By bringing forth California Water Association’s (CWA) Petition for Commission consideration, the Commission is afforded an opportunity to evaluate the merits of the operational energy efficiency programs and determine whether they advance the strategic goals we set forth in D.07-12-050.
CWA’s Petition contains detailed descriptions for all eight proposed programs including (1) location by well or booster pump description, (2) costs broken down in detail, (3) in-service target dates, (4) estimated energy savings in kWh per year, and (5) operating efficiency targets. The total cost of these programs is $1.33 million as shown in the following table:
|
Water Utility |
Initial capital cost – Well Pump |
Initial capital cost – Booster Pump |
|
Alco Water Service (Salinas District) / PG&E |
$194,000 |
$53,000 |
|
Del Oro Water (PG&E) |
N/A |
$100,000 |
|
California Water Service (PG&E) |
$110,000 |
$95,000 |
|
Golden State Water Company (PG&E) |
N/A |
$100,000 |
|
San Jose Water Company (PG&E) |
$95,000 |
$100,000 |
|
California Water Service (SCE) |
$110,000 |
N/A |
|
Golden State Water Company (SCE) |
$100,000 |
$60,000 |
|
East Pasadena Water Company (SCE) |
$139,500 |
$75,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$748,500 |
$583,000 |
These eight operational energy efficiency programs are designed to demonstrate potential improvements in wire-to-water operational efficiency. They include assembling the appropriate combination of induction motors, pumps, variable frequency drives and SCADA systems such that optimal efficiency levels are reached. All the programs include the installation of variable frequency drives (VFD) at the well and/or booster pump locations. VFDs allow the adjustment of the motor speed of the pump so that the pump can run at its optimum efficiency point while meeting the water system’s pumping needs. In addition, existing pump motors are replaced with new higher efficiency motors. As necessary, SCADA system upgrades are made to monitor energy usage and pump efficiency to enable the utility to operate the pump most efficiently. Estimated in service dates for the programs are mid-year 2009 or sooner. An estimate of the potential energy savings is provided based on projected efficiency improvements.
In each case, the existing pump will be replaced and the SCADA system enhanced. Since this existing equipment will not have reached the end of its useful life, it will be retired prematurely and will be taken out of ratebase. As such, the utility will be no longer be able to earn a return on this retired equipment. Therefore, for each program, CWA requests that the electric IOU provide full funding for the program. The Petition outlines a four Phase process where at each phase the efficiency will be measured as different equipment is added to the well/booster stations.
CWA states that it believes the programs described in the Petition will help the energy utilities achieve their energy efficiency goals and mandates. CWA explains that the test programs proposed may demonstrate energy savings that will, when the program is ultimately expanded, benefit all of the energy utility’s ratepayers.
Attached to D.08-11-057 is an Appendix containing more information on each program.