The city of Billings is getting high marks- and big bucks- for energy efficiency at the wastewater treatment plant.
The payoff for a three-year upgrade at the plant includes a $90,000 rebate check from Northwestern Energy.
According to Lisa Perry, communications director for NWE, the city built a state-of-the-art aeration system that maximizes energy efficiency. Aeration is the most energy-intensive process required in wastewater treatment, accounting for approximately half of the electrical load used.
Along with the rebate check, the city is estimated to save over $57,000 in annual electric costs.
According to a joint press release, the city of Billings has implemented 62 energy efficiency projects, qualifying for $967,050 in energy efficiency incentives from NorthWestern Energy. These projects resulted in about $455,000 in annual electric cost savings.
“The City of Billings has been a leader in energy management, by looking for opportunities to make strategic investments in energy saving projects and participating in the utility’s energy efficiency incentive programs. This $90,000 E+Business Partners incentive awarded to the water reclamation facility is one of the largest incentives we have awarded in recent years,” said NorthWestern Energy Senior Key Account and Economic Development Specialist, Deborah Singer.
