Energy
Since its inception, SVCW has proactively focused on optimizing energy generation and maximizing energy recovery in the wastewater process while meeting all water quality standards. By installing Tesla lithium-ion batteries and smart primary service switchgear, SVCW can reduce electrical demand charges from the utility company and improve the reliability of the plant electrical system.
Energy Storage for Demand Management
Through a $1 million Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) grant from the State of California, SVCW installed new 1 MW Tesla® Li-ion batteries to manage its power demand around the plant. Using smart algorithms and machine learning, the energy storage system charges during low-cost, low demand periods and discharges to minimize the peak demand and reduce the power cost in terms of demand charges. This system was placed in operation October 2020, and is expected to save $150,000 in utility demand charges per year, and an additional $25,000 per year by participating in the demand response program. SVCW pays a significant portion of its electric bill as demand charge due to being a large industrial customer of PG&E. SVCW is one of the first agencies to implement such demand management strategies and technologies at a wastewater treatment plant.