Water & Wastewater Treatment

26 | NOVEMBER 2014 | WWT | www.wwtonline.co.uk In the know Technically speaking: Energy effi ciency contracting is an alternative nancing mechanism that can enable water utilities to move forward with energy e ciency programmes. This method o en requires minimal upfront capital costs, which helps address the chal- lenge of budget constraints." Utilities that are nancially sound with a strong business case for im- provement prefer to self-implement an energy e ciency programme rather than share cost savings with a third party. "But energy performance contracts can be a win-win situation for utilities looking to achieve meaningful reduc- tions in their energy bills that do not have available capital or sta• resources to implement necessary changes," Buxton added. The Water Smart Grid US water utilities are strong believers in the immediate bene ts of advanced metering systems. Nearly 75 percent of all respondents cited direct meter reading cost reductions as a primary driver for considering automatic meter reading (AMR) or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) programmes, com- monly referred to as smart metering. Nearly half of respondents cited leak detection as another bene t, which can reduce expenses associated with non- revenue water. AMR is a system that enables utility meter reading via mobile or drive-by technology. AMI, on the other hand, refers to more advanced technology where meter data is transmitted over a two-way, xed network to a central control center for processing. Kevin Cornish, Operational Tech- nologies Consulting Practice Lead, Black & Veatch observes: "We expect growth in AMI use across the industry because of the additional bene ts these systems can provide beyond meter reading cost reductions. Bene ts of AMI systems include the ability to remotely control network devices, such as smart meters, enhanced customer service and enhanced leak detection solutions." Projects that the technologies commonly referred to as the "Smart Water Grid" – such as smart meters or distribution sensors – will become an integral part of water utilities' enter- prise operations. "Water utilities can achieve similar results as their electric utility peers who have realised increased system re- liability, improved operating e ciency and enhanced customer service as a result of their AMI programs," Cornish Black & Veatch's third annual Strategic Directions: U.S. Water report compiles data and insight from water utility leaders across the United States; survey responses were col- lected between 3 March and 4 April, 2014. Among the key issues identifi ed in the report were ongoing concerns with ageing infrastructure, challenging fi nancial conditions and the need for customer education. Water smart grid programmes, such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), can support customer education programs. More than 60 percent of water utility leaders stated their organisation is considering or has implemented AMI to reduce costs. How- ever, less than half are considering the use of web-based portals that use AMI data so that customers can better manage their water use and account. The full report is available for download at no charge via www.bv.com/reports. continues. Using Cloud-Based Programmes Water utilities can continue moving toward greater levels of automation. Furthermore, water utilities can bene t from cloud-based services that have al- tered the economics of advanced auto- mation programs. The bene ts that cloud-based ser- vices provide utilities were highlighted in Black & Veatch's Strategic Directions: Utility Automation & Integration report released in January 2014. That report stated, "Multi-tenant systems (cloud-based) have the scale and security needed to safeguard critical operational data and sensitive client information. Most importantly, they give even the smallest organiza- tions cost-e• ective access to big system capabilities. Previously inaccessible computing power and data analyt- ics and management tools can be deployed to increase e ciency and help facilitate data-driven management Strategic Directions research - Background approaches." Cloud-based services are closing the technology gap between small and large utilities. No longer will the latest technology be limited to large organiza- tions capable of supporting dedicated IT budgets and sta• . To achieve the desired future state of highly automated and e cient operations, such as a one-person water plant operation, utility leaders should incorporate technology master plans into their overall asset management plan. A er all, evolving from a highly manual process organization to a fully automated utility will take time, change management and a thorough evaluation of current practices and future needs. In an era where utilities are con- stantly looking to 'do more with less,' investing in automation technologies and greater intelligence will help water leaders meet their e ciency goals, be- come more resilient and provide greater levels of customer service. For further info go to wwtonline.co.uk Summary of research into technologies or actions to better manage energy use

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