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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 - Energy Board - Work Plan2019 Energy Board Work Plan Duties and Functions: 1. To advise the City Council and staff regarding the development and implementation of the City's energy policy; 2. To advise the City Council and staff in developing City policies 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 3. 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; 4. To advise the City Council and staff regarding the recommendations for improvements to City energy systems; 5. To coordinate with other City boards and commissions regarding energy issues; 6. To advise the City Council and staff regarding budgetary, rate-making and operational matters related to the electric utility; 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; and 8. To perform such other duties and functions and have such other powers as may be provided by ordinance of the City Council. Work Plan 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 2019 will be to consider the changes that have occurred since then and to review and update this policy. – Function (1) Concurrently with the Energy Policy update, the Climate Action Plan and the Platte River Power Authority Integrated Resource Plan are also being reviewed and updated. It is critically important that the issues addressed be considered holistically, and that all three documents be aligned. – Function (2) The on-going consideration of the RE 100 Goal for 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030 will also inform the work on the revised Energy Policy, as will the EV Readiness Plan. – Function (2) 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: 1. Support Utilities to accelerate energy efficiency programs. HVAC mid-stream rebates, the return of on-bill financing, and building energy scoring are all good examples in this area. Even more is needed to hit our efficiency targets. – Function (2) 2. Include energy consumption considerations in the ongoing revision of City Plan, the Transportation Master Plan and the Transit Master Plan including the incorporation of energy metrics into the land use and transportation planning processes. – Function (5) 3. Address the impact of land use policies on energy consumption and production including an examination of the feasibility of energy districts. – Function (4,5) 4. Effectively handling variable and distributed sources and loads will require that Light & Power more rapidly evolve its distribution system into a smart grid. This includes both grid management, as well as active end- user management. – Functions (2,3) 5. Encourage and prepare for the electrification of transportation and building systems. This will include upgrades and integration of both the transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as grid management. – Functions (2,4,5) Cost of Service and Rate Structures Substantial changes in rate structures are happening with time-of-day and income qualified rates. More changes are coming as we consider new green tariffs, 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. The Energy Board will work with City Staff to recommend rate structure changes. – Function (6) 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 and make recommendations to maintain the reliability of the distribution system operation and to sustainably manage their physical assets. – Function (4) Light & Power’s business model is being challenged by its transition to a more distributed and renewable smart grid as well as by using electricity revenues to administer energy conservation measures that reduce electricity revenues, and by purchasing distributed solar energy above wholesale costs (net metering). These actions are a benefit to the community, but not 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 (6) Expanding the Energy Board’s Charter The Energy Board continues to seek an ordinance by City Council to expand the Energy Board’s duties and functions to collaborate with other regional similar boards and commissions regarding energy issues. Ongoing Responsibilities 1. Review and provide advice to City Council and staff on the City’s Legislative Policy Agenda related to energy issues. – Function (7) 2. Engage with Platte River Power Authority, and specifically, their generation diversification plans, including the Roundhouse Wind Project and the PRPA Community Solar Project. – Function (2) 3. Other items that are brought before the board.