HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-06/28/2022-Work Session (2)
Utilities
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222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 1, 2022
TO: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers
THRU: Kelly DiMartino, Interim City Manager
Kendall Minor, Utilities Executive Director
FROM: John Phelan, Energy Services Manager and Policy Advisor
RE: June 28, 2022 Work Session Summary: Solar 120% Sizing Rule and Rates
The purpose of this memo is to summarize the discussion from the work session regarding the solar 120% sizing
rule and associated electric utility rates. Councilmembers Arndt, Francis, Pignataro, Peel, Gutowsky and Ohlson
were present. The overall objectives for local solar policy and practice are twofold: 1) to support scaled up
adoption in alignment with Our Climate Future and resource planning targets; with 2) a sustainable and equitable
funding for Utilities customer service, operations, and infrastructure. The existing sizing requirement articulated in
City Code limits new solar systems to provide no more than 120% of a customer’s historical use. Combined with
replacement of the 120% rule, proposed changes to several components of the current rate structure align with
accomplishing these outcomes.
Feedback from Council included:
x Several Councilmembers expressed support for all five of the primary recommendations presented by
staff.
x Staff responded to several questions related to how solar sizing may impact requirements related to
Platte River Power Authority.
x Councilmembers expressed support for continued collaboration with Platte River and the other member
cities towards accomplishing community energy goals.
x A Councilmember asked about the role of community solar in addition to rooftop solar.
x A Councilmember asked questions about several rate components, expressing:
o An interest to re-examine the base rate
o Strong support for the tier component of the time-of-day rate
o Support for replacing the 120% sizing rule, and
o Pointed to the staff proposed next step of a written summary of potential benefits and risks of
removing the tier component from the current rates
Next steps:
x Bring forward ordinance language to revise City Code with regards to the Solar 120% Rule with
replacement by an administrative model for flexibly managing solar sizing, including coordination with
Platte River
x Deliver a written summary to Council regarding the potential benefits and risks of removing the tier
component of the TOD rate regarding electrification, customer service, and solar
x Prepare related options for the fall electric rate ordinances that support solar and electrification goals
CC: Gretchen Stanford, Utilities Deputy Director Customer Connections
Lance Smith, Utilities Finance Director
Randy Reuscher, Utilities Rate Analyst