EPA 800-R-15-004
December 2015
POWER RESILIENCE
&EPA
epa.gov/waterresiliency
Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Communication
Power
Assessments
Energy
Efficiency *
On-site Power
Funding
-------
Overview
This guide includes information from water industry
professionals on how to increase power resilience in
disasters. The purpose of this guide is to:
Promote coordination and communication between
water sector utilities and their electric utilities; and
Provide strategies to increase water utilities' resilience
to power loss.
An extended power loss can have devastating impacts
on drinking water and wastewater utilities and the
communities they serve. Inoperable pumps at a drinking
water utility can make firefighting difficult and cause local
health care facilities and restaurants to close. A loss in
pressure can result in contamination entering the drinking
water distribution system from surrounding soil and groundwater. For wastewater utilities, losing pumps may lead to
direct discharge of untreated sewage to rivers and streams or sewage backup into homes and businesses.
0-1
Communication ,
Assessme
Fuel f'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Seven areas in which water sector utilities can increase power resilience are:
1. Communication - Establish connections with electric providers, local agencies, and the public to help
your utility respond more quickly and efficiently to a power loss.
2. Power Assessments - Learn how to conduct a power assessment to understand the energy needs of
your essential infrastructure.
3. Generators - Learn how to select and maintain a generator for your utility.
4. Fuel - Develop plans to ensure you have enough fuel for your generator during a power outage
emergency.
5. Energy Efficiency- Increase your energy efficiency to allow you to operate on back-up power longer
during emergencies and reduce your electricity bills.
6. On-site Power - Consider options for generating your own power.
7. Funding - Learn about possible funding sources for resilience measures.
G
0-2
Communication |^jfl
Power
Assessment
Fuel f'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Communication
1. Communication
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
TOP TIP: Get your utility on the priority list for power restoration.
Good relationships and information sharing between water and electric utilities and local emergency response agencies
are critical to getting power quickly restored after an outage. Depending on your local communication and response
procedures, you may call your electric utility directly or you may need to coordinate through an emergency management
agency (EMA). If you are uncertain about how to reach out to your EMA, see EPA's Coordination of the Water and
Emergency Services Sectors: An Important Step to Better Response.
It is important that you are familiar with your county's emergency protocols and how response decisions are made.
This is particularly true with respect to the power restoration prioritization list. Depending on your county's emergency
protocols, the order in which power is restored to local critical infrastructure, such as your water utility, may be
determined by your electric power provider, the local EMA, or elected officials such as county commissioners. Your utility's
placement on the prioritization list should be informed by details regarding your power needs and the consequences to
the community should you have to cease operations due to a power failure. Be sure you know who makes the power
restoration prioritization list for your community and take steps to share relevant information with them.
Did you know?
When an electric utility is restoring service after a major outage, it
generally prioritizes transmission lines, substations, main circuits, critical
customers, residential lines, transformers, and then individual houses.
1-1
Communication |^jfl
Power
Assessment
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous
-------
Communication
Step 1 - Make Contacts
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
Get to know the key staff at your electric
utility. When possible, have face-to-face
meetings.
Ask for 24/7 emergency contact
information for the electric utility, the local
EMA, and the local Emergency Operations
Center (EOC).
Ensure that your community's emergency
manager has your contact information in
his or her cell phone so that when you call,
your name will be recognized.
Did you know?
Many agencies and organizations share information and resources
to support incident management activities at Emergency
Operations Centers (EOCs). EOCs focus on the response to and the
short-term recovery from an incident or natural disaster.
1-2
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Communication
Step 2 Request Key Information
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
Physical locations of critical assets. Make
sure the electric utility has the physical
locations of all critical components of your
water or wastewater system, as the physical
address of your facilities can differ from your
administrative address. Give the physical
address when reporting an outage.
Two-way radio capability. Check if your
electric utility is able to use two-way radios
in case landline and cellular phone coverage
are lost during an emergency. Be sure your
radios are compatible with your response
partners.
EOC street address. Know where your local
EOC is so that you can go there during an
emergency if needed.
Did you know?
Most EOCs have electric utility representatives. During a disaster,
call the EOC if you have trouble contacting your electric utility.
Better yet, obtain a seat for your utility at the EOC and you will be
able to directly coordinate with the electric utility representative.
1-3
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Communication
Step 3 - Get on the Priority Power Restoration List
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
Ask your electric utility who manages the power restoration prioritization list.
Ask the agency or individual managing the list about your utility's prioritization status.
Inform the agency or individual managing the list of your "storm-ready" capabilities and be sure that they understand
the consequences to the community of drinking water and wastewater service disruptions.
Inform the agency or individual responsible for the list of the critical assets at your utility that rely on grid power.
Case Study:
Dominion Virginia Power has worked closely with local Emergency
Operation Centers (EOCs) to identify the 10-20 most critical services in
each of the EOC's jurisdictions. Once identified, these critical facilities
are further assigned Special Condition Categories, and water and sewage
treatment facilities are considered "Critical Infrastructure." These
"Special Conditions" accounts are flagged so Dominion knows instantly
when a water or wastewater treatment facility loses power. An intranet
application allows Dominion Power to remain focused on these locations
to ensure critical infrastructure accounts receive the highest restoration
priority.
In addition, during large-scale power outages, Dominion Power
establishes Electric Regional Operations Centers to better manage its
response. Water utilities have a direct line to these centers and to
representatives of Dominion Power.
1-4
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Communication
Step 4 - Train and Exercise
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
Training and exercises allow water utility staff to learn, practice, test, and improve emergency response plans (ERPs) and
procedures. Many times these plans and procedures involve response partners, so consider the following options to
enhance your training and exercises:
If your utility conducts planning activities or annual exercises, invite staff from your electric utility and local EMA.
EPA offers a Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems to help utilities develop exercises for different scenarios.
EPA also developed How to Develop a Multi-Year Training and Exercise (T&E) Plan to help water utilities create
successful training plans.
Ask your electric utility if you can attend any exercises or planning activities it hosts.
Ask your local EMA to include both your utility and the electric utility in its exercises.
Share your emergency response plans with your electric utility and EMA and ask for information and updates on their
plans.
Grid hardening - Activities such as tree-
trimming help prevent weather related power
outages. When talking to your electric utility,
you can ask what grid hardening steps are
being taken and what you can do to help. For
example, do you have the resources to assist in
tree-trimming? If your water utility has a remote
pump station in the woods serviced by electric
power from street lines, consider installing that
service line underground along the access road.
Although this is more expensive than typical
pole installation, the service line will be better
protected from tree falls.
1-5
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Communication
Step 5 - Communicating with the Public
Stepl
Contacts
Step 2
Key Information
Step3
Prioritization List
Step 4
Training & Exercises
Step5
Public Outreach
Appoint a communications manager or Public Information Officer who can assist in getting the right messages out to
your customers before, during, and after emergencies. This helps your customers prepare for outages and know when
services may be restored.
Contact local news and radio stations to broadcast your messages or post on their mobile applications.
Post signs near different community gates and on community bulletin boards at Town or City Hall.
Ask the fire department, local EMA and municipal office to help with your public messages. They may already have
emergency communication systems such as reverse 911 in place.
Develop an automated system to send emails and text messages to customers. Some areas may already have an
emergency texting service that you can use.
Post frequent, time-stamped updates on your utility's website.
Utilize social media by posting updated information with a Facebook or Twitter account.
Eye On the Weather - Weather services can usually
forecast storms 24 hours or more ahead of time. EPA's
to monitor and track all types of weather. For ice storms, you
Index), which gives a 0-5 ice accumulation and ice damage
prediction index. The SPIA IndexTM covers the continental
United States and provides predictions days before a storm,
including power outage duration possibilities.
1-6
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
^ Previous Next >
-------
Power Assessments
2. Power Assessments
Stepl
Assess
Step 2
Document
TOP TIP: Enter your power assessment results into the Emergency Power Facility Assessment Tool (EPFAT)
database to get a state or federally provided generator sooner in a regional emergency.
Power assessments determine the power requirements for critical equipment at your utility that are necessary to
maintain water and wastewater services. A power assessment must be performed by a qualified electrician. The
electrician will inspect all infrastructure assets at your utility. Critical infrastructure components will be unique at each
utility, but usually include treatment processes and key pumping stations. This information is required to properly size an
emergency generator(s).
2-1
Communication |^jfl
Power
Assessment
Fuel f'
Funding
4 Previous
-------
Power Assessments
Step 1. - Conduct a Power Assessment at Your Utility
Stepl
Assess
Step 2
Document
Conduct a Self-Assessment - Perform your own power assessment, with the assistance of a qualified electrician. EPA
developed the Is Your Water or Wastewater System Prepared? What You Need to Know about Generators factsheet
that helps utilities to better prepare for emergency generator needs, provides tips on running and maintaining
generators, and includes an easy-to-copy form to determine and document backup power needs.
Call Prime Power - The 249th Engineer Battalion, assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE), provides free
electric power assessments for utilities. They can be reached at 800-243-3472 or 703-805-2562.
When you upgrade your facilities or build new components, re-assess your power requirements to determine if you
also need to add generator capacity.
2-2
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Power Assessments
Step 2. - Keep Records of Your Assessment
Stepl
Assess
Step 2
Document
Maintain a copy of all information from the power assessment with your emergency response plan (ERP), so you can
easily locate it during emergencies. You should have a summary of the power requirements, siting requirements,
and the location and capacity of any existing on-site generators at all critical infrastructure components. Use the form
referenced in Step 1 above to capture this information.
Input your generator information in the USAGE database called the Emergency Power Facility Assessment Tool (EPFAT).
States and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) use this database during widespread power outages
to quickly determine where and what kind of generators may be needed. Enrollment in EPFAT is free.
Keep your power assessment information up to date. The EPFAT database will remind you every three years to review
your data.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Home My Account * Help - Contact Us Emergency Power - ENGLink EPFAT Tutorial VideoEPFAT Tutorial Video
Welcome to the Emergency Power Facility Assessment Tool
This web site offers you the opportunity to enter and store the information for your
respective critical public facility generator requirements along with required connection
materials. Having this data in the database will assist in expediting installations at your
facilities following some type of event where commercial power is unavailable. This web
site also offers you a permanent storage location for that information also allowing you the
ability to update the information as facility requirements change. We recommend you
review the "How-To-Guide" on this page for using this web site prior to entering your data.
2-3
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
3. Generators
Stepl
Size
TOP TIP: Know what type of generators you need and where you would get them during a power outage.
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Choosing a Generator
Once you know your generator requirements, you need to make a number of decisions to find the best one for your
utility. As you compare generator options, check local, state, and federal regulations to make sure that your generator
meets all specifications. For example, you may need to obtain a permit to emit exhaust from stationary generators.
EPA's website provides additional information on the federal regulations for stationary internal combustion engines.
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
3-1
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 1 - What size generator do I need?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
The first step in choosing a generator for your utility is to determine
the right size. Your power assessment can help you size your
generator(s). In addition to knowing your equipment's electricity
requirements, consider the following when sizing your generator:
If you are relying on a single, large generator (e.g., greater
than 500 kW), think about installing two smaller generators in
parallel to increase backup power reliability.
Determine whether a portable or stationary generator will work
best for your critical infrastructure assets. Portable generators
would be best for smaller electric demands that do not require
uninterrupted power. These generators can also be transported
to multiple sites.
Video: Paralleling Generators
If your electric demands are great, consider
larger, stationary generators fueled by either
natural gas or diesel. These generators can
start-up within seconds of a power outage
and provide uninterrupted power to critical
equipment.
Starting Currents and Generator Sizing - Cross-line
starts (as opposed to soft starts) of equipment require higher
starting currents and therefore a larger generator. High
and premium-efficiency motors also require higher starting
currents and therefore a larger generator.
Did you know?
If your region is facing an extreme weather threat, FEMA
will order and stage a "54-pack" of various sized generators
in advance of a storm's arrival. After the storm strikes, the
generators are shipped to selected locations depending on the
states' needs and directions. This process may require several
days.
3-2
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 2 - Should I buy, rent or borrow a generator?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
Many private vendors sell or rent generators. If you plan to rent a generator, set up a contract with a vendor. Since
many people may need to rent generators during a power outage, know where you stand in terms of priority with
your generator vendor.
Another option is to reserve a portable generator from a rental pool during storm season.
Join your state's Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) to make it easier to borrow a generator
and other resources during a regional emergency.
Investigate what your state water sector associations and local emergency management agencies can offer to help.
In Florida, both the Florida Rural Water Association and the Florida Division of Emergency Management maintain
generator pools for distribution as needed. A good working relationship with your local emergency manager will be
critical to accessing state or federally provided generators.
Know what "type" of generator you need. You can learn more about resource typing from AWWA's Resource Typing
Manual.
Generator
On-site (purchased)
You know you have one
Reduced time to respond
Could be costly
You perform the maintenance
The disaster that strikes your utility
could also damage your generator
Off-site (rented or borrowed)
Multiple sources to get one - EOC, WARN,
vendor
Someone else performs the maintenance
Costs less than buying
Travel delays to get it to your site
Your utility might not be high on the
priority list to get a generator
3-3
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 3 - What type of fuel should I use to run my generator?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
In addition to portability, fuel type is an important consideration for selecting a generator.
Diesel generators are the most common and offer the largest selection, availability, and power range.
Smaller utilities with lower power requirements and fewer resources might consider portable, gasoline powered
generators.
Smaller utilities can rotate several portable, gasoline generators between lift and pump stations as necessary. This
method allows a utility to have backup power without buying a dedicated generator for each site.
You could also consider bi-fuel generators to increase your fuel options during an emergency. These generators can
switch between two different fuel types, such as natural gas and diesel. Usually this choice is automated and dictated
by what fuel type is more efficient for the given conditions and needs, but the choice can also be made manually
based on what fuel type is available. For example, if natural gas lines are broken or shut off during a disaster, diesel
can be used.
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
Useful Tip:
If using multiple generators, try to select
generators from the same manufacturer to make
servicing the units easier.
3-4
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 3 - What type of fuel should I use to run my generator?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
Fuel Type
Diesel
Powers large generators
Lasts longer than gasoline
Readily available
Requires deliveries
Requires on-site storage
Risk of spills
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Natural Gas
Propane
Does not require truck delivery
Does not require on-site storage
Does not expire
Supply is relatively inexhaustible
Generator cost may be more expensive than a
diesel version
If natural gas service is interrupted, there are
limited back-up options
Risk of explosion
Does not expire
Easily available in rural areas
Requires deliveries
Requires on-site storage
Leased storage tanks limit fuel provider choice
Risk of explosion
Step 6
Maintenance
Gasoline
Powers smaller, portable generators
Readily available
Typical shelf life is 2-3 months or less if stored in
the equipment
Requires deliveries
Requires on-site storage
Risk of spills
3-5
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 4 - How will I connect a generator to my assets?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Generators require a special connection to
rapidly hook to your facility's equipment without
accidentally back-feeding into electric lines, risking
electrocution of line workers.
Transfer switches allow you to easily switch
back and forth between commercial and on-site
generator power sources. These switches can
be manual or automatic.
You can install transfer switches ahead of time
to decrease the time needed to connect a
generator during an emergency.
Install generator hook-ups at eye level to make
them easier to connect in an emergency under
poor weather and lighting conditions.
Step 6
Maintenance
3-6
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 5 - Where will I keep a generator?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Make sure you keep your generator at a secure location. Some tips include:
Locate generators and their fuel tanks above flood levels. A common
height requirement for critical infrastructure is 3 feet above the 100 year
floodplain. Check your local and state requirements.
You can also consider installing a cement pad to provide a stable surface
for a portable generator during an outage.
Use weatherproof enclosures to protect generators.
Get an enclosure large enough to provide easy access to the generator's
radiator, fuel tanks, air and oil filters, and charging system.
Video: Generator Placement
Cover a generator with a roof to increase its life expectancy. Or position the generator pad so that a roof can be
added later.
Maintain three or four feet of clear space on all sides of the generator for adequate ventilation.
Buy or rent a generator built with acoustical steel and sound insulation if it will be located in a residential area.
Step 6
Maintenance
3-7
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
Case Study:
In southern Monmouth County, New Jersey, a wastewater pumping station was redesigned to utilize a mobile trailer
to house the pumping station's expensive primary electric equipment and controls. This way, the trailer can be moved
out of danger during floods. Cables and plugs provide the connection between the pump station and the electric
and control equipment in the trailer. When a storm threatens, the utility removes the trailer and mounts a cheaper
secondary electric and control system at the site. The secondary system then powers and operates the pump station
on either grid or generator power until after the storm, when the trailer can be safely returned to the pumping station.
A mobile enclosure may seem costly, but it saved the South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority an estimated
$1.5 million in repair and recovery monies after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy.
3-8
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Step 6 - How Should I Maintain a Generator?
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
If generators are not maintained, they will not function properly during emergencies. This could leave your utility without
backup power when you need it the most. Maintenance requirements for generators vary, so be sure to have a contractor
or trained utility staff perform scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.
Generator Operation and Maintenance Tips
Regularly run generators under required load for extended periods to test for any problems.
Test the generator under load each time after it is serviced.
Perform additional maintenance on a generator if it could be used for 10 days or longer.
Record all maintenance activities to assess performance and operating costs and inform future buying decisions.
When you change the oil in your generator, consider sending a sample to be tested for the presence of metals. Metals
could indicate engine wear, which may indicate that other repairs are needed.
Step 6
Maintenance
Did yOU know? During Hurricane Sandy,
many generators failed after 24 to 48 hours
because they had not been properly exercised
and maintained.
3-9
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Generators
Generator Use Tips
Stepl
Size
Step 2
Ownership
StepS
Fuel Type
Step 4
Connection
Step5
Placement
Step 6
Maintenance
Your utility can take basic actions to prepare for disasters that may include power loss. Below are tips for utilities using
generators in emergency situations.
D For large scale "notice" incidents, such as category 3 and above hurricanes, go off the grid and use your generators in
anticipation of a power outage. This can prevent operational disruptions and protect electric equipment.
D Go off the grid and switch to generators if there is poor power quality. Power fluctuations can damage equipment.
D Identify three-phase requirements. When power is restored, not all three phases may be available, which can damage
three-phase equipment.
D Determine the need for protection against equipment failure caused by undervoltage or overvoltage.
D Conduct a facility-specific generator needs assessment. This can significantly reduce response time during an
emergency.
D Give completed assessment forms to your local EOC or emergency management agency.
D Keep smaller generators on trailers for emergencies. The generators can be safeguarded during the incident, but
easily transported to sites without power when needed.
D Keep basic maintenance supplies on hand (e.g., coolant, belts, oil, fuel filters) to quickly get a generator back in service
if there is a breakdown.
D Plan for a "backup" to your backup power. One option is to reserve a portable generator from a rental pool during
storm season.
D Conduct manual operation drills in case your SCADA system goes down during both a power and/or generator outage.
3-10
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
4. Fuel
TOP TIP: Have multiple ways to get and move fuel during an emergency.
You must maintain fuel on-site and have multiple ways to obtain additional
fuel from vendors during emergencies. It may be difficult or impossible to get
fuel from outside sources to keep your generators operating for an extended
period of time. Your fuel suppliers may stop their operations due to the
power loss, transportation difficulties, or other damage. If you lease propane
fuel tanks, the supplier from whom you leased them is typically the only one
who can fill them.
To keep your generators running during an emergency, you should develop a
fuel plan that addresses:
How much fuel you need to operate each of your generators for one day
How many days you want to run your generators without refueling
Total on-site fuel capacity
How you will re-fuel your generators, including those in remote locations
Contracts with multiple fuel vendors
Multiple options to move fuel during an emergency
Video: Fuel
Fuel Tank Sizing - YOU do not
want to run out of fuel during
a power outage. One utility
manager recommends storing
sufficient fuel to run a generator
at 70% load for five days.
Typically, having this amount of
fuel on hand enables this utility
to run a generator for seven to
nine days without running out
of fuel.
4-1
Communication |^jfl
Power
Assessment
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Tips
D Check fuel storage requirements because regulations vary from state to state.
D Add fuel management into your generator maintenance schedule to ensure
availability of clean, reliable fuel.
D Clean all fuel tanks at least every five years to avoid sludge build up.
D Use gel and fuel additives to reduce biological activity that produces fuel sludge.
D Use a portable fuel polishing unit.
D Refill fuel tanks before they are empty to avoid drawing up any fuel sludge
accumulation.
D Have multiple vendors from different regions under contract so that you can
maintain supplies if one vendor cannot deliver.
D Ask your vendor to store additional fuel for your utility during storm months.
D Be aware of limits on who can refuel leased fuel storage tanks. You can purchase
your own tanks if necessary.
D Have filters (at least one complete filter set per generator) on hand because they
will not be readily available during an emergency.
D Have a 1,000-gallon tank available and a truck on-site for local deliveries.
D Be prepared to move your own fuel without contractors. Trucks with mounted
100-gallon fuel tanks do not need HazMat placards. Generally, any tank over 119
gallons requires hazardous materials placarding and licensing.
D Reduce your energy consumption while using generators to make the most of the
available fuel.
Case Study:
In 2012, the New Brunswick
Water Utility in New Jersey
was able to stay operational
for an additional six days
during Superstorm Sandy
by reducing generator fuel
consumption. Thinking
creatively, the operators
put the entire plant on
gravity filters, shutting down
the energy consumptive
membrane filters. This
operational change
successfully reduced
fuel consumption by
approximately two-thirds
(from 120,000 gal/day to
40,000 gal/day).
4-2
Communication |^jfl
Power
Assessment
Fuel ff'
Funding
^ Previous
-------
Energy Efficiency
5. Energy Efficiency
TOP TIP: Install energy efficient equipment to reduce energy needs and increase power resilience.
Energy efficiency will help your utility save on annual electric bills and increase your resilience during power outages. If
you decrease your energy use, you can run your generators longer with less fuel. For more information regarding energy
efficiency for water utilities, see EPA's Ensuring A Sustainable Future: An Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater
and Water Utilities.
You can also conduct an energy assessment at your drinking water or wastewater utility using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio
Managerฎ. Following this initial assessment, you can conduct a more detailed audit to determine what energy efficiency
projects would be most beneficial for your utility. Many electric power providers will conduct an energy efficiency audit
to help you reduce your energy needs. Your municipal or local government may be willing to help pay for a portion of the
audit's costs.
Case Study:
Stockbridge Water in Massachusetts spent nearly one-
third of its budget on electric costs and decided to look for
ways to increase energy efficiency. The utility was able to
reduce energy use by changing all lighting to electronic
ballast lighting. In addition, by changing to heat pumps
(keeping the older electric heat system as a backup), the
utility saved 60-65% in annual electric costs.
source of information on incentives and policies that
support renewable energy and energy efficiency in
the United States. Funded by the U.S. Department
of Energy, DSIRE finds programs and resources that
can help you attain your energy goals.
5-1
Communication fi,
Energy
Efficiency
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
On-Site Power
6. On-Site Power
Microgrid
TOP TIP: Generate power on-site to allow your utility to function during grid outages.
Another option to prevent power outages at your utility is to consider installing on-site power, known as distributed
energy resources (DER). DER refers to self-sufficient power generation, power storage, and electric load control
technologies that are located on-site at your utility and operated for your benefit. DER options include:
Microturbines - wind mills
Fuel cells - devices that convert the energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction
Photovoltaic systems - solar panels
Traditional internal combustion engines - engines that burn fuel to produce power, such as generators
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - simultaneous generation of electricity and heat from a source such as biogas.
Combined Heat and Power for Wastewater Utilities
CHP is the most applicable source of DER or on-site power
generation for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). CHP is the
simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel
source (e.g., natural gas, biogas, or coming led gas), and can be
75% efficient. There is significant opportunity for CHP technology
at WWTPs with anaerobic digesters, which produce biogas as a
waste product. Benefits of CHP at a WWTP using biogas include
energy cost savings, government and utility incentives, emissions
reductions and enhanced reliability.
6-1
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
On-Site Power
Microgrid
Microgrid
A central concept to DER is the microgrid, an interconnected network of DER that can function separately from the
electric grid, enhancing your utility's power resilience. During a power outage, you could switch to your own electric
microgrid powered by a source such as solar panels and wind turbines. In the community, microgrids are often used to
link critical public services and critical private businesses together in their own, larger microgrid. These key facilities could
become "islands" of power during an outage.
DER and microgrids are emerging technologies, so be sure to talk to your electric utility before investing in these options.
EPA has information about on-site power generation in On-Site Renewable Energy Generation.
Three Massachusetts DER Examples:
1. At the Greenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant, heat pumps that run off
plant effluent also heat the disinfection and pump buildings, with electric
heat used only as a backup.
2. The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District plans to accept up to 92,000
gallons of pre-processed food waste per day, or approximately 28% of
the state's anticipated diverted food waste from landfills and incineration
as part of a CHP Project. The food waste will be used as a feedstock for
their digestion system and will produce biogas sufficient to fuel a 3 MW
cogeneration engine.
3. The City of Northampton is using grant funds received through the
state's energy department to upgrade its fire headquarters. The city will
be installing a photovoltaic (PV) solar array so that the fire headquarters
may generate its own power on-site when grid power is out.
One Use for On-Site Power
As you consider the benefits of
various types of DER at your
utility, think about using solar
or wind power for telemetry
systems. Then your source
of information about remote
facilities would be independent
from grid power.
6-2
Communication fi,
Energy
Efficiency
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Funding
7. Funding
Federal Resources
Sample Projects
TOP TIP: Use EPA's Fed FUNDS website to determine your eligibility for funding power resilience projects.
Power resilience may require an investment from your utility. This investment can reduce recovery costs and help to
maintain operations during disasters. Utilities can implement some power resilience measures using internal funding.
Other efforts may require capital investment through the utility's capital improvement plan and local government funding.
Also, there is some external funding from state and federal agencies that is available to utilities depending on the type
of utility and the measures that you are trying to fund. Examples of power resilience projects that have been funded
successfully through external sources include:
Purchase, rental, or upgrade of emergency generators and fuel supply facilities
Electric connections (transfer switches) to receive emergency generators
Elevation or protection of electric panels and generators from hazards
Flood protection around an electric substation and transformers
Purchase or subsidized costs of microgrid technology
Energy efficiency measures
7-1
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel f'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Funding
Federal Resources
Federal Resources
Sample Projects
EPA's tool Federal Funding for Utilities- Water/Waste water- in National Disasters (Fed FUNDS) provides comprehensive
information on funding programs from various federal agencies including FEMA, EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). For
example, the state administered Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Clean Water SRF support a wide range
of infrastructure projects. Eligible projects could include resilience components such as energy efficient upgrades and
alternative power sources. States establish priorities for using SRF funds and assistance is typically in the form of low-
interest loans. To access Fed FUNDS, click the icon below.
Use Pre-Disaster
Use During a Disaster
te, **1.
Which Funding Is
Right for You?
Be Prepared to Tap
into Funding
Currently in a Disaster?
Here are forms to document
the damage, costs, and repairs.
Use Pre- or Post-Disaster
1 Federal Disaster
Funding Programs
Utility Examples,
Training, & Assistance
7-2
Communication Q, AssessmeT
Fuel g'
Funding
4 Previous Next >
-------
Funding
Sample Projects
Federal Resources
Sample Projects
To assist you in locating potential funding sources, the table below has been completed based on a broad interpretation
of funding eligibility and policy. Individual utility projects will need evaluation on a case-by-case basis. Talk to your utility
supervisor, local emergency manager, town manager, and state hazard mitigation officer to determine the availability of
funding opportunities for your power resilience project.
Possible Funding Sources
Sample Power Resilience Project 1 1 1 1
EPASRF FEMAPA FEMAHMG HUD CDBG
Repair generator or fuel tank
Elevate existing generators, electric equipment etc. X
Purchase generators and fuel storage X
Install electric wiring hookups (e.g., transfer switches)
to accept generators
Develop and implement emergency power plan
Harden grid link or multiple independent feeds
Replace damaged equipment with energy efficient
versions
Add power (e.g., dual fuel, cogeneration, solar, wind)
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
USDA WEP
y
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
Table Key: SRF = State Revolving Fund; PA = Public Assistance; HMG = Hazard Mitigation Grant; CDBG = Community Development
Block Grant; WEP = Water and Environmental Programs
7-3
Communication ,
Assessme
Fuel ff'
Funding
4 Previous
-------
Office of Water {4608T) EPA 800-R-15-004 December 2015
------- |