Cities to Save Millions Thanks to Energy Audit

Carson City, NV - June 10, 2014

The Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) recently awarded $150,000 to the Cities of Reno and Sparks through its Performance Contract Audit Assistance Program (PCAAP) to cover the cost of a Financial Grade Operation Audit.

The audit analyzed energy, water, and operating cost savings measures for the jointly operated Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF). The resulting performance contract will annually save $1.1 million dollars and reduce energy consumption by more than 664 kW.

“Most government facilities have the potential to reduce their energy use by 25% to 50% or more,” said Paul Thomsen, GOE Director. “The PCAAP initiates a performance contract that provides a way to upgrade facilities with no up-front capital and pay for them through guaranteed savings.”

Reno and Sparks saw an opportunity to use PCAAP funding while pursuing performance contracting at the TMWRF, which provides water treatment services for hundreds of thousands of people living in the region.

“Based on the success of the City of Reno Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Initiative, the Reno and Sparks City Councils decided to move forward on a project at TMWRF that will improve infrastructure and reduce operating costs at a vital facility in our community,” said Jason Geddes, Environmental Services Administrator at City of Reno.

The decision to fund the audit highlights GOE’s ability to facilitate cooperation among stakeholders, lead initiatives to stimulate economic development, and attract energy related business ventures.

GOE is accepting PCAAP applications until December 31, 2014. To learn more about this program, please visit http://energy.nv.gov/Programs/Public_Facilities_Retrofit_Grant.

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About the Governor’s Office of Energy

The mission of the Governor's Office of Energy (GOE) is to ensure the wise development of Nevada's energy resources in harmony with local economic needs and to position Nevada to lead the nation in renewable energy production, energy efficiency, conservation, and the exportation of energy. GOE implements the laws of the State as defined in Nevada Revised Statutes 701 and 701A; manages energy-related programs; facilitates cooperation between key stakeholders; advises the Governor on energy policy; and collaborates with our local, regional, and federal partners to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy system. For more information about GOE, please visit www.energy.nv.gov.
About Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility
TMWRF serves the central Truckee Meadows, including areas within the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, the Sun Valley General Improvement District, and portions of Washoe County that are within the Truckee Meadows and the Spanish Springs Valley. The sewer system conveys wastewater flows from the Truckee Meadows Valley, Spanish Springs Valley, Sun Valley, Verdi/Truckee Canyon, and portions of the Golden Valley and Lemmon Valley hydrographic basins. Under the direction of the Plant Manager, TMWRF has a staffing complement of 45 full-time employees. The management team is comprised of the Plant Manager, Operations & Maintenance Manager, and Laboratory Supervisor. For more information about TMWRF, please visit www.tmwrf.com.