ACEEE urging energy, water utilities to join forces

October 4, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Energy and water are inherently linked on both the supply and end-use sides, hence the energy-water nexus. New research from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy can help utilities recognize the connection between energy, water and energy efficiency in order to save water, energy and costs.

According to the research, collaboration between utilities to jointly run water and energy-efficiency programs has been limited but, when approached correctly, can be highly effective. The research makes these recommendations for taking the first steps to implementing water and energy utility-run programs in collaboration with other utilities:

Start a dialogue about opportunities and establish relationships.
Create utility partnerships for joint messaging.
Collaborate to identify unique funding opportunities.
Develop a format to add energy savings calculations to water programs and vice versa.
Work with energy regulators to establish credit for embedded energy savings from water-efficiency programs and vice versa.
Create a strategy with measurable goals to help clarify priorities and roles, and communicate it clearly.

The benefits of joint water and energy programs run by utilities are vast. These joint endeavors can help make efficiency measures more cost effective through sharing of resources and expenses while dual water and energy audits, rebate programs, and education and outreach can reduce the number of times utilities have to knock on doors. Further, relationships with manufacturers and retailers can be leveraged to increase the market penetration of programs and technology.

For more:
- see this report

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/aceee-urging-energy-water-utilities-join-forces/2013-10-04