There was a ribbon cutting for a new ‘Idle Air” facility at Big Boy’s Truck Stop in Kenly on Tuesday morning.
The facility offers truckers a place to park with their engines off and enjoy all the comforts of ‘home.’
Each Idle Air spot provides heat or air, high-speed internet, TV, telephone service and electrical power.
By shutting down their engines – refrigerated trucks are offered power as well – they estimate over 25,000 gallons of fuel can be saved in one year along with a huge reduction in emissions from idling trucks.
Duke Energy funded the project at Big Boy’s Truck Stop on Bagley Road off I-95 at Exit 105, the first in North Carolina. A total of 24 truck electrification stations are now available at the family-owned truck stop.
“This is a common sense feature that helps truckers get a cleaner, quieter night’s sleep, while saving them money and sparing the community from significant emissions,” said Mark Miller, president of Convoy Solutions, the provider of IdleAir.
Idle Air now has 45 similar facilities in 18 states across the country.
Drivers will pay for services by the hour. Big trucks burn over a gallon of fuel an hour while idling and at nearly $3.00 per gallon, that can add up. This service should cost about one-tenth the cost of idling.
“We’re eager to attract new drivers, and give all guests an alternative to idling,” said owner Walter Powell Jr. “This will help us be better neighbors in our community, which means a lot to our business.”
NC House Representative Larry Strickland and Kenly town officials were among the dignitaries who joined Duke Energy and Idle Air representatives for the event and ceremonial ribbon cutting. Photos by John Payne
