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Nashville, TN - The Schneider Electric Water Wastewater Competency Center (WWCC) announced the winner of a complete energy audit, valued up to $30,000. The winner is the Ocean County Utilities Authority, a system of wastewater treatment facilities including the Central Water Pollution Control Facility (CWPCF); Northern Water Pollution Control Facility (NWPCF); and the Southern Water Pollution Control Facility (SWPCF).

Today, Dick McDonnell and Lou Arone of Schneider Electric presented an award plaque to OCUA staff at the Central Water Pollution Control Facility, the Authority's administrative offices. Present at the meeting were Neil O'Regan, William Demand, Gerald Carboy, Richard Kunze, and Fred Auemuller.

Left to Right: Fred Auermuller (OCUA), Dick McDonnell (SE), Richard Kunze (OCUA), Neil O'Regan (OCUA), Gerald Carboy (OCUA), Lou Arone (SE)

"In the past, we have contracted out energy studies in certain areas of our operations," said Neil O'Regan, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer at the Bayville facility. "That's why we were excited that we had won. We know that an energy study, along with a properly implemented energy action plan, can help save quite a bit on energy costs, as well as improve operational efficiencies in other areas."

A team of power consultants will examine various energy-savings opportunities including production process scheduling, pump system optimization, variable frequency drives, peak shaving/load shedding, renewable fuel sources, lighting controls and other operational considerations. The team will also help Ocean County understand what is needed to become Energy Star certified.

When the audit is complete, a case study will be written, helping educate other facilities on what they can do to save energy.

"Power is usually the largest variable expense in water and wastewater treatment plants, accounting for up to 50 percent of overall operating costs," said Mark Williams, national sales manager, Schneider Electric Water Wastewater Competency Center. "We want customers to understand the value of an energy audit and know that Schneider Electric can provide services that save them money and help them do their jobs more reliably and efficiently."

According to the Electric Power Research Institute, approximately three percent of the total electricity generated by the electric power industry in the U.S. is consumed by the water and wastewater industry. With new standards being set by the Environmental Protection Agency, facilities are becoming more and more accountable for energy consumption, both from an environmental and monetary standpoint.

"In a recent audit for an environmental services company, we identified nearly $700,000 in annual potential energy savings," said Williams. "Not only can an audit help facilities save money, it also can help them increase their system reliability."

Based in Nashville, Tenn., the Water Wastewater Competency Center brings together a team of seasoned professionals, including application and quotation specialists, design engineers, project managers and more, each specializing in water and wastewater treatment facilities. These experts offer unmatched insight on the industry and work with clients to design integrated systems made up of Square D brand power distribution and management solutions and Telemecanique brand automation and control products that meet unique operating challenges, while also identifying ways to improve efficiency and safety, and reduce costs.

The Schneider Electric Water Wastewater Competency Center launched in June 2006 and serves as a single resource in the United States for all power, control and automation needs for the water wastewater industry.

About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, offers integrated solutions making energy safer, more reliable, efficient and productive in the energy and infrastructure, industry, data centers and networks, buildings and residential markets. With sales of 17.3 billion euros in 2007, the company's 120,000 employees in 102 countries help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

Square D and Telemecanique are registered trademarks of Schneider Electric. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the EPA.

SOURCE: Schneider Electric