VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced it has joined the Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council (AFREC), establishing American Water as the first U.S. water utility to join AFREC. In addition to its affiliation, American Water will participate on AFREC’s Sustainability Leadership Board, which comprises companies that take a national leadership role in making valuable contributions in sustainable practices, alternative fuel and renewable energy industries.
“We are pleased to join this alliance of industry leaders to explore ideas and innovative practices that will benefit our customers, the environment and the balance sheet,” said American Water President and CEO Jeff Sterba. “As the only AFREC member representing the water and wastewater industry, we look forward to sharing our expertise in developing sustainable and environmentally sound solutions to power our highly energy-intensive operations – while learning from the experience of other AFREC partners.”
As an example, Sterba pointed to American Water’s partnership with ENBALA Power Networks. American Water is the first U.S. water utility to use ENBALA’s Smart Grid technology, which harnesses the flexibility of the company’s demand-side assets to deliver Grid Balance to the electric power system. The technology manages the way electrical equipment – which in this case is American Water’s treatment plants and pumps – uses power without impacting the efficiency of its process or its operational costs.
“American Water’s acumen to implement sustainable water resource management practices and invest in water sector infrastructure exemplifies visionary leadership. Efficiency of water management with economic growth are inextricably linked. American Water’s adoption of water sustainability policies and practices serve as an inspiration to all corporations,” said Rosemary T. McAvoy, AFREC President.
Founded in 2002, AFREC is an alliance of Mid Atlantic-based and national companies and recognized as one of the nation’s premier Corporate Leadership Councils to promote sustainability, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Council is helping to create the infrastructure that promotes sustainability, bring products to market faster, provide marketing solutions that deal with detriments of costly production of domestic fuels and provide energy cost benefit sustainable solutions.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.