Studies and Analyses

Project Experience
ReWa (Renewable Water Resources)
Energy Reduction Study
UTEC, PLLC recently completed a detailed Energy Cost Reduction Study for ReWa (Renewable Water Resources, formerly named Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority.  The study addressed energy use in seven of ReWa’s wastewater reclamation plants.  Five of these seven plants use anaerobic digestion for its process.

One of the key elements of the study was to determine the optimum way to use the digester gas as an energy source.  UTEC’s analysis determined that the optimum use of the gas is for co-generation of electric power.

After completion of the Energy Use Study, UTEC was commissioned by ReWa to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to address development of electric generation facilities using the digester gas at two ReWa anaerobic WWTPs: Mauldin Road WWTP and the Pelham Road WWTP.  The purpose of the report was to:

• Prepare an analysis to determine the optimum type and size generation facilities for the Mauldin Road WWTP and the Pelham Road WWTP
• Perform a more detailed economic evaluation of these two projects
• Prepare a report of the recommended facilities to be installed at these two plants.

Each of the new generators will operate as independent electric systems selling their output to a power purchaser through Duke Power’s electric system.  The generators are intended to operate continuously, 24/7.

Seneca Light and Water Plant
Seneca, SC
Power Supply Study
UTEC prepared Requests for Proposals for wholesale power supply for Seneca, SC and preformed in-depth analysis and evaluation of the proposals received.  UTEC recommended that Seneca switch from the utility company that historically provided its power to another utility.

This change resulted in about 20 percent annual cost savings, including costs for transmission services and payment of stranded cost claims.

UTEC represented Seneca in negotiations for a power supply contract with its new power supplier.  The new power supplier is Progress Energy.

Gaffney Board of Public Work
Gaffney, SC
Long Range Planning Study
UTEC prepared a comprehensive Planning Study for the Gaffney, SC BPW electric, water, and wastewater utilities.

UTEC developed a customer and load model for all three systems and a customer and load growth forecast. UTEC then evaluated the ability of the systems to serve present and projected loads.  The study identified deficiencies and system modifications and capital expansions required to correct the deficiencies. 
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In addition to system analyses, the project included consideration of new sources of revenue such as leasing excess fiber optic capacity, providing Internet services, and purchasing the natural gas system.

Other Recent Projects:

• Energy Reduction Study for Renewable Water Resources in Greenville, SC
• 85 MW Market Mitigation Sale for Progress Energy
• Newberry, SC versus Newberry Electric Co-op compel to purchase facilities under SC statute § 58-27-1360.
• ARC Flash Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Studies for City of Seneca, SC, City of Easley, SC, City of Georgetown, SC & Gaffney BPW, SC.
• Electric, water and sewer system long range planning study for Seneca, SC.
• Electric, water, and sewer system cost of service and retail rate study for Seneca, SC.
• Electric System Planning Study for the Greenwood, SC CPW.
• Retail Rate study for electric, water, and wastewater utilities for Gaffney, SC BPW.
• Planning Study for electric, water, and sewer line systems for Seneca, SC Light and Water Plant. 
• Wholesale Power Supply Study for the Greenwood, SC CPW.
• Service Reliability Study for Amoco Fibers Plant in Seneca, SC.
• Capacitor Placement Study for Gaffney, SC BPW.
• Pole Attachment Study for Gaffney, SC BPW.
• Pole Attachment Study for Greenwood, SC CPW.
• Review of Utility Operating and Management Practices for City of High Point, NC Electric Department.
• Investigation of Transmission Voltage Contact Fatality for City of High Point, NC Electric Department. 
• Investigation of Distribution Voltage Contact Fatality for City of Lexington, NC Electric Department.
• Protection Coordination Studies for municipal clients: Gaffney, SC BPW, Seneca, SC Light and Water Plant.