City of SLO makes energy efficiency improvements to water treatment plant

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – To meet the City of San Luis Obispo's plan for carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030, a TESLA battery system has been installed and a Water-Energy Efficiency Project has been used to upgrade energy efficiency on-site.

Utilities Department Deputy Director Mychal Boerman said “because the plant operates 365 days per year, it is one of the City’s largest consumers of electricity. Making this facility more energy efficient is integral to meeting the City’s carbon neutrality goals.” 

A new TESLA battery storage system will allow energy to be stored and then used to reduce large demands on the local electricity grid.

Once fully installed, this battery system could serve as a backup power source for the water treatment facility for up to about 11 hours.

The Water-Energy Efficiency Project is a partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric for an assortment of upgrades to on-site systems such as the computerized telemetry system and replacements for the transfer pump station, the city's largest water pump system.

For more information about water treatment in San Luis Obispo or about these upgrades, contact Utilities Deputy Director Mychal Boerman at mboerman@slocity.org or by phone at 805-781-7237.