”Energy Management at SMWD” : An OCWA Industry Insight

July 16, 2025
Industry Insight Presentation

Energy Management
at Santa Margarita
Water District

Presented by:

Daniel Peterson

Regulatory and Logistics Manager,
Santa Margarita Water District

Dave & Busters

Irvine Spectrum

661 Spectrum Center Drive
Sign-In: 11:30 am
Lunch at Noon
Presentation: 12:30 pm

Hosted by OCWA

We’re Proud to Recognize
Our Sponsors
for the July 2025
Presentation:

Click on the logos above
to learn more about our July 2025 Sponsors.

About Our Presentation

Santa Margarita Water District is taking practical steps to better manage its $9.4 million annual energy bill through a combination of alternative energy generation, demand-side strategies, and future planning.

SMWD is steadily evolving from reactive energy management to a more strategic, systems-based approach. Projects highlighted include solar, microturbines and battery systems. The District is also applying smarter operational strategies such as staggered equipment start times and peak shaving to reduce costly demand spikes.

Plan now to join us July 16 for an in-depth look at how one district is positioning itself to manage rising energy costs and potential shortages.

Make your reservations today! 

OCWA Members with Reservations:  $30.00

Non-Members with Reservations:  $45.00

OCWA Members without Reservations:  $45.00 (at the door)

Non-Members without Reservations:  $45.00 (at the door)

Reservations must be made by end-of-day, Tuesday, July 15,
to qualify for the Reservation Rate.
Cancellations received AFTER this date CANNOT be refunded.

About Our Speaker

Daniel Peterson

Regulatory and Logistics Manager,
Santa Margarita Water District

Daniel Peterson is the Regulatory and Logistics Manager at Santa Margarita Water District, where he plays a key role in integrating technology and operations to improve performance, planning, and sustainability. With experience across Customer Service, Finance, and Operations departments, Daniel brings a comprehensive understanding of how the District functions both behind the scenes and in the field.

Daniel plays a central role in the District’s energy and asset management strategies, contributing to the development of capital programs, fleet optimization, and demand-side energy projects. He has led major efforts such as a forensic audit of one of the District’s 600-mile distribution systems, collaboration with regional water agencies to manage water movement through the regions South County Pipeline, and the implementation of a $60 million operations budget.

Daniel holds a Master of Science in Water Resource Management from California State University, Fresno, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Long Beach. He is a licensed Water Distribution Operator and Water Treatment Operator in the State of California, and is a graduate of the Water Environment Federation’s Leadership Institute.