Hermitage – An Energy Efficiency Success Story Mark Klaus, MRWA EPA Water Training Specialist This former Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider worked with many great utilities over a brief period. The following article provides an example of how effectively the program can work and the potential savings associated with an energy assessment. Loyd Rawlings is the MRWA Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider as this article is written, and I have moved to another position with MRWA. The city of Hermitage recently participated in the Missouri Rural Water Association’s Energy Efficiency program. City personnel used the assessment report, supplementing existing energy conservation efforts. Several items discovered during the assessment visit were quickly addressed, providing immediate savings. Rebates minimized expenses for equipment upgrades. Compliments to the Hermitage personnel, your efforts are exemplary. The Hermitage team consists of Public Works Director Joe Mandina; City Clerk Melody Molder; City Utility Specialists Lake Shelton and Wayne Simmons.
Pictured l to r: Wayne Simmons, Lake Shelton, Joe Mandina City Clerk Melody Molder
A December 2020 visit outlined the requirements for an assessment. An assessment requires twelve months of energy billing for each utility location, with other community properties often included in the effort. Our conversation noted energy conservation projects implemented by the city. An appointment for an assessment was made. Melody Molder, the City Clerk, provided the electrical billing records. The locational billing information was entered into a database. This spreadsheet provides detailed information concerning energy usage, energy charges, peak energy demand charges, meter fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Charted data indicated locations with minimal energy usage, providing a great start for the locational visit. The spreadsheet noted elevated seasonal energy usage at community buildings, well houses, and self-contained lift stations. Joe shared a morning with me, visiting the sites associated with billing data. We documented opportunities for savings at these locations. Existing energy conservation efforts were acknowledged, including LED lighting upgrades and newer HVAC units. Several suggestions noted during this visit were promptly addressed, providing immediate results. In January 2021, a written report was provided to city representatives Melody and Joe. The document detailed energy efficiency activities listing estimated energy reduction, associated savings, project costs, the payback period, and potential rebates. The payback period is the amount of time required to pay for the upgrades – using savings from the energy reduction to repay the initial purchase costs. (continued on page 24) 23
