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3. Implement Recommended Improvements
National Links
Improved electrical systems make your treatment facility more efficient.
Click below to navigate to Step 4:
What types of improvements can be made to save energy?
There are many technologies available to improve energy efficiency and generate renewable energy at a plant.
Energy Efficient Technologies and Practices
EPA Energy Conservation factsheet
- Lighting improvements
- Fine-bubble diffusers and aeration systems that can lower energy costs by 25 percent or more
- Automated control systems that control pump operations, monitor pump efficiencies and shift loads to off-peak times
- Upgrade pumping and blower systems, including high-efficiency motors, variable frequency drives and optimal sizing and sequencing to greatly reduce wire-to water ratio
- UV irradiation systems that can lower capital and operating costs while reducing hazardous chemical risk
- Increased sludge dewatering that can reduce sludge transportation and disposal costs
- Upgraded HVAC systems
- Operating and Maintenance Practices
Renewable Energy Technologies
EPA factsheet on Viable Sources of Power
- Anaerobic digesters that can heat facilities and generate electricity
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydroelectric turbines
- Fuel Cells
Are there resources available to assist in implementing improvements?
Yes, many states in the Mid-Atlantic region offer resources for implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Operator and maintenance trainings are also available.
U.S. Government
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is an innovative method of financing a range of environmental projects. Under the program, the EPA provides grants or "seed money" to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state loan funds. The states, in turn, make loans to communities, individuals, and others for high-priority water-quality activities.
Delaware
Delaware Green Energy Programs: The DE Green Energy Program 
provides grant money for installation of renewable sources of energy.
The Sustainable Energy Utility is a nonprofit corporation managed by a contract administrator that develops end-user markets for efficiency and conservation, customer-sited renewable energy, and affordable energy services for low and moderate income familes.
District of Columbia
The Renewable Energy Demonstration Project provides grant funds that will assist in the installation of a renewable energy generation system. Applicants may apply for funding to implement a replicable project that reliably produces electricity using a renewable source of fuel (i.e., photovoltaic, biomass, wind or hydropower where appropriate).
Maryland
Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program (JELLP) provides local governments, nonprofits, and businesses a unique opportunity to reduce their operating expenses by identifying and installing energy conservation improvements. The program is open continuously throughout the fiscal year to accept applications, and JELLP staff is available to work with applicants in completing the application forms and explaining program requirements. Currently, JELLP funds approximately $1.5 million in new projects each fiscal year.
The Windswept Program provides grants for residential and non-residential wind energy systems. Residential systems must have a capacity of at least 1 kilowatt (kW) and non-residential systems must have a capacity of at least 1.5 kW to qualify for assistance. Approved projects will receive a grant of $2,500/kW of capacity, up to a maximum of $10,000 (current incentive levels as of July 1, 2008).
Pennsylvania
PA State of Innovation:
The PA State of Innovation website helps find incentives for projects such as low interest loans and grants.
Sustainable Energy Funds
Several utilities within the state have Sustainable Energy Funds which support renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures.
Pennsylvania has several grant programs that can assist in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
- PA Energy Harvest grants
- PA Energy Development Authority The Authority's mission is to finance clean, advanced energy projects in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania projects that could potentially qualify for funding from the Authority include solar energy, wind, low-impact hydropower, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, fuel cells, IGCC, waste coal, coal-mine methane and demand management measures.
In partnership with the PA Rural Water Association, training for operators has been offered in Northwest and North Cental PA, with plans to expand the training to the entire state.
