Veridian's green fleet grows with addition of new plug-in hybrid electric
bucket truck

AJAX, ON, Oct. 7 /CNW/ - Veridian's commitment to green vehicle technology continues as the company recently took delivery of a new plug-in hybrid bucket truck - the second of its kind in Ontario. The vehicle's HyPower(TM) Hybrid technology saves fuel, reduces emissions and helps to eliminate noise in residential areas.

Developed by Terex(R), the HyPower Hybrid technology is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system that operates the truck's aerial lift without running the engine using hybrid (battery) power. The aerial lift can operate for up to six hours in this mode. Terex estimates that based on 250 working days a year, the HyPower Hybrid system can reduce fuel by up to six gallons each work day, which would offset 11 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.

"The addition of the hybrid bucket truck to Veridian's expanding green fleet further demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and having environmentally responsible business practices," said Michael Angemeer, Veridian's President and CEO. "The vehicle's state-of-the-art system draws stored energy from batteries - allowing our crews to operate almost silently while on the job site. The vehicle's technology also means less local pollution for improved quality of life in the communities Veridian serves and a healthier work environment for our employees."

Terex designed the HyPower system specifically for the utility industry, where vehicles often remain stationary for several hours. The system employs rechargeable batteries using off-peak electricity to provide power for aerial boom operation, cabin heating and air conditioning, as well as worksite lighting - virtually eliminating long stretches of engine run time. The system replaces fuel consumption when idling with stored electric energy, and utilizes a standard electric connection for recharging batteries.

Veridian's green vehicle technology has not gone unnoticed. Michael Angemeer has made headlines across North America for driving the first plug-in hybrid, solar assisted vehicle in Canada - a car that is fuelled by off peak grid-electricity, gasoline and renewable electricity generated by solar panels on its roof and at Veridian's head office in Ajax.

Terex won The World Truck Show(R) Green Award for its HyPower Hybrid system at the World Truck Show 2010 - North America's largest work truck event. A panel of judges selected the system from a field of 20 other entries as the best new product that advances fuel utilization. The award recognizes companies that have developed products and technology that advance work truck fuel utilization.

Veridian began to purchase fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles for its fleet in 2007. Since then, the company's fleet has grown to 16 hybrid vehicles. Earlier this year the company purchased a large, specialized off-road radial boom derrick/bucket truck. The vehicle, an adapted version of similar equipment used in the forest industry, supports Veridian's off-road work in the Gravenhurst area.

Attention media: Vehicle photos are available by contacting Chris Mace at Veridian.

Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 113,000 customers in the Cities of Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax, Port Hope and Gravenhurst, and the communities of Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Cannington. Veridian Connections Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veridian Corporation. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation.

For further information: Chris Mace, Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications, Veridian Connections Inc., 905-427-9870, extension 2218