Energy Use Management, Utility Incentives and Zero Capitol Energy Upgrade Financing

There is a growing concern in rising energy costs and the implications on operating budgets for the treatment of waste water. The concern is spurring significant interest in strategies to control energy cost. This paper presents some of the key elements of an energy management program and a framework for institutionalizing energy efficient best practices. WWTF have few reasonable options to control continually increasing cost of equipment, labor and construction. Budgets are heavily controlled and often all but essential operating costs are kept at a minimum. WWTF are often the most energy intensive facilities owned and operated by local governments and energy can account for approximately 30% of the total operating and maintenance cost of WWTFs. As budgets get squeezed, operators have to be alert to energy saving opportunities. This paper is intended to assists WWTF personal at consideration a comprehensive approach to manage their energy cost and usage. It is also hoped that it will lead to more WWTFs implementing energy management practices as a core function while embracing energy efficient best practices.