Why blender pumps?

Most likely you are probably asking yourself what is a blender pump and how does it affect me?

Don’t worry; you’re not the only one with these types of questions as many drivers are starting to learn about the benefits that blender pumps have to offer.

First, you should know that ethanol blender pumps have only been around for a short amount of time, since 2006. The nation’s very first ethanol blender pump was put into operation at 4 Seasons Co-op in March 2006 up in Britton, South Dakota. This new technology allowed drivers to choose the mixture of fuel they would like to put into their fuel tanks. Other fuel retailers began to slowly add this new technology to their fuel stations across the nation to give drivers a choice at the pump.

So now that you know the history of the blender pump, you are probably wondering why you hardly see blender pumps at fuel stations. One main reason is that blender pumps aren’t a cheap investment for fuel retailers. The approximate cost of a blender pump is around $26,000, approximately $7,500 more than a regular fuel dispenser.

Although blender pumps are expensive, retailers can apply for grants to help cover the expense of installing a blender pump. For example, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association have a $5,000 grant that Nebraska fuel retailers can apply for to help cover their installation cost of a blender pump. In order to apply for this grant, fuel retailers need to download and fill out an application from the Nebraska Corn Board website and then send it into the Nebraska Corn Board office where the Market Development Committee will review the applications.

Like it was said earlier, blender pumps are not a cheap investment and a reason why there are less than 20 locations in Nebraska that offer blender pumps. Now most would think that these locations would mainly be in the more populated parts of the state such as Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha. However, that is not the case and while Grand Island does have two blender pump locations, Lincoln and Omaha have none. It is actually surprising that neither Lincoln nor Omaha have a blender pump location especially from the fact that these locations have the highest number of flex fuel vehicles on the road! Lincoln has approximately 15,000 flex fuel vehicles and Omaha has over 25,000 flex fuel vehicles with many more commuting into the communities each day.

Some may think that the reason there are very few blender pump locations is from the fact that there aren’t very many benefits. Yet, that isn’t the case, and blender pumps offer drivers of flex fuel vehicles many different benefits.

One main benefit is drivers can choose their own blends of fuel. A person can choose a higher amount of gasoline blended with ethanol or vice versa. For example, a blender pump location may offer the choice of either E30 (30% ethanol, 70% gasoline), E50 (50% ethanol, 50% gasoline), or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).

Not only do blender pumps give drivers a choice at the pump, but it also allows drivers to keep more money in their pockets. Studies have shown that using blender pumps can actually save drivers money compared to using regular gasoline. Sometimes the savings can range from ten cents a gallon up to almost forty cents a gallon. Now, when you look at that it doesn’t seem to be much. However, if you fill up a 12 gallon tank, and you get a forty cent savings, you end up saving $4.80 every time you fill up. Still doesn’t seem like your saving much? Well, if you figure you have to fill up at least once a week, you end up saving $19 each month or $228 a year. In today’s economy, every dollar we save can end up going towards something else.

Not only is ethanol saving drivers money and giving them a choice, it also helps their vehicles run better. Studies have shown that using higher blends of ethanol actually help a vehicle engine run smoother plus increase its horsepower. It should be noted though that ONLY flex fuel vehicles can use higher blends of ethanol greater than E10. If you aren’t sure if your vehicle is a flex fuel one, check either the owner’s manual, the gas cap, or look for the flex fuel emblem which should say whether you can use higher blends of ethanol. You can also visit EthanolRetailer.com to see if your own car is flex fuel or if you are looking for a new flex fuel vehicle.

Next time you pull into the fuel station, check to see if they use blender pumps. If they do and you drive a flex fuel vehicle, don’t be afraid to use them. Just remember the benefits that blender pumps have to offer and also realize that you are supporting your local economy and the 26,000 Nebraska corn farmers! If you would like to learn more information about ethanol or Nebraska corn farmers, be sure to visit the Nebraska Corn Board website!