WORKING TO TRANSITION FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC

Pacific has been actively monitoring the development of battery-powered landscape equipment with the goal of transitioning our operations as the technology becomes more operationally cost-effective. This transition is driven by our commitment to environmental protection, client interest, and the potential for legislation banning gas-powered equipment.

Effective January 1st, 2024, a new law in California will prohibit the sale of all gas-powered tools and equipment below 25 horsepower. Additionally, Oregon is considering a specific ban on the use of gas-powered backpack blowers.

In recognition of this shift, Pacific hosted a National Gas to Electric Symposium last month at the Nike Campus in collaboration with the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the American Green Zone Alliance. These organizations are dedicated to facilitating a responsible transition to electric equipment in the landscaping industry, and we share their commitment to this shared goal.

While Pacific has been demoing and purchasing battery-powered equipment for several years, primarily for use on downtown properties and at client request, operating solely with battery-powered equipment presents challenges. Currently, most battery-powered equipment remains more expensive and less efficient than gas-powered alternatives, particularly in the case of blowers, which are a vital tool for our operations.

Pacific remains committed to evolving our operations to become more environmentally sustainable. We are actively evaluating new technologies and exploring solutions to address the challenges associated with a complete transition to electric power. We will continue to monitor developments and make informed decisions to ensure our operations remain environmentally responsible, efficient, and cost-effective.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this important transition.

As demonstrated above, operating a backpack blower for an entire day, particularly during peak season, can require up to four high-capacity batteries, increasing the total investment to $4,100 compared to $600 for a gas-powered version. Additionally, the strongest battery-powered blower currently available generates only 60-70% of the power of a typical commercial gas model. This significantly reduced power translates to a potential loss in productivity, which would ultimately translate to increased costs for our customers. A recent article from Oregon State University further details the challenges they encountered while experimenting with battery-powered blowers.

However, when considering other equipment such as edgers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws, the potential loss in productivity associated with battery power is minimal, and the number of batteries required to operate them throughout a workday is significantly lower. Consequently, we have implemented a plan to phase out the purchase of these gas-powered tools and transition to electric alternatives. As battery technology continues to advance, we will gradually transition other equipment categories to electric power as well.

One of our Account Managers in Oregon, Doug Crimin, was recently interviewed about the potential blower ban. See the interview here.