Energy Management

The cost of operating water and wastewater facilities is increasing on every front; salaries, replacement parts, vehicles, chemicals, electric power, etc. Customers expect these facilities to provide high quality service at the lowest price possible. Energy costs are an area that should be reviewed regularly for possible savings. Technology associated with motors, motor controls, pumps, valves, etc. is improving almost as fast as the computer industry. The electric industry is going through major changes, as a result of deregulation. In the near future, you will be getting as many telephone calls to change your electric provider as you now get from long distance telephone companies. System owners and operators must consider all these changes to control operating costs. Don't automatically order a new motor identical to the 15-year old model that burned out. Consider negotiating special power rates, if you are willing to restrict running high service pumps to off-peak times. Changing times calls for different thinking.

The attached article review provides more thoughts on energy management from energy management articles in Journal - American Water Works Association and WEF Operations Form.

The following web sites are sources of information that may be of benefit.

• U.S. Department of Energy (D O E) Motor Challenge Information Clearinghouse has moved to Office of Industrial Technologies' Best Practices portfolio--a collection of all the resources that previously made up the Challenge programs at www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices

• D O E Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network at http://www.eren.doe.gov/. The site includes several examples of how to reduce energy at sewage lift stations and water pump stations.

• Energy - Water Connection at http://www.energy.ca.gov/process