HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/09/2008 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE DATE: September 9, 2008 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Patty Bigner FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Certificates.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2003,City Council adopted the current Electric Energy Supply Policy(Energy Policy)with goals
for reliability, rates, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Subsequently, in 2004, the City
Manager's Recommended 2004 budget included a 2% electric rate increase associated with
accomplishing the goals contained in the Energy Policy— 1% for renewables and 1% for Demand
Side Management (DSM or Energy Efficiency). Since 2004, Utilities has collected revenue for
expenditures to implement Demand Side Management strategies and to purchase Renewable Energy
from Platte River Power Authority. Each year,Utilities staff report on progress toward Policy goals.
In November 2007, representatives from the City's Electric Board and Utilities staff began
discussing revisions to the 2003 Policy. This review was part of the Electric Board's work plan as
well as ongoing discussions among Utilities staff. With about four years experience in the
implementation of the Policy, and knowledge of the evolving energy market,both Board members
and staff believe the Energy Policy needs to be refocused to relate the role of energy efficiency,
renewable energy, system reliability and affordability to local and regional goals including the
Climate Action Plan. Utilities staff will be discussing a revised version of the Energy Policy with
City Council on September 28, 2008
The purpose of this work session is to provide additional information on the role of Energy
Efficiency(DSM)in achieving goals articulated in the 2003 Energy Policy as well as the draft policy
currently being developed. In addition,the City's purchase of renewable electric energy,Renewable
Energy Certificates (RECs) and local renewable generation has been the topic of many questions
during 2008. This work session will provide more information on RECs to Council for current and
future decisions.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What additional background information would be helpful regarding energy efficiency?
2. What additional background information would be helpful regarding Renewable Energy
Certificates?
September 9, 2008 Page 2
BACKGROUND
At the April 22, 2008 Council Work Session, Utilities and Platte River Power Authority staff
provided information on a renewable energy(wind)project under consideration by Platte River to
meet requirements of the Platte River member cities including Fort Collins. The discussion
expanded to include the topic of RECs, current REC contracts and the inclusion of existing and
future RECs in the City's mix of renewable energy. Council members expressed concerns about
many aspects of RECs and acknowledged the complexity of the renewable energy market. During
the course of the discussion, the topic of energy efficiency was discussed briefly as a positive
investment for the community.
Recent discussions by the City Council,the Electric Board and the Climate Task Force also indicate
interest in developing a better understanding of both Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,from
utility scale projects to local initiatives. Two experts will provide additional background on these
topics.
Howard Geller is the Executive Director of Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP).
SWEEP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting greater energy efficiency in Arizona,
Colorado, Nevada,New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. SWEEP's Web site is www.swenergy.org
Lori Bird, is a Senior Analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden,
Colorado. Her primary research interests include renewable energy and carbon markets,renewable
energy policy and the interplay of emissions and renewables policies. NREL's Web site is
www.nrel.gov/
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2007 Electric Energy Supply Update.
2. Energy Efficiency Best Practices (Utilities staff).
3. Renewable Energy Program History (staff memo).
4. Powerpoint presentation by Howard Geller.
5. Powerpoint presentation by Lori Bird.
ATTACHMENT 1
Electric Energy Supply Policy
2007 Annual Update
I .
April 2008
City of Fort Collins
Utilities
Electric Energy Supply Policy 2007 Annual Update
Table of Contents
1 . 0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 . 1 Energy Policy Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 . 0 Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 . 1 2007 Reliability Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 . 2 Reliability Statistics for 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 . 0 Electric Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 . 1 2007 Electric Rates Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 . 0 Demand Side Management ( DSM ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 . 1 2007 DSM Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 . 2 Demand Side Management Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 . 3 Demand Side Management Program Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 . 4 Energy Use Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4 . 5 DSM Discussion and Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5 . 0 Renewable Energy . 13
5 . 1 2007 Renewable Energy Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5 . 2 Residential Parallel Generation Pilot Program ( Net Metering ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
A- 1 2007 Energy Efficiency Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
A- 2 Environmental Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fort Collins Utilities
U Introduction
This report provides an annual update of activities and progress related to the City of
Fort Collins Electric Energy Supply Policy.
Fort Collins ' City Council adopted the Electric Energy Supply Policy ( Energy Policy) in
March 2003 . The primary goals of the Energy Policy are to maintain high system
reliability , maintain competitive electric rates and reduce the environmental impact of
electricity generation .
City Council expects the Energy Policy to provide a variety of continuing benefits to Fort
Collins citizens , including :
reduced energy bills from reducing energy waste and increasing
efficiency ;
• delayed investment in new power plants ;
• local economic development from redirected energy cost savings ;
• cleaner air and reduced global warming potential ; and
• continued high reliability and competitive electric rates .
The Energy Policy is available on the City' s website at
http ://www . fcgov . com/electric/energy golicy . php .
This update is organized in sections covering reliability , rates , energy efficiency and
renewable energy . Appendices cover financial reporting and environmental reporting on
avoided greenhouse gas emissions .
101 Energy Policy Objectives
The Energy Policy adopted general goals and specific objectives in four areas :
• Reliability objectives include continuing to provide the historic very high
level of service and to complete the undergrounding program by the end
of 2006 ;
• Rate objectives include maintaining competitive rates (defined as lower
than Xcel Energy) and restructuring to promote conservation and
renewables ;
• DSM objectives include developing and promoting DSM programs and
services , and reducing per capita electric consumption 10 % and per capita
peak day electric demand 15% by the year 2012 ; and
• Renewable energy objectives include promotion of their use and a target
of 2 % of total energy resources in 2004 and 15% by 2017 .
Fort Collins Utilities 1
2 . 0 Reliability
2 . 1 2007 Reliability Highlights
Fort Collins Utilities continued to provide highly reliable service , as shown by the
following highlights for 2007 :
• Electric system reliability was 99 . 9965% ( goal 99 . 9886% ) ;
• The average outage duration was 26 minutes ( goal < 60 min . ) ;
• On average , individual customers experienced 0 . 70 interruptions
Utilities also completed a number of projects on the distribution system and related
communications infrastructure that promote high reliability . Project highlights for 2007
include :
• Completed design work for the initial phases of the underground rebuild
program . A significant portion of our distribution system is greater than
30 years old . This program is to rebuild those underground areas most
in need of replacement . Design work was completed for the Mantz and
Miller Brothers Foothills Subdivisions which consist of 146 lots . The
Mantz Subdivision is located near Mulberry and Shields . The Miller
Brothers Subdivision is located near Elizabeth and Taft Hill Road .
• Completed the design for a new main feeder from Harmony Substation
to Ziegler and Harmony . The new feeder will support the anticipated
load growth along east Harmony .
• Design was completed to replace eight underground oil switches with
padmounted switches . These switches are used to reconfigure our main
feeders to accommodate construction and for outage restoration . All of
our oil switches are slated for replacement where possible to improve
safety performance .
• Completed system design and equipment procurement for perimeter
motion detection and camera security systems for Dixon Creek and
Timberline Substations . The project also included interfacing security
equipment to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System
( SCADA) system . With the cmpleteion of these two substations all
substations in Fort Collins will be monitored for intrusion .
• Completed all testing of substation breakers , relays and control circuits ,
and submitted required documentation related to new NERC ( National
Energy Regulatory Commission ) standard PRC - 005 - 1 "Transmission and
Generation Protection System Maintenance and Testing " and standard
PRC - 008 - 0 "Assuring Consistency with Regional Underfrequency Load
Shedding ( UFLS ) Program Requirements " . This was a coordinated effort
with Platte River Power Authority .
• Completed the installation of 900 - MHZ radio communication equipment at
Harmony , Linden , and Richard ' s Lake substations to be used to
Fort Collins Utilities 2
communicate with field devices for co -gen monitoring , and monitoring and
controlling distribution main feeder switches . This system will indicate
faulted circuits and provide load transfer capability on circuits thru the
SCADA located in the Supervisory Control and Operations ( SCO ) center .
• Completed replacement of sixteen obsolete feeder protection relays and
associated control wiring at Linden Tech substation . This work involved
design , installation , and checkout of systems .
• Completed scheduled substation power transformer Load Tap Changer
( LTC ) maintenance at Richard ' s Lake and Dixon Creek substations . Load
tap changers regulate the source voltage at the substation to a fixed value
as the load on the system varies .
• Completed installation SCADA equipment to monitor switch status and
generator backup systems for the Intel facility on Harmony Road .
2 . 2 Reliability Statistics for 2007
Fort Collins Utilities uses several indices to measure reliability . The 2007 indices met
Utilities reliability goals and continue to show that customers can expect a very high
level of reliability .
The Average System Availability Index (ASAI ) measures the percentage of time that
power is available to the average customer . It provides a combined measure of the
frequency and duration of outages . The ASAI for 2007 was 99 . 9965% . The historical
record for Fort Collins Utilities ASAI is shown in Figure 2 . 1 .
The Customer Average Interruption Index ( CAIDI ) is the average duration of an outage
experienced by the customer . This index is indicative of average restoration time once
an outage has occurred , and is calculated by dividing the sum of the duration of all
interruptions by the total number of customers interrupted . The average outage time for
2007 was 26 minutes (goal < 60 minutes ) .
The System Average Interruption Frequency Index ( SAIFI ) is the total number of
customers that experienced an outage in the last 12 months divided by the total number
of customers served . This provides the number of outages a customer could expect to
experience during the year . SAIFI for 2007 was 0 . 70 interruptions per year .
Fort Collins Utilities 3
Figure 2 . 1 : Historical Average System Availability Index (ASAI )
Average System Availability Index (ASAI)
99.9990%
99.9980%
99.9970% 1
99.9960% M GOOD
99.9950%
99.9940%
99.9930%
99.9920%
99.9910%
Ir 99.9900% GOAL
E
°' 99.9890%
w
a
U) 99.9880%
99.9870%
99.9860%
99.9850%
99.9840%
99.9830%
99.9820%
99.9810%
84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
Year
Fort Collins Utilities 4
3 . 0 Electric Rates
3 . 1 2007 Electric Rates Highlights
The rate objectives of the Energy Policy include maintaining competitive rates (defined
as lower than Xcel Energy) and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy .
• There were no electric rate increases in 2007 ; and
• Fort Collins Utilities electric rates are lower than those of Xcel Energy in all
rate classes . Electric utility rates are ranked by the Colorado Association
of Municipal Utilities ( CAMU ) . Table 3 . 1 shows the ranking of Fort Collins
Utilities and the percentage by which each rate is lower than Xcel
Energy ' s ( as of January 2007 ) . Figure 3 . 1 shows a chart of the residential
rates developed by CAMU .
Table 3 . 1 : 2007 Electric Rates Comparison
Rate Class Ranking of Fort Collins Percentage Fort Collins Utilities
Utilities lower than Xcel Energy
Residential Lowest 10% 38% lower
Small Commercial Lowest 16% 38% lower
Large Commercial Lowest 8% 22% lower
Industrial Lowest 4% 25% lower
* based on CAMU report , January 2007
Figure 3 . 1 : 2007 Residential Rates Comparison
CAMU Residential Electric Rate Comparison
January 2007 -- Cost for 700 kWh
$ 120
$ 100
$80 co COo
o 0
CID o �
r LO
N r
Ln
In Ln GFJ 61
$40 M
��
$20
$ 0
❑ Municipal ■ REA ❑ IOU ■ Fort Collins
Fort Collins Utilities 5
4 . 0 Demand Side Management ( DSM )
Fort Collins Utilities has provided programs and services to help customers manage
their energy use for over 25 years . This section summarizes energy efficiency programs
and services for residential , commercial and industrial customers . Many of the programs
are a collaboration between Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River Power Authority .
4 . 1 2007 DSM Highlights
• Demand Side Management ( DSM ) energy savings from 2007 programs is an
annual avoided electricity consumption of over 8 , 200 megawatt- hours ;
• DSM programs in 2007 saved energy at a cost of 1 . 3 cents per kilowatt- hour
( kWh ) , compared with a 3 . 9 cents per kWh total wholesale cost from Platte River ;
• Annual energy savings in 2007 resulting from energy efficiency program activities
from 2002 through 2007 is estimated to be over 27 , 700 megawatt- hours ;
• Annual peak demand savings in 2007 resulting from energy efficiency program
activities from 2002 through 2007 is estimated to be over 4 . 9 megawatts ; and
• 2007 per capita electric consumption was 4 . 8% higher than the 2002 baseline ;
per capita peak electric demand was 11 . 8 % higher than the 2002 baseline .
4 . 2 Demand Side Management Programs
Tables 4 . 1 and 4 . 2 summarize the residential and commercial energy efficiency
programs and services offered by Fort Collins Utilities in 2007 . Programs and service
are of two general types , those that provide verifiable electricity and demand savings
( DSM programs ) and those that promote energy efficiency and conservation awareness
and education ( Community Energy Programs ) . Several of the programs and services
have aspects of both types , resulting in direct energy savings as well as meeting other
customer service objectives . The Energy Services team also focuses on improving and
supporting the professions which provide services to customers related to energy
efficiency and building performance ( i . e . contractor training ) .
There were a number of changes to programs offered by both Fort Collins Utilities and
Platte River Power Authority . LightenUP , which provides cash incentives for lighting
retrofits in existing buildings , is now a program that exists separately from Electric
Efficiency Program ( EEP ) . Platte River is paying the full cost of both energy and
demand incentives for EEP , LightenUP and performance portion of the Integrated
Design Assistance Program ( IDAP ) . Platte River introduced Fort Collins ' residential
lighting program ( Lighting with a Twist ) to all four cities and provided the incentives for
buying down the cost of the compact fluorescent light bulbs ( CFLs ) .
As a part of the revitalization of the load management program (formerly Hot Shot ) ,
Utilities staff are methodically servicing all receiving units in customers ' homes . The
fieldwork includes replacing aging units , verifying operation and promoting awareness of
Fort Collins Utilities 6
the program . In addition , a pilot program for air conditioning load management began in
2007 with 43 homes .
The Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program ( RFR ) was restructured to
accommodate year round collection of unwanted appliances . In - home pickup services in
2007 were provided by Little Guys Movers . Comprehensive recycling , and
transportation of the appliances from Fort Collins to Salt Lake City , continued to be
provided by Jaco Environmental .
In recognition of new ENERGY STAR and federal minimum energy standards for
clothes washers and dishwashers , the appliance rebate program was revised and
expanded in August 2007 . The new , and higher , clothes washer standards were
required for eligibility , and a $25 dishwasher rebate was added for eligible appliances .
Another change in 2007 effects all DSM programs for which Fort Collins Utilities
provides rebates . The rebate process changed from one in which a paper check was
issued to the customer to one where a bill credit is electronically provided to the
customer , showing on their monthly utility bill . This process is used for clothes washer ,
dishwasher , RFR and load management rebates (water heaters and air conditioners ) .
Table 4 . 1 : 2007 Residential Energy Efficiency Programs and Services
Program Description
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Rebate , in - home pickup and comprehensive recycling of
Program unwanted refrigerators and freezers
Residential Lighting Program (aka Discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs through local
Lighting with a Twist) retailers (offered in Platte River member cities) , LED holiday
lighting component
Clothes Washer Rebate Program Rebate for purchase of ENERGY STAR clothes washer
Dishwasher Rebate Program Rebate for purchase of ENERGY STAR dishwasher
ZILCH Zero interest loans for energy saving home improvements
REACH Free home weatherization (based on income eligibility)
Water Heater Load Management Radio frequency control of electric water heaters for coincident
peak demand savings . Bill credit to customers .
AC Load Management Radio frequency control of residential air conditioners for
coincident peak demand savings . Bill credit to customers .
Home Performance with ENERGY Contractor training and support for whole- house approach to
STAR improve energy performance of existing homes
Energy Score Support for home energy ratings
Education and Awareness Energy efficiency education and awareness activities include
The Power to Save campaign , What to Look for in a New
Home , the Utilities website , Environmental Program Series and
various community events .
Fort Collins Utilities 7
Table 4 . 2 : 2007 Commercial Energy Efficiency Programs and Services
Program Description
LightenUP Program Incentives for lighting retrofits
Electric Efficiency Program Incentives for projects that reduce summer peak demand or
annual electricity consumption
Cooling Rebate Program Rebates for high efficiency air conditioners
Integrated Design Assistance Funding and expertise for integrated design of energy efficient
Program new buildings , whole building and prescriptive paths .
C& I Load Management Radio signal for customer control of coincident peak demand
Technical Assistance and Energy Free energy assessments to help customers implement
Assessments energy efficency projects
Electri- Connect Provides online access to interval electric data for large
commercial and industrial customers
Keep Current Electronic newsletter, web information resource and "Ask an
Expert" tool
Education and Awareness Energy efficiency education and awareness activities include
The Power to Save campaign , the Utilities website , the
Business Environmental Program Series and commercial
accounts luncheons .
4 . 3 Demand Side Management Program Results
Efficiency and demand side management programs are a reliable energy resource for
Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River Power Authority . The cost of conserved energy
( CCE ) is a measure of the cost per kilowatt- hour saved by specific DSM programs ,
which can be directly compared with wholesale electric costs . CCE is used as a metric
for cost- effectiveness of energy efficiency programs ' .
Table 4 . 3 summarizes 2007 DSM program results , including activity levels , energy
savings , demand savings and cost of conserved energy . Figure 4 . 1 shows how the
costs of these DSM programs compare to wholesale power and fuel costs per kilowatt-
hour .
' The primary criterion for screening and evaluating demand side management initiatives compares the
Utilities ' cost of DSM programs to its wholesale cost of purchasing electricity from PRPA3 . The Cost of
Conserved Energy ( CCE ) is calculated as follows :
CCE ' = Utilities cost of DSM program2
Lifetime energy savings of measure
Notes :
1 . A discount rate is included to calculate the CCE as net present value
2 . Utilities total program cost ( incentive and administrative)
3 . The wholesale cost of purchasing electricity is calculated by dividing the total purchased power cost by
the number of kilowatt- hours , and is a blend of energy and demand cost components .
Fort Collins Utilities 8
DSM programs in 2007 saved energy at an average cost of 1 . 5 cents per kWh , which is
dramatically lower than the 3 . 9 cents per kWh average wholesale cost from Platte River .
Energy efficiency continues to be the lowest cost resource for electricity .
Table 4 . 4 and Figure 4 . 2 summarize the annual DSM program energy and demand
savings for 2002 through 2007 . Table 4 . 5 and Figure 4 . 3 show the year- by - year annual
peak demand savings , by program , for 2002 through 2007 .
Table 4 . 3 : 2007 DSM Program Results
Program Activity Annual Annual Program Cost of
Energy Demand Cost Conserved
Savings Savings Energy
MWh kW /kWh
Clothes Washer Rebate Program 992 132 15 $24 , 200 $0 . 021
Dishwasher Rebate Program 761 2 0 $ 1 , 900 1 $0 . 095
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program 432 347 40 $72 , 360 $0 . 032
Residential Lighting Program 887273 17501 164 $ 1067854 $0 . 010
Residential subtotal 17982 219 $2057314 $0.015
Electric Efficiency Program 121 2 , 450 163 $ 1 , 094 , 722 $0 . 008
Li htenUP 54 3 , 391 846 $ 1 , 405 , 368 $0 . 015
Cooling Rebate Program 4 10 8 $0 $0 . 072
Integrated Design Assistance Program 2 450 119 $727135 $0 . 013
Commercial subtotal 67301 1 , 136 $275727225 $0.012
Totall 1 1 87283 1 ,355 $2J77,5391 $0.013
Figure 4 . 1 : DSM Program Cost Effectiveness ($/kWh )
DSM Program Cost of Conserved Energy
(2007 Program Year)
$0 . 040
$0 . 035 Total wholesale electric cost =
$0 . 039 per kWh
$0 . 030 ■
2 $0 . 025 $0 .032 jWholesale electric fuel cost =
$0 . 017 per kWh
$0 . 020
w
U $0 . 015 $0.013
$0 . 010 1$0,021 $0 .015 $0.008
$0 . 005 $0.010
$0 . 000
Clothes Refrigerator Residential LightenUP Electric Total Annual
Washer and Freezer Lighting Program Efficiency Savings
Rebate Recycling Program Program
Program Program
Fort Collins Utilities 9
Table 4 . 4 : DSM Program Energy Savings 2002 = 2007 ( MWh )
Program 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
Program
Savings
Clothes Washer Rebate Program NA 149 223 101 110 134 718
Cooling Rebate Program 190 190 246 202 11 10 849
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling 819 564 415 347 2 , 144
Program NA NA
Residential Lighting Program NA NA 140 11738 11429 11501 41808
Li htenLIP Program 31391 31391
Electric Efficiency Program 242 11492 21237 41439 31190 21450 14 , 049
Integrated Design Assistance 657 111 614 0 0 450 11832
, Program
Total Annual Savingsl 11090 11941 41279 71043 51155 81283 27 , 791
Figure 4 .2 : Annual DSM Program Energy Savings 2002 = 2007 (MWh )
Fort Collins Demand Side Management ,
Annual MWh Saved
9000
8000
7000
y 6000
a�
c
5000
N
a
°1 4000
LU
c
3000
3
C
a 2000
1000
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
❑ LightenUP Program
® CSU Steam Turbine
Electric Efficiency Program
® Integrated Design Assistance Program
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program
[[] Cooling Rebate Program
El Clothes Washer Rebate Program
❑ Residential Lighting Program
Fort Collins Utilities 10
Table 4 . 5 : DSM Program Demand Savings 2002 = 2007 (Summer Peak kW)
Program 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
Program
Savings
Clothes Washer Rebate Program NA 17 25 12 13 15 82
Cooling Rebate Program 269 274 358 294 33 8 11236
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling 94 64 47 40 245
Program NA NA
Residential Lighting Program NA NA 0 0 0 164 164
Electric Efficiency Program 40 224 423 656 321 163 15827
Li htenUP Program 0 0 0 0 0 846 846
Integrated Design Assistance 197 35 190 0 0 119 541
, Program
Total Annual Savingsl 5061 5501 11091 11026 4141 11355 4 , 941
Figure 4 .3 : Annual DSM Program Demand Savings 2002 = 2007 (Summer Peak kW)
Fort Collins Demand Side Management ,
Annual kW Saved (Summer Peak)
1600
1400
Y 1200
N
a1
= 1000
l4
N
C 800
l4
E
o 600
R
3
= 400
a
200
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
❑ LightenUP Program
® CSU Steam Turbine
Electric Efficiency Program
® Integrated Design Assistance Program
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program
m Cooling Rebate Program
❑ Clothes Washer Rebate Program
❑ Residential Lighting Program
Fort Collins Utilities 11
4 . 4 Energy Use Statistics
The Energy Policy energy and demand reduction targets are in per-capita terms in order
to normalize for changes in population over time . Table 4 . 7 shows the trends of per-
capita energy use and per- capita peak demand for 2002 through 2007 .
In February of 2008 , the City ' s planning department provided revised population
estimates for 2002 through 2007 which were significantly lower than those provided in
past Energy Policy Updates . As a result , both per capita energy use and per capita
demand show continued growth .
Energy use per capita increased 1 . 7 percent in 2007 and was 4 . 8 percent higher than
the 2002 baseline year . Peak demand per capita increased in 2007 by 4 . 7 percent , and
was 11 . 8 percent higher than the 2002 baseline year .
Table 4 . 7 : Fort Collins Energy Use Statistics for 2002 through 2007
Per Per
Per capita Per capita
Total capita change Peak kW/ capita change
City Energy energy kWh/ annual from Demand person- annual from
Year Population ( MWh) growth person-yr change 2002 (MW) yr change 2002
2002 124 , 428 15346 ,420 10 , 821 251 .3 2 . 02
2003 125 , 461 15374 , 004 2 . 0% 10 ,952 1 . 2% 1 . 2% 268 .6 2 . 14 6 . 0% 6 . 0%
2004 126 , 903 15389 , 277 1 . 1 % 10 ,948 0 . 0% 1 . 2% 271 .8 2 . 14 0 . 0% 6 . 0%
2005 127 , 686 154323566 3 . 1 % 11 ,219 2 . 5% 3 . 7% 291 .0 2 .28 6 .4% 12 . 9%
2006 129 , 511 154423892 0 . 7% 11 , 141 -0 . 7% 3 . 0% 279 .2 2 . 16 -5 .4% 6 . 8%
120071 131 , 000 15484 , 9571 2 . 9% 1 11 ,336 1 . 7% 1 4. 8% 1 295 .7 2 . 26 4. 7% 1 11 . 8%
4 . 5 DSM Discussion and Planning
Demand side management programs play a significant role in reducing Fort Collins
energy consumption and peak demand power needs . However , other factors play
markedly larger roles in affecting the patterns of energy use from year to year , such as
day-to - day weather patterns . Economic factors also play a large role , as demonstrated
by general growth in the Front Range and shifting regional economic patterns .
For 2006 , DSM program energy savings represented 0 . 6 percent of Fort Collins total
energy use , and DSM program demand savings represented 0 . 5 percent of the annual
peak demand .
In order to reach the targets of the Energy Policy, on - going and new demand side
management programs and services will need to :
• reach more customers through higher participation rates , and
• focus on reducing summer peak demand .
Fort Collins Utilities 12
5 . 0 Renewable Energy
Fort Collins Utilities has offered renewable energy to customers through the Wind
Program since 1998 . In 2007 , the Wind Program went through a re - branding to the
Green Energy Program. The Green Energy program reflects changes in the
marketplace for renewable energy , and was certified by Green - e in 2006 . This included
expanding qualified renewable energy sources to include wind , solar , geothermal ,
biomass and small hydroelectric systems .
The Green Energy Program is a premium - priced rate option for customers who wish to
have all or a portion of their electricity generated from renewable sources . With the
adoption of the Energy Policy, Fort Collins Utilities supplies renewable energy to Green
Energy subscribers and to the general ratepayers .
Figure 5 . 1 shows the breakdown of renewable energy purchases by Green Energy
customer class and for the general ratepayers . Figure 5 . 2 shows the growth in
renewable energy purchases from 1998 to 2007 .
5 . 1 2007 Renewable Energy Highlights
• Renewable energy comprised 6 . 3 percent of total electrical energy purchases in
2007 . Renewable energy purchases were 93 , 000 megawatt- hours ( Figure 5 . 1 ) ;
• The Green Energy Program facilitated the purchase of over 35 , 000 megawatt-
hours of electricity , comprising 38% of overall renewable energy purchases ;
• The Green Energy Program has over 1 , 700 residential customers and over 110
commercial customers .
• Rate based purchases of renewable energy totaled over 57 , 000 megawatt - hours
of electricity , comprising 62 % of overall renewable energy purchases .
Fort Collins Utilities 13
Figure 5 . 1 : Renewable Energy Purchases by Customer Sector
2007 Renewable Energy Purchases
Total Renewable Purchases = 933000 MWh
Total Energy Purchases = 11484 , 957 MWh
Renewable Energy = 6 .3% of total sales
Residential
17%
Commercial
13%
Ratebased
62%
Industrial
8%
Figure 5 .2 : Renewable Energy Purchases ( 1998 - 2007)
Fort Collins Utilities 14
Fort Collins Annual Renewable Energy Purchases ( MWh )
1009000
90,000
t
80,000
N
y 70,000
R
L
60,000
a
50,000
m
w 40,000
a
c
30,000
m
c 20,000
c
a
10,000
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
® Voluntary MWh ❑ Rate based MWh
5 . 2 Residential Parallel Generation Pilot Program ( Net Metering )
The on -going Residential Parallel Generation Pilot Program supports Fort Collins
Utilities efforts to understand the costs and operational impacts of serving small parallel -
generation customers and , if appropriate , to design new policies and rates for such
customers . The pilot program , also known as the Net Metering Program , offers
residential and small commercial electric customers generous , full retail buy- back
provisions for electricity generated by solar photovoltaic ( PV) systems connected to the
electric grid .
The program has eleven residential customers and two commercial customers whose
PV systems have been inspected and are operational . The total peak capacity of these
systems is 27 . 1 kilowatts . Fort Collins Utilities has installed interval recording meters on
these homes in order to capture detailed data on the net power demand of these
homes . Utilities has also installed data loggers and watt - meters on nine of the sites to
record the output of the solar system on an interval basis . More data loggers will be
added as the number of program participants grows . The combination of the two meters
will enable an analysis of solar electric production and electricity use with and without
the solar systems .
Fort Collins Utilities 15
A=1 2007 Energy Efficiency Expenditures
2007 Energy Services Expenditures Date 1 /25/08
Summary Financial Information
Description Residential Commercial Industrial Total
Utilities DSM Expenditures $ 190,639 $49, 787 $ 115, 634 $356,060
Utilities CEP Expenditures $328,492 $41 ,475 $0 $369,967
PRPA expenditures $1295354 $2463337 $558, 958 $9345649
Combined expenditures $6485485 $3373599 $6743592 $156605676
Utilities PRPA
DSM Programs expenditures expenditures
Residential
Washer Rebate Program $25,059
Refrigerator Recycling $51 ,909
Residential Lighting $865096 $129,354
The Power to Save (Outreach) $2,804
Summer Comfort $15365
REACH $23,406
Commercial
Commercial EEP $1 ,650 $453353
Commercial Technical Assistance $32,055
Commercial Lighten UP $ 165082 $1843804
Commercial CRP $0 $ 163180
Commercial IDAP (performance) $0
Commercial Hot Shot $0
Industrial
Industrial EEP $92,059 $271 ,219
Industrial Technical Assistance $ 13,720
Industrial Lighten UP $95855 $283, 739
Industrial CRP $0 $43000
Industrial IDAP (performance) $0
Industrial Hot Shot $0
Community Energy Programs
Residential
Residential Energy Services $ 18,210
New Home Performance $18,987
Home Performance with Energy Star $6,581
Environmental Program Series $1 ,356
Home Energy Ratings $650
Residential Hot Shot $179,305
Hot Shot Rebates $101 ,318
ZILCH Loans $2,085
Commercial
Commercial Energy Services $ 125900
Commercial IDAP (design) $ 115119
Business Environmental Program Series $67331
Questline - Keep Current $3,400
MV-WEB/Electri-Connect $7,725
Industrial
Industrial Energy Services $0
Industrial IDAP (design) $0
Total $7269027 $9349649
Fort Collins Utilities 16
A=2 Environmental Benefits
The primary mechanism for energy savings programs to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions is from avoided fossil fuel electricity production . The most recent regional
marginal emission rate factor from Platte River Power Authority is 1 , 380 pounds of
carbon dioxide avoided per megawatt- hour of energy savings .
Fort Collins Utilities helps fund and also coordinates with the Climate Wise Program,
which is administered by the City ' s Natural Resources Department . Climate Wise
partners receive free technical assessments , public recognition and networking
opportunities . The energy portion of the technical assessment is typically completed by
Fort Collins Utilities . The assessment also identifies opportunities for customers to
participate in energy- efficiency incentive programs .
The Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program has an additional mechanism for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the destruction of CFC - 11 contained in the foam
insulation of the recycled products . CFC - 11 is a powerful greenhouse gas . The program
collects the foam insulation from the de - manufactured appliances and destroys it by
incineration . The impact of removing greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere is calculated with conversion factors known as GWP ( global warming
potential ) . The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC 2001 ) lists the GWP
of CFC - 11 as 4 , 680 . This multiplier is also known as a carbon equivalent factor ( CO2
has a GWP of 1 . 0 ) .
Table A- 2 . 1 summarizes the greenhouse gas emissions reductions (tons ) from energy
efficiency programs from 2002 through 2007 . Table A- 2 . 2 summarizes the 2007
greenhouse gas emissions reductions (tons ) from DSM programs , one -time savings
from CFC - 11 destruction and renewable energy .
Fort Collins Utilities 17
Table A=2 . 1 : DSM Program Avoided Greenhouse Gas Emissions (tons CO2)
Program 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
Annual
Program
Savings
Clothes Washer Rebate Program NA 103 154 70 76 93 496
Cooling Rebate Program 131 131 170 139 8 71 586
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling NA NA 565 389 286 239 11479
Program
Residential Lighting Program NA NA 97 11199 986 13036 31318
Electric Efficiency Program 167 11029 11543 31063 21201 11691 91694
Li htenUP Program 0 0 0 0 01 21340 21340
Integrated Design Assistance 453 76 424 0 0 310 13264
Program
Total DSM Annual Savingsi 7521 113391 219531 41860 31557 51715 193176
Table A=2 . 2 : Avoided Greenhouse Gas Emissions , Including Renewable Energy
2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Avoided (tons of CO2 equivalent)
Description CO2 tons Notes
Demand side management 19 , 176 annual savings from 2002 through 2007 programs
RFR Pro am CFC- 11 Destruction 4, 464 one time savings from 2004 through 2007 pro rams
Wind Program renewable energy 24, 292 2007 only
Rate based renewable energy 39 , 878 2007 only
Energy Policy Total 875810
Fort Collins Utilities 18
ATTACHMENT
Energy Efficiency Best Practices
This information is provided in response to a request for more information on best practices in energy
efficiency at the April 22, 2008 City Council Study Session.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency provides benefits to the utility, individual customers and the community. For the
utility, energy efficiency is the lowest cost resource available. Efficiency measures reduce purchased
power costs and peak demand on the electric infrastructure. Customers,both residential and business,
gain the ability to manage their energy bills through efficiency. Energy efficiency also generally
provides a better"service" while reducing energy use (i.e. a well insulated house is more comfortable
and more efficient). The community benefits from the direct investment in energy efficiency
improvements and from the discretionary spending that results from redirected utility bills. Energy
efficiency also provides direct environmental benefits through reduced emissions from fossil fuel
electric power plants.
Guiding Principles for Utility Energy Efficiency
The following best management principles guide planning and implementation of energy efficiency
programs and services:
• Provide a range of programs to serve customer classes (residential,commercial and industrial)
and end uses (lighting, heating and air conditioning, etc);
• Use an integrated, holistic, performance approach to identify the root causes of poor
performance. Consider the utility, customer and community perspectives;
• Focus on "market transformation" that recognizes the infrastructure needs for efficiency
services;
• Maintain rigorous measurement and reporting of program results using `conservative" savings
estimates, and
• Collaborate with local,regional and national partners to leverage program design,
implementation and evaluation efforts.
Efficiency Potential from Industry Studies
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project recently completed an efficiency potential study for the State
of Utah which may be useful as a comparison for Fort Collins. The study begins with the Utah
governor's goal of increasing energy efficiency 20% by 2015. In that study (available at
ham://www.swenergy.org/2ubs/index.html ), the following conclusions are made in the report:
• The total electricity savings potential in 2015 represents an 18.0 percent reduction from
projected baseline electricity consumption that year. Utility demand side management
programs provide 38% of this savings;
• Utility DSM investments grow to approximately 3.5% of revenue by 2015;
• In the baseline scenario, electricity demand grows 3.2 percent per year on average. In the high
efficiency scenario, electricity demand growth is limited to 1.2 percent per year on average
during 2005-2020. Implementing all of the electricity savings options would not entirely
eliminate load growth, but it would reduce it by over 60 percent, and
• According to the Energy Efficiency Task Force convened by the Western Governors'
Association, leading electric utilities in the country are investing 2-3 percent of their revenues
on DSM programs and these programs in turn are saving the equivalent of around 0.8-1.0
percent of electricity sales each year.
May 2008 Page 1 of 2
Fort Collins Energy Efficiency Results
Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River Power Authority have implemented energy efficiency programs
and services since 2002. However, formal Utilities funding and substantial expansion of programs
began in 2004. For the four year period from 2004 through 2007, some key metrics related to energy
efficiency results are:
• Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River Power Authority's investment in customer energy
efficiency totaled $3.2 million. This is equivalent to 1.0% of electric revenue over the four year
period;
• 2008 annual energy savings from cumulative efficiency programs will be over 27,700
megawatt-hours. This is approximately a 2.0% reduction in annual energy use;
• Annual results from 2007 programs show a savings of 8,200 megawatt-hours (0.6% of annual
energy use), with an investment of 1.6% of electric revenue;
• DSM programs in 2007 saved energy at a cost of 1.3 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared
with a 3.9 cents per kWh total wholesale cost from Platte River;
• Annual peak demand savings in 2008 resulting from energy efficiency program activities from
2002 through 2007 is estimated to be over 4.9 megawatts, and
• Customer bill savings in 2008 will be over $1.7 million.
May 2008 Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT 3
Utilities
electric • stormwater wastewater • water
700 Wood Street
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
City of Fort Collins 970.221 .6700
970 .221 .6619 - fax
00_...,
970 .224.6003 - TDD
- utilities@fcgov. com
fcgov.com/utilities
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 2, 2008
To: Mayor and City Council Members
Through: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
From: Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer & Employee lations Manager
Re : Briefing on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programs
At the March 25 , 2008 City Council study session, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Ohlson asked for more information on the
City' s current renewable energy program. In response, this briefing provides background and answers the
following:
• What is the history of the Green Energy Program (formerly the Wind Program) ?
• What is the language in the Electric Energy Supply Policy related to renewable energy goals ?
• What is the current mix of delivered renewable energy and renewable energy certificates (RECs) ?
• What are the contractual commitments related to RECs?
• What are the costs associated with changing direction in purchasing renewable energy?
• Define energy efficiency programs . What are the top 5 — 10 programs?
History of the Green Energy Program (formerly the Wind Program)
In May 1998, Fort Collins Utilities was the first utility in Colorado and among the first in the nation to deliver
clean, renewable wind energy for residents and businesses . During the first year of the program, the City of Fort
Collins purchased wind energy from two 600 kW turbines to cover a portion of its own municipal electricity needs .
Pioneer subscribers helped make a wind energy program a reality in Fort Collins by voluntarily paying a premium
for this new renewable source. . In 1999, the other members of Platte River Power Authority joined the program and
based on voluntary sign ups in all four cities, seven 660 kW turbines were built by July 2000 at Platte River' s
Medicine Bow Wind Project, located near the town of Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
Late in 2001 , City Council directed the Electric Board to develop an Electric Energy Supply Policy, incorporating
renewable energy goals . Prior to the adoption of the Electric Energy Supply Policy in 2003 , the City offered the
voluntary Wind Program to Utilities customers as a way to participate in the development of renewable energy and
achieve additional environmental benefits from wind energy generation. When the Policy was developed, a target
of 2% of total energy resources in 2004 and 15 % by 2017 was set. These Policy goals prompted the evolution of
the City' s renewable energy program and later resulted in a rate increase to generate revenue for the purchase of
additional renewable energy.
where renewal is a way of life
Renewable Energy Program Page 2
Upon the adoption of the Policy, a 1 % rate increase also was adopted to generate revenue for additional renewable
energy purchases . At that time, wind energy continued to be the primary source of these purchases . The City
continued to offer the voluntary Wind Program, but now added renewable energy purchases that were rate-based.
In conjunction with Platte River, City staff and the Electric Board reviewed options for maximizing renewable
energy purchases with the new revenue available. Various options were reviewed, including wind energy such as
that generated at Platte River's Medicine Bow site, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and a blend of wind
energy and RECs .
The Electric Board supported the option of blending wind energy purchases and RECs, believing the strategy
achieved the opportunity for significant progress toward the 15 % target while obtaining the environmental
attributes associated with renewable energy generation and managing renewable program costs . As a result of the
purchase of lower cost REC-based sources, the blended cost of renewable energy was reduced by 60% , from
$0.025 per kWh to $0.01 per kWh.
Platte River' s other municipal members were also interested in adding RECs to their renewable programs, and
Platte River' s Board approved a Renewable Energy Supply Policy, which provides guidance regarding the level of
renewable sources to be obtained, the type of sources considered acceptable to meet the municipalities ' renewable
requirements, the anticipated impacts of renewable sources on future resource planning, the timing of resource
acquisition and the approach to be used for pricing renewable sources for sale to the municipalities .
As Fort Collins (and the other member municipalities) continued to purchase increasing amounts of renewable
energy, the proportion of RECs has grown to approximately 80% of total supply for 2008 .
In 2005 , Platte River began the process of obtaining Green-E certification to help assure renewable energy and
REC purchases met high industry standards . All renewable energy products from Platte River are currently Green-
E certified.
Current Green Energy Program
In 2007, the Wind Program went through a re-branding to the Green Energy Program. The Green Energy
Program reflects changes in the marketplace for renewable energy and was certified by Green-e in 2006. This
included expanding qualified renewable energy sources to include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and small
hydroelectric systems . The Green Energy Program is a premium-priced rate option for customers who wish to
have all or a portion of their electricity generated from renewable sources . With the adoption of the Electric Energy
Supply Policy, Fort Collins Utilities supplies renewable energy to Green Energy subscribers and to the general
ratepayers .
2007 Renewable Energy Highlights
• Renewable energy comprised 6.3 percent of total electrical energy purchases in 2007 . Renewable energy
purchases were 93 ,000 megawatt-hours ;
• The Green Energy Program facilitated the purchase of over 35 ,000 megawatt-hours of electricity,
comprising 38 % of overall renewable energy purchases ;
• The Green Energy Program has over 1 ,700 residential customers and over 110 commercial customers ;
a Rate-based purchases of renewable energy totaled over 57,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, comprising
62% of overall renewable energy purchases .
Renewable Energy Program Page 3
The first chart below shows the breakdown of renewable energy purchases by Green Energy customer class and for
the general ratepayers . The second chart shows the growth in renewable energy purchases from 1998 to 2007 .
Renewable Energy Purchases by Customer Sector
2007 Renewable Energy Purchases
Total Renewable Purchases = 93 , 000 MWh
Total Energy Purchases = 19484, 957 MWh
Renewable Energy = 6. 3% of total sales
Residential
17% Commercial
13%
Ratebased
62%
Industrial
8%
Growth in Renewable Energy Purchases
Fort Collins Annual Renewable Energy
Purchases
a,
U)
M
100,000
L
a 8%000
a
s 60,000
c �
w 40,000
a
20,000
M 0
c 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
a
® Voluntary MWh IM Rate based MWh
Renewable Energy Program Page 4
Platte River Power Authority Renewable Energy Policy
Platte River updated its Renewable Energy Policy in 2007 to provide more specific guidance regarding the amount
of energy vs . RECs to be included in the overall portfolio, to incorporate updated aspects of the Colorado
Renewable Energy Standard and to update other aspects of the policy. Platte River' s current Policy provides for
increasing the amount of energy to about 40% in 2010 and to about 70% by 2020. The increased amount of energy
(vs. RECs) will significantly increase the renewable premium. For example, in 2010, the premium is anticipated to
be near $0.025 per kWh for a minimal investment in new wind ( 12 MW) . Platte River issued a Request for
Proposals for new wind generation during 2007; the final premium will depend on bids received and ultimate costs
for building and operating new wind energy generation.
• Platte River' s Renewable Energy Policy guidelines are more stringent than those required by the State of
Colorado and are summarized below.
• Qualified sources include:
o Solar (photovoltaic or thermal electric systems)
o Wind turbines
o Geothermal systems
o Biomass generation system
o Small hydroelectric systems
Other guidelines include:
• Generation must be located within western (WECC) states or within states contiguous to Colorado (Kansas,
Oklahoma and Nebraska) ;
• Commercial operation must begin on or after 1/l/97 — consistent with Green-e certification;
• For a given year, generation must occur during the current year, during last six months of previous year or
during first three months of following year — consistent with Green-e certification;
• RECs or purchased energy with RECs must be Green-e eligible for the year in which they are sold;
• Generation solely required to comply with any renewable energy requirement of a federal authority or state
authority other than the State of Colorado will not be considered qualified;
• Generation capacity that comes on line solely to comply with a mandate by a public utilities commission,
or as a quid pro quo component of a legal settlement, will not be considered qualified.
Expenditures for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Fort Collins Utilities does not purchase RECs directly. These purchases are included as a portion of renewable
energy supply provided by Platte River to the City of Fort Collins and all of the Platte River member
municipalities. The wholesale premium rate for the renewable supply is $0.012kWh. About 66% of this cost is
associated with capital and O&M expenses for Platte River' s Medicine Bow Wind Project and wind energy
purchases . The remaining 34% is for costs associated with Platte River' s purchase of RECs . Platte River' s policy
restricts REC purchases to Colorado, states in the Western grid, and/or states contiguous to Colorado.
Of the $ 1 , 116,000 spent by the City of Fort Collins to purchase 93,000,000 kWh of renewable energy, $379,000
goes toward the purchase of RECs.
Renewable Energy Program Page 5
2008 Summary of REC purchases by state, amount spent, length of contract
State Purchase amount Percent of REC Length of
Purchases Contract
Colorado (near $53 ,060 14% 4 years, with
Lamar/Springfield) right to extend
Oklahoma (near $79,590 21 % 10 years
Woodward)
Kansas (near $ 109,910 29 % 1 year
Lantham)
Idaho (near Boise) $68 ,220 18 % 3 years
Nebraska (near $68 ,220 18% 2 years
Ainsworth)
Define Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Informational Summary, June 2007, provided by John Bleem, Platte River Power Authority
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with generation from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or small
hydropower are used to meet renewable requirements of Platte River' s municipal members . The intent of this
summary is to provide background information regarding RECs and use of RECs .
What is a REC?
A Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC, is a uniquely identified certificate that comes into being each time a
qualified renewable energy facility generates a megawatt-hour (MWh) of output. A REC represents the legal right
to the environmental benefits associated with the displacement of one MWh of undifferentiated energy on the grid
(most of which comes from coal and gas in the Rocky Mountain region) with one MWh of renewable energy. In
REC tracking systems, each certificate is tagged with an identifying number, like a social security number, used to
track ownership throughout its life. Certificates may remain attached to their MWh of energy, in which case the
energy and the certificate are sold together (bundled) as renewable energy, or they may be detached from the
energy and sold separately. Once the certificate has been detached from the energy with which it originated, that
energy can no longer be sold as renewable energy. It becomes conventional, commodity energy, and must be
traded as such. The REC can then be separately sold, either on its own or in combination with conventional grid
energy as a renewable energy product.
For example, recently solar developers have approached local businesses to install solar panels on roof tops in Fort
Collins. The energy would go to offset their building energy, and any excess would be fed back into the Fort
Collins ' system. The REC, which generates the revenue to make these projects economical, would be sold to
another utility. So, although the solar is located in Fort Collins, we can not claim it as renewable energy.
Why use RECs?
1 . RECs meet renewable portfolio standards - Colorado and other states provide utilities several options to meet
renewable standard requirements. Utilities can produce renewable energy themselves, they can buy renewable
energy from another producer (bundled with RECs) , or they can purchase RECs separately. During 2003 , the
Fort Collins Electric Board reviewed multiple options for acquiring renewable sources and endorsed RECs as
the preferred source for new acquisitions. During 2004 and 2005 , Platte River purchased RECs to support
renewable supply to Fort Collins . In 2006, RECs were included in Platte River' s Renewable Energy Supply
Policy (approved by all the member municipalities) and have been used to serve the renewable requirements of
all the member municipalities since then. Note that requirements for RECs in Platte River' s policy are more
Renewable Energy Program Page 6
stringent than those in the Colorado renewable standard. Platte River' s policy limits REC source location, age
of generation facilities, date of REC sale (vs . generation date) and rejects RECs associated with mergers,
acquisitions or legal settlements (environmental mitigation or other reasons) .
2. RECs provide title to all environmental attributes - When we buy a REC, we are getting something of value in
exchange. All rights, title and interest in environmental attributes associated with energy produced from the
renewable energy generation are acquired by Platte River. This includes any credits, benefits, emission
reductions, offsets or allowances resulting from avoidance of emission of any gas, chemical or other substance
attributable to renewable generation, as well as any credits arising from legislation or regulation concerned with
greenhouse gases .
3 . The premium cost for RECs is relatively low - Presently the costs of RECs in the West are much lower than
the cost for energy and RECs generated at Medicine Bow, or for purchase of energy and RECs (bundled) from
other renewable generation sites within transmission access . REC premiums are in the range of $4 to $5 per
MWh in the short term, and $ 10 to $ 12 per MWh for long-term purchases . The premium for wind generation
delivered to Platte River' s system, which is mostly served by coal and hydropower, is estimated as about
$40/MWh (existing units) to $60-70/MWh (new units) . The lower cost of RECs relative to other options and
addition of RECs to our portfolio are the key reasons why Platte River' s premium price for renewable energy
was dropped by over 50% in 2006. All the member municipalities also lowered their premium prices
significantly in 2006.
4. RECs allow greater access to renewable sources and greater diversity - Transmission is limited throughout
this region and the country in general. Many excellent wind sites in the region cannot be reached with existing
transmission, or would require significant wheeling charges to deliver bundled energy and RECs . The use of
RECs allows generators and consumers to avoid transmission limitations, because the wind generated energy is
placed on the grid at the point of generation and the REC is sold to consumers in areas to which transmission of
the actual energy would be difficult or too costly. Thus, demand for renewable energy in populated areas
having little renewable resources can be translated into demand for generation facilities in areas where the
resource is abundant. As a result, larger, more economical plants can be built in the best renewable resource
locations at the lowest overall cost. RECs also allow greater diversity in available renewable sources, since
supply is not limited only to generation facilities with transmission access . Platte River enhances its diversity
in supply by purchasing RECs from several different suppliers .
5 . Impacts on electric system operations are reduced - Wind (and to a lesser degree solar) resources are
intermittent in nature. As output from intermittent resources varies over time, other generation resources (firm
sources) must be used to balance this variability, thereby increasing the overall cost. Gas generation is most
effective at following (balancing) the intermittent output from renewable sources, while load following is more
difficult and/or expensive for coal and local hydropower sources . Therefore, wind plants built in areas where
gas units are prevalent are more cost effective, as are the RECs purchased from these plants .
6. RECs increase renewable energy development — RECs support both direct and indirect growth of renewable
energy. As RECs from existing projects are all purchased (as is the case for many plants) , more projects are
needed to meet demand. RECs have also played a significant role in getting numerous renewable projects built
across the country in recent years ; the added revenue stream associated with REC sales makes these remote,
intermittent resources economically viable. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that REC
sales to support renewable energy are expected to grow by a factor of four by 2010. About 16,000 MW of new
wind plants will be needed to meet this demand for RECs . More locally, RECs were sold to help finance the
large solar system in the San Luis Valley, and RECs are being sold (bundled with energy and/or separately)
from several new wind projects in the region.
7 . Independent certification - The REC market has expanded significantly in the last few years . With expansion
has come increased coordination regarding market rules and requirements for RECs . All of Platte River' s
renewable energy supply to the member municipalities is Green-e certified. Green-e is the most widely
recognized independent certifier of renewable energy supplies (including RECs) and helps us ensure that our
sources are metered, tracked and verified to avoid double counting and to ensure they are qualified. Platte
River is also supporting the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS)
Renewable Energy Program Page 7
development. WREGIS is endorsed by the Western Governors' Association, the Western Region Air
Partnership, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and energy commissioners across western states .
What are the risks with RECO
1 . Renewable standards could change - Though unlikely, states could remove RECs as an option available to
utilities for meeting renewable standards . We do not anticipate this occurring in Colorado . Also, RECs may
not be an option for meeting federal legislation (if such legislation applies to Platte River' s member
municipalities in the future) .
2. Regulation for carbon may not include RECs — Renewable markets today accept RECs as providing carbon
reduction benefits . However, future regulations may not allow use of RECs . This is likely the largest risk for
RECs going forward (in the long term) .
3 . Price increases - Significant price escalation could occur if supplies become constrained relative to demand .
This has happened in limited cases to date (mostly in the eastern U.S .), but may become more widespread as
demand for renewable sources increases over time.
4 . Communication challenges — RECs are difficult to explain to customers, policy makers, employees, media and
others who are unfamiliar with renewable markets and operations . Increased communication efforts may be
needed to ensure better understanding of both the risks and benefits of RECs .
Future Options
As a strategy, Platte River has chosen to balance the renewable energy portfolio by focusing on both energy sources
and RECs . Renewable energy sources (such as new wind plant) provide electrical energy, but are more costly,
require transmission, impact efficiency of existing plants and lead to other operational issues associated with
backing up the wind. RECs are lower cost, but are difficult to explain to customers . It is also unclear how RECs
will be treated in upcoming carbon regulations, though Colorado and federal standards have included use of
offsets.
During 2008, the Electric Board will complete a review of the current Electric Energy Supply Policy to evaluate
progress and recommend changes if needed. If Utilities is directed to reduce or eliminate the use of RECs in
renewable energy purchases, staff would work with Platte River to determine costs associated and an
implementation plan.
Define Energy Efficiency Programs and List the Top Programs
The US Department of Energy defines energy efficiency as referring "to products or systems using less energy to
do the same or better job than conventional products or systems . Energy efficiency saves energy, saves money on
utility bills, and helps protect the environment by reducing the demand for electricity." Another widely used term
for energy efficiency programs is demand-side management (DSM), because they assist customers in managing
their energy use or demand.
• The City' s energy policy objectives related to efficiency or DSM include developing and promoting DSM
programs and services and reducing per capita electric consumption 10% and per capita peak day electric
demand 15 % by the year 2012.
• Fort Collins Utilities has provided programs and services to help customers manage their energy use for
over 25 years . In partnership with Platte River, Utilities offers programs for residential and commercial
customers, and these programs are supplemented and supported by community education and expert
consultation.
Renewable Energy Program Page 8
DSM programs for commercial customers include:
• LightenUP — incentives for lighting retrofits ;
• Electric Efficiency Program (EEP) - incentives for projects that reduce summer peak demand or annual
electricity consumption;
• Cooling Rebate Program — rebates for high efficiency air conditioners;
• Integrated Design Assistance Program — funding and expertise for integrated design of energy efficient new
buildings with whole building and prescriptive paths ;
• Commercial and industrial load management — radio signal for customer control of coincident peak
demand.
DSM programs for residential customers include:
• Residential lighting — discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs through local retailers (offered in all four
Platte River member cities) and LED holiday lighting program;
• Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling — includes a rebate and in-home pickup and comprehensive recycling of
unwanted, but still in use appliances ;
• Clothes Washer and Dishwasher Rebates — rebates for the purchase of Energy Star appliances;
• REACH — free home weatherization, based on income eligibility;
• ZILCH — zero interest loans for energy saving home improvements;
0 Water heater and air conditioner load management - radio frequency equipment control for coincident peak
demand savings with bill credit for participating customers;
• Governor' s Energy Office matching programs, new in 2008 include a program to provide incentives for
Energy Star energy efficiency upgrades in existing homes, as well as support for an Energy Star new home
branding program and a proposed solar incentive program.
Energy Efficiency Briefing
September 9 , 2008
Howard Geller, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Patty Bigner, Fort Collins Utilities
ATTACHMENT 4
John Phelan , Fort Collins Utilities
•City 0
South west Energy Efficiency Project rt ollin
filifies
Energy Efficiency ( EE ) Defined
• Energy efficiency means reducing the amount of
energy you need to perform a particular task by
investing in more effective systems of delivery .
• When you practice energy efficiency , you
increase or maintain your given level of service ,
but you decrease the energy used to provide
that service .
• Efficiency usually requires an up-front capital
investment in the use or installation of energy
saving devices . Usually , your savings will soon
pay off that initial ex ense .
2
Energy Efficiency Benefits
• Reduced energy bills for customers
• Hedge against increasing energy costs and price
volatility
• Improved business profitability and competitiveness ,
support for corporate citizenship efforts
• Reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions
• Local economic development ( new jobs , demand for
services , spillover effects of reduced utility bills )
• Improved indoor environmental quality and associated
benefits ( higher productivity , test scores , retail sales )
• Support for affordability programs and services
• Logical sequence towards on -site renewable energy
• Enhanced energy security and reliability
3
Energy Conservation Defined
• Energy conservation , by contrast , means that
you reduce your use of energy . Period .
• Unlike energy efficiency , conservation may
mean a reduction in your level of service and
possibly a reduction in your comfort and
convenience .
• Energy conservation usually will not cost you
money up -front , so when you reduce your
energy use , you will reap immediate financial
savings . But it does require you to change your
habits and , possibly , to make some sacrifices .
�� 4
Energy Conservation Benefits
• Similar to energy efficiency , except
— No improvement in indoor environmental
quality
— Weak connection to local economic
development
5
Energy Efficiency Economics
• EE is an investment with high rates of return
• Results accumulate over time
• EE is " rational economic" decision making , yet is
historically underutilized
— Documented barriers , such as :
• Split incentive ( building owners and tenants )
• Information or transaction cost , difficult to identify
or separate efficiency features
• Market failure , inadequate capacity to deliver
efficiency services
g
Energy Efficiency Potential
• Types of potential
— Technical ( maximum achievable)
— Economic (add cost effective criteria )
— Achievable (account for cost effectiveness and market barriers )
• Examples for comparison to Fort Collins
— SWEEP study for State of Utah (2007 )
— Western Governors' Association (2006 )
— Colorado Climate Project (2007)
— Xcel Colorado (2006 )
• Best practices : EE portfolios saving between one
percent and two percent of electricity demand each year
( i . e . , 5- 10 % savings after 5 years ) are considered
" national leaders , " as represented in a recent American
Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy study
7
Energy Efficiency Potential
• Utah Study Conclusions
— Total electricity savings potential in 2015 is an 18 percent
reduction from projected baseline consumption . Utility efficiency
programs provide 38% of this savings
— Utility efficiency investments grow to approximately 3 . 5% of
revenue by 2015
— In the baseline scenario , electricity demand grows 3 .2 percent
per year on average . In the high efficiency scenario , electricity
demand growth is limited to 1 . 2 percent per year.
• Leading electric utilities are investing 2-3 percent of their
revenues on efficiency programs , and these programs in
turn are saving the equivalent of around 0 . 8- 1 . 0 percent
of electricity sales each year at a total cost of saved
energy of 2 to 3 cents per kWh
( Energy Efficiency Task Force, Western Governors' Association )
�� s
ATTACHMENT 4
EE " Supply Curve "
High Cost Low . Mid Potential
. . Mid Potential
. .
individualCL
represents an
Each point
Percentage or Absolute Units Saved or Avoided
application
Utility EE Roles
• Combination of energy efficiency , conservation ,
load management , price responsiveness
• Specific to EE
— Provide rebates and incentives
— Support education , awareness and recognition
— Provide technical assistance
— Promote state-of-the-art technologies and practices
• Role of municipal utility , as compared to IOU
— Spectrum of voluntary to regulatory approaches
— More focus on customer service , less on utility " profit"
— Reduced sales/revenues of less concern
10
Leading Municipal Utility Energy
Efficiency Efforts
• Austin Energy : built a 600 MW " conservation
power plant" during 1982 -2002 ; striving for
additional 15 % energy savings during 2005-2020 ;
spending ^ 3 % of revenues on EE programs
• Seattle City Light : Spending ^ 4 % of retail revenues
on EE programs and reducing electricity use by
about 0 . 7 % per year ; new plan ramps up funding to
$ 50 million ( ^ 8 % of revenues ) and savings to 1 . 4 %
per yr by 2011
• SMUD : Also has strong EE programs
11
ATTACHMENT 4
Regional and State Context
• Colorado Climate Change Action Plan includes a
major utility energy efficiency component
• PUC has established energy savings goals for Xcel
Energy : 1 % savings by 2015 , 1 . 2 % savings by 2019
• Xcel has proposed spending $ 138 million on gas
and electric efficiency and peak load management
( DSM ) programs during 2009 -2010
• Xcel will be promoting and incenting gas efficiency
measures starting in 2009 ( including in Ft . Collins )
12
ATTACHMENT 4
Building Energy Codes
• Colorado law requires all local jurisdictions with OF
building code to adopt 2003 IECC or more stringent code
• Municipalities are developing ` beyond code ' programs
— Boulder County Consortium of Cities
• Developing model commercial green building code (in progress)
— City of Boulder
• Recently updated the residential ' GreenPoints' policy with 3-tier
HERS criteria depending on home size
• Developing 30% ` beyond-code' commercial energy requirement
— City & County of Denver
• Developing model green building code with 30% energy savings
criteria
13
Upcoming Energy Codes
• The "30 % Solution "
— A comprehensive set of proposals to strengthen the 2009 IECC by 30%
compared to the 2006 model codes .
— Supported by more than 30 organizations , including US Conference of Mayors ,
American Public Power Association , and Environment Colorado
• ASHRAE
Standard 189 . 1
• Code-based green building standard with 30% energy savings over
ASHRAE 90. 1 -2004; to be released in Jan . 2009
— Standard 90 . 1 — 2010
• ASHRAE committed to a 30% increase
• Architecture 2030
Goal of net-zero energy buildings by 2030 , with interim goal of 50%
savings by 2010
14
Energy Efficiency Potential -
Key Conclusions and Recommendations
• Energy efficiency and conservation are very cost-effective and
are the least cost "energy resource" for utilities today
• Utility programs are a key element in promoting efficiency and
conservation ; utility energy efficiency programs are growing
rapidly in Colorado as well as in other states
• Utility efficiency programs can reduce load growth by 1 % or more
per year. Savings accumulate over many years and add up to
substantial reductions ( 10 % or more ) within a decade
• Comprehensive utility programs target equipment replacement,
new construction , building retrofit , industrial process
improvement, promotion of new technologies , and behavior
change
15
Energy Efficiency Potential -
Key Conclusions and Recommendations ( cont. )
• Regulatory initiatives ( building codes and appliance standards )
ATTACHMENT 4
complement utility EE programs , leading to even greater savings
• Ft . Collins code officials should support the "30% solution" at the
ICC Final Action hearing in Minneapolis Sept . 17-23
• Ft . Collins could update to the 2009 IECC and new ASHRAE
building codes ; consider adopting the progressive Boulder energy
codes ; and support effective code compliance and enforcement
• Strong utility efficiency programs and state-of-the-art building
energy codes are essential for meeting the city' s greenhouse gas
emissions reduction goals
16
ATTACHMENT 5
A national Jobina for y of the US Department of Energy
IMP
National R Energy Laboratory
enewable
Innovation /or Our Energy Future
Renewable Energy Certificates ( REC ) :
RECs
Benefits and Issues
Lori Bird , NREL
Fort Collins City Council Work Session
September 9 , 2008
NgEI is op•r•Itd by Midwest Retearth Institute . Battelle
Brief History of RECs
represent t - environmental attributes
renewable electricity , which can be sold separately
from the . . electricity
• 1996 first mention of separating attributes in CA RPS design
discussions
• 1997 discussed in New England in design of environmental
disclosure (electricity labels)
• June 1999 Texas Renewable Portfolio Standard ( RPS ) legislation
includes REC trading concept
• Today , most RPS policies , including the CO RPS , allow for the
use of RECs
• Many businesses & government agencies make voluntary
purchases of RECs to meet environmental goals z
Some Advantages of RECs
• Create more liquid markets for renewable attributes
• Eliminate problems with intermittency and load matching
• Can be sold across geographic boundaries
• Not subject to transmission constraints
— Improved fungibility across a state/region
— Avoids imposing additional cost of firm transmission
• Enable purchases from most cost effective renewable
energy projects
— From projects in best resource areas (windiest sites , for
example) and large projects with economies of scale
• REC tracking systems and certification programs are
available to ensure credibility , avoid double counting
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Issues and Challenges with RECs
• Debate over additionality : Do REC purchases
drive new renewable projects?
— Most developers include REC revenues in financial
analysis
• REC prices vary with market supply and demand
conditions , long -term variability possible
— Long term contracts with renewable generators provide
price certainty for — 10-20 years ( PPA term )
• Difficulty in communicating the concept of RECs
to consumers and others outside power industry
4
RECs and Carbon Benefits
• Do RECs provide carbon emissions benefits ?
— Debate over additionality and ownership of indirect emissions benefit
— General consensus of RECs as offsets for indirect carbon emissions
(power purchases) but lack of consensus for direct emissions (travel )
— Concerns about attribute ownership and carbon benefits under cap
and trade programs pertain to both RECs and renewable electricity
• How can emissions benefits be calculated ?
— Emissions benefits based on region where generator is located
— U . S . EPA Climate Leaders and Green-e Climate provide methods
• Do RECs include carbon emissions benefits?
— Contract language can ensure carbon benefits not sold separately
— Certification can also ensure no double counting/selling occurs
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