2. How do we define Innovation?
• We define innovation through investment—in
new programs, our people and technologies
that are on the cutting edge for utilities.
• Enhancing services that boost revenue and
provide value to our ratepayers.
• Efficiencies that streamline operations, save
money and support reinvestment in critical
areas addressed in our strategic plan.
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3. How do we apply innovation and
investment?
Three examples:
• Packaged Ice program
• Hydroelectric Power and Green Energy
• “Ziggy” Valves—a Spartanburg Water
invention
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5. Why do we find innovation and
investment important?
• Savings for Ratepayers.
• Preparation for changes in the industry.
• Investment provides resources for
reinvestment and new sources of revenue.
• Operational efficiency.
• New services for ratepayers and the
community as a whole.
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6. Thank You!
Sue G. Schneider, CEO
Spartanburg Water
sschneider@spartanburgwater.org
(864) 580-5647
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Follow me on Twitter @sgschneider
Or connect with me on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/schneider100
Editor's Notes
Twice the Ice: Our program demonstrates a utility can be entrepreneurial, creative and focused on customer satisfaction—and keep from raising rates, while raising revenue and providing a useful service. We have 12 ice houses that have been in operation since 2008. Ice is just water that’s a different temperature. We’ve dispensed over 17 million pounds of ice, raising about $1.5 million. That’s 2 million gallons of water.
Hydroelectric Power and Green Energy: There is power in water, and there is green energy potential in water. Spartanburg Water has been in the hydroelectric business for about 90 years now. To that end, we are participating in the FERC licensing process to expand our program. We are simply taking an existing asset, our dams, and pairing them with a precious natural resource (water) to benefit the entire community.
Ziggy Valves: Nonpayment of a bill generally results in the water meter being turned off and locked. To address this problem, SSSD developed an apparatus, called the “Ziggy Valve” enabling the temporary disconnection of a single sewer service, while allowing the sewer main flow to continue unimpeded. Each “Ziggy Valve” is constructed from materials available at local hardware stores at a cost of approximately $500 each, and consists of a short section of PVC sewer pipe with 2 inflatable bladders at each end. The service area of Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District (SSSD) encompasses parts of 5 other water districts, some of whom are unwilling to terminate water service to address an un-paid sewer bill.
