Agenda - 02-16-2016 - 4-d - OWASA Annual Update Presentation

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OWASA Annual Report 3 January 28, 2016 Page 2 Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) AMI is a meter reading system including fixed antennae for remotely reading water meters with batteries for data transmission. Vehicles would not be necessary for readings, with resulting savings in energy and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. AMI would enable faster detection of leaks, customers could monitor their daily water use on line and AMI would not require a rate increase. We completed a detailed feasibility study on AMI in January 2016. On January 21, 2016, we approved a plan for community engagement including receiving citizens' comments in our February 25, March 10 and March 24, 2016 Board meetings. We may make a decision on whether to proceed with AMI at our March 24, 2016 Board meeting. I will send you additional information soon and we invite your questions and feedback. Financial management/rates Fiscal Year 2016 is the fourth consecutive year with no increase in monthly water and sewer rates. We continue to meet our financial performance objectives including our bond rating of AA+. We are considering potential changes to our rate structure to help ensure that service affordability, conservation, and equity across customer classes continue to be addressed and that we have the financial capacity to sustain our infrastructure and services. If changes are proposed, there will be a public engagement process. Water supply/demand Drinking water sales in calendar year 2015 averaged about 6.17 million gallons per day(MGD), compared to 6.33 for the prior year. Drinking water use continues at levels not seen since the early 1990s due to conservation and the University's use of reclaimed water.Reclaimed water use reached a single-day record of 2.4 million gallons on August 21, 2015. Energy management Due to water conservation by our customers and our energy efficiency investments and practices, we have reduced energy use per customer account by about 27%since 2006. Greenhouse gas emissions related to our services and facilities similarly declined. We are developing an Energy Management Plan and have been working with local government and University staff to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration on energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies. We expect to complete the plan by the end of 2016. Our key draft objectives for developing the plan are: 1. Reduce use of purchased electricity by 35%by the end of Calendar Year 2020 compared to the Calendar Year 2010 baseline. 2. Reduce use of purchased natural gas by 5%by the end of Calendar Year 2020 compared to the Calendar Year 2010 baseline.