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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Board - Minutes - 01/13/2022 ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING January 13, 2022 – 5:30 pm Remote – Zoom ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Bill Becker, Jeremy Giovando, Alan Braslau, John Fassler, Steve Tenbrink, Dan Gould, Marge Moore, Sidra Aghabibian, Emilio Ramirez Board Members Absent: OTHERS PRESENT Staff Members Present: Christie Fredrickson, Adam Bromley, Cyril Vidergar, Kirk Longstein, Brian Tholl, John Phelan, Leland Keller, Brad Smith Members of the Public: Rick Coen, Keith Ela, TJ Loran, Mark Houdashelt, Rich Stave MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Chairperson Becker called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm ANNOUNCEMENTS & AGENDA CHANGES Two new members were appointed to the Energy Board on January 4, 2022. Board members spent a few minutes each introducing themselves. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Coen said Mr. McCollough’s departure from the City of Fort Collins will be a blow to the Utility. He hopes that the clean energy and innovative trajectory of the City and the Utility will not be stifled. APPROVAL OF MINUTES In preparation for the meeting, board members submitted amendments via email for the November 17 and December 9, 2021, minutes. The minutes were approved as amended. 2021 ENERGY CODE UPDATE Kirk Longstein, Energy Service Project Manager (attachments available upon request) Mr. Longstein explained this process began with outreach in January 2021, starting with the International Code Council releasing model ordinances. The City formed a code review committee who contributed to codes and local amendments for the community. City council provided some feedback and asked questions of staff related to the code package. Feedback included the need to be mindful of the impacts of increasing first year construction costs as it relates to affordable housing, and consideration for how the electric vehicle (EV) charge infrastructure building codes account for underutilized EV charging infrastructure. Council also wondered how the proposal aligns with City plans and policy (specifically the triple bottom line community benefits), how the building code updates address the future community building stock and avoided retrofit costs, and how does the IECC alternative compliance verification pathways achieve the desired enforcement outcomes. ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Additionally, what are alternative metrics to evaluate if, or how building codes are impacting developers' willingness to build in Fort Collins. Mr. Longstein advised staff is working on compiling additional information to address these concerns ahead of their presentation at Council on February 15. All nine code packages have been met with consensus support by all community groups. Local amendments include an improved building envelope, electric readiness for space and water heating, water conservation, increased fine for working without the required permit, remove required vapor retarder in walls, and EV charging infrastructure for specific building occupancy types (a percentage based on the building’s occupancy type). These amendments were not modified since staff last presented to the Energy Board in the Fall of 2021. Board member Tenbrink asked for clarification on the percentage criteria for EV charging infrastructure. Mr. Longstein advised the provision for single family homes is that the garage must be EV-ready; commercial properties are based on International Building Code occupancy type which then must allocate a certain percentage of their parking spaces to EV-Installed (level 2 charger), EV-Ready (outlet), and EV- Capable (uncharged conduit to the space). The percentage allocation is based on the number of spaces required by the land use code through the site-planning process. Board member Braslau wondered why 100% of the parking spaces shouldn’t be EV-Capable. Mr. Longstein felt this was a compromise with the development community to balance the costs of new infrastructure. Mr. Braslau said if the concern is to avoid retrofit, this strategy does not make sense. Board member Giovando, what does solar ready mean for homeowners? Mr. Smith explained the Solar Ready appendix applies to residential and commercial, and it says builders must allow a certain square footage of roof real estate that can be used for a solar array. This must be accounted for in the home’s plan set, as well as detail a pathway from the roof or attic down to the panel (space on panel must also be accounted for). Chairperson Becker said the underutilization of EV spaces is a symptom of where we are right now as a society. For example, he is less inclined to drive his EV to the airport because if there isn’t a charger available when he arrives, he won’t be able to get home. He believes compromise is necessary, but the building community is short-sighted on this matter. Mr. Longstein said market demand for EVs is on an exponential curve, concerns around range are a real issue that the early adoption community is facing. Board member Ramirez agreed, he and his family needed to get a second vehicle and it didn’t make sense to get an EV because of the lack of charging capabilities near his home and work. Mr. Fassler said the building community will not pay for retrofits later, it’s the community at large, the inhabitants, who will have to pay for that infrastructure in the future. He believes this provision is denying an incredible leap of technology to anyone who doesn’t live in a single-family home in Fort Collins. The future is sooner than we know. Board member Braslau expressed concerns around the radon-testing requirements. Mr. Phelan said he hears the Board’s concerns, but at the same time staff has completed an enormous amount of outreach over the last year; this is the code package going to council next month. He encouraged the Board to include comments of support or non-support as the they see fit within their motion. Vice Chairperson Moore moved the Energy Board support the adoption of the Code package to update from the current 2018 codes to the 2021 I-Codes including local amendments ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Board Member Giovando seconded the motion. Discussion: Board member Giovando feels like there is a decoupling between the City’s climate goals and this code package. Board member Braslau added that the Board should express reservations that the codes fall short of the community’s climate action goals. Ms. Fredrickson reminded the Board they submitted a memo expressing many of these same concerns to City Council after staff’s last presentation in October 2021. Perhaps the Board can incorporate some of that language into their motion. Chairperson Becker proposed a friendly amendment to the motion to include “however, as expressed in the Energy Board’s October 27, 2021, memo to City Council, the Board feels the building code updates and EV requirements are not sufficient or in alignment with the goals of the City’s Our Climate Future Plan.” Vice Chairperson Moore accepted the amendment. Amended Motion: Vice Chairperson Moore moved the Energy Board support the adoption of the Code package to update from the current 2018 codes to the 2021 I-Codes including local amendments; however, as expressed in the Energy Board’s October 27, 2021, memo to City Council, the Board feels the building code updates and EV requirements are not sufficient or in alignment with the goals of the City’s Our Climate Future Plan. Board member Tenbrink seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously, 9-0 SHARED ENERGY SYSTEMS NET METERING OFFERING Leland Keller, Energy Services Engineer (attachments available upon request) Shared Energy Systems generally defined as one energy system or an aggregation of energy systems that benefits multiple customer accounts. The program delivers renewable energy to residential customers. Production is metered directly and delivered to the building(s) ahead of the residential meters at the site and the credit value is split among participating customers and assigned on their bills. Shared Energy Systems support renewable generation at multi-family and mixed-use buildings allowing equitable access to solar and battery incentives. This is direct fulfillment of several Our Climate Future (OCF) goals, including Next Move RE5 (develop systems to implement shared solar solutions), Big Move 6 (efficient, emissions free buildings), and Next Move EEFB2 (performance path for zero-carbon buildings). The City is working on the program now because there are several metro districts that are building right now who need cost effective channels to deliver renewable generation (as promised in their metro district negotiations with the City). It also creates an equitable path for access to solar and batteries for multifamily residents in Fort Collins. The offering complies with Platte River Power Authority’s Power Supply Agreement as a net-metered community-based project. There is also code language in a Chapter 26 Ordinance that supports this type of program (approved in October 2021). It leverages existing rates that are already incurred, without any changes to those rates. The program would expand demand for the Utility’s Residential Solar Rebate and Battery Installation ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING offerings. Based on construction schedules for metro district developments, development near the I-25 & Prospect Road interchange, and retrofit opportunities (such as CARE Housing), staff estimates participation in these programs will grow by 20-30% annually for single-family homes in the coming years, and anticipates the premises impacted to grow by 50-70%. Board member Gould said this offering is very exciting. He said he can see how it works for metro districts and wondered how it would work for other types of projects to incentivize this kind of development. Mr. Keller said staff has heard inquiries from CARE housing for about half a dozen properties in Fort Collins. Mr. Gould clarified he is more curious about what the ongoing benefits to the building owners are, what would incentivize them to participate in the first place. Mr. Keller said the building owners can advertise their building as powered by renewable energy, which carries significant value in the Fort Collins market; cost would likely be recouped through rent pricing and kept in check by other market pressures. Mr. Phelan added the City has not been able to serve the multi-family market with solar at all up until this door opened. He said many of the incentives and programmatic details are still ahead of staff, but everyone is very excited about the market opportunities these types of projects could inspire. Chairperson Becker wondered if this is limited to solar only or if it is inclusive of other types of renewables, such as fuel cells. Mr. Keller said it can be any type of renewable defined in the City’s code, such as a battery-only system. Mr. Phelan noted it is called “Shared Energy Systems,” though staff expects much of the initial projects to center on solar arrays. Board member Braslau wondered how the energy will be distributed equitably among the property’s individual dwellings to ensure it doesn’t have an opposing effect on energy consumption. Mr. Keller explained the property owner will need to disclose the reasonable distribution upon application to the program. This model doesn’t serve master-metered buildings, which can benefit from standard interconnection of renewable generation in the traditional behind-the-meter service model. For the Shared Energy Systems offering, individual dwelling units are still individually metered, so these customers would see accurate reflections of their consumption along with the Shared Energy System credit on their bill. MAYOR’S ELECTRIFICATION CHALLENGE Adam Bromley, Interim Deputy Director, Utilities Light & Power John Phelan, Energy Services Senior Manager At last month’s planning meeting, Chairperson Becker inquired about The Mayor’s Electrification Challenge, led by nonprofit Rewiring America. The program challenges Mayors & Municipal Leaders to pledge to electrify their communities by: building support for policies to help homeowners and renters at every income-level and businesses of all sizes electrify their homes and buildings and charge their EVs; work to replace fossil-fueled machines in municipal-owned buildings and fleets with clean electric appliances and vehicles; reach out to businesses and support the creation of good quality jobs, equitably transitioning from fossil fuels through electrification; and finally to use their voice in Washington, their home state, within their community, and with the news media to support and educate others about electrification as the means to realize a fossil fuel-free future. Mr. Phelan said there are often initiatives that seek to leverage local government to enact policies. At first glance, he doesn’t see anything in the pledge that is different than what the City and Utility is already working toward. Mr. Bromley and Mr. Phelan both encouraged the Board to carefully review the materials, along with staff support, to ensure this is a pledge that aligns with the work and timelines the City is already doing before deciding if this is something they would like to make a formal recommendation about ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING to Mayor Arndt and City Council. Board member Giovando wondered if there are any opportunities for grants or financial incentives through this organization. Mr. Bromley said at this time he doesn’t know the specifics and again suggested combing through the pledge in more detail. More information about the pledge can be found on the Rewiring America website: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/policy/mayors-for-electrification 2022 PLANNING CALENDAR The Energy Board reviewed the Planning Calendar for the upcoming year and made a few suggestions on topics they’d like to hear about. APPROVE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Board member Braslau moved to approve the Energy Board’s 2021 Annual Report as presented. Board member Moore seconded the motion. Discussion: None Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously, 9-0 OFFICER ELECTIONS Board member Tenbrink said he would be willing to serve as Chair. Many board members expressed excitement about Mr. Tenbrink’s self-nomination. Board member Moore said she has really enjoyed serving as Vice Chair and being a part of the planning process. Board member Becker nominated himself for Vice Chairperson. Board member Becker moved to nominate Board member Tenbrink as the new Chairperson and himself, Board member Becker, as the new Vice Chairperson. Board member Braslau seconded the motion. Discussion: None. Nominees for the Chair and Vice Chairperson roles consented. There are no further nominations. Nominations are now closed. Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously, 9-0. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Vice Chairperson Becker attended the virtual Utilities Executive Director community forum. He was impressed with the candidates; Chairperson Tenbrink agreed. Mr. Tenbrink wondered who makes the ENERGY BOARD REGULAR MEETING final hiring decision. Mr. Bromley said the final choice is up to Kelly DiMartino, the City’s interim City Manager, and noted that the field has been narrowed further after the interviews. Ms. DiMartino should be sharing more soon. Board member Gould watched a webinar by Colorado Energy Research Collaboratory. One panelist was from New A.G.E., which is a company simultaneously removes waste from coal and coal ash and produces hydrogen for clean sustainable electricity. New A.G.E. recently partnered with Lightning Motors (out of Loveland), who make electric vehicle chassis, and AAA of Colorado to try out New A.G.E.’s on-site modular hydrogen generators on part of their fleet. ADJOURNMENT The Energy Board adjourned at 8:10 pm.