How can we ease the transition from gas?

Let’s help our small businesses make the transition to create a more resilient local business community and simultaneously build a cleaner, quieter, healthier township.

Dozens of municipalities have successfully addressed this: Montgomery County MD and both Montclair and Maplewood, NJ offer grants of $500 per blower and $2,000 for mobile charging systems. Washington D.C. covers up to 75 percent of the cost for small landscapers. Evanston IL created a loan fund with zero interest for 12 months.

Our Township could allocate a portion of its Sustainability Fund or apply for state Clean Energy Program grants to offer rebates for battery platforms and charging infrastructures. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s 2025 Small Business Advantage program includes landscape equipment electrification as eligible for up to $7,000 in support.

The fuel and maintenance savings from shifting to battery power pay back initial investments within two years. With rebates, the return is faster and bigger.

Some landscapers have expressed concerns about cash flow during the transition. Yes, there is an up-front cost, but it’s temporary. And partnerships and support can help.

Gas and oil prices fluctuate dramatically, while the cost of electricity has not only been lower, it’s also more stable. In the long run, electric tools save money and improve working conditions.

Of course it takes investment in training to ensure smart use of new technology. Our Sustainability Committee could coordinate with manufacturers like STIHL, EGO, ECHO, and Greenworks. They offer free information and training sessions on how to install mobile chargers, store batteries safely, train fleets and commercial crews, and more. Other free resources include learning from exemplars – such as Montgomery County MD, Montclair and Maplewood, NJ, and Arlington, VA– as well as from landscapers in our area who are using battery power.

Let’s help our small businesses make the transition to create a more resilient local business community and simultaneously build a cleaner, quieter, healthier township.