ACWA Energy Expert Addresses California Energy Commission Workshop; Speaks of Relationship Between Water and Energy

Business Wire, June 21, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Speaking today at a California Energy Commission workshop, Dr. Lon House, energy consultant for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), informed attendees that water agencies are in a unique position to curtail energy usage when necessary to help the state during times of increased demand.

"Dr. House is drawing attention to some of the ways in which water agencies can help the state avoid blackouts or even grid failure during an energy crisis," said ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall. "In desperate times, the water community has a real opportunity to rise to the occasion to further serve not only their customers, but all Californians."

House's comments came at a workshop designed to examine the relationship between water and energy. At present, water agencies already curtail about 400 megawatts (MW) of on-demand power. As a result of activities associated with treating, pumping and moving water, water agencies are the single largest electricity users in California, with a 3,200 MW maximum demand.

House drew attention to other means of potential energy savings, power production, and reallocation of resources by water agencies, including:

--Additional curtailment using existing resources, increased water storage, and time-of-use rates;

--Increased energy production using available standby generators; small hydroelectric systems; biogas; natural gas engines; and solar power.

In the coming years, water agencies will require additional power to continue to the meet the needs of the state's growing population, to use technologies such as desalination and to meet requirements and other regulations. With these and other proposed means of conservation and production of energy, House believes that the water community will be capable of meeting that need and further assisting the state during high-demand periods. He noted, however, that these options also would require more consistent state policies and regulatory requirements along with financial incentives.

ACWA is a statewide association composed of 440 members that are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. To view the presentation, please visit http://www.acwa.com/issues/ACWA W-E June 21 comments.pdf.