Energy Indexing Method Released
Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) recently announced the publication
of a new report on a method for water and wastewater utilities to
compare their energy use with their peer organizations. Effectively
managing energy use can significantly reduce a utility's operating
costs.
AwwaRF has a long history of sponsoring research to help water
utilities manage operations more efficiently. In the study on which the
report is based, metrics were developed that can be used by a utility
to measure and compare its energy use to that of other utilities. Using
the method can help track energy use over time and pinpoint where
improvements can be made and where best practices are already in place.
This study was co-sponsored by the California Energy Commission and the
New York State Energy Research and Development Association.
"Ten percent or more of a typical utility's total operating
cost is spent on energy to run the facility," said Robert C. Renner,
executive director of AwwaRF. "The results of this study will assist
utilities in developing strategies for more effectively managing energy
expenses. Ultimately, it will help utilities to continue providing
affordable water to their customers."
The water and wastewater energy benchmarking model from this
research will be adapted and modified by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency in its ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR is designed
to promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and save money for
consumers, organizations and businesses.
The report, "Energy Index Development for Benchmarking Water
and Wastewater Utilities" (order #91201), which includes the
benchmarking tool, is currently available to subscribers of AwwaRF. The
report will become available publicly early next year. To learn more
about AwwaRF and its research, please go to www.AwwaRF.org.