Summary
Ameresco and the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) collaborated to enhance energy resilience and sustainability at RUSA’s facilities, including its main office, wastewater treatment plant, and Natural Treatment System. The Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) project involved the integration of solar PV systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems, based on a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit. Ameresco secured nearly $2.9 million in grants, supporting local economic development and job creation, particularly for disadvantaged businesses.
“Our work with Ameresco is more than an investment in renewable energy; it is an investment in the future of our community. By reducing our energy costs and strengthening our infrastructure’s resilience, we are positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable wastewater management while ensuring that we continue to serve the public effectively during emergencies.”
– Jim Baird
General Manager, RUSA
3
Facilities
1,250 kW
Total Solar PV Size
~1.8 MWh
Annual Electricity Generation
~$2,900,000
Grant Funding Secured
Customer Benefits
The solar PV installations play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption across RUSA’s facilities. This strategic move reflects the growing recognition within the wastewater treatment industry of renewable energy’s environmental benefits and financial viability. Other benefits include:
- Estimated energy usage offsets of 44% at WWTP, 100% at the administrative offices, and 64% at the NTS
- Annual energy generation over 588,000 kWh
- BESS installation to guarantee uninterrupted operations at the main office
Solution
The collaboration between RUSA and Ameresco aligns with a broader industry shift as public utilities increasingly explore renewable energy solutions to reduce costs, boost energy resilience, and meet community needs. Ameresco oversaw the design, construction, and integration of solar PV systems, building on a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit (TEA) conducted to identify energy-saving opportunities. RUSA received a $1,000,000 grant for an 800kW solar PV system to generate 1.2 MWh annually, supporting sustainability goals. Another grant of $870,870 funded a 50kW solar PV array and 186kW battery storage at RUSA’s administrative offices, a critical hub for sanitary sewer operations. Additionally, a $1,000,000 grant was awarded for a 400kW floating solar PV system at the Natural Treatment System (NTS), enhancing energy generation, land efficiency, and ecological health.
Specific solutions included:
- Estimated energy usage offsets of 44% at WWTP, 100% at the administrative offices, and 64% at the NTS
- Annual energy generation over 588,000 kWh
- BESS installation to guarantee uninterrupted operations at the main office
- 3 solar PV projects totaling over 1,250 kW
- Leveraging unused land to maximize energy production and minimize overall carbon footprint
- Floating solar PV installation to minimize the land needed for solar arrays
- Guaranteed energy savings and optimal system performance through an ESPC
