What a Gas!

Bruce Rayner, vice president for U.S. sales for Toronto-based FuelMaker Corporation, says his company sold more than 100 of the systems last week, after averaging about 30 sales per month since the law went into effect last spring. He attributes the spike in sales to consumers seeking to beat the October 11 deadline.

The home refueling systems cost about $7,800 plus another $2,000 to install; the state will refund the entire cost. The system taps into the natural gas line running into the home, and, through the use of a compressor, will refuel a natural gas vehicle at the rate of one gallon per hour.

The cost of natural gas under the FuelMaker system works out to about 94 cents a gallon, including taxes and maintenance expenses. In addition, Southwest Gas charges $18.50 a month for the use of a special meter.

The FuelMaker systems are distributed in Arizona by AZ Star, located at 3820 East Winslow in Phoenix. Rayner says the company requires a $6,175 deposit for the system. The systems have been especially popular with purchasers of the natural-gas-powered Honda Civics, says Rayner.

"People are taking out home equity loans to cover the cost knowing they will get the money back from the state," Rayner says.