Capturing the Benefits of Integrated Resource Management for Water & Electricity Utilities and their Partners

The water and energy sectors have traditionally been studied independently, regulated by separate oversight agencies, and delivered to customers by separate utilities. Yet it is undeniable that there are strong interdependencies between the sectors. Water, in its many forms, has a direct relationship with energy production. Conversely, it takes energy to treat, convey, and purify water.

Mapping out the potential next steps for California and the southwestern U.S. to respond to this dynamic was the primary focus of the joint University of California/Department of Energy Water- Energy Workshop, held on May 28-29, 2015 at the University of California, Irvine. This workshop brought together experts including university researchers, utility providers, state agency representatives from California and the southwestern states, and Federal energy advisors to discuss pressing issues regarding the interactions between water and energy sustainability, with a particular focus on water and electric utilities and related policymaking. This report summarizes discussion at the workshop and provides additional contextual information and discussion.

For the full report, click here: PDF