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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/2009, C4 - PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION'S ENERGY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMcouncil M eb 11111W-09 acEnaa Report C I T Y OF S A N L U I S O B I S P O FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Utilities Director Prepared By: Ron Munds, Utilities Conservation Manager SUBJECT: PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION'S ENERGY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution authorizing: 1. The City of San Luis Obispo's participation in the California Energy Commission's Energy Partnership Program. 2. The Utilities Director to execute all the necessary documents to implement and carry out the purposes of the program. DISCUSSION A representative from the California Energy Commission (CEC) contacted City staff at the end of 2008 offering technical assistance to the City in identifying energy efficiency projects at City owned facilities through its Energy Partnership Program. Cities, counties and special districts are eligible for up to $20,000 in energy auditing services through the program. The purpose of the program is to provide energy auditing services that will identify cost effective energy reduction opportunities and recommend projects to achieve those savings. Though it is not mandatory the City implement the recommendations coming from the energy audit, it is the GEC's expectation that the City will support and consider implementing any cost effective projects that are identified in the study. Staff has selected the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) as a prime candidate for these services since the facility consumes large amounts of electricity when treating the community's wastewater. In addition, much of the electricity used by the facility occurs during peak demand times when energy costs are the highest. One of the conditions to participate in the program is the adoption of a resolution which states the City's commitment to the program and authorizes a person within the organization to execute any necessary agreements. If the Council approves the City's participation in the program, upon completion of the audit, staff will return to the Council with the results and a recommendation on any preferred projects, energy and cost savings, and funding alternatives. CONCURRENCES The Community Development Department concurs with the recommendation since the action supports the following General Plan policies: COSE 4.3.1: The City will employ the best available practices in energy conservation, procurement, use and production..... C/N CEC Energy Partnership Program Page 2 COSE 4.3.2: City buildings and facilities will be operated in the most energy - efficient manner without endangering public health and safety and without reducing public safety or service levels. COSE 4.3.3: The City will continue to identify efficiency improvement measures to the greatest extent possible..... FISCAL IMPACT There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adopting the resolution to participate in the Energy Partnership Program. The program offers up to $20,000 in technical assistance which is an amount adequate to cover the cost of the energy audit at the WRF. Any projects identified through the audit will be brought back to the Council at a future date for consideration. ALTERNATIVES The Council could decide not support the recommendation and direct staff to explore other energy saving opportunities for the WRF. This alternative is not recommended since the CEC will cover the entire cost of the energy audit and related energy savings report. ATTACHMENT Resolution G: File Path Attachment 1. RESOLUTION NO. (2009 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AUTHORIZING THE CIT.Y'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION'S ENERGY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WHEREAS, California Energy Commission's Partnership Program provides technical assistance in identifying energy efficiency improvements; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo's City Council authorizes the Utilities Department to apply for technical assistance from the California Energy Commission; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo's City Council recognizes that the California Energy Commission ha_ s limited funds for technical assistance and that the primary consideration will be given to those that are committed to implementing the recommended projects identified through the Energy Partnership Program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. The City of San Luis Obispo will consider the implementation of the cost effective: energy efficiency projects identified through the Energy Partnership Program_contingent on the project's scope and funding availability. SECTION 2. The Utilities Director is authorized to execute all the necessary documents to implement and carry out the purposes of this resolution. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following vote. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of Mayor David F. Romero 111' L, y -3 Resolution No. (2009 Series) Attachment 1 Page 2 ATTEST: Audrey Hooper City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Jon an well City Attorney