Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority and Ameresco to advance resilience in wastewater management

Ameresco, a key player in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, recently announced its collaboration with the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) to launch a forward-thinking energy program. The program aims to increase resilience, sustainability, and cost efficiency at RUSA's main facilities, including the headquarters, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Natural Treatment System (NTS).

The Oregon Department of Energy recently allocated nearly $18 million in Community Renewable Energy Grant Program funds to 34 recipients, with RUSA receiving nearly $2.9 million for three specific projects, in partnership with Ameresco:

The partnership between RUSA and Ameresco reflects a growing trend among public utilities to embrace renewable energy as a way to manage costs, improve energy resilience, and meet local needs. Under this collaboration, Ameresco will handle the design, construction, and integration of solar PV systems across RUSA’s facilities, drawing on a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit (TEA) to identify savings opportunities. The project will focus on renewable solutions like solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with an ESPC ensuring both energy savings and system efficiency. The Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Program grants have been instrumental in enabling these projects, and RUSA continues to seek additional support through public and private funding sources, including tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

“As wastewater treatment plants are among the most energy-intensive public services, RUSA’s projects represent a critical step forward in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability,” said Lou Maltezos, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. “This collaboration is a great model for how public entities can implement innovative solutions to address modern energy challenges while advancing community welfare.”

The solar PV installations will play a key role in reducing energy consumption across RUSA’s facilities, reflecting the wastewater industry’s increasing focus on the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy.

RUSA’s commitment to community involvement and education makes this project particularly unique. Alongside infrastructure improvements, RUSA and Ameresco are developing an energy education program for local schools, aiming to inspire future generations and build community awareness around renewable energy.

“Our work with Ameresco is more than an investment in renewable energy; it is an investment in the future of our community,” said Jim Baird, General Manager of RUSA. “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.”

In addition to the immediate benefits of energy savings and resilience, this project also supports local economic growth through job creation and the inclusion of disadvantaged businesses. By promoting an inclusive workforce, RUSA exemplifies how renewable energy projects can positively impact the community’s economic framework.