One of the state’s largest end uses of electricity is in the treatment, heating, and conveyance of water in California. This is known to many as the “Water/Energy Nexus.” The IOUs currently offer many incentive programs in the areas of energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed generation related to the water/energy nexus.
The CPUC recently authorized a series of pilot programs exploring whether energy savings may be realized through water conservation measures. Implicit in this approach is the concept that saving water saves energy. The Energy Division is currently analyzing whether an increase in energy efficiency portfolio emphasis on measures that maximize energy savings in the water sector – such as through leak loss detection and enhancement of water systems efficiency – may be warranted. The Energy Division is also currently considering how cost effectiveness should be analyzed for water/energy nexus programs.
Announcements:
The Energy Division will host Workshops on programs and cost-effectiveness related to the Water/Energy Nexus on March 20th and 21st, at the CPUC in San Francisco. These workshops are being held in response to the most recent Energy Efficiency Guidance Decision, 12-05-015, which gave direction on programs related to the Water/Energy nexus. The 20th will cover demand-side programs offered by the IOUs related to water, this will focus mainly on energy efficiency programs, but may also include Demand Response and DG. The 21st will focus on a discussion of the Energy Division Staff Proposal for a comprehensive Water/Energy Cost Effectiveness Framework .
Embedded Energy in Water Studies and Pilots –
The Commission directed the IOUs to partner with water agencies and implement programs to decrease the amount of energy used to obtain, treat and distribute water to end-use customers. Read Water Studies 1, 2 and 3 and the Embedded Energy in Water Pilot Programs Impact Evaluation.