PSNC Energy, the Triangle's natural gas utility, is adding public pumps for drivers of compressed natural gas vehicles that will make the Triangle relatively navigable for the cleanest cars in the world. By the end of next year the company could have as many as nine public stations selling natural gas for cars and trucks.

PSNC, with about 490,000 natural gas customers in the state, as recently as last year had just one public station that sold the vehicle fuel, commonly known as CNG. Meanwhile, Charlotte-based Piedmont Natural Gas, the state's biggest natural gas utility, is expanding its three CNG stations to eight by next year.

Cars that run on CNG are typically ranked cleaner than electric cars because much of the nation's electricity is still generated by burning coal.

PSNC has had a CNG station at its Gastonia headquarters for years and had as many as three operating stations in 2000. But most fell into disrepair and disuse over the years because of lack of interest. But that's changing.

State regulators cleared the way for PSNC Energy to sell a form of the heating and cooking fuel for automobiles.

PSNC, the Triangle's natural gas utility, plans to offer compressed natural gas to the public at three facilities that will operate 24 hours a day.

The fuel will cost $1.70 a gas-gallon equivalent -- about half the cost of gasoline -- and will be available in North Raleigh, East Raleigh and Gastonia. It can be used only by cars adapted for compressed natural gas, or CNG, such as the Honda Civic GX or a custom retrofitted vehicle.

CNG vehicles, considered to be the greenest on the planet, are typically used in municipal or industrial fleets of trucks that fill up at institutional facilities owned by government agencies or industries.
 

The state's natural gas industry is pushing ahead with a strategy to promote cars powered by compressed natural gas as an alternative to electric vehicles that recharge from public charging stations and wall outlets.

PSNC Energy, the Triangle's natural gas utility, utility this week asked regulators to approve a rate PSNC would charge to motorists filling up at PSNC-owned filling stations. The Gastonia-based company is planning to open three stations in the state this year.

The cost of compressed natural gas fuel fluctuates with market conditions but is generally less than half the cost of gasoline.

With the addition of the PSNC stations -- in North Raleigh, East Raleigh and Gastonia -- North Carolina will have about a dozen public stations for compressed natural gas (or CNG). Charlotte-based Piedmont Natural Gas has stations in Charlotte and Greensboro and plans to add up to five more in the state in the coming year.