Solar energy powers water plant

Greenwood-based Indiana American Water Company and Gary officials have cut the ribbon on a solar array that will power the utility’s northwest Indiana distribution center in the city. The company, a subsidiary of American Water Co. (NYSE: AWK), says the $600,000 solar project will provide enough power to meet the energy needs of the facility.

“This new solar array will generate nearly 300,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually and produce approximately $1 million in savings over the next 25 years,” said Indiana American Water President Matt Prine. “This project not only benefits the environment, but in the long run also benefits our customers by reducing our operating costs and keeping water rates more affordable.”

This is Indiana American Water’s second solar project in the state. It also placed a solar array in the Warrick County town of Newburgh in 2017.

American Water says most of the energy consumed by water utilities is used to pump water. Two years ago, the company announced water efficiency goals. By 2035, the company goal is to reduce the amount of water delivered per customer by 15% compared to a 2015 baseline.

“Over the last several years, we have already significantly reduced our electrical usage and carbon footprint by constructing several LEED certified facilities, replacing many of our older pumps with variable frequency drives that adjust pumping levels based on demand, and implementing other electrical and water efficiency measures at our facilities across the state,” said Prine.