- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Electrification Project by Duke Energy and Golden State Foods to Save Fuel and Lower Emissions https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209556?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209556?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209556?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Electrification Project by Duke Energy and Golden State Foods to Save Fuel and Lower Emissions&body=News from Duke Energy Corporation https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209556?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Energy & Infrastructure](/categories/energy-infrastructure) # Electrification Project by Duke Energy and Golden State Foods to Save Fuel and Lower Emissions Aug 7, 2018 2:30 PM ET ![](https://3blcdn.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/2026-08/TruckElectrificationGarner650_mid_1786855012.jpg) GARNER, N.C., August 7, 2018 /3BL Media/ -- A total of 32 electric power outlets will help trucks at the [Golden State Foods](http://goldenstatefoods.com/) (GSF) distribution center cut costs and lower air emissions as part of a Duke Energy electrification project. As one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice and retail industries, GSF will allow cargo trucks to stop idling their engines to keep food cold, and instead plug into power outlets at the facility. The $300,000 project will help lower exhaust emissions, and is cheaper than the practice of running trucks on diesel fuel. SafeConnect® Systems installed the power outlets. "Duke Energy is a strong believer in the benefits of electrification for our industrial customers," said Clark Gillespy, senior vice president, Economic Development at Duke Energy. "At Golden State Foods, truck idling will be lessened – saving money, lowering noise levels and reducing air emissions." According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-duration truck idling results in more than 1 billion gallons of wasted fuel and 11 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. On average, an hour of idling uses a gallon of fuel. "Incorporating renewable energy at all GSF facilities and fleets is a priority, and part of our fundamental values and GSF's 2020 sustainability goals," said Gregg Tartlon, general manager, GSF Garner. "These new electric power outlets are estimated to save Garner nearly $110,000 a year, resulting in 80,000 gallons of fuel saved for our 65 trucks. There are 15 GSF and Quality Custom Distribution (a GSF-owned company) centers currently leveraging this type of technology." This is Duke Energy's third project in North Carolina using electricity to power trucks instead of idling engines. The company has funded other projects at [MDI Distributors in Catawba County](https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/don-t-start-your-engines-duke-energy-project-tackles-truck-idling) and at [Big Boy's Truck Stop in the Johnston County](https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/fuel-savings-and-improved-air-quality-highlight-duke-energy-s-truck-stop-effort-in-n-c) town of Kenly. "Because of Golden State Foods' pursuit of new solutions to realize internal carbon emission reduction goals, lower overall energy costs and keep drivers safe, we've had the privilege of installing our innovative electric standby connection system at more than 10 of their distribution facilities over the last three years," said Bob Provencher, Director of Technology and Sales, SafeConnect. Duke Energy funding for the project is available [by a 2015 settlement](https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-u-s-government-agree-to-end-clean-air-act-litigation) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups. NOTE TO EDITORS: A "plug-in" event at the GSF Garner distribution center will occur Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. Experts from all companies will be available for interviews. To attend, please contact Ashley Blua; ; 818.326.5369. **About Duke Energy** Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at [duke-energy.com](http://www.duke-energy.com/). The [Duke Energy News Center](http://news.duke-energy.com/) serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, [illumination](http://illumination.duke-energy.com/) is an online destination for stories about people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy. Follow Duke Energy on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/dukeenergy), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/duke-energy-corporation), [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/duke_energy) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dukeenergy). **About Golden State Foods** Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant (QSR) and retail industries. Established in 1947, the company is values-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With 7,000 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 125,000 stores on five continents from its 50 facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, protein, produce, dairy and full-line logistics services to the foodservice and retail industries. The company also runs the GSF Foundation, a national nonprofit organization to help children and families in need. For more information, please visit [goldenstatefoods.com](http://www.goldenstatefoods.com/). **About SafeConnect Systems** SafeConnect Systems is the developer and manufacturer of an innovative, control-circuit enhanced electric standby connection system for hybrid (diesel-electric) Transport Refrigeration Units (e-TRUs). The company's six-pin control circuit system, safeguards people and equipment from the dangers of high-voltage electricity commonly associated with human error and traditional connection systems. SafeConnect has earned EPA's coveted SmartWay® Verified Technology status, to make it a quickly emerging new standard for electric standby connection systems. For more information visit [safeconnectsystems.com](http://www.safeconnectsystems.com/) or call 844 R U SAFE 2 (844.787.2332). **Media Contacts**: Duke Energy: Randy Wheeless Office: 704.382.8379 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 Email: Twitter: [@DE\_RandyW](http://twitter.com/DE_RandyW) Golden State Foods: Ashley Blua Office: 949.247.8000 Cell: 818.326.5369 Email: [![logo](/sites/default/files/Clients/Duke-Energy-Logo-4c.jpg)](/profiles/duke-energy) ### More from Duke Energy Corporation ###### [Duke Energy Announces Loree Elswick as President of the Duke Energy Foundation](/news/duke-energy-announces-loree-elswick-president-duke-energy-foundation) Nov 18, 2025 8:30 AM ET ###### [Duke Energy Foundation Gives $100,000 to One SC Fund as Part of Annual Campaign To Help Fight Hunger in South Carolina](/news/duke-energy-foundation-gives-100000-one-sc-fund-part-annual-campaign-help-fight-hunger-south) Nov 12, 2025 8:30 AM ET ###### [A Home Run Partnership: Duke Energy Foundation, Tampa Bay Rays Donate $82,000 To Help Florida Customers Pay Energy Bills](/news/home-run-partnership-duke-energy-foundation-tampa-bay-rays-donate-82000-help-florida-customers) Oct 14, 2025 9:10 AM ET ###### [Duke Energy Foundation Awarded Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year by the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals](/news/duke-energy-foundation-awarded-corporate-social-impact-team-year-association-corporate) Oct 9, 2025 8:40 AM ET ###### [Building Momentum: Duke Energy Partners With Local Economic Development Organizations to Market High-Potential Industrial Sites in Connersville, Westfield](/news/building-momentum-duke-energy-partners-local-economic-development-organizations-market-high) Oct 7, 2025 9:15 AM ET ###### [Duke Energy Helps Communities Across Ohio and Kentucky Prepare Sites To Bring Local Investment, Jobs](/news/duke-energy-helps-communities-across-ohio-and-kentucky-prepare-sites-bring-local-investment) Oct 3, 2025 9:15 AM ET ###### [Duke Energy and Its Foundation Surpass $30 Million Over 10 Years To Support Community Resilience, Disaster Relief Efforts](/news/duke-energy-and-its-foundation-surpass-30-million-over-10-years-support-community-resilience) Oct 2, 2025 8:55 AM ET ###### [Nonprofits on the Frontlines of Helene Recovery Honored with Staff Care Grants](/news/nonprofits-frontlines-helene-recovery-honored-staff-care-grants) Sep 30, 2025 9:20 AM ET