Chino Hills, CA – The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) was recently recognized as a 2018 Cool Planet Award Recipient. The award celebrates Southern California Edison (SCE) business customers that incorporate sustainability into their long-term plans while demonstrating exemplary leadership in energy and carbon management within their business size and industry sector.

The Agency has made significant strides in reducing its dependence on the electrical power grid by investing in renewable energy programs. In an effort to diversify and maximize renewable energy generation, the Agency installed 3.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power in 2008 and a 1 MW wind turbine in 2011. Combined, these projects have provided more than 50% of peak energy demand Agency-wide. In addition, the Agency has 4.1 MW of battery storage.

“IEUA is planning for the future, and it is an honor to be recognized for it,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “As a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship, we are striving to achieve energy independence through a commitment to optimizing facility energy usage for the effective management of renewable resources.”

The Climate Registry and SCE collaborate to recognize SCE business customers in the Water and Wastewater sector who implement energy efficiency projects, participate in demand response programs, and establish environmental and greenhouse gas emissions management systems. All nomination forms for the award were evaluated by representatives from The Climate Registry and SCE using a point-based system focusing on an organization’s participation in a variety of SCE integrated demand side management strategies, including energy management, demand response programs and
energy audits.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency covers 242-square miles, distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to more than 875,000 people through its member agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario, and Upland. www.ieua.org