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March 18, 2026
Industry Insight
Presentation:
“Owning the Kilowatt” – Understanding the Value of Microgrids
Presented by:
Jamie Ferro
West Regional Energy Management Lead
Hazen & Sawyer
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Dave & Busters
Irvine Spectrum
661 Spectrum Center Drive
Sign-In: 11:30 am
Lunch at Noon
Hosted by OCWA
We're Proud to Recognize Our Sponsors for the March 2026 Presentation:
Ardurra
Civiltec Engineering
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Clow Valve Co/MCWane Waterworks
DN Tanks
Join us March 18 for an in-depth look at the “Owning the Kilowatt” – Understanding the Value of Microgrids, presented by Jamie Ferro, a Senior Associate at Hazen and Sawyer and Western Energy Management Services Group Lead.
The Goleta Sanitary District completed an initial microgrid study in 2019 to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a solar-plus-storage microgrid to reduce energy costs. The study determined a payback period exceeding 20 years due to high capital costs and limited compatibility with the District’s biogas fueled combined heat and power (CHP) system. An updated evaluation completed by the District and Hazen in 2025 concluded that a microgrid consisting of a 500 kW solar array and a 2,000 kW energy storage system was financially viable, with a payback period of under 20 years.
The improved economics were driven by several factors:
- Advancements in solar and battery storage efficiencies
- Reduction in solar and battery storage costs and expanded funding opportunities
- Increasing electric utility energy and demand charges
- Changes in the Districts biogas fueled combined heat and power (CHP) system capacity.
This case study demonstrates how recent trends in solar and energy storage technologies in combination with energy cost trends are impacting microgrid feasibility. In addition, this case study demonstrates how other energy generation assets can impact the microgrid value and the need to integrate existing and future energy assets into the microgrid evaluation.
Our March presentation promises to be both entertaining and informative. Make your reservations today!
You won't want to miss this.
OCWA Members with Reservations: $40.00
Non-Members with Reservations: $60.00
OCWA Members without Reservations: $60.00 (at the door)
Non-Members without Reservations: $60.00 (at the door)
Reservations must be made by end-of-day, Tuesday, March 17th
to qualify for the Reservation Rate.
Cancellations received AFTER this date CANNOT be refunded.
About Our Speaker:
Jamie Ferro
Senior Associate and Western Energy Management Services Group Lead
Jamie Ferro serves as Hazen and Sawyer’s West Region Energy Management Lead. He has 25 years of experience in the water sector with a background in water law and policy, program design, project development, and project management. An accomplished project manager, he brings strategic, technical, and management capabilities to work in collaborative settings involving complex projects and community interests. He has a wide variety of experience in policy development, advocacy, and collaboration and has managed a wide variety of projects from initial planning, through design and operation. Jamie is also an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University, teaching water law/policy and environmental studies courses.
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