OCWA's Energy Efficiency Savings Plan (EESP) initiative is reaching new areas of achievement. Since March 2013, OCWA, through a partnership with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), has assisted municipal clients in assessing, identifying and implementing various Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). To date, 73 municipalities have expressed interest in the program, which has led to 59 walkthroughs conducted by OCWA process and energy specialists. OCWA Engineering Services has delivered 53 technical memorandums, carried out 10 energy audits and identified an estimated 5,337 MWh of energy savings and $533,700 of capital savings for our clients. The number of walkthroughs, reports submitted, energy audit processes and implementation measures have increased significantly as the OCWA ESSP initiative has progressed.

A great example of success is the Rockland Wastewater Treatment Plant in the City of Clarence - Rockland. The Rockland WPCP project began in April 2013 when OCWA's Business Development team approached the client and the project continued right through design, installation and implementation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on blower motors in March 2014. During this project OCWA was able to do almost all of the work in house, using local OCWA staff and limiting the use of outside contractors.

As a result of the OPA's Save on Energy Initiative, and OCWA's EESP team, Rockland saves an estimated 350 MWh of energy and 40 kW of demand per year. The full project cost for the client totaled $119,569.68 with a payback incentive from OPA of $44,595.45 or 37% of the total cost. With this added incentive the return on investment period is less than 2 years before Rockland enjoys increased energy savings.