Rocky Mountain Power Implements Idle-Free Policy and GPS Tracking
Utility company Rocky Mountain Power has implemented a new “idle-free” policy that prohibits its fleet drivers from unnecessarily idling, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Utility company Rocky Mountain Power has implemented a new “idle-free” policy that prohibits its fleet drivers from unnecessarily idling, thereby reducing emissions. The company is also installing GPS tracking equipment in its service vehicles to monitor idling and driving habits in order to reduce fuel use and optimize drivers’ routes.
"Idling is bad for the environment, bad for public health and bad for business because of its impact on fuel costs," said Curt Mansfield, Rocky Mountain Power managing director of transmission and distribution support services. "We've partnered with states, counties, cities and community organizations to reduce carbon dioxide and other vehicle emissions and we're working to eliminate all idling of company vehicles with few exceptions, such as when a bucket or other equipment needs to be lifted using power from the truck's motor."
The company has a total fleet size of 2,169 fleet assets, a Rocky Mountain Power spokesperson told Automotive Fleet. Out of those, 227 are bucket trucks, 296 are light-duty pickups, 388 are service trucks, and 169 are passenger cars and SUVs, with the rest consisting of construction equipment, trailers, derricks and cranes, and other miscellaneous vehicles.
The company said better communication with employees regarding idling and the overall policy change is part of this new program.
"We're doing more to communicate with employees about idling in addition to our policy changes and technology advancements," said Mansfield. "We've also developed reports to track and compare fuel economy across our vehicle fleet to help drive the improvements we expect to achieve."
The company said it received help in developing its anti-idling program from another company with a fleet in the region, Kennecott Utah Copper. Rocky Mountain Power said Kennecott shared what it had learned from its own idle-reduction policy and from using GPS monitors in its vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Power added it made these changes to stay in compliance with anti-idling laws in the region.
More Fuel
July Fuel Update: Prices Jump for the First Time in Two Months
As the U.S.-Iran ceasefire collapses, so do the gas prices.
Read More →
Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: "Don't Panic, Have a Plan."
When it comes to up and down fuel prices, Adamsky has a message for fleets: “Don’t panic.”
Read More →
How Fleets Can Gain Control of Non-Fuel Spend
Fuel often gets the spotlight, but non-fuel expenses can have a major impact on fleet costs. Ramel Lindsay of U.S. Bank Voyager discusses how fleets can gain better visibility and control over these often-overlooked expenditures.
Read More →
Fuel is Just the Start: How Middle East Tensions are Driving Up Fleet Maintenance Costs
The Middle East conflict is doing more than pushing up fuel prices. It’s also raising the cost of key maintenance products your fleet depends on, from motor oil to tires to windshield wipers. Here’s what you need to know about this budget-busting situation.
Read More →
June Fuel Update: Prices Fall Below $4
Drivers are finally getting some relief at the pump. The national average gas price has dropped below $4 a gallon for the first time in months, with prices falling in 47 states as oil markets react to developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Read More →
Study: How 2026's Gas Price Hikes Affect Different Vehicle Types
New data from iSeeCars reveals how rising fuel costs have affected different vehicle segments as gasoline prices climbed nearly 46% over the past four months.
Read More →
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
May Fuel Update: All Regions Experience Declines
Gas prices are finally easing in much of the country, but experts warn global tensions could quickly reverse the trend as the national average remains well above last month’s levels.
Read More →
April Fuel Update: Prices Climb Above $4 as Spring Surge Accelerates
National average jumps to $4.04 per gallon, up sharply from last year, with West Coast prices topping $5 and further increases expected amid rising oil tensions.
Read More →
Tips from Fleet Managers on Saving Fuel Costs
Fleet leaders share practical strategies to reduce fuel spend through smarter policy, routing, and driver guidance.
Read More →