New Energy Efficiency Program Available for Members

Michael Keeton | Energy Efficiency Technician Tennessee Association of Utility Districts

Energy costs are a major expense that water and wastewater systems pay out each month. The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts is pleased to announce a new energy efficiency program available to its members. The Energy Efficiency Program is funded by USDA Rural Development and it helps systems improve their energy efficiency.

USDA created the Energy Efficiency Program for rural and small community water and wastewater systems to help those systems reduce energy costs by evaluating energy needs, consumptions, and costs; recommend measures to reduce energy consumptions, needs, and costs, and identify potential funding sources for improvements.

This program accomplishes these goals by: • Identifying systems in need of energy improvements, • Gathering information about these systems, • Finding solutions to reduce energy consumption and needs, • Developing an Energy Efficiency Assessment, and • Implementing the solutions and adjusting as necessary

There are several benefits to this program, the most important being a better understanding of how your system uses energy. This understanding can help lead to savings in energy costs. Each assessment culminates in the creation of a report that details potential savings. This report will also include funding sources for capital improvements.

By performing this assessment a system can increase your standing with the State Revolving Loan Fund and receive additional points toward your application to USDA Rural Development funding.

While several states are already implementing the Energy Efficiency Program, Tennessee was one of eight states recently awarded this program. TAUD has tapped former East Tennessee Circuit Rider Michael Keeton as its Energy Efficiency Technician.

If you are interested in lowering your energy consumption and maximizing your energy savings contact Keeton at (865) 660-6454 or by e-mail at michaelkeeton@taud.org.

the third annual TUEC Raffle Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the TUEC Scholarship Program

Tickets are available to purchase from any TAUD Circuit Rider or staff member. You may also purchase tickets by visiting our main office during normal business hours. Questions? Call (615) 896-9022 or visit www.taud.org. $5 ticket per

Women in Water is a professional networking group dedicated to women actively employed in the water and wastewater industry.

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Questions? E-mail admin@womeninwater.us

Women in Water is an initiative of the