HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/21/2024 Item 7b, Delmartini
2024 5:02 PM
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Subject:Fwd: Energy Efficient Renovations Policy - item 7.b
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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Energy Efficient Renovations Policy - item 7.b
Date: 2024-05-17 7:57 pm
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
I think the proposed policy is well intended, there is more discussion to be had.
1.Please consider an incentive based voluntary program for a year or two to see if there is enough buy-in to be
effective. As far as my reading of the staff report there are no incentives offered. People like incentives. I'm not
so fond of a mandate. Let the public do what they think is right for them.
2. Appliances, HVAC systems and the like are already very energy efficient and getting more so as time goes
on. Technology advances constantly. Tank less water heaters were all the rage not too long ago, I don't hear
much about them any more.
3. Discussion with contractors indicates that the regional workforce "generally" has the capacity and capability
to install the compliance measures. What does "generally" actually mean? Contractors as well as consumers
like certainty. Something might "generally" be available or might not be available for an extended period of
time. Roll of the dice?
4. In the "Major Addition Example" there is a statement that says "it is likely that the project would include
replacing a hot water heater".. I don't think you can just make that assumption. It may be considered if the
water heater is old but probably not if it's maybe three to five years old. In my opinion,That statement should
not apply. Same section has a statement "since they are electivvly upgrading their electric service and panel
they would also add a breaker, conduit and wire and an outlet for future HVAC system" Why would this
assumption be made that this is just what someone would do. I personally don't think I want an air conditioning
system. If I did I might not know now where I may want one in the future so why would I be adding conduit and
wiring etc... If I did have one now in an enclosure, would a new system fit in an existing enclosure ? On the
central coast I don't use my forced air heating system that much so requiring a change of that system or
rewiring for the future doesn't make much sense to me.
5.There is a statement about these extra costs ($5,000.00 to $15,000.00) could be offset by available rebates
and incentives. Rebates for these types of additions/appliances come and go.
Tax incentives come and go. This is where the city could step in with some incentives.
6.This being a new program/policy there is a statement that it will take some time for staff to review it, get
accustomed to using it etc...
which makes sense. But then there is a statement regarding the fees to cover the increased time "may"
increase. Throw out some sort of estimate
such as, if it takes three more hours the city charges so much per hour for review so the increased cost could
be X. This is not a guaranteed number but it would give some sort of idea of what the additional cost may be,
This needs to be added to the extra $5,000.00 to $15,000.00 that is estimated for compliance. There are no
rebates but there could be a city incentive here. People like certainty.
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Again, I believe this really needs more thought and some direct answers to costs, permit review time, not
counting on rebates three years from now, availability of products and contractors, new technology and how it
may change some of the assumptions being made in this report.
Consideration of a voluntary/incentive program. Was there any discussion with staff and council about that
idea?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Steve Delmartini
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