Top 10 Utility News for 2022

This year was filled with new trucks and equipment for utility workers. We also saw new agreements and a push toward a greener future with several companies.

Here are Work Truck's top utility news stories for 2022.

2022's Top Utility News

1. 2023 Ford Super Duty — New Engines, Advanced Tech 

Ford introduced its new 2023 F-Series Super Duty lineup of pickup trucks and chassis cabs in September. Some notable features include Pro Upfit Integration System for body equipment and upfits and a 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission.

2. Terex, Duke Energy, and Viatec to Electrify Utility Fleets

Terex and Duke Energy have invested in Viatec's Series B. They are working on focusing on simple and reliable plug-in electric PTO solutions that help minimize engine idling, reducing carbon emissions and enabling quieter equipment operation. 

3. JLG Expands into Tennessee, Adds Capacity at Three Plants

JLG Industries expanded in Jefferson City, Tennessee in March. The company had a record $3.6 billion in backlog entering in 2022 and used the new 60,000-sq.-ft. space to increase production. 

4. CORE Trucks: Taking the Driver's Seat

In "Taking the Driver's Seat," Executive Editor Lauren Fletcher takes a spin behind the new EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles CORE Truck. The video also discusses the enhancements and ease of repair and maintenance of the truck.

5. Terex to Debut All-Electric Bucket Truck at EUFMC

Terex debuted its all-electric bucket truck on a Class 6/7 medium-duty chassis at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in June. 

6. SoCalGas Successfully Tests Microgrid Demonstration Project

The company's [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey, California, is now using renewable hydrogen that is produced onsite. The project will demonstrate the reliability of a renewable hydrogen microgrid that can power neighborhoods, according to SoCalGas' news release.

7. Terex Names First 9 Utilities to Order New All-Electric Bucket Truck

The company announced nine different utility companies that will recieved the new Terex Optima 55-ft aerial device.

8. MiX Telematics Signs 5-Year Contract with Australian Utility Provider

MiX Telematics Australasia was awarded a contract for power provider, Horizon Power, in Western Australia in August.

9. SoCalGas Is the First to Issue a Green Bond

SoCalGas issued $600 million of 30-year fixed-rate "Green First Mortgage Bonds" under Sempra's Sustainable Financing Framework to directly support the company's sustainability investments.

10. Biden Nominates Utility Former Board Chair to Rejoin TVA

President Joe Biden nominated former board chairman of Tennessee Valley Authority Joe Ritch to rejoin to the TVA board.

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