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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 - Energy Board - Annual Report ENERGY BOARD 2022 Annual Report January 12, 2023 2022 ANNUAL REPORT Page 1 ENERGY BOARD MEMBERS The following Fort Collins residents served on the board in 2022: 1. Sidra Aghababian 2. William Becker (Vice Chairperson, elected in January 2022) 3. Alan Braslau 4. Dan Gould 5. Jeremy Giovando 6. John Fassler 7. Marge Moore 8. Emilio Ramirez 9. Steve Tenbrink (Chairperson, elected in January 2022) ACTIVITY The Energy Board held: • 11 Regular Meetings • 2 Work Sessions • 1 Memo to City Council FORMAL ACTIONS The Board took the following actions in 2022 at the meetings noted: • The Energy Board supported 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 felt the building code updates and EV requirements were not sufficient or in alignment with the goals of the City’s Our Climate Future Plan. (January 13) • The Energy Board supported a proposal to borrow from L&P Reserves to support Connexion’s funding needs. (February 10) • The Energy Board supported bringing a proposed third-party capital agreement renewal to the Electric Utility Enterprise Board for approval. (February 10) • The Energy Board supported approval of a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Platte River Power Authority for technical support services. (April 14) • The Energy Board supported an off-cycle appropriation of Light & Power reserves that would fund vendor support of a major version upgrade of the Utilities Meter Data Management System (MDMS). (April 14) • The Energy Board supported an off-cycle appropriation of Light & Power reserves to procure enough distribution transformers so that L&P can support new construction and necessary ENERGY BOARD 2022 Annual Report 2022 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2 replacements through 2024, as well as an off-cycle appropriation of L&P reserves to begin the procurement process for two (2) substation transformers that will be used to complete the construction of a new substation that serves Northeast Fort Collins. (April 14) • The Energy Board supported the proposed changes to 2023 electric utility rates and fees, provided City Council also adopts the Income Qualified Assistance Program to support the rate increase. (October 13) • The Energy Board supported the recognition of the “shall consider” requirements of PURPA under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act related to grid flexibility and electric vehicle charging standards and recommends that Council hold a public hearing and make a determination considering such standards. (November 10) 2022 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 2022 under each of the six work plan objectives. 1. Our Climate Future a. Our Climate Future Updates (February 10, April 14, September 8) b. Update on 2021 Annual Energy Audit. Energy Policy now integrated into Our Climate Future (June 9) 2. Implementing the Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan (Our Climate Future) a. (Please refer to Objective #1) 3. Cost of Service and Rate Structures a. Budget update (March 10, July 14, September 8, December 8) b. Rates and fees presentation and the impact of an inflationary environment (October 13) 4. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion a. Presentation of Shared Energy Systems net metering offering for apartments and multi-family structures. (November 10) b. Presentation of Environmental Justice Air Quality Grant promoting a safe home environment. (April 14, December 8) c. Presentation on IQAP structure and funding. (June 23, October 13) 5. Engaging Beyond the Energy Board on Related Topics a. PRPA initiatives: i. PRPA efforts to join a regional market. (March 10) ii. Solar Storage RFP (March 10) ENERGY BOARD 2022 Annual Report 2022 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3 iii. New Drake Transmission Line utility tower upgrade plans by PRPA (July 14) 6. Protecting Light & Power Assets & Customers a. Covered budget, rate and operations topics (October 13) b. New equipment purchases, implication of long lead times in a rising-cost environment (transformers, etc.) (April 14) c. Discussed reserve funding management and raised concerns about using reserves for loans for non-L&P needs (Connexion). The Board drafted a memo to City Council about this matter (February 10) 7. Ongoing Responsibilities a. Ongoing discussions and motions regarding electrification including Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, Residential Solar Panel size limitations (120% rule), Epic Homes Program b. Engaged 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. Solar Storage plans of PRPA (March 10) c. Other items that are brought before the board. 8. Occasional or Impromptu Discussions: a. Electrification b. Connexion/Broadband Service (February 10) c. Equity issues involving IQAP and other initiatives (June 23, October 13 d. Began process of the “shall consider” requirements of PURPA under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (November 10)