Diversification and
Operation

To offset energy costs at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, the Water Authority received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to enroll in the Renewable Energy Self-Generation Bill Credit Transfer in August 2019. Through this program, the cost of electricity generated at the Water Authority’s Rancho Peñasquitos Hydroelectric and Pressure Control Facility is credited to the energy costs at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. The Hydroelectric Facility provides two great benefits to the region, improved pipeline operations and hydroelectric energy generation. The bill credit program will reduce energy costs at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant by $400,000 in FY21, and savings are expected to increase after a planned rehabilitation of Rancho’s turbine generator.