California Water Energy Pilot Results Available
Several years ago California embarked on a noble experiment – allowing electric utilities to participate in water conservation programs to try and capture the energy savings associated with saving water. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved Water-Energy Pilot Programs (in decision D. 07-12-050), through which the largest electric utilities in the state would develop partnerships with water agencies, undertake specific water conservation and efficiency programs, and measure the results.
The results from the Water-Energy Pilots are now available The report can be viewed at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Energy+Efficiency/EM+and+V/index.htm.
Here’s a summary:
List of California Water Energy Pilot Projects
PG&E Large Commercial Customers – audits and financial incentives
PG&E Low Income High Efficiency Toilets (Single-family) - installation of high efficiency toilets in low income homes
PG&E Emerging Technologies – Energy information integrated into water system SCADA systems
SCE Low Income High Efficiency Toilets (Multi-family) - installation of high efficiency toilets in low income apartments
SCE Express Water Efficiency – installation of commercial pH controllers and weather based irrigation controllers
SCE Leak Detection - leak detection for three water systems
SDG&E Managed Landscapes – installation of advanced irrigation controllers
SDG&E Recycled Water Retrofits – installation of recycled water for irrigation
SDG&E Large Customer Audits – installation of water conservation measures.
Summary of Key Findings
Leak Detection – offered greatest energy savings potential of all the pilot programs.
High Efficiency Toilets - energy savings were ‘modest”. Leakage on the newly installed toilets was “a prevalent problem”.
Emerging Technologies – did not result in any energy savings, as pumping energy information was not successfully integrated into water system SCADA systems.
pH Controllers - high water savings, but due to an unusual installation. Not likely to be typical.
Large Customer Audits - water efficiency improvements at detention resulted in high energy savings.
Recycled Water Retrofits – high potable water savings, but unclear if substantial net energy savings resulted.
Managed Landscapes – water savings of 25 percent are achievable through use of smart controllers.
