As gas prices rise in East Tennessee, locals are looking for alternative fuels.
Some people are using compressed natural gas as opposed to liquid gasoline because of its low cost. Scott Appalachian Industries is a business that cares for the elderly in Huntsville. Executive Director Larry West started construction on a natural gas station more than a year ago.
However, it opened to the public in January.
"It doesn't break down the oil in your engine as dramatically as gasoline," West said.
Friday, gas at the station was $1.68. According to AAA, the average price of gas in East Tennessee was $3.77.
West said people do not only like natural gas because it's cheaper, but it is also cleaner.
"We just buy gas from our local gas company and we compress it to high pressure storage so it will quickly flow over into somebody's automobile," he said.
Craig Chambers works for L.K. Metals of Oneida. That company already has two natural gas trucks and plans to covert four more vehicles to handle the fuel.
"We were spending 35 to 40 dollars a day and now we're spending 10 dollars a day," he said.
Any car that uses gasoline can also consume natural gas. However, that car must have its system converted in order to handle it. That can cost drivers thousands of dollars.
Another caveat is that there are not a lot of natural gas stations in the country.
"That's the downfall," said Chambers, whose truck only takes in natural gas.
The use of natural gas cars is increasing, however. The Knoxville Utilities Board's vehicle are powered on natural gas. The City of Loudon General Manager Lynn Mills also told 10News it is considering using natural gas cars as well.
Currently, about eight people visit the station in Huntsville on a daily basis. There is also another public station in Wartburg.