CMUA Recognizes 7 Publicly Owned Electric Utilities and Water Agencies for Innovative Projects

Seven CMUA member agencies were recognized this week with 2019 Resource Efficiency & Community Service Awards for outstanding projects advancing best practices and innovative ideas in the energy and water sector.

The award-winning projects and programs came from East Bay Municipal Utility District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Long Beach Water Department, Needles Public Utility Authority, Placer County Water Authority, SMUD and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) were honored during an awards banquet Monday, April 1, in San Diego during CMUA’s Annual Conference. Two winning entries came from SFPUC.

“These awards recognize forward-looking, innovative and effective initiatives from California’s publicly owned water and electric utilities. Together, they show how we’re advancing California’s resource efficiency goals while providing high-quality service to our customers,” said CMUA Executive Director Barry Moline.

The winning entries were selected through a competitive process by a panel of judges from outside of California.

Best Energy Program -- Large Utility
SMUD
Home Performance Program

In 2018, SMUD streamlined a program that provides homeowners with whole-house solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of their home.

Best Energy Program — Medium Utility
EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
Resource Recovery Program

The “R2” program accepts trucked-in waste for conversion in anaerobic digesters to generate biogas and renewable electricity. The program now produces enough electricity to treat the utility’s wastewater — and to also power about 5,000 homes.

Best Energy Program — Small Utility
NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY
Energy Efficiency Low Income/Senior Program

The program enables qualified customers to apply for HVAC installation, solar screens, Energy Star appliances and other services at no cost to the homeowner.

Best Water Program — Large Agency
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Non-potable Water Program

Led by the SFPUC, the program established a streamlined process in San Francisco for allowing rainwater, graywater, and blackwater to be reused in buildings for toilet flushing, irrigation and other uses.

Best Water Program — Medium Utility
LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT
Certified Blue Restaurant Program
The program recognizes local restaurants that achieve exceptional water efficiency. Once certified, restaurants are recognized by Long Beach Water and receive a branded “brag” kit to display their pride in being water efficient.

Best Community Service Program — Large Agency
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Hummingbird Farm

The project transformed six acres of SFPUC land into an urban community farm at Crocker Amazon Park, supporting the health and wellness of residents and the environment. The farm provides hundreds of pounds of organic fruits and vegetables each season.

Best Community Service Program — Medium Agency
IRVINE RANCH WATER DISTRICT
Tap Water 101 Campaign

Using video, a community workshop, and social media to reach the public, Irvine Ranch Water District set out to educate customers about the high quality of water coming out of their taps. Messaging focused on the fact that tap water is safe, better for the environment and economical.

Best Community Service Program — Small Agency
PLACER COUNTY WATER AGENCY
Job Shadow Mentorship Program

PCWA created the program to inspire and educate high school students about careers in engineering, drinking water operations, construction management and other fields. The event allows dozens of students to shadow PCWA professionals for an action-packed day.

Here are photos of those who accepted the awards at the banquet.