Money-Saving Energy Deal for District
Santa Margarita Water District is getting two generators that officials said could save the district $80,000 annually in energy costs.
The two energy-efficient microturbines will be fueled by methane gas released through the sewage treatment process at the Chiquita Water Reclamation Plant. They can generate 525,600 kilowatt hours per year, which is 15% of the power needed to operate the plant and would cost nearly $80,000 at current power rates. The two generators will also provide energy during rolling blackouts.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District is giving the units to the district to reduce use of older, polluting generators during the energy crises. The district will pay as much as $87,665 to install the units, funds that will be recouped through lower energy bills.
The water district serves about 46,000 customers in South County.
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