plans to purchase more than 130 new hybrid bucket trucks over the next three years as part of its ongoing efforts to electrify its fleet across its Northeast utilities. This purchase represents a significant step in the company’s commitment to expanding its use of alternative energy sources, including electric, hybrid, and green fuels.
While Avangrid already incorporates hybrid vehicles into its fleet, this new procurement plan marks a substantial increase in the adoption of sustainable technologies. The hybrid trucks, sourced from two different manufacturers, feature a diesel engine for driving, but rely on electricity to power the bucket lift. This design offers several important benefits over traditional vehicles, including:
Safety: Workers can turn off the diesel engine when operating the bucket lift, reducing exposure to exhaust fumes. The electric motor also operates more quietly, improving communication among crew members.
Fuel Efficiency: The electric motor allows workers to operate the bucket lift and control cabin climate (heat or air conditioning) without using the diesel engine, which results in significant fuel savings.
Longevity: By using the electric motor for the bucket lift, the wear and tear on the diesel engine is reduced, which enhances the vehicle’s reliability and operational efficiency over time.
“Avangrid is committed to living its values as a leading sustainable company and innovating across our business,” said Avangrid CEO, Pedro Azagra. “Expanding our use of hybrid vehicles aligns with our goal of improving energy efficiency, enhancing the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve, and ensuring our ability to respond effectively to emergencies in our service area and beyond.”
In addition to hybrid vehicles, Avangrid is exploring other alternative energy solutions. For instance, some vehicles in Avangrid’s fleet are already using renewable diesel, made from plant-based materials, in the company’s Lancaster, New York service area. Avangrid is working toward expanding the use of green fuels across its operations, including in its hybrid vehicles.
The company has set a target of converting 60 percent of its heavy-duty fleet to alternative energy sources by 2030. This investment in hybrid trucks is a major milestone in achieving this ambitious goal.
Avangrid, based in Orange, Connecticut, with approximately $45 billion in assets, operates in 24 U.S. states. The company’s primary business segments are networks and renewables. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving over 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. In renewables, the company owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the U.S.
With a workforce of around 8,000 employees, Avangrid has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability. In 2024, the company was ranked among the JUST 100 — a list of America’s top corporate citizens — for the fourth consecutive year. Avangrid was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.
By continuing to innovate and expand its use of sustainable technologies, Avangrid is solidifying its position as a leader in the clean energy sector and striving to achieve its environmental goals.
