BUFFALO, N.Y. -- With the peak driving season upon us, NOCO Express and AAA Western and Central New York have teamed up to offer a fuel savings and rewards program to Western New York AAA members.

The "AAA & NOCO Fuel Advantage" will save drivers three cents on every gallon of gas purchased when they swipe their AAA membership card at participating NOCO Express stations. In addition, AAA members will earn reward points -- 10 points for every gallon of gas purchased and 20 points for every dollar spent inside a NOCO Express store -- redeemable for free NOCO Express gift cards.

This is good news for drivers as a regular gallon of gas in New York was recorded at $4.163 as of this morning, according to AAA.

"As a locally owned and operated company, we know that the high cost of gasoline is impacting the budgets of families throughout the region, including the families of our 700 employees," said Michael F. Newman, executive vice president, NOCO Energy Corp. "We are doing our best to find ways to provide savings to our customers in these very difficult market conditions and the program we are partnering with AAA Western and Central New York is one way we are trying to bring some relief."

The "AAA & NOCO Fuel Advantage" is the first savings program between the two. The organizations have formed a long-term discount partnership that allows future savings opportunities and additional benefits for AAA members and NOCO Express customers.

"With the average cost of self-serve regular currently over $4 a gallon, motorists are looking for ways to save," explained Tom Chestnut, president and chief executive officer of AAA Western and Central New York. "The cost of gasoline impacts the family budget, and AAA understands how important it is to offset higher costs by taking advantage of every available discount."