HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/12/2024 - ENERGY BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting
ENERGY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
September 12, 2024 – 5:30 pm
222 Laporte Ave – Colorado Room
Zoom – See Link Below
1. [5:30] CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. [5:30] PUBLIC COMMENT
3. [5:35] APPROVAL OF AUGUST 8, 2024 MINUTES
4. [5:45] BUILDING ENERGY CODE AND PATH TO ZERO CARBON NEW
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES (30 Min, Discussion)
Brad Smith, Energy Code Project Manager
5. [6:15] CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND INPUTS TO UTILITY RATES (30 Min,
Discussion)
Randy Reuscher, Lead Analyst, Utility Rates
Phil Ladd, Manager, Financial Planning & Assets
6. [6:45] CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET (30 Min, Discussion)
Brian Tholl, Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineer
Participation for this Energy Board Meeting will be in person in the Colorado Room at
222 Laporte Ave.
You may also join online via Zoom, using this link: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/96707441862
Public Attendance & Comment
Members of the public are encouraged to attend either in person or online. Members of the
public attending in person are expected to sign in on the public sign-in sheet. During the “Public
Comment” segment of each meeting, comment will be allowed on matters of interest or
concern to members of the public, including items the Board will consider at that night’s
meeting. Each speaker will only be allowed to speak one time during Public Comment.
Online Public Participation:
The online meeting will be available to join at approximately 5:15 pm, September 12, 2024.
Participants should try to sign in prior to the 5:30 pm meeting start time, if possible. For public
comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would
like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have
an opportunity to address the Board or Commission.
To participate:
• Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a
microphone will greatly improve your audio).
• You need to have access to the internet.
• Keep yourself on muted status.
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REGULAR MEETING
7. [7:15] MEMO: PLATTE RIVER’S INTEGRATED RESOURCES PLAN (30 Min, Decision)
8. [7:45] BOARD MEMBER REPORTS (5 min.)
9. [7:50] FUTURE AGENDA REVIEW (5 min.)
10. [7:55] ADJOURNMENT
ENERGY BOARD
August 8, 2024 – 5:30 pm
222 Laporte Ave – Colorado Room
ROLL CALL
Board Members Present: Marge Moore, Alan Braslau, Thomas Loran, Frederick Wegert, Wendell
Stainsby, Scott Canonico, Brian Smith, Jeremy Giovando, Eric Shenk
Board Members Absent: OTHERS PRESENT
Staff Members Present: Christie Fredrickson, Brian Tholl, Yvette Lewis-Molok (remote), Tyler Marr,
Michael Authier, Travis Walker, Mary Horsey, Leland Keller, Jay Stowe (remote), Leland Keller, Masood
Ahmad (PRPA), Jason Frisbie (PRPA), Leigh Gibson (PRPA, remote), Paul Davis (PRPA), Jennifer
Hammit (PRPA, remote), Bryce Brady (PRPA, remote), Zach Borton (PRPA, remote), Pat Connors
(PRPA, remote),
Members of the Public: Sue McFaddin, Kevin Cross, Doug Henderson, Bill Althouse, Will Walters,
Nancy York, Barb Krupnik-Goldman, Natalie Pierce, Zoe Young, Sam Killmeyer, Joachim Vogl, Rick
Casey, Don Kipp, David Novella, Rick Coen, Roger Simpson (remote), Sonia Koetting (remote), George
Weston (remote), Rhonda Gatzke (remote)
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Interim Chairperson Loran called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
• Barbara Krupnik-Goldman expressed gratitude to the Energy Board for their opposition against
Platte River’s plans to build a natural gas turbine. Platte River’s three pillars (reliability,
environmental responsibility, and financial sustainability) have served as solid guidelines for the
last 50 years; however, we are now living in a new world in which the heating of the atmosphere
is producing a climate crisis. All decisions now and going forward must be framed with climate
impact first and foremost; climate impact should be a fourth pillar.
• Sam Killmeuer encouraged the Board to use their position to embolden City Council and the two
City Representatives on the Platte River Board of Directors to stand against the plans for the
natural gas turbine. She asked why Platte River is spending a significant amount of money on the
turbines when they could be investing it back into clean energy.
• Kevin Cross, a member of Fort Collins’ Sustainability Group, thanked the Board for their
opposition member about the natural gas turbine. Since the results of the All-Source RFP have
not been disclosed, he does not believe Platte River has made a convincing case for the turbine
and does not think investing in and building additional generating capacity is necessary at this
point. Instead, he would like to see Platte River enter into medium- or long-term contracts for a
mix of renewable and fossil fuel dispatchable power that can tide us over until long term energy
storage batteries and Virtual Power Plants become a demonstrably reliable option. Building a
natural gas turbine will create significant and unsustainable rate increases. He asked that the
Board continue to ask the hard questions and advocate for less costly, more climate friendly
approaches to ensure a reliable supply electricity for Platte River’s owner communities.
• Doug Henderson is speaking for the local Sierra Club, the State Sierra Club, and the Larimer
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Alliance for Health Safety and Environment. He thanked the Board for their position on gas plant
proposal. He asked the Board to request an independent assessment and seek advice from
NREL or RMI to evaluate the Platte River assessment and recommendations. These have been
put forth by for-profit consulting firms using “black fox planning”, in which the assumptions are
kept secret, and the data cannot be questioned.
• Bill Althouse, former Energy Board member, implored the board to continue asking the hard
questions in the interest of keeping rates low. Platte river is attempting to create a stranded cost
barrier so that prosumers cannot claim capacity payments.
• Will Walters supports the letter the Board sent in opposition of the natural gas plant, he hopes the
Board will stay on track with asking the tough questions and help prevent the building of more
fossil fuel generating capacity.
• Nancy York expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of hydrogen, but the fact is the hydrogen
used in the aero turbines will be made out of methane. She would much rather see the
community working together with shared resources and shared batteries to face the climate
emergency.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
In preparation for the meeting, board members submitted amendments via email for the July 11, 2024,
minutes. The minutes were approved as amended.
PLATTE RIVER’S INTEGRATED RESOURCES PLAN
Masood Ahmad, Platte River Power Authority
Paul Davis, Platte River Power Authority
Jason Frisbie, GM & CEO, Platte River Power Authority
An Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) is a planning process that integrates customer demand and
resources with utility resources to meet a utility’s future electricity needs as per the policy and guidelines
of the governing body. In Platte River’s case, the IRP is a 20-year plan to meet: Goals of the Resource
Diversification Policy (RDP) and the State Clean Energy Plan. The Typical IRP process is repeated every
3-5 years to plan for industry changes including: Technological progress, Consumer preferences, and
Regulatory mandates. The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) requires Platte River to prepare
an IRP every five years, but they have accelerated filing the IRP due to the 2030 RDP goals.
Mr. Ahmad explained the challenge of the IRP is to create a transition plan to retire 431 MW of coal,
currently providing over half of the low-cost energy and reliable capacity to the owner communities. That
capacity will need replaced with low or no-carbon energy and capacity within six years. Reliable grid
operation requires energy, capacity and flexibility. The IRP must plan for all three attributes. While wind
and solar are excellent sources of energy, they are not able to provide capacity and flexibility. These two
vital attributes must be procured from other sources for successful grid operation.
Chairperson Loran said he recognizes that we do not have a lot of water in this region, but we do have a
lot of elevation, so he wondered why hydropower is not feasible for Platte River. Mr. Ahmad said that the
target is for 2030, and the last reservoir that was approved took roughly 20 years to build after approval.
Mr. Ahmad added that Platte River is in contact with several companies trying to build reservoirs in the
area, but it is not an option for 2030. Board members inquired about hydrogen fuel cells. Mr. Ahmad said
in the size that would be needed, the challenge is availability and reliability by 2030, even in distributed
format. Mr. Ahmad noted that one of their consulting firms, Black & Read, has noted that utility scale fuel
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cells are not commercially viable at this time. Platte River will not rely on any technology that is not
commercially proven, because once the Rawhide coal plant is decommissioned, reliability is paramount. If
folks lose power during a severe cold snap, it becomes a matter of life and death.
Mr. Ahmad displayed a graphic comparing a summer day supply and demand, and a dark calm event
(Winter Storm Uri) in 2021. Weather events can take place in other parts of the country, and we might still
feel the effects here, as we did with Winter Storm Uri. In the west, population centers are sparse and
there is not enough transmission to be connected across the country and bring the power to this area.
Dark Calm events (meaning no wind or solar), can be common; a three-day event happen up to three
times a year, a five-day event happens once a year, six- or seven-day events happen once every three to
four years. It is important to plan and forecast for these events.
Chairperson Loran asked what happens when the prices go negative, would there be a pricing signal. Mr.
Ahmad said they would communicate it’s a good time to charge your battery, your car, your power all etc.
At the time the RDP was drafted in 2018, the cost of renewables was continually dropping, and many
were forecasting that it would continue to do so. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, renewable
prices have more than doubled (since 2002) in the United States. Board member Giovando wondered if
Platte River has to spend money on to create a generation source to build capacity, are renewables still
less compared to fossil fuel alternatives. Mr. Ahmad said he does not have exact numbers, but he is very
confident that fossil fuels have not doubled (as renewables have). He will follow up with the Board as that
is data that is publicly available.
Mr. Frisbie added that Platte River must show a plan that shows they can meet their load no matter what,
then they can interact with the market and the most efficient resources run. The gas turbine enables the
renewables, because without them, the coal plant must continue to run in order to meet the load.
Batteries are still cost prohibitive at utility scale. Mr. Frisbie also said that when their Board passed the
policy the goal was to go zero carbon by 2030, to go as far possible as quickly as possible while
maintaining the three pillars. They knew when that goal was set that it meant no more coal, and the only
way to get past 85% is to put in some kind of dispatchable capacity, even if there is tremendous success
with VPPs within the owner communities. He said there is not one solution to this issue, and decisions
need to be made right now to ensure everything works as intended through a couple years, before the
metaphorical switch is turned off. It is not simple, if it were simple, everyone would already be doing it.
Chairperson Loran said part of what the Board is asking tonight is for Platte River to educate them and
provide the context the Board may be missing. His concern is that power purchase agreements (PPAs)
don’t take advantage of the marginal cost of renewable energy, which is approximately zero. Platte River
staff disagreed; Mr. Frisbie said right now they pay $5.00 per every MWh of wind they produce, because
that has to be balanced by the balancing authority (Xcel Energy). He said Mr. Loran is correct if it is
serving a municipal load or charging a battery, but after that, what is its cost if Platte River paid $0.04 a
kw for it and only received half a cent for it; furthermore, to curtail it, Platte River has to pay the
developers the tax credit price and the PPA price. The marginal cost is not zero. We need to understand
the consumption and behaviors of the customers, and everyone needs to be educated within the four
cities, not just City Collins City Council, staff, and engaged members of the community.
Board member Braslau said the short-term storage and balancing needs can be met by other resources,
such as batteries. Mr. Frisbie disagreed, noting the cost is prohibitive at utility scale. If the community is
concerned about a 6.3% rate increase now, battery storage would be significantly more. Mr. Braslau said
the point he is trying to make is that there is short term balancing cost because it jumps around on a short
time scale, but that is not that expensive to do with batteries and it is perfectly good technology. The other
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costs with excess production, and something it can be used for is electrolyze water. Mr. Ahmad said that
is too expensive, it is not commercial, nowhere in the world is storing green hydrogen for utility scale. Mr.
Braslau clarified he is not talking about utility scale; this could happen every substation. Mr. Ahmad said
Platte River sought an estimate to store five days’ worth of hydrogen to run the turbine and it was a billion
dollars. Mr. Braslau asked how much it cost to store gas, and said it is no different technology than
storing hydrogen. Platte River staff disagreed on the cost and said there are hydrogen-specific tools for
storage, so it is not the same as storing gas.
Mr. Ahmad displayed a chart summarizing the resources and associated costs of five different portfolios
Platte River considered during the IRP planning process. A plan with no new carbon and 2850 MW of 4-
hour battery storage has a net present value (NPV) of $5.34 billion over 20 years. A minimal carbon plan
includes 80 MW of new thermal resources and drops the battery down to 1100 MW, and the plan NPV
drops to $3.37 billion. Mr. Ahmad pointed out that while it is possible to throw a lot of money into it,
financial stability is one of Platte River’s three pillars and the rate shock with a no new carbon portfolio
would be significant. A carbon-imposed cost plan ($60 per ton), with 160 MW of thermal energy built, will
bring the NPV down to $2.78 billion. An optimal new carbon plan includes 200 MW of new thermal has an
NPV of $2.77 billion. Finally, the additional new carbon plan with 280 MW of new thermal has an NPV of
$2.76 billion. Platte River ultimately selected the optimal new carbon portfolio, and the Platte River Board
approved it earlier this summer.
Mr. Frisbie said one thing that is sometimes overlooked in the portfolio options is the CO2 tons. There will
be three coal units shut down (Rawhide), and Mr. Frisbie pointed out that in the selected portfolio (optimal
new carbon) there are 241,000 tons of carbon in 2030 from the existing gas resources and the new gas
resources that will be built (in this portfolio). That 241,000 tons in a year is equivalent to what Rawhide
produces in six weeks. Mr. Frisbie said he struggles with why that is perceived as a failure when it gets us
90% of the way there. Mr. Ahmad added that in 2005 when Rawhide was running all coal, it emitted about
3 million tons of carbon. In 2024, we are just over 2 million, so a reduction of almost one third. By 2028
with coal retirement and the current renewables projection, carbon emissions are expected to be closer to
1.5 million tons. When Rawhide is officially retired, it will drop to that 250,000 mark. By 2035, hydrogen is
expected to be economical, and carbon emissions are expected to drop to 74,000 tons.
Board members asked for more information about the turbines’ ability to convert to green hydrogen in the
future. Mr. Ahmad explained that the manufacturer (GE) has committed to a 35% blend of green
hydrogen by 2027, by 2032 they will be capable of burning 100% hydrogen (with additional equipment).
Mr. Ahmad added that hydrogen production and burnability are not the problem, but the actual problem
lies in hydrogen storage, transportation, and cost. Mr. Frisbie also pointed out that all five portfolio options
include the five existing combustion turbines that Platte River already has, which are currently not
capable of burning hydrogen; however, in the event there is not a newer technology or resource that
displaces them, Mr. Ahmad said that by 2040 there may be technology available to retrofit the older
combustion turbines.
Board member Braslau asked why Platte River isn’t immediately starting with hydrogen with the new
turbines. Mr. Ahmad said it is an emerging technology, and while there are many government rebates and
incentives to switch to hydrogen (effectively making it cheaper than burning gas), no one is doing it
because it is very difficult to store and transport it. Mr. Braslau said it should be produced where it will be
used and stored in smaller, distributed quantities.
The Board approved portfolio, Optimal New Carbon, is consistent with the goals of the RDP, maintains
optionality for the future, and equitable access for all citizens. Mr. Ahmad said they can say with
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confidence that their non carbon generation will be 85%, and they may reach 90-95%, but it is important
to remember that the IRP is a dynamic process. The portfolio passed this year will not be the portfolio that
Platte River builds because it is ever evolving with changes in technology and resource availability.
Board member Smith asked if Platte River plans to power the turbines and sell the extra capacity into the
market when the price is extremely high. Mr. Amahd said Platte River is joining the Southwest Power Pool
Regional Transmission Organization-West. The market’s total participant load is about 4500 MW,
compared to Platte River’s peak demand of 700 MW. Every participant brings their generation and bids
into the pool, and every participant also bids their load forecast into the pool. The market operator then
combines all the load, the resources, and completes and economic dispatch. In that dispatch, zero margin
cost resources come in at the bottom, utilizing all renewables first. Once those are used, hydrogen (which
is also considered inflexible) will be used next, and then the next unit to be dispatched would typically be
coal or gas. The market takes bids from sellers in ascending order and stop when they have enough bids
to supply power to buyers. All sellers in that time interval receive the price of the last bid accepted. This
process will happen once an hour, every hour. If there is more generation than there is load, the market
price may be zero, or even negative. In that case, the generator would pay to sell the generation, or
curtail it at a penalty.
Board member Braslau asked what gas prices are projected to sell into the market for. Mr. Ahmad said
the consultant assumes roughly $40 in 2030. Mr. Braslau said then it is fair to assume that the turbines
will run, and it is necessary for them to run in order to recoup the capital costs. He suggested setting the
price higher to get the most out of running it. Mr. Ahmad noted that as market participants, all resources
must be bid at cost, so it is not possible to set a price for any resource. Mr. Braslau said if the goal is to
be environmentally responsible, then we should not be running or selling gas on the market. Mr. Ahmad
said Platte River is building a portfolio where reliability comes first, and yes there will be days when the
turbines will be needed, so is it better to spin more efficient and cost effective aeroderivative turbines, or
the more expensive combustion turbines. Some Board and staff members reiterated that renewables will
always be utilized first, making the average cost lower and allowing Platte River to back off thermal
generation. That said, the market requires a balanced and reliable portfolio.
Chairperson Loran asked if, hypothetically, the gas turbine only runs when it is absolutely necessary (less
than 10%), how will it be paid for? Mr. Frisbie said the rate projections are composed of about 20% cost
due to the turbines, and the remaining 80% are due to the additional renewables and storage that are
being added. Board member Giovando said because Rawhide is going away, there is going to be a cost
no matter what because we have to bring generation with the loss of Rawhide. Mr. Frisbie clarified that he
is trying to say that renewables cost twice as much to bring online than what they are replacing
(Rawhide), he is not trying to say it is good, but he believes if someone is concerned about stranded
costs, their smallest concerns should be the aeroderivative turbines.
Board member Smith asked if the price of electricity goes up to $1,000.00 a MW, would it be sensible to
run the gas turbines and sell into the market? Platte River staff said electricity costs will and have gone up
that high before, running the turbine during electricity pricing surges will help to balance the profit & loss
statement (unless gas pricing surges as well).
Mr. Davis said when talking about DER (Distributed Energy Resources) integration, there are generally
five categories: energy efficiency, electrification, distributed generation, demand response, and distributed
energy storage; the latter three representing flexible DER as part of a VPP.
DERs being deployed as part of a VPP will enable dispatchable capacity for Platte River and the owner
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communities based on integrated flexible DERs, including customer DERs and utility DERs
Dispatchable capacity that can provide electric system benefits, such as reliability (power supply and
delivery), managing costs of DER integration, and making better use of intermittent, noncarbon
generation. VPPs are operated through advanced technologies including communication, monitoring and
control, analytics and optimization, as well as data engineering and management. Since VPPs aggregate
dispatchable resources, there is stronger resource adequacy, energy value, better ancillary services
(operating and regulating reserves), and distribution system capacity and reliability. However, VPPs don’t
come without challenges. Achieving a VPP that is visible, measurable, predictable and responsive in near
real time is difficult. It is also important to consider value stacking vs. mutually exclusive benefits, and the
coordination among the owner communities, Platte River, and the VPP ecosystem.
The VPP ecosystem includes customers, DER aggregators, local service providers, DER original
equipment manufacturers (OEM), with Platte River and its owner communities at the center each of the
aforementioned. The role of Platte River and owner communities is to invest in new systems, DER
management systems (DERMS), advanced distribution management systems, data management
systems, invest in VPP programs, customer engagement and support, incentives for participation, and to
operate the VPP to achieve system benefits. The customer’s role is to adopt DERs (such as electric
vehicles, storage, and smart devices, and to enroll and participate in the VPP.
Going forward, Platte River will continue collaboration with owner communities, as well as complete the
vendor selection and contracting for DERMS and VPP. They will also build DERMS infrastructure and
initiate VPP programs.
Vice Chairperson Moore wondered how artificial intelligence might play into Platte River’s operations. Mr.
Frisbie said Platte River staff do all the buying and selling themselves, but several models use historical
data for machine learning—this helps us build better models and forecasts. Mr. Ahmad noted that Platte
River’s AI policy is being finalized, but AI has been used in some capacity at Rawhide for roughly 12
years. Ms. Moore asked how AI data centers might be built into the IRP, since they require a significant
amount of power. Mr. Frisbie said at this time they are not, but they could be a good opportunity for a
VPP. At the beginning of their contracts, they use a lot of power, but once the machine has completed the
bulk of its learning, its power usage significantly drops off.
Platte River and the Board summarized that within market operations, renewable energy is cheaper than
fossil fuels, and the lowest cost will always be called for first. The gas turbine falls somewhere in the
middle (pricing wise), but it is designed to be a last resort. Mr. Frisbie reiterated that Platte River is trying
to eliminate carbon as fast as possible, while still upholding their three pillars. He wants Platte River to go
all the way (to zero carbon) while recognizing that there are and will be things that are out of their control.
He also said that Platte River is trying to make a consorted effort to be more communicative, more
collaborative, and present. He wants to know how they can help, so everyone from the four communities,
city staff, boards and commissions, and customers all feel like they are working toward the same goal and
understand why we’re on that pathway. Mr. Frisbie said he is stunned that 90% of the goal is considered
a failure, but there is no way Platte River gets all the way to zero without the City’s help, and it doesn’t
help to have intellectually dishonest conversations. Platte River and Board members agreed it is mutually
beneficial to have regular and candid dialogue to avoid misconceptions in the future.
The Board plans to discuss the IRP further at their August 22 work session and draft a position memo to
send to the Mayor and City Council. They will vote on the final copy at their September 12 regular
meeting.
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BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
None.
FUTURE AGENDA REVIEW
In September, the Board will hear presentations about the City Manager’s recommended budget, how the
Capital Improvement Plan affects utility rates, and updates regarding building energy code and new
construction. The Board will also vote on the memo they draft at their August Work Session regarding
Platte River’s IRP.
ADJOURNMENT
The Energy Board adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Headline Copy Goes Here
Energy Code Project Manager
Brad Smith
Fort Collins
Building Energy
Code
09-12-2024
Headline Copy Goes HereStatus of State Energy Code
State of Colorado
•No adopted state building
code - “home rule”
Headline Copy Goes Here Energy Code in Colorado 3
•Energy code legislation
•CO HB 19-1260 established min energy code
•Important date:
•August 2, 2019
•CO HB 22-1362 Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions
•Important dates:
•June 1, 2023 - EV, PV, Electric Ready Codes
•July 1, 2026 – Low Energy and Carbon Code
•In addition, the Colorado Energy Office will develop a Model Green Code that local governments may
voluntarily adopt, in addition to the required energy code. The model green code will address building
attributes such as energy efficiency (above minimum code), water efficiency, and embodied carbon in
building materials.
Headline Copy Goes Here
4
Energy Code Adoption
International Code Council (ICC) body
of codes are published every three
years
•ex: 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, etc.
Current Building Code
•The 2021 body of codes were
adopted on April 15, 2022
oWith local amendments
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5
Energy Code Adoption Continued
Open Hearing
Private Process
Somewhere in Between
Three Approaches to Code Adoption:
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6
Energy Code Paths to Compliance
There are four compliance paths available:
Prescriptive
•Dictates how to
build exactly
•More traditional
way of doing things
UA Alternative
•Requires Modeling
of the building
•Modeled building
overall UA score
cannot exceed
code maximum UA
•*UA is used to measure
whole-building heat loss
Performance
•Requires Modeling
of the building
•Modeling
demonstrates
annual energy cost
does not exceed
code baseline
ERI (Res)/ ASHRAE 90.1 (Comm)
•Requires Modeling
of the building
•Modeling to an
energy score (ERI)/
annual energy cost
does not exceed
code baseline
Fort Collins will use the Performance Path for new construction because it provides:
•Flexibility
•Transparency
•Real energy outcomes (kWh & Therms)
•Fossil fuel de-biasing of the code
•Data-informed decision-making
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7
Our Climate Future
Big Move 6
EFFICIENT, EMISSIONS FREE
BUILDINGS
EEFB2: Develop and energy
performance path for new
construction to zero carbon
building by 2030.
Headline Copy Goes Here
8
City Council OCF Action Roadmap
2022
•Adopt Land Use Changes
•Develop Rental Registration
•Adopt Active
Modes Plan
•Develop
Sustainable Funding
•Develop contracted single-family service including yard
trimmings
2023
•Develop Building Performance
Standards
•Develop home
energy listing requirement
•Adopt contracted
single-family service including yard trimmings
2024
•Adopt Building Performance Standards
•Adopt Home listing requirements
•Develop energy code step towards net-zero carbon
•Adopt Land Use Phase 2
•Start single-family service including yard trimmings
•Develop/adopt commercial & industrial policy for yard trimmings
2025
•Adopt Energy code
•Start home energy
listing requirements
•Start commercial/
industrial policy for yard trimmings
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9
Funding Opportunity
U.S. Department of Energy:
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Funding opportunity as of 12/19/2022
$45 million over 5-year period
Anticipated 10-30 awards get a share of the $45 million
This FOA seeks applications with project teams ready to advance building energy codes and other
building efficiency policies within a particular region, state, or local jurisdiction.
Areas of Interest
State and Local Code Adoption
Workforce Development
Implementation and Compliance
Innovative Approaches
Equity, Energy and Environmental Justice
Partnerships
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10
RECI Application & Award
Technical Summary:
Project Lead:
•City of Fort Collins
Supporting Team:
•Florida Solar Energy Center
•New Buildings Institute
•International Code Council
•Colorado Energy Office
*Building Energy and Water Scoring –
Fort Collins Commercial Buildings
Benchmarking program.
www.fcgov.com/BEWS
Develop methodology that establishes Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and CO2e targets
Form stakeholder group
Document baseline performance from utility analysis - *include utilizing BEWS data
•Implementation guide and trainings
Develop and adopt performance code in Fort Collins
Evaluate effectiveness of implementation from compliance performance perspectives
Full application submitted March 27, 2023 – Fort Collins awarded $693,595 July 12, 2023!
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11
Zero Carbon Energy Code Timeline Preview
Proposed approach (Fort Collins) – Beginning w/ 2024 code cycle
2nd quarter 20253rd / 4th quarter 2024 ~2nd quarter 2025 /
3rd quarter 2025
4th quarter 2026 thru
2nd quarter 2027
1st quarter 2025 /
2nd quarter 2025
Develop EUI & CO2e reduction targets
Develop performance code path & language
Create implementation guide & training offerings
Community engagement & Council adoption
Evaluate effectiveness, measure performance, adapt targets
publish date 8/15/2024
Headline Copy Goes Here
12
Energy Code Estimated Improvement
Rooftop PV Potential (hypothetical)
IECC 2024
~↓ 6%
(projected)
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13
Fort Collins Energy Use
Fort Collins specific residential utility use analysis of homes by code year.
En
e
r
g
y
U
s
e
I
n
t
e
n
s
i
t
y
(
E
U
I
)
State Avg EUI
Recently
adopted
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Utilities: 2025-26 Light & Power
Budget / CIP / Rates
9-12-2024
Energy Board
Randy Reuscher, Lead Analyst, Utility Rates
1
Phil Ladd, Interim Utilities Finance Director
2Budget Timeline
Sellers
Feb – Jun
•Narratives
•Enhancements
Utility Finance
Mar - Jul
•Revenue
Projections
•Revised
Revenue
BFO/BLT
Jun – Jul
•Review Offers
•Deliberation
Budget
Aug – Dec
•Submit Budget
•Load Budget
into JDE
Council
Sep – Nov
•Council Work
Sessions
•Public
Hearings
•Approval of
Budget
Ordinance
3Light & Power Goals
•Maintain current level of reliability
•Achieve carbon-reduction objectives related to
the City’s Our Climate Future (OCF) plan
•Provide adequate substation & distribution capacity
•Balance financial impacts to customers
Operational Goals
4
L & P
Fund Summary
52023 Revenue
6Revenue Budget
72023 Expenses
Purchase Power -Tariff 1
PRPA
63%
L&P Operations
7%
PILOTs
6%
Admin Services - CS&A
5%
Internal Transfers Out
5%
System Addition/Replacement
4%
Capital(other than Sys Add)
4%
Energy Services
3%
Purchase Pwr - Community Renewables
1%
Other Payments & Transfers
1%
Admin Services - General Fund
1%
Light & Power Total Expenses for 2023 - $158.5M
8Expense Budget
9Expense Budget
Expense 2025 Budget 2026 Budget
Utilities: Light & Power - Payments and Transfers $24,115,499 $24,876,600
Wholesale Purchased Power $113,400,000 $120,545,000
Purchase Pwr - Community Renewables $2,934,326 $3,171,618
L&P Operations $11,822,559 $12,144,610
Energy Services $4,220,804 $4,225,948
Utilities: Light & Power - Renewable Customer Programs $962,500 $1,013,000
Demand Response $1,785,000 $1,900,000
City Manager's Office $131,035 $134,966
General Legal Services $99,224 $102,201
City Managers Office: Office of Emergency Management $17,612 $17,758
Operations
1
0Expense Budget
Expense 2025 Budget 2026 Budget
Utilities: Light & Power - System Additions & Replacements - Ongoing $6,256,551 $6,442,831
Utilities: Light & Power - Vehicles & Equipment - Ongoing $1,049,250 $968,440
Utilities: Light & Power - Electric Substation Capital Upgrade Program - Ongoing $800,000 $800,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Electric Distribution Transformer Replacement Program - Ongoing $2,000,000 $2,000,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Attrition Based LED Streetlight Conversion Program - Ongoing $1,106,866 $1,106,866
Utilities: Light & Power - Electric System Cable Replacement Program - Ongoing $500,000 $500,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Distribution Automation $200,000 $200,000
Utilities: CAPITAL PROJECT - Art in Public Places $14,000 $14,000
Asset Management
1
1Expense Budget
Expense 2025 Budget 2026 Budget
Utilities: Light & Power - Electric Vehicle Monitoring and Management Demonstration $75,000 $75,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Substation access control and security technology upgrades $500,000 $500,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Maximo Software $375,000 $375,000
Utilities: Light & Power - GIS & Electrical System Study Consultation $75,000 $75,000
Utilities: Light & Power - System Relocations Due to Road, Intersection & Alley Improvements $400,000 $400,000
Utilities: Light & Power - AEDs andTools $100,000 $0
Utilities: Light & Power - Training Field and Lab Enhancements $100,000 $100,000
Utilities: Light & Power - Rear Lot to Front Lot Conversions $400,000 $400,000
Utilities: Light & Power: Virtual Power Plant Development and Enrollment $1,215,000 $1,315,000
1.0 FTE Geodatabase Administrator, Utilities GIS (Connexion)$48,123 $66,233
Utilities: Motorola 800 MHz radio equipment replacement $1,465,000 $0
Capital /
Enhancements
1
210-Year CIP
1
3
L & P
Fund Narratives
L & P
Fund Narrative
1
4Example Narrative
1
5
Long Term
Forecast
1
6Rate Forecast
Actual
Utility 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Electric 5%6.5%6%5-8%7-8%7-8%7-8%3-5%3-5%3-5%
Water 4%7%9%7-10%7-10%7-10%7-10%7-10%7-10%7-10%
Wastewater 4%6%8%6-8%6-8%6-8%6-8%6-8%6-8%6-8%
Stormwater 3%6%6%5-7%3-5%4-6%4-6%6-8%6-8%6-8%
Budget Forecast
For More Information, Visit
THANK YOU!
fcgov.com/utilities
2025/2026 Budget Update
9.12.2024Brian Tholl, Energy Services Manager
22025-2026 Budget
The City of Fort Collins follows a two-year budget cycle for the
2025-2026 Budget. The process begins with Council adoption of
the Strategic Plan and council priorities which are used to create
the Offers for the programs and services that are provided to our
Community.
3City Manager’s Recommended Budget
Now available and published:
www.fcgov.com/budget
•Sept. 10:Council Work Session #1
•Sept. 17:Council Meeting –Public Hearing #1
•Sept. 24:Council Work Session #2
•Oct. 1:Council Meeting –Public Hearing #2
•Oct. 8:Council Work Session #3
•Nov. 4:Council Meeting –First Reading of the Budget Ordinance (NOTE: this meeting is on a Monday to
accommodate Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.)
•Nov. 15:Council Meeting –Second Reading of the Budget Ordinance & Final Adoption
4Key Next Budget Dates
Energy Services Ongoing Offers
Offer Name (#)2023 / 2024 2025 / 2026
Community renewable
purchased power (7.1)
Supports renewable energy
power purchases from multiple
renewable sources
$2,390,291 /
$2,581,094
$2,934,326 /
$3,171,618
Energy Services (7.2)Sustain and expand programs
led by Utilities Energy
Services, including the staffing
and resources
$4,511,206 /
$4,481,930
$4,220,804 /
$4,225,948
Demand Response (7.3)Sustain and expand ongoing
operations of the Peak
Partners Program and DERMs
$860,000 /
$900,000
$1,785,000 /
$1,900,000
Community renewable
programs (7.4)
Funds community renewable
programs in support of energy
and climate goals
$1,181,000 /
$1,291,000
$962,500 /
$1,013,000
Epic loans capital
accounting (7.5)
accounting mechanism for the
customer loan payments and
debt service
$3,440,000 /
$3,980,000
$4,250,000 /
$5,430,000
Offer owner: Brian ThollOngoing offers funded in CMO budget
Offer 7.6 – Utilities:Electric Vehicle Monitoring and Management Demonstration
Funding this offer will add an additional 200
electric vehicles to existing telematics based and
to proposed new EV charger based. Grid
flexibility programs staff negotiated a waiver of all
fixed program start up costs with the vendor
(Available FY 2025 only), a savings of over
$100,000.
The Utilities Smart Charging program, part of the
larger Peak Partners branded programs,
integrates a variety of distributed energy
resources into our software platform, which is the
foundation for a virtual power plant.
Outcome Area Environmental Health
Offer Type Continuing Enhancement
Funding 25/26 $75,000 / $75,000
Funding Source L&P Enterprise Fund
Offer owner: Brian Tholl
Offer 7.23 – Utilities: Light & Power – Virtual Power Plant Development
Funding this offer will enroll and deploy 2,300
additional customer sited Peak Partners program
VPP resources toward achieving 2030 Our
Climate Future (OCF) goals. Resources include
Wi Fi thermostats (direct install and Bring Your
Own), distributed thermal batteries (standard and
grid interactive water heaters [GIWH]) and
electric vehicle charge management controls
(charger and telematics based).
This enhancement offer aligns with the
deployment of devices necessary to achieve the
Our Climate Future goal of 5% bidirectional grid
flexibility of peak loads by 2030.
Outcome Area Environmental Health
Offer Type Enhancement
Funding 25/26 $1,215,000 / $1,315,000
Funding Source L&P Enterprise Fund
Offer owner: Brian Tholl
Offer 7.24 – Utilities:Strategic Electrification Design Assistance
Funding this offer will accelerate strategic
electrification in the community by providing design
assistance for commercial and residential new
construction projects as well as consulting for deep
retrofit renovations for affordable housing. This
design assistance will provide expert influence in
high efficiency electrification strategies that will
accelerate the community’s 2030 climate goals.
This proposed enhancement would allow IDAP to
provide the energy consultant at no cost, making
participation easier for underserved affordable
housing projects.
Additionally, funding from this offer will be used to
implement an innovative home design program that
will provide no cost, preapproved design plans with
ultra high efficiency panelized construction that will
reduce community greenhouse gas emissions.
Outcome Area Environmental Health
Offer Type Enhancement
Funding 25 / 26 $350,000 / $400,000
Source 2050 Tax
Offer 7.25 – Utilities Light & Power Epic Loan Program Funding
Funding this offer will help the Epic Loans
program continue to resource electrification
and renewable projects by buffering interest
rates in the Fort Collins on bill financing
program.
Blending low-cost capital with capital loans
through agreements with private banks has a
proven track record of stretching limited low-
cost capital and helps to meet the growing
demands of the community. The key to
success is to have enough low-cost capital to
blend into the portfolio to help buffer the
higher bank rates. Adding this offer to the mix
would allow the program to continue to grow
and find ways to continue to scale
Outcome Area Environmental Health
Offer Type Enhancement
Funding 25 / 26 $550,000 / $500,000
Funding Source 2050 Tax
Offer owner: Brian Tholl
102050 Tax Offer Review Process
•Evaluate enhancement offers related to Environmental Health Outcome Area
•Eligible Offers – Alignment with ballot language
•Optimized Offers – Alignment + advance OCF across multiple outcomes
•Recommended strategy for 2050 tax investment:
•Maximize ability to achieve 2050 goals
•Complement existing (significant) climate investments across City budget
•Scale & accelerate rather than replace existing funding
•Support projects that advance multiple outcomes
•including resilience and equity
•Maintain reserves for upcoming developments in progress
11Criteria for 2050 Tax Funding Recommendations
Ballot alignment
Advance at least one OCF Big Move/strategy
Direct community benefit
Advance equitable outcomes for most impacted groups
Advance trusting partnerships
Inclusion of considerations of climate change implications
Supports communities’ well-being in disruptive events
12Summary of 2025-26 2050 Tax Offers
Optimized Offers’ Potential Impacts:
•Building and vehicle electrification
•Residential building efficiency loan
program
•Active Modes infrastructure and
transportation programming
•Outdoor and indoor air quality
•Small business support
•Urban forestry
•Staff and community innovation
funding
•OCF / 2050 Tax strategic
management
13Recommended 2050 Tax Budget Offers
9/8/2024
Please note -
Offers in bold text are those recommended to be funded by the 2050 Tax - OCF Funding; those in gray have been recommended to be funded by other sources.
In these calculations, "lifetime" varies from 2-25 years , depending on the project.
OCF staff define "foundational" as a necessary next step for future GHG reduction.
100 MTCO2e is approx. equivalent to the emissions generated from 13 single-family homes' energy use in one year (EPA Equivalencies Calculator)Key
high confidence
Total - 2025-26 2050 Tax Investments 4,581,707$ 2,647,853$ 125,530 Lifetime MTCO2e medium confidence
Total - 2025-26 Enhancement Offers 13,095,078$ 4,087,853$ 163,395 Lifetime MTCO2e low confidence
Offer # Offer Name 2025 Funding 2026 Funding Lifetime GHG
Impacts
(MTCO2e)
Description of Impact Overall
Equity
Overall
Resilience
Waste
Impacts
Notes
7.24 Utilities Light & Power: Strategic
Electrification Design Assistance
Programs to support affordable housing
350,000$ 400,000$ 51,870 Provides stock plans for energy
efficient, affordable housing
developments
Medium Low None
7.25 Utilities Light & Power: Epic Loan
Program Funding
550,000$ 500,000$ 850 Foundational / needed next
step for increasing efficiency
of buildings (reducing
electricity and natural gas use)
Medium Medium None
18.13 Mini-Grant Expansion to Address the
Climate/Housing Nexus in Affordable
Housing Units
200,000$ 200,000$ 2,450 Supports residents in
increasing energy efficiency
in their homes (reducing
electricity and/or natural gas
use)
High High None
19.1 Active Modes Plan Infrastructure
Implementation
1,680,000$ -$ 24,800 Provides infrastructure for safe
and accessible active mode
travel, resulting in VMT and
fuel use reductions
Low Low None Offer is supportive of this GHG
reduction; though will only be
achieved with full implementation
Our Climate Future Review: 2050 Tax - OCF Funding
19.7 Shift Your Ride Program 150,000$ 150,000$ 45,430 Provides programs and support
for community members
transitioning trips away from
single-occupancy vehicles,
resulting in VMT and fuel use
reductions
Medium Low None
42.4 Air Quality Monitoring Fund 100,000$ 100,000$ N/A Continues regional air quality
monitoring foundational to
developing successful
emissions reduction strategies
High High None Offer's primary impacts are on
non-GHG air pollution; though
often GHG and non-GHG
emissions have the same
sources
42.6 1.0 FTE Enhancing The Healthy Homes
Program
242,780$ 264,733$ 100 Foundational for improving
indoor air quality and
supporting households in
navigating climate action
programs
High Medium None
42.8 2.0 FTE Investing 2050 Tax Revenue to
Accelerate Our Climate Future
565,307$ 619,329$ foundational Foundational for accelerating
and coordinating climate
action across the City and
community
Medium Low foundational
67.1 NoCoBiz Connect (NBC) - Sustainable
Business Program (Equitable Business
Support and Recognition)
149,900$ 75,000$ foundational Supports local businesses in
accessing environmental
efficiency and conservation
programs
High Low Low
71.1 Parks Lawn and Garden Equipment
Replacement
25,000$ 25,000$ ~100 - 200 Reduces fuel use and
therefore reduces GHG and
non-GHG air pollutants
Low Low None
73.1 1.5 FTE - 1.0 Urban Forestry Planner, .5
Hourly, and Tree Infrastructure
Replacement
568,720$ 313,791$ 30 Foundational for ongoing and
new carbon sequestration
from the public canopy
Low Medium Low Calculation only represents
sequestration potential from
newly planted trees identified in
this offer. Full tree canopy
supports ~2,800 MTCO2e
sequestration and is dependent
upon Offers 59.14, 59.15
7.23 Utilities Light & Power: Virtual Power Plant
Development and Enrollment
1,215,000$ 1,315,000$ 30,280 Supports installation of more
local renewables and battery
storage, to enable alignment
of electricity consumption with
renewable availability
None High None
7.6 Utilities: Light & Power - Electric Vehicle
Monitoring and Management Demonstration
75,000$ 75,000$ 640 Increases electric vehicles
and chargers within the
community for use as a virtual
power plant
None Medium None
16.14 Building HVAC Electrification and Efficiency
Replacements
6,500,000$ -$ 3,845 Increases energy efficiency
of City buildings
None None None
20.13 Power Trail at Harmony Road Grade-
Separated Crossing
673,371$ -$ 3,100 Provides infrastructure for safe
and accessible active mode
travel, resulting in VMT and
fuel use reductions
Low Low None
42.9 Low Income Offset - Contract for Waste 50,000$ 50,000$ foundational Foundational for organic
waste diversion
High None Low
Total - 2025-26 2050 Tax Investments 4,581,707$ 2,647,853$ 125,530 Lifetime MTCO2e
Total - 2025-26 Enhancement Offers 13,095,078$ 4,087,853$ 163,395 Lifetime MTCO2e
Please note - Key
Offers in bold text are those recommended to be funded by the 2050 Tax - OCF Funding; those in gray have been recommended to be funded by other sources. high confidence
In these calculations, "lifetime" varies from 2-25 years , depending on the project.medium confidence
OCF staff define "foundational" as a necessary next step for future GHG reduction.low confidence
100 MTCO2e is approx. equivalent to the emissions generated from 13 single-family homes' energy use in one year (EPA Equivalencies Calculator)