City Of Cincinnati Transitions To New Reliability Program From GE Energy

GE Energy and the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) today announced the successful implementation of a new reliability-based asset management program for MSDGC’s wastewater treatment network. The new system “went live” earlier this month and is the culmination of a year-long project that required GE to design and implement a comprehensive program to improve MSDGC’s maintenance and operating practices.

Improving the mechanical reliability of pumps and other equipment, especially during periods of peak demand such as after a rainstorm, was a critical aspect of the project. The GE-designed reliability program is part of a multi-faceted effort by MSDGC to improve its environmental compliance through better equipment reliability, ensuring that critical pumps are able to run during peak demand times. The program is also expected to reduce maintenance costs and energy usage while simultaneously enhancing safety and employee satisfaction.

Brian Palmer, vice-president of GE Energy’s Optimization and Control business unit, noted that, “the U.S. water and wastewater industry faces a multitude of challenges due to aging infrastructure and decreasing operating resources. However, Cincinnati has risen to these challenges and is establishing itself as a leader in proactive asset management. We appreciate the confidence that the city has placed in GE by allowing us to help design and implement their newly launched reliability program.”

Tony Parrott, executive director of MSDGC, was equally enthusiastic. “With GE’s partnership, we have improved reliability, enhanced our systems, and ultimately, saved the rate payers money by implementing proven private sector practices into the public sector,” said Parrott. “GE’s approach has been impressive in coupling the changes to our work processes with the upgrades to our technology.”
About MSDGC

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (www.msdgc.org) manages the effective collection and treatment of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater each day and actively maintains 3,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers that run through the 49 municipalities and townships of Hamilton County, Ohio. MSDGC is owned by Hamilton County and operated by the city of Cincinnati. MSDGC is committed to continually maintaining and improving its wastewater collection and treatment systems for the betterment of both public and environmental health.
About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Ga., GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
For more information, contact:

Steve Sabin
GE Energy
+1 775 215 2291
steve.sabin@ge.com

Gina DeRossi or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
gina.derossi@mastopr.com
howard.masto@ge.com