Schneider Electric to give away energy audit

• Water Wastewater Competency Center announces $30,000 energy audit giveaway

NASHVILLE, TN, Oct. 5, 2007 -- The Schneider Electric Water Wastewater Competency Center (WWCC) today announced it will award one water or wastewater treatment facility with a complete energy audit, valued up to $30,000. The audit will examine various energy-saving opportunities, including production process scheduling, pump system optimization, variable frequency drives, peak shaving/load shedding, renewable fuel sources, lighting controls and other operational considerations.

"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 3 percent of the total electricity generated by the electric power industry in the United States is consumed by the water and wastewater industry. With new standards being set by the U.S. 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," Williams said. "Not only can an audit help facilities save money, it also can help them increase their system reliability."

Municipalities can enter the giveaway by visiting the Schneider Electric Water Wastewater Competency Center booth (#1431) at WEFTEC.07 in San Diego on Oct. 14 through 18. They also can register at www.SquareD-Water.com; at the AWWA California-Nevada annual conference; or the New York Water Environment Association annual meeting and exhibition.

Registration for the giveaway will end Feb. 15, 2008, and the winner will be announced in mid-March. Complete rules are available at www.SquareD-water.com.

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.

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