Energy represents the second largest cost center for water utilities today (after wages and salaries). Yet utilities' efforts to develop sophisticated management systems to control energy costs are just beginning to develop not only as a result of changes within the water industry, but dramatic changes in the energy industry. This paper explains the Washington Suburgan Sanitary Commission's (WSSC) efforts to develop an Energy Information System (EIS) as the foundation of a long-term strategy to manage, optimize usage, and control energy costs. The EIS is an evolving program being developed in stages, coordinated with the utility's strategic plan for energy procurement and increasing energy efficiency of its operations. Includes 4 references.