Energy Efficiency Programs for Water and Wastewater Utilities

Every day, utilities are confronting an increasingly complex array of regulatory and internal mandates and stakeholder demands for developing and integrating sustainable practices and services into their businesses. Simultaneously, they are feeling equal pressure to become more efficient and reduce their cost of service. Further, the options for integrating “green” practices and services can be overwhelming, and the metrics for success can be challenging. Water and wastewater utilities need large amounts of energy to deliver their services. After labor, energy costs are generally the second highest annual operating and maintenance line item in a utility's budget.Programs promoting energy efficiency provide water and wastewater utilities with win-win opportunities. These programs lower the cost of service, enhance the utility's image, and provide environmental and social benefits.