Flex Your Power Case Study: Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) operates four sewage treatment plants in Southern California with an annual energy demand of 70,000 Megawatts/hour. IEUA currently has 17 accounts served by Southern California Edison (SCE). But in 2001 when electricity and natural gas prices were estimated to rise 19 percent and energy
sources became unreliable, the agency decided to seek independence from the commercial electricity and natural gas markets. It achieved a large degree of self-sufficiency by implementing an energy efficiency and conservation program in its wastewater plants, which resulted in energy cost savings for IEUA, while keeping IEUA services safe and reliable.

The goals of the projects were to:
- Provide uninterrupted service;
- Develop a strategy to minimize or eliminate future wastewater rate increases resulting from higher power supply costs;
- Build self-sufficiency and local control over longterm energy supplies;
- Help improve electric generation for the benefit of the IEUA service area (e.g., municipal power Joint Power arrangements with the cities); and
- Assist the region and California in meeting its energy needs.

IEUA reduced grid energy demands by up to 90 percent during peak hours and saved 2,991,980 kWh during the 120 days in the summer of 2001. During the summer months, energy use at the administrative building fell by 14 percent. Achieved 12 percent reduction in energy usage, or 6,200 MWh through conservation measures.