Case Study: Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority achieves $600,000 in annual electrical cost savings with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) power metering

Power Metering Water Utility Savings Success

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), the sole provider of potable water in the Florida Keys, needed to cut operating costs to avoid rate increases as conservation reduced water revenue. FKAA found its pumping facilities had a mix of inaccurate, and in some cases inoperable, electrical meters, making it difficult to manage energy expenses.

FKAA turned to Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) for revenue power meters that provided real-time data on demand, kilowatt-hours, and cost per 1,000 gallons pumped. Using the SEL meters, FKAA identified inefficiencies, evaluated variable-frequency drive opportunities, and optimized pump selection, leading to about $600,000 in annual electrical savings from an initial investment of roughly $60,000. The project also improved power quality after anomalous events detected by the SEL meters were shared with the utility.

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA)

Jim Brewster

Electrical Instrumentation Controls Manager