CPUC - OPERATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (OEEP)

On September 30th E3 completed the Final EM&V Report for the CPUC Operational Energy Efficiency Program (OEEP). The OEEP RD&D pilot sought to determine whether controlling Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) with a real-time efficiency optimization algorithm could increase the efficiency of water utility pump and motor systems.  E3 analyzed over one year of historical one-minute data from 22 pumps at 17 sites in PG&E and SCE’s service territory.  E3’s analysis found that at a majority of sites, the OEEP did not produce efficiency savings sufficient to offset the additional losses of 2-5 percent associated with the VFD. Implementing the OEEP efficiency algorithm is potentially cost-effective only at those sites with larger, high load factor pumps operating with a high degree of flexibility. Furthermore, the energy savings realized varied significantly between sites, depending on such factors and operating characteristics, program implementation and staff expertise.

OEEP Final EM&V Report (September 30, 2011)

OEEP Preliminary EM&V Report (June 23, 2011)