Opportunities for Strategic Energy Management in the Municipal Water Sector
The municipal water system provides critical services to communities across the country and consumes a significant amount of energy in doing so. Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) and Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTPs) can account for approximately 35 percent of a municipal energy budget. As the number of municipalities in the region establishing energy and carbon reduction goals continues to rise, the water sector is becoming an increasingly attractive area to target for savings. Energy efficiency is a core strategy that communities can focus on to meet their goals. Strategic Energy Management (SEM) is a comprehensive program that municipalities can implement within public water facilities to capture extensive savings.
NEEP’s report, Opportunities for Strategic Energy Management in the Municipal Water Sector, provides an in-depth examination of incorporating SEM into the municipal water-wastewater sector. The report identifies barriers to SEM integration, offers recommendations and resources for key stakeholders, and recognizes exemplary programs that have generated significant results.
