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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 - Energy Board - Work Plan ENERGY BOARD 2021 Work Plan 202 1 WORK PLAN Page 1 DUTIES & FUNCTIONS: 1. To advise the City Council and staff in developing City policies and programs that encourage the incorporation of energy conservation and efficiency, carbon emissions reduction and renewable energy into the development and provision of City utility services, the design and construction of City transportation projects, and the way in which the City impacts the overall built environment within the City; 2. To advise the City Council and staff regarding budgetary, rate-making and operational matters related to the electric utility; 3. To seek advancement in transportation and building energy efficiency by steering code and policy at the City level and beyond to reduce energy consumption and emissions in current and future development; 4. To advise the City Council and staff regarding the alignment of energy programs and policies with City, ratepayer and community values and service delivery expectations; 5. To advise the City Council and staff regarding the recommendations for improvements to City energy systems; 6. To advise the City Council and staff regarding the development and implementation of the City's energy policy; 7. To annually review and provide advice to City Council and staff on the City's Legislative Policy Agenda regarding energy and energy-related carbon issues; 8. To coordinate with other City boards and commissions regarding energy issues; and 9. To perform such other duties and functions and have such other powers as may be provided by ordinance of the City Council. WORK PLAN Our Climate Future and Revising the Energy Policy The Energy Policy is revised on a five-year schedule and was last updated in 2015. A major task for the Energy Board in 2021 will be to consider the changes which are to be incorporated through the Our Climate Future planning process to update this policy. – Function (6) The Energy Policy, the Climate Action Plan (CAP), and Road to Zero Waste Plan are being updated together under the Our Climate Future planning process. The Platte River Power Authority Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) has also been reviewed and updated. It is critically important that the issues addressed be considered holistically, and that all four documents be aligned. – Function (1) Implementing the Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan The Energy Board desires City Staff to develop plans that the Board could recommend to City Council, to: ENERGY BOARD 2021 Work Plan 202 1 WORK PLAN Page 2 1. Support Utilities to accelerate energy programs for efficiency, conservation, demand response, distributed generation and storage. Programs should increasingly focus on carbon emission mitigation, load shaping and grid flexibility while simplifying the customer experience. Ensure that opportunities span residential and commercial segments for both existing buildings and new construction. – Function (1) 2. Improve energy access support for low-income and historically underrepresented groups in the City through programs, including promoting increased customer participation, support levels, and pursuit of program longevity for the Income Qualified Assistance Program. – Function (4) 3. Include energy consumption considerations in transportation and in the built environment. Building energy scores are a good example of this. In transportation, the 2018 Community Carbon Inventory Report shows the immense amount of work needed in that area in order to meet CAP targets. – Function (8) 4. Address the impact of land-use policies on energy consumption and production including an examination of metro districts as well as the feasibility of energy districts. – Function (5,8) 5. Promote effective handling variable and distributed sources and loads with the ongoing evolution of the Light & Power distribution system. This includes customer load flexibility, advanced distribution system management and future energy market coordination. – Functions (1,4) 6. Encourage and prepare for the electrification of transportation (electric vehicles of all types) and building systems (space heating, water heating, cooking and industry). This will include education for customers and trade allies, supply chain engagement, changes to codes and potential upgrades distribution infrastructure, as well as grid management. – Functions (1,5,8) 7. Provide support for the implementation of Our Climate Future Next Moves related to energy, including but not limited to those which address battery storage, housing, rate structures, energy codes, community solar, benchmarking and electrification. – Functions (1,5,8) Cost of Service and Rate Structures Substantial changes in rate structures have occurred with time-of-day and income-qualified rates. More changes are coming as we consider new green energy options and future modifications to our solar net- metering rates. In addition, considerable efficiency gains both past and future suggest a new emphasis on cost of service, rather than just rates. It is important to evaluate how rates differentially affect customers across the City, such as low-income customers and those with electric homes. The Energy Board will work with City Staff to recommend rate structure changes. – Function (2) For Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), soft costs such as permitting and development fees, which may inhibit growth, should also be considered by the board. – Function (1) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion The Energy Board continues to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on the Board, and to encourage the maintenance of a full Board with reasonable Board Member retainment period(s) that encourages stability, learning opportunities, and equal representation across the broad stakeholders within the community of Fort Collins. The Board follows the Fort Collins Respectful Workplace Policy and wishes to continue trainings on creating positive work environments so that all feel welcome, involved, and respected. The Board reaffirms the ENERGY BOARD 2021 Work Plan 202 1 WORK PLAN Page 3 Special Proclamation made by Major Wade Troxell on our commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. – Function (1) Engaging Beyond the Energy Board on Related Topics The Board encourages heightened consideration of energy-related integrated topics, systems, and locations to develop solutions that meet the various needs within the community. In order to meet emission and electrification goals, engagement with other City Boards and relevant County and State-level representatives is important to enhance awareness, collaboration, and support. Each Board Member brings a specific community understanding to the Board and is an important tool to give voice to diverse perspectives. Reinforces the need for equitable representation gender, status, race. – Function (1,8) Protecting Light & Power Assets & Customers Light & Power owns and operates an expensive electrical distribution system that needs constant maintenance. Much has been accomplished recently: The maintenance inspection and asset inventory plans, and the contact voltage survey are good examples. The Energy Board desires that Light & Power continue to review current procedures; make recommendations to maintain the reliability of the distribution system operation; to meet future growth; and sustainably manage energy assets. – Function (5) Light & Power’s business model faces challenges from a transition to more distributed and renewable resources and ongoing energy efficiency and conservation savings. These actions provide benefits to the community and risks to the utility’s finances. The Energy Board will study and make recommendations for the development of a sustainable business model for Light & Power. – Function (2) Expanding the Energy Board’s Charter The Energy Board continues to seek further engagement with City Council through the Reimagining Boards and Commissions process, including seeking increased authority with regards to utility rate discussions and the ability to directly collaborate with other similar regional boards and commissions regarding energy issues. – Function (2) Ongoing Responsibilities 1. The board wishes to be involved early and often in the Budget process, in order to make timely and effective recommendations on funding priorities. – Function (2) 2. Review and provide advice to City Council and staff on the City’s Legislative Policy Agenda related to energy issues. – Function (7) 3. 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. – Function (1) 4. Other items that are brought before the board.