SA Water aims for no electricity costs

SA Water will invest in a range of renewable energy measures as part of a plan to cut its net energy bill to zero by 2020.

SA Water has launched an ambitious plan to achieve zero net electricity costs within the next three years.

The government-owned utility will invest in solar panels on reservoirs, battery storage and thermal energy in the hope of slashing its $55 million annual electricity bill to zero.

"Treating water and wastewater, and pumping both across vast networks is energy intensive, so it's important SA Water continuously manage their electricity usage and costs for the benefit of customers and the environment," Water Minister Ian Hunter said.

SA Water will initially invest $10 million in solar panels to be installed across some of its metropolitan sites and $500,000 in a pilot 50 kilowatt-hour battery storage system at Crystal Brook, north of Adelaide.

Chief executive Roch Cheroux said the business had already reduced its electricity costs by $3 million a year since 2013 by investing in other efficiencies.

"Every step we make towards reaching our target will deliver savings for our business, and therefore our customers," Mr Cheroux said.

The utility's Glenelg Wastewater treatment plant is already 80 per cent energy self-sufficient due to renewable energy generation.