Alex Bumgardner

Energy Resources & Utility Operations Director

Have you ever found yourself walking or driving by an Austin Utilities job site asking, “How can they possibly need so many vehicles and pieces of equipment to put a piece of pipe in the ground?”  One of the most common questions AU staff members receive is related to the quantity and necessity of the various vehicles that make up our fleet.  I’m here to tell you — they all serve a very specific purpose in providing our customers the most reliable natural gas, water and electric service.

It’s important to understand that AU has three very distinct business units: Natural Gas Distribution, Water Distribution and Electric Distribution.  In many communities, these services would be handled by three separate companies, so the vehicles on a job site may have three separate company logos on the side, but in all likelihood the total number of vehicles would be equivalent to an AU job site.  Additionally, each AU business unit is comprised of both a construction and service team, with peripheral service personnel to complete necessary tasks — all of which require specific vehicles equipped with the necessary tools to complete their responsibilities.

Although the quantity of vehicles may seem large, it is evidenced by the quantity of vehicle groups just how many ways in which AU serves and connects with each and every customer for better living.  Figuratively speaking: service begins by placing a pole, stringing conductor, setting a meter, and ultimately collecting payment via a meter read.  This generalization can be applied to all three business units, all of which utilize different skillsets, tools, and equipment to complete the necessary tasks.

Each and every vehicle and piece of equipment in our fleet is utilized; we continue to strive to become more efficient with our fleet, and are optimistic our new Service and Operations Center will serve as the groundwork for finding ways to more efficiently utilize our fleet to serve our customers.

So, the next time you’re strolling past an AU job site, we’re hopeful you’ll have a better understanding of why there may be so many AU vehicles and pieces of equipment onsite.
Austin Utilities is a municipal utility serving approximately 12,300 electric customers, 10,300 natural gas customers, and 9000 water customers. Their mission is to offer utility products and services in a safe, reliable and responsible manner in order to enhance the quality of life in our community. Austin Utilities’ Board of Commissioners are elected by the consumer-owners of Austin to represent their best interest. For more information on Austin Utilities visit their website at www.austinutilities.com.