Contacts:

• Dave Todd, Office of Water Use Efficiency and Transfers (916) 651-7027
• Don Strickland, Information Officer, (916) 653-9515

SACRAMENTO- As part of ongoing efforts by the State to promote energy conservation and awareness, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will sponsor a series of informational workshops this month to benefit water and wastewater agencies.

Hosted by local water agencies in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose, the workshops will target energy saving activities for water agencies by addressing several subject areas:

• The relationship between water use and energy demand
• The importance of shifting water use from peak energy demand periods
• Strategy sharing for shifting peak demand in 2005 and preparation for 2006
• How conservation contributes to peak load reduction

Workshop speakers will include Wally McGuire from the Flex Your Power campaign, Shahid Chaundhry from the California Energy Commission, and representatives from energy, water and wastewater utilities.

Water production, distribution, treatment, and disposal represent more than 10% of all Statewide energy use. During summertime peak demand periods, energy use is extremely high in relation to available supplies. Any generating capacity loss or transmission line problem due to an extended heat wave or other factor within a particular region, the State, or the Western Power Grid could create a critical power situation. As of August 3, there have been eight “Flex Your Power” days this year.

Workshop Schedule

August 22, 9am-Noon
Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power
111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles
Auditorium – A Level
Hosted by L.A. Dept of Water & Power

August 23, 9am-11:30am
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park
1875 El Prado, San Diego
Hosted by the San Diego County Water Authority
In partnership with SDG&E

August 25, 9:30am-3:30pm
Santa Clara Water District, HQ Board Room
5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose
Hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Water District

The workshops are designed for water, wastewater and irrigation district managers, operations and maintenance staff, and public outreach professionals. Energy utilities and business customers will also benefit.

Registration has been arranged through the Flex Your Power Web site at http://www.fypower.org/feature/waterworkshop/. There’s no attendance charge but reservations are required for the San Jose workshop to facilitate luncheon arrangements. Please RSVP to Toni Vye at (408) 265-2607, Ext 2526. Additional workshop information and reservation details are available through DWR’s Web site at: www.owue.water.ca.gov/FlexYourPowerattheTap/.

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