Sustainable Energy Solutions - Energy Master Plan Project
Award
Description
“The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts, a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, provide customers of five water systems in the Antelope Valley, Kagel Canyon, Val Verde, Acton, and Malibu with potable water from local groundwater and purchased imported water. The Districts serve approximately 240,000 people through 67,000 connections. The Districts also operate and maintain 115 water storage reservoirs (over 80 million gallons), 54 groundwater wells, 137 booster pumps and pressure regulating stations, and 1,374 miles of water mains.
The Districts’ mission is to provide reliable, high-quality water in a safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally responsible manner. Since the 1960’s electric rates have been steadily increasing from 2.5¢ per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 10¢ per kWh in 2010. Due to such a significant increase, the Districts have spent approximately $3.5 million a year for its electricity consumption in recent years. Additionally, the Districts expect to consume more electricity to meet larger customer demands in the future. The consumption of greater amounts of electricity means more emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) generated in the process of creating power from fossil fuels. As public servants and stewards of the environment, it is our job to be responsible and as such use electricity efficiently.
Prior to 2014, the Districts initiated programs like a well maintenance program, optimization of electric rates, and a renewable energy program to mitigate rising costs in electricity and increases in electrical consumption. From 2007 to 2014, these programs have reduced electrical consumption by approximately 5 million kWh and avoided close to a million dollars in utility costs.
Although these programs have been successful, there is a lot more that can be done. Looking into the future, in 20 years it is estimated that electric costs will increase from $3.5 million per year to $11.5 million per year and that electrical consumption will go from 31 million kWh per year to 49 million kWh per year.
The Districts’ goals to improve, optimize, and reduce its energy consumption and GHG emissions necessitate the development of an Energy Master Plan. The Plan identifies a portfolio of cost effective programs and projects to reduce the Districts’ future energy usage and costs, as well as GHG emissions.
The Plan included 4 major parts;
• Present State: Baseline was established as the average values of Electrical Consumption, Electrical Cost, and Greenhouse Emissions from 2011, 2012, and 2013.
• Project Identification: 45 projects were considered and evaluated, 15 projects were selected based on initial cost, savings, and GHG reductions.
• Project Implementation: Each project was assigned to an appropriate team, funds were investigated, and projects schedules were prepared.
• Follow Up: Tracking the progress of the project with respect to energy reductions, cost savings, and GHG elimination. The plan will be updated every 3 to 5 years based on results and changes in technology.
The fifteen projects selected are projected to reduce the cost of energy by approximately $29.5 million, reduce the electrical usage by 276 million kwh and eliminate 193,200 metric ton of GHG by 2034 based on the project implementations schedule. The selected projects include:
A Five Megawatt Solar Field Array designed to generate an estimated of 1.46 million kwh/year, reducing GHG emissions by 172,380 metric tons.
A Pressure Reducing Turbine (PRT) at a water distribution facility to harvest energy from the pressure drop turning it into green electricity. The project will produce 1.4 million kWh per year of clean and sustainable energy and reduce of GHG emissions equivalent to those from 120 passenger vehicles.
Resizing our fleet and considering alternative fuels to be more efficient while maintaining our current level of service in all areas. This would reduce fuel consumption by approximately 20% and eliminate the use of almost 20,000 gallon annually, resulting in reductions of GHG emissions and lowering costs for our customers.
Installing Variable Frequency Drives to reduce amount of pumping needed to serve customers in Acton resulting in $14,500 of annual savings and the elimination of 91 metric tons of GHG annually.
Additional projects included in the Plan are; installing solar carports and energy efficient interior lighting in a field office, waterline replacement for more efficient pumping operation, and installing automated water treatment/monitoring facilities that would significantly reduce field visits. “
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