VOORHEES, NJ, Sept. 28, 2010 -- ENBALA and American Water are collaborating in a pilot program using smart grid technology to capture untapped efficiencies between large regional water systems and the electricity network. The pilot test involves creating a simulated environment to connect smart grid technology to four of American Water's facilities.
This pilot study is designed to demonstrate the capacity for water systems to provide demand side services to the regional transmission organization (PJM) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in 13 states including in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
"Demand side innovation is critical to making the electricity system more effective and efficient in North America. Water and wastewater resources can be very valuable tools in regional electricity management and we believe the adoption of smart grid technology is the key to capturing these opportunities. We are delighted to be working with American Water, with their demonstrated commitment to innovation in the operation of the systems they own and the systems they operate on behalf of municipal owners," said Ron Dizy, ENBALA President & CEO.
ENBALA's Power Network enables large industrial loads such as water resources to communicate intelligently to the electricity network creating new opportunities for the respective stakeholders to benefit from each other. ENBALA and American Water will look to incorporate regional water plants as resource participants in ENBALA's Power Network -- and supply robust, reliable and resilient regulation services to PJM. After a short period of calibration and qualification, these plants will then be able to contribute to quality management within the region.
"Water stewardship and quality control at the utility level requires a significant amount of energy. It is our obligation to explore new opportunities to improve the economic and environmental impact associated with our operations, for all stakeholders. Our commitment to maintaining best in class water management has always been a key ingredient in building success," said Paul Gagliardo, American Water Manager of Innovation Development.
ENBALA is continuing to qualify large municipal and industrial loads for similar programs in PJM, New England and Ontario and will host an information booth at the WEFTEC 2010 conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 3 to 6 2010. Further information can be found on line at www.enbala.com.
About ENBALA
Originally established in 2003 as Sempa Power Systems, ENBALA operates a Smart Grid services network that creates mutually beneficial links between large users of electricity and their regional Independent Electricity System Operator or ISO. By connecting to ENBALA large industrial, commercial and municipal consumers of electricity are financially rewarded for supporting quality and balance within their regional electricity system. For more information, visit www.enbala.com
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
###
