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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 - Energy Board - Annual Report ENERGY BOARD 2021 Annual Report January 13, 2022 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 1 ENERGY BOARD MEMBERS The following Fort Collins residents served on the board in 2021: 1. William Becker (Chairperson, elected in December 2020) 2. Alan Braslau 3. Dan Gould 4. Jeremy Giovando 5. John Fassler 6. Marge Moore (Vice Chairperson, elected in December 2020) 7. Sue McFaddin (served through September 2021) 8. Amanda Shores (served through February 2021) 9. Steve Tenbrink ACTIVITY The Energy Board held: • 12 Regular Meetings o All meetings in April, May, and June were cancelled to take a proactive protective measure to minimize the impact of COVID-19. o The Energy Board began meeting remotely in July pursuant to Ordinance No. 79, 2020. • 3 Work Sessions • 2 Super Issues/Board Meetings • 4 Memos to City Council FORMAL ACTIONS The Board took the following actions in 2021 at the meetings noted: • The Energy Board supported an off-cycle budget appropriation to fund a supplemental contract for Utilities Locating Services (February 11) • The Energy Board supported an amendment to the City of Fort Collins Metropolitan (Metro) District policy by adopting a Residential Metro District Evaluation system (February 11) • The Energy Board supported the adoption of the Our Climate Future Plan (March 11) • The Energy Board supported an amendment to the City of Fort Collins Metropolitan (Metro) District policy by adopting a Residential Metro District Evaluation system, with the addition of required balanced ventilation systems and Performance Path verification (April 8) • The Energy Board composed and sent a memo to the Mayor and City Council in support of the City’s Metro District evaluation process (April 19) • The Energy Board supported the extension of the IQAP rate pilot an additional three years and aligning it with the Utilities’ fall rate ordinance (May 13) ENERGY BOARD 2021 Annual Report 202 1 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2 • The Energy Board supported changing IQAP from an application-based/opt-in program to an auto- enroll/opt-out program (May 13) • The Energy Board composed and sent a memo to the Mayor and City Council urging them to appoint an energy policy representative (rather than a City Staff member) to Platte River’s Board of Directors (May 13) • The Energy Board composed and sent a memo to Councilmember Canonico expressing their concern about the new staggered one-year board member term limits implemented as part of the Reimagining Boards & Commissions project (June 28) • The Energy Board supported the proposed changes to 2022 electric utility rates and fees (September 9) • The Energy Board composed and sent a memo to the Mayor and City Council supporting the proposed 2021 Building Code Updates, and encouraged them to consider the following additions: o Make 200 amps the minimum requirement for new homes to provide the ability to support charging EVs o Increase the number of EV-ready and -capable parking spaces for multi-family developments o Provide meaningful incentives for builders and developers who go above and beyond building codes o Provide a long-range view when it comes to Affordable Housing, the increased initial building costs for housing are not solely influenced by increased building codes (October 27) 2021 WORK PLAN OBJECTIVES and RELATED ACTIVITIES In addition to the highlighted issues and the formal actions taken, the Board discussed or received presentations on topics related to the work plan objectives and related issues. Listed below are the activities for 2021 under each of the six work plan objectives. 1. Our Climate Future and Revising the Energy Policy a. Our Climate Future Updates (January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8) 2. Implementing the Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan (Our Climate Future) a. Metro Districts (February 11, April 8) b. National & Local Energy Codes Update (April 8, May 13, September 9, October 14) c. Transit & Transportation Update (December 9) d. Building Energy & Water Scoring (April 8, November 17, December 9) e. Green Energy Program (July 8) f. Energy Services Programs Update (August 12) g. Carbon Inventories Update (December 9) 3. Cost of Service and Rate Structures a. Utilities Affordability Programs i. COVID-19’s Impact on Utility Delinquencies and Uncollected Revenue (March 11) ENERGY BOARD 2021 Annual Report 202 1 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3 ii. Utilities Income-Qualified Assistance Program Update & Proposed Changes (May 13) 4. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 5. Engaging Beyond the Energy Board on Related Topics a. 2022 Rates & Fees Update (September 9) b. Utilities Customer Satisfaction Survey (April 8) c. Draft DER Strategic Plan (August 12) d. City Council Priorities (November 17) 6. Protecting Light & Power Assets & Customers a. Covered under budget, rate and operations topics i. 2021 Utilities Locating Supplemental Resources (February 11) ii. Utility Winter Storm Preparation (March 11) iii. Capital Improvement Plan (March 11) iv. Preliminary 2022 Budget Planning (May 13) v. Interconnection Standards (June 10) 7. Ongoing Responsibilities a. The board wishes to be involved early and often in the Budget process, in order to make timely and effective recommendations on funding priorities. i. Preliminary 2022 Budget Planning (May 13) b. Review and provide advice to City Council and staff on the City’s Legislative Policy Agenda related to energy issues. c. Engage with Platte River Power Authority for continuing advancement of the City’s energy, climate, and air pollution goals, including a 100% renewable resource mix by 2030. i. Platte River Power Authority Black Hollow Solar Project (May 13) d. Other items that are brought before the board. i. Grid Interactive Water Heater Pilot (January 14) ii. APPA Smart Energy Provider Program Application (May 13) iii. Platte River Power Authority Board of Directors Appointment (May 13) iv. Platte River Wholesale Rate Update (June 10) v. Solar & Battery Interconnection & Permitting Process (July 8) vi. Utilities Billing System Project (August 12) vii. Light & Power Utility Overview (September 9) 8. Occasional or Impromptu Discussions: i. Electrification ii. Staggered Board Member Terms ENERGY BOARD 2021 Annual Report 202 1 ANNUAL REPORT Page 4 iii. Master Metering Standards iv. Waste to Energy Project v. Connexion/Broadband Service