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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Board - Minutes - 02/04/20161 Energy Board Minutes February 4, 2016 Fort Collins Utilities Energy Board Minutes Thursday, February 4, 2016 Energy Board Chairperson City Council Liaison Peter O’Neill, 970-288-4562 Ross Cunniff, 970-420-7398 Energy Board Vice Chairperson Staff Liaison Nick Michell, 970-226-9559 Tim McCollough, 970-416-2622 Roll Call Board Present: Chairperson Peter O’Neill, Vice Chairperson Philip Friedman, Board Members Greg Behm, Bob McDonald, Nick Michell, Margaret Moore, and Stacey Baumgarn (two vacancies) Staff Present: Tim McCollough, Lisa Rosintoski, John Phelan, Katherine Martinez, Lance Smith, Randy Reuscher, Chris Parton, Paul Sizemore, Jim Garcia, Bob Hover, Cyril Vidergar, Amy Lewin, and Emma Belmont Board Member Stacey Baumgarn joined the meeting at 5:38 p.m. Board Member Marge Moore joined the meeting at 5:39 p.m. Guests: Paul Davis/Platte River Power Authority, Members of the Public: Anna Garland, Eric Forbes Meeting Convened Chairperson Peter O’Neill called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Public Comment None. Introduction of New Board Member The board welcomed new Board Member Bob McDonald, who is taking the position left vacant by Darrin Johnson’s resignation. His term expires December 31, 2018. Energy Board Vacancies The City Clerk’s Office is advertising two vacancies on the Energy Board. Candidate interviews are scheduled for late February, and appointments by City Council are expected in March. Approval of December 3, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes Board members requested minor revisions for clarity. Board Member Nick Michell moved to approve the December 3 minutes as corrected. Vice Chairperson Phil Friedman seconded the motion. 2 Energy Board Minutes February 4, 2016 Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously, 6-0.* *Board Member Marge Moore joined the meeting at 5:39 p.m. after minutes were approved. Staff Reports Energy Board Memo to Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update Chairperson Peter O’Neill inquired whether Climate Action Plan implementation teams offered any feedback on the Energy Board memo regarding CAP implementation suggestions. Staff replied there was not, but can make sure the question is submitted at the next meeting. Board Officer Nominations & Election Chairperson Pete O’Neill nominated himself to continuing to serve in this position. Assistant City Attorney Cyril Vidergar summarized the duties and responsibilities of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Vice Chairperson Phil Friedman expressed interest in continuing as in the position but stated he was open to others serving in the position; he withdrew his self-nomination when Board Member Nick Michell nominated himself for Vice Chairperson. The slate of Peter O’ Neill for Chairperson and Nick Michell for Vice Chairperson was approved unanimously by board members, 7-0. Electric Distribution System Presentations (Attachments available upon request) Long-Range Plan: Leidos 20-Year Planning Update Fort Collins is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. As the area expands and redevelops, the electric utility demands are experiencing a proportionate amount of load growth. Light & Power and the Planning Department are working with Leidos Engineering to perform three studies: (1) Urban Growth Area Load Density Assessment (Phase 1), (2) Circuit Requirements Study based on the Urban Growth Area Load Density Study, (3) 20-Year Electrical Distribution System Plan. Light & Power Operations Manager Tim McCollough stated a long-range plan is new for L&P. The 20-year plan is a piece of Light & Power Capital Improvement Plan and will serve to ensure the system can accommodate electric load growth, ensure infrastructure additions are planned and budgeted, develop a “system plan” as a “living model” -- to allow for revisions as energy technologies evolve -- and is a 20-year financial projection (about $3 million in capital costs per year for $60 million total by the end of 20 years.) Discussion Highlights Board members inquired about various aspects of the plan, including solar production; staff explained how they’re able to estimate load and capacity. McCollough commented the northwest and northeast areas of the city will need additional substation capacity, and summarized expected repairs, maintenance, and additions for the entire city. Light and Power Reliability Improvements Light and Power (L&P) Operations Manager Tim McCollough summarized the Utilities L&P Operations reliability improvement efforts, opportunities, and accomplishments. Electric service 3 Energy Board Minutes February 4, 2016 reliability is increasingly important to all types of electric customers. Electric service reliability is useful in attracting new economic development and retaining existing industrial customers. Fort Collins Utilities has a long track record of high performance in electric service reliability. Utilities’ worst quarter of reliability performance is still twice as good as the national average. To customers, reliability means multiple things: power quality, few interruptions, and quick restoration of service. L&P has metrics to measure each of those aspects of reliability; the metric focused on in the presentation is SAIDI: System Average Interruption Duration Index. Financial Analyst Chris Parton summarized the asset management planning process, which includes asset data collection, dynamic risk register, asset management plans, capital improvement plans, and strategic financial plans. The current Capital Improvement Plan is the first for Light & Power and consists of growth-related projects, annexations, renewal of existing infrastructure, and asset management plans. Discussion Highlights Board members inquired about various aspects of reliability, including frequency of inspections; staff replied L&P now has a schedule to inspect every piece of equipment. A thorough asset condition assessment is planned for 2016. Board members also inquired about lifetime reliability models and expressed hope for a systematic approach. Staff replied they’ve reviewed failure data and are targeting investments for reliability. Utilities Low Income Assistance Program Utilities Customer Connections Manager Lisa Rosintoski summarized the low-income assistance program evaluation, data driven recommendations, and a proposed implementation strategy that involves collaboration with other City programs and local non-profits. The goal is to implement a Low Income Assistance rate effective January 2017. Staff asked for the Energy Board’s support for the concept of an income-qualified rate. In 2014 a comprehensive low-income program review was completed, resulting in a scenario recommendation that would guide implementation efforts. In 2015, a project team was formed to examine the recommendations and develop an implementation plan. The team has incorporated elements of energy efficiency, education, income qualification, convenience and accessibility, internal and local non-profit collaboration, and creative funding into the proposed solutions. In consideration of the 2014 recommendations and subsequent planning and development, staff recommends four priority improvements that require City Council approval to drive the successful implementation of an integrated low-income assistance program: (1) transition existing unclaimed Utilities funds (2) transition annual unclaimed Utilities funds (3) propose an Income Qualified Rate (IQR) for customers to receive a discounted Utilities rate. Remaining on IQR will require a once-per-year requalification process that will be managed with an extensive customer outreach campaign. (4) Discontinue the medical assistance program rate in a phased manner, since data supports the majority of participants will qualify for the greater benefits allocated through IQR. Utilities Rate Analyst Randy Reuscher summarized criteria for customers to qualify for an income-qualified rate. Customers would be required to apply for the discount and meet 4 Energy Board Minutes February 4, 2016 qualifications. For customers at 165% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL): Electric, 35% discount; Water, 45% discount; Wastewater, 50% discount. Discussion Highlights Board members inquired about customers participating in efficiency and conversation programs. Staff replied criteria would include an energy audit after one year, and if receiving temporary assistance, customer would be required to watch a 10-minute video or have a conversation with staff about efficiency and conservation. Board members also inquired about how staff will implement the program. Staff replied that as soon as City Council approves the rate ordinance, they will execute the marketing efforts. Other inquiries involved concern about customers who aren’t able to quality for Utilities’ programs (other assistance programs are available), and statistics based on census data (the best data available) rather than customer’s specific income information. Energy Board members agreed on support for the Utility Low Income Assistance Program and will write a memo of support to City Council at a later date when staff requests it. Transportation – West Elizabeth Corridor Plan (Attachments available upon request) FC Moves Program Manager Paul Sizemore introduced Senior Amy Lewin and Transfort Transit Planner Emma Belmont to summarize the West Elizabeth Corridor Plan. The West Elizabeth corridor has been identified in the Transportation Master Plan as part of a citywide network of Enhanced Travel Corridors (ETCs) – uniquely designed corridors with an emphasis on high- frequency transit, bicycling and walking. The West Elizabeth ETC Plan will develop a short- and long-term vision for the corridor based on an understanding of the transportation, land use, environmental, economic and social needs of the area. Traffic on West Elizabeth varies from 4,400 on the west end to 18,000 on the east end near Colorado State University. This corridor has a higher ridership (5,000) than MAX (on Mason Street), and sometimes 100 students at a time wait at the bus stop near King Soopers at South Taft Hill Road and West Elizabeth Street. Vision highlights include: Be unique and adaptable to the distinctive characteristics of each corridor segment; Be safe and comfortable for all users; Encourage and prioritize public transportation and active transportation options; Support the interconnectivity of all modes; Be a beautiful and vibrant environment. Discussion Highlights Board members discussed various project aspects, including project cost, timeline, and how traffic on West Elizabeth compares to the Harmony corridor. Staff is working on specific implementation details. Some aspects of the plan can be paid by funds within the Transportation Master Plan, and other aspects may be funded through the City’s Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process for the 2017-18 budget cycle. This agenda items is scheduled for a City Council Work Session on March 10, and will go to City Council in July. Staff will return to Energy Board with an update and request for action at that time.