Energy Makes Extensive Journey Before Powering Up the South Bay
The energy we use to produce electricity powers our homes, offices, and businesses, but it’s also used in other ways throughout our community that may not be as obvious.
Energy typically has a long, resource-intensive journey from its extraction to our power outlets. Energy also goes far beyond electricity. Water is used to produce energy, and energy is used to transport and treat water.
The interconnectedness of water with energy is called the water-energy nexus. To move water from a source (such as the Central Valley watershed) to our taps, water must be pumped through a system of pipes that requires a vast amount of electrical energy. Imagine the tremendous amount of energy required to push water over California’s rolling hills and mountains. About 12% of electrical energy in California is used to transport water. This fact is even more relevant to those of us living in Southern California, since the majority of our water has to travel further than it does for other areas. When we save water, we’re also saving the energy needed to transport that water.
Public agencies in the South Bay are saving water and energy with the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Learn more about how SoCalREN Public Agency Programs are helping the South Bay save energy at socalren.org/agencies.
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