Hayward Biogas Cogeneration Upgrade Project

First Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customer to use excess electricity at other city facilities (Biogas Cogeneration Upgrade Project)

Hayward, CA

How you can benefit

This project keeps the sewer charge lower for Hayward residents and businesses in their water bill.  It also helps businesses recycle fats, oils, and grease (FOG) which prevents costly cleanup by property owners and the city.

Pouring FOG down the drain can block entire pipes and cause:

  • Raw sewage to overflow into buildings, which requires expensive professional cleanup, and often must be paid for by property owners.
  • Raw sewage to overflow into yards, streets, and parks. 
  • Exposure to disease-causing organisms.
  • An increase in costs for local sewer departments, resulting in higher sewer bills.

So safely dispose FOG in one of these ways:

  • Compostable container (paper milk or ice cream carton). Then put it in the city compost cart.
  • Metal can. Then pour it on top of yard trimmings in the city compost cart.

Why it's a leading policy

Hayward's wastewater treatment plant creates clean energy from:

  • Solar panels.
  • FOG and biosolids (what goes down your toilet and sink) by capturing methane (via anaerobic digestion).

The plant makes excess energy which powers other city facilities.

The city was the first PG&E customer to apply the Renewable Energy Self-Generating Bill Credit Tariff (RES-BCT) which allows dollar-for-dollar bill credit transfer of energy exported to the grid. The plant's new cogeneration facility will make excess energy from renewable resources and apply the surplus electricity to other city-owned meters at full value.

Goal

To have all city facilities powered by clean, renewable energy.

Who can take action

California local governments (e.g., city, county, school district) can apply for RES-BCT.

Outcome

The city projected it would save $410,000 annually. In 2015, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the city’s wastewater treatment plant with an On-site Generation Award. The award recognizes EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves using on-site renewable energy, such as solar panels or landfill gas. The treatment plant is generates enough green power to meet more than 100% of its electricity use.

Contact

Erik Pearson, Environmental Services Manager, Hayward Public Works - Utilities & Environmental Services, 510-583-4770, erik.pearson@hayward-ca.gov,

Last Updated

July 22, 2015