Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/16/2020 - RESOLUTION 2020-055 AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF CERAgenda Item 6 Item # 6 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY June 16, 2020 City Council STAFF John Phelan, Energy Services Manager Cyril Vidergar, Legal SUBJECT Resolution 2020-055 Authorizing Acquisition of Certain Assets and Operational Control of the Community Solar Project Located at the Riverside Avenue and Mulberry Street Intersection. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This item meets the following COVID-19 emergency priority for being on the Council agenda: • Priority 4 - Items that are substantially complete, have completed significant public process, and are ready for Council consideration. The purpose of this item is to authorize Fort Collins Utilities (“Utilities”) acquisition of the assets of the Riverside Community Solar Project from Clean Energy Collective (“CEC”). Utilities will subsequently perform all program management and customer support functions, as well as operations and maintenance of the facility. CEC has been the owner, developer and operator of the Riverside Community Solar array since its construction in 2014-2015. CEC and Utilities have reached agreement on a transfer of ownership of the assets of the solar site to consolidate all program functions under Utilities. Current customers who own panels in the solar array will continue to receive credits on their bill, as they do today, based on the City’s applicable time of day rates as set forth in the City Code. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Clean Energy Collective (“CEC”) has been the owner, developer and operator of the Riverside Community Solar array since its construction in 2014-2015 on a site leased to CEC by the City at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Mulberry Street. The Project contains 2,035 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, at a total capacity of 621 kW, and Fort Collins Utilities customers “subscribed” to the Project by purchasing solar panel assets within the larger solar project. The Project was fully subscribed with ~205 participating customers before construction was complete in the summer of 2015. The land at the corner of Mulberry and Riverside, considered a gateway to the City, has been partially restored from its previous use by the Dreher Pickle Plant. It now hosts native plantings as a natural habitat buffer zone along the Poudre River. In 2019, the Project generated a net of 834 megawatt-hours of electricity. Customers participating in the Project earned a total of $54,332 in City utility bill credits. After exploring options to integrate time-of-day (TOD) rates into the Project, following Council’s adoption of TOD rates in 2018, CEC and Utilities ultimately determined the greatest benefit for electric utility ratepayers would be to transfer ownership of Project assets to and consolidate all program functions under Utilities. Under the terms of a draft Asset Purchase Agreement (APA), customers owning panels in the Project will continue to Agenda Item 6 Item # 6 Page 2 receive credits on their monthly City utility bill based on the City’s applicable time of day rates as set forth in City Code. Consolidating Project management under City ownership benefits participating customers by simplifying the relationship between solar panel owners and Utilities and enabling improved customer service through centralized and locally responsive support. The existing bill credit process can be automated and simplified by incorporation into the new Utilities customer information system later this year. Upon Council adoption of this Resolution, Utilities will schedule a closing with CEC to execute the APA and confirm termination of prior service agreements CEC had with third parties for program functions. Thereafter, as early as late June or early July, Utilities will take over program management and customer support, including operations and maintenance. The ongoing maintenance costs of the Project will continue to be supported by segregating a portion of customer-owner bill credits in a Project operation and maintenance fund, as has been true for the last five years. Utilities anticipates that very few, if any, of the existing customers will stop participating in the program when Utilities takes over management. Transfer of Project control to the City will require customers sign a new participation agreement with Utilities to continue in the program. The current draft Continuing Customer Agreement and Program Rules are posted at www.fcgov.com/community-solar. Staff also prepared a customer notice, pending adoption of this Resolution, to provide directions on how to execute a new participation agreement, including the following: • Customers will have 90 days after the array acquisition to sign the new customer agreement. • Utilities will notify customers at 30- and 60-day intervals from the original request to sign the new agreement. • After 90 days, customers who have not signed the new participation agreement may no longer participate in the Project and will cease to receive bill credits for any share of the generation that would be attributed to their account. (They may re-join the program later if they retain panel ownership). • Customers who own modules in the Project can choose either to execute the new participation agreement with Utilities or sell their panels to another customer with an active City electric utility account. Utilities will not purchase panels from customers. • Customers who continue in the program may donate their bill credits to another customer account without having to sell their ownership share. Subscribing customers may become inactive in the program by failing to sign a new participation agreement or not maintaining an active electric service account. Bill credits that accrue for inactive customer-owners will be donated to the Payment Assistance Fund. As the Project is fully subscribed, new customers can only join when an existing customer wants to sell. Utilities will support a wait list and connect interested parties to buy and sell ownership interest. CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS The price to purchase the Project assets is $1. This nominal charge is because participating customers own individual solar panels, and CEC’s ownership interest is de minimis. CEC has already taken advantage of any tax benefits related to Project, and no additional tax benefits are available to the City or subscribing customers. The Project assets also include the balance of the operations and maintenance fund (O&M) of approximately $50,000. The O&M fund, with ongoing replenishment from the participating customers, is sufficient and in good health for ongoing site and system maintenance and anticipated equipment replacement. This asset acquisition and subsequent program management has no net impact on the Electric Utility Enterprise Fund. Agenda Item 6 Item # 6 Page 3 BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Energy Board has not met since March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore has had limited opportunity to consider this transaction or make a recommendation to Council. PUBLIC OUTREACH Utilities notified customers by email on June 4, 2020, advising them of Council consideration of this Resolution on June 16 and how to participate in the discussion about City acquisition of the Project. The notice also alerted customers that the acquisition will require customers to sign a new participation agreement with Utilities, and their prior participation agreement with CEC will be nullified. Once the acquisition is final, customers will be notified again by mail and email to execute a new participation agreement. Customers have 90 days from their notification after the Project acquisition to complete a new customer agreement and remain participants in the program. Utilities will notify them at 30- and 60-day intervals from the original request to sign the new agreement. Updates to the program web page were completed the week of June 1, 2020, including posting drafts of the continuing customer participation agreement and proposed program rules. ATTACHMENTS 1. CEC Customer Notification Termination of Agreement (PDF) 2. Customer Notification - Changes in Ownership of Riverside Community Solar Project (PDF) [Date] [Customer Name] [Customer Address] Dear [Customer Name], We are writing with an important update regarding your community solar panel ownership in the CEC Solar #1038, LLC community solar project in Fort Collins. On [INSERT DATE], Clean Energy Collective, LLC (“CEC”) sold the assets of the solar facility, in which you own an interest in certain solar panels, to Fort Collins Utilities (the “Utility”). The Utility is now responsible for ongoing management and maintenance of the solar facility. As part of this acquisition, your Solar Advantage Sale Agreement with CEC Solar #1038, LLC (“Customer Agreement”) terminated with the termination of the Utility Purchase Agreement in accordance with Section 14(a) of your Customer Agreement. The Utility will be reaching out to you to enter into a new customer agreement directly with the Utility. The Utility will honor the terms under your old Customer Agreement, for up to ninety (90) days, until you execute the new customer agreement with the Utility. Under the new customer agreement with the Utility, you will continue to receive bill credits for solar production attributable to your portion of the solar output. As of the date of this letter, the Utility will be your point of contact for all aspects of your community solar panel ownership. If you have questions about this change, please contact the Utility’s customer care team at [utility phone number] or by email at [Utility email]. Thank you for supporting the generation of clean, renewable energy in Colorado. Clean Energy Collective, LLC ATTACHMENT 1 6/3/2020 Changes in Ownership of Riverside Array https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Changes-in-Ownership-of-Riverside-Array.html?soid=1124726735031&aid=84yrhc9mS1g 1/2 SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Changes to Ownership of the Riverside Community Solar Project Hello, Thank you for your commitment to clean renewable energy through your participation in community solar! We have an important update for you regarding the Riverside Community Solar Project (also known as CEC Solar #1038, LLC). Fort Collins Utilities is preparing to take ownership of the project’s assets from Clean Energy Collective (CEC). You will still own your existing solar panels in the project. After this transaction is complete, Utilities will assume all responsibilities for operating the array, providing customer service and support, and managing the Community Solar Program. You will continue to receive the same credits on your bill as you do today. On June 16, Fort Collins City Council will consider a resolution to approve the proposed purchase of the community solar array equipment and assets currently held by CEC Solar #1038, LLC. You can participate in the City Council meeting by phone or view the meeting remotely on FCTV beginning at 6 p.m. For details on the agenda and for participation and viewing options, visit fcgov.com/council. You will receive additional communications in the future from CEC and Utilities about transitions in the Community Solar Program. For more details, including updated program rules and the new Continuing Participation Agreement with Utilities that will replace your existing Solar Advantage Sale Agreement with CEC Solar #1038, LLC, visit fcgov.com/community-solar. Regards, Leland Keller ATTACHMENT 2 6/3/2020 Changes in Ownership of Riverside Array https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Changes-in-Ownership-of-Riverside-Array.html?soid=1124726735031&aid=84yrhc9mS1g 2/2 Community Solar Program Fort Collins Utilities lkeller@fcgov.com 303-652-7748 mobile Utilities Home Contact Us Residential Business What We Do Connect with us -1- RESOLUTION 2020-055 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN ASSETS AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT LOCATED AT THE RIVERSIDE AVENUE AND MULBERRY STREET INTERSECTION WHEREAS, the City entered into an agreement with Clean Energy Collective (CEC) in 2014 to develop a community solar project through which the City’s Electric Utility could facilitate “virtual net metering” for customers who are unable to locate photovoltaic solar panels on their properties; and WHEREAS, the City and CEC thereafter collaborated on the construction and electric system interconnection of the Riverside Solar Project (the Project) at the northeast corner of Riverside Avenue and Mulberry Street on real property lease by CEC from the City; and WHEREAS, the Project began commercial operation in 2015, at which time City utility customers purchased from CEC 25-year subscription-ownership interests that included individual ownership of solar panels and the energy generated for the anticipated 25-year life of the Project; and WHEREAS, subscribing customers thereafter began receiving credits directly on their City utility bills, based on the subscription interest each owned in the Project and a formula relying on electric service rates annually adopted by Council; and WHEREAS, in October 2018, pursuant to Ordinance No. 155, 2017, the City transitioned applicable electric utility service rates from a “tiered-based” structure to a “time-of-day-based” structure (TOD), and began applying TOD credits to community solar projects in January 2019; and WHEREAS, after implementing TOD credit rates, the City and CEC encountered unanticipated complications in applying TOD rates to Project customer bill credit formulae; and WHEREAS, the City and CEC explored options for integrating TOD credit rates into Project processes and determined in 2020 the integration could best be achieved with maximum benefit to customers by consolidating all program management and customer support functions under City Utility Services; and WHEREAS, Utility Services staff and CEC thereafter prepared an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) and developed a list of assets and operational arrangements required for Utilities Services to take over ownership of certain assets and operation of the Project; and WHEREAS, under the proposed APA, subscribing customers owning panels in the Project will continue to receive credits on their bill, as they currently do, based on applicable TOD rates set forth in City Code Chapter 26, and Project operations will be simplified through local management of both operation and billing/credit functions by the Electric Utility; and -2- WHEREAS, among the assets and interests to be transferred by CEC to the City is an Operation & Maintenance fund (O/M Fund) established for the purpose of maintaining the Project, capital for which is sustained through installments from the bill credits otherwise issued to subscribing customers; and WHEREAS, the O/M Fund balance is currently $50,000, annual revenue deposits into the O/M Fund are approximately $10,000, and annual Project O/M expenditures are approximately $10,000; and WHEREAS, staff recommends Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” incorporated by this reference, to complete the transfer of Project operation from CEC to the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the APA between the City and CEC to transfer ownership of certain assets in and control of the Riverside Community Solar Project to the City to enable the Electric Utility’s continued operation of the Project directly for the benefit of its ratepayers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and findings contained in the recitals set forth above. Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby authorized to sign, on behalf of the City, the APA in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, with such additional or modified terms and conditions as the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney determines to be necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the City or effectuate the purposes of this Resolution. Section 3. That the City Manager or his delegee is hereby further authorized to sign, on behalf of the City, all closing and other documents necessary to complete the transaction contemplated by the APA. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 16th day of June, A.D. 2020. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Execution Copy 1 ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT This Asset Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of June [__], 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between CLEAN ENERGY COLLECTIVE, LLC, and CEC Solar #1038, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“Seller”) and THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, a Colorado municipal corporation, through Fort Collins Utilities, (“Buyer”) for the purchase and sale of certain assets as described herein. Buyer and Seller are referred to herein as a “Party” or the “Parties”, individually or collectively, as appropriate. AGREEMENT WHEREAS, Clean Energy Collective, LLC, is a Colorado limited liability company and the sole owner of CEC Solar #1038, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company. WHEREAS, Seller has developed, constructed and operated a solar array facility (the “Project”) located at the site owned by the Buyer and described in Exhibit A. WHEREAS, since 2015, Seller has marketed and sold subscriptions in the Project to Fort Collins electric utility customers (“Customers”), operated the Project on behalf of such Customers, and brokered the exchange of pro-rata Customer interests in the solar power generated by the Project for Customer utility bill credits issued by Buyer. WHEREAS, Seller owns a 100% interest in the Project Assets (as defined below). WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Project Assets to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase such Project Assets. WHEREAS, Buyer agrees to extend Seller’s current Customer utility bill credit model for 90 days after the Effective Date to facilitate Customers’ transition to Continuing Customer Agreements or transfer of interests in the Project. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows: 1. Purchase and Sale. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, (a) Seller agrees to sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver all of its right, title and interest in and to the assets set forth in Exhibit B free and clear of all liens, mortgages, and other encumbrances other than Permitted Liens (the “Project Assets”), and (b) Buyer agrees to purchase and accept from Seller all such right, title and interest in and to the Project Assets. EXHIBIT A 2 2. Excluded Assets and Liabilities. Other than the Project Assets, the Parties expressly understand and agree that Buyer is not purchasing or acquiring, and Seller is not selling or assigning, any other assets or properties of Seller, and all such other assets and properties shall be excluded from the Project Assets (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”). 3. Buyer Responsibilities. Buyer shall be responsible for and agrees to pay, perform and discharge when due any and all amounts which may become due in connection with Buyer’s ownership and Buyer’s and Buyer’s Representatives’ operation of the Project Assets on or after the Closing, including, but not limited to, operation and maintenance of the Project, any necessary repairs that need to be made to the Project and all duties to the customers of the Project under the Continuing Customer Agreements (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, “Buyer’s Representatives” shall mean Buyer’s affiliates, contractors, subcontractors, agents and employees. 4. Waiver and Release. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 4, the Parties each agree to solely bear any and all risk of claims by Customers or any other third party arising from events occurring during the period of their respective ownership of the Project Assets, and hereby release and agree to hold harmless the other Party from all claims by Customers or any other third party arising from events occurring during such periods (the “Released Liabilities”). The Parties agree that each will forever waive any right to make any claim or seek any recourse against the other Party in regard to the Released Liabilities regardless of whether or not such claim arises from the same or different or additional claims or facts; provided however that this Section 4 shall be subject to Section 12 and not be construed to waive or release any claim Buyer may have against Seller for the breach of this Agreement or any obligation associated with the Project and/or Project Assets arising prior to the Closing Date. 5. Purchase Price. The aggregate purchase price for the Project Assets shall be One Dollar ($1.00) (the “Purchase Price”). Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price by wire transfer to Seller of immediately available funds in accordance with the wire transfer instructions provided from Seller to Buyer. 6. Closing Date. The closing of the transactions contemplated herein (the “Closing”) will take place on the Effective Date (the “Closing Date”). 7. Transaction Costs. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein (including Section 15 hereof), each Party shall bear its own costs incurred in connection with the negotiation and consummation of this Agreement, including, but not limited to any appraisal, engineering, accounting, financial advisory, brokerage or legal fees and expenses. 8. Closing Deliverables of Seller. On or before the Closing, Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer the following documents and shall take or cause to be taken the following actions: (a) Seller shall deliver to Buyer a counterpart signature to each Termination Agreement as defined below to which Seller, any affiliate of Seller or any third party is a party, duly executed by Seller, such affiliate or such third party, as applicable; and (b) Each customer for the Project shall have consented to the novation of its customer contract with Seller, and Seller shall deliver to Buyer any other consents, approvals and filings needed, to execute, deliver and perform Seller’s obligations under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “Termination Agreement” means a termination agreement to be effective as of the Closing Date in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit C with respect to (i) each Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Agreement; (ii) each Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Agreement; 3 (iii) the Sales Commission Agreement by and between CEC Solar #1038, LLC and Clean Energy Collective, LLC (“CEC”), dated April 30, 2014; (iv) the Development Agreement by and between the City of Fort Collins and Seller, dated March 20, 2015; (v) the Community Solar Generator Interconnection Agreement by and between Buyer and Seller, dated May 20, 2015; (vi) the Application Services Agreement by and between Also Energy, Inc. and Energy Equipment Limited, dated January 19, 2016; (vii) the Renewable Generator Power Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 2014, as amended; and (viii) the Land Lease Option Agreement (Solar Farm) by and between Seller and the City of Fort Collins, dated October 6, 2014, as amended. 9. Closing Deliverables of Buyer. On or before the Closing, Buyer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller the following documents and shall take or cause to be taken the following actions: (a) Buyer shall deliver to Seller a counterpart signature to any Termination Agreement to which Buyer or the City of Fort Collins is a party, duly executed by Buyer or the City of Fort Collins, as applicable; (b) Buyer shall deliver to Seller any consents, approvals and filings needed, including but not limited to approval by the Fort Collins City Council, to execute, deliver and perform Buyer’s obligations under this Agreement; (c) Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid the Purchase Price as provided in Section 5; and (d) Buyer shall produce proof that Buyer has sent each customer Continuing Customer Agreements in substantially the model form attached hereto as Exhibit D to be effective 90 days after the Closing Date (collectively, the “Continuing Customer Agreements”). 10. Seller’s General Covenants, Representations and Warranties. As of the Closing Date, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, as follows: (a) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; (c) that this Agreement is enforceable and binding against Seller in accordance with its terms and conditions, except as such enforceability may be limited or denied by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and the enforcement of debtors’ obligations generally, and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforcement is pursuant to a proceeding in equity or at law; (d) this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder neither violate any applicable law nor conflict with nor cause a breach under its organizational documents or any other agreements to which it is a party; (e) Seller has satisfied all reporting and/or payment obligations related to any tax credits associated with the Project such that no lien will attach to the Project Assets or claim against Buyer may be made with regard to such tax credits; 4 (f) Seller has good and valid title to all of the tangible Project Assets free and clear of any liens or other encumbrances, except for: (i) liens for Taxes not yet due and payable for which Seller shall provide a prorated final settlement subject to adjustment at the Closing, if applicable; and (ii) other imperfections of title or encumbrances, if any, that would not have a material adverse effect on the Buyer’s ownership interest in or right to continued use of the Project Assets (collectively, items (i) and (ii) above are referred to as “Permitted Liens”); and (g) Seller has filed all income Tax Returns and all material non-income Tax Returns that are required to be filed on or before the Closing Date applicable to the Project Assets (giving regard to valid extensions) in a timely, complete and accurate manner. For purposes of this Agreement, “Tax Return” means any returns, declarations, reports, claims for refund, information returns (including where permitted or required, any consolidated, combined or unitary returns) or other documents (including any related or supporting schedules, statements or information and any amendments thereof) filed or required to be filed in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Taxes or in connection with the administration of any statutes, laws, rules, regulations, orders or awards of any governmental authority relating to any Taxes. 11. Buyer’s Covenants, Representations and Warranties. As of the Closing Date, Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows: (a) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (c) that it has heretofore delivered to Seller, as attached hereto, the model Continuing Customer Agreement to be used between Buyer and Customers of the Project; (d) For 90 days, beginning on the Effective Date (the “Transition Window”), Buyer will continue the Customer bill credit model used by Seller up to that date. During the Transition Window, Buyer will assist Customers enter into Continuing Customer Agreement to be effective at the end of the Transition Window and/or identify other interested utility users with whom Customers may negotiate the purchase-sale of Customers’ interests in the Project; (e) After the Transition Window, all Customers participating in the Project will be required to disclaim all rights under any customer contract with Seller and to enter into a Continuing Customer Agreement with Buyer (f) this Agreement is enforceable and binding against Buyer in accordance with its terms and conditions, except as such enforceability may be limited or denied by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and the enforcement of debtors’ obligations generally, and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforcement is pursuant to a proceeding in equity or at law; and (g) this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder neither violate any applicable law nor conflict with nor cause a breach under its organizational documents or any other agreements to which it is a party. 5 12. Limitation of Liability. (a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Damages” means such damages as shall be payable in connection with this Agreement, under law or at equity. (b) WITHOUT DISCLAIMING ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECT, ANY FUTURE PRODUCTIONS LEVELS OF ELECTRIC GENERATION OF THE PROJECT OR REVENUES THEREFROM, INCLUDING REVENUE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF NET METERING CREDITS, UTILIZATION OF TAX BENEFITS OR ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES. THE PARTIES HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DISCLAIMERS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSES OF SUCH APPLICABLE LAW. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE EXPRESS REMEDIES AND MEASURES OF DAMAGES PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT SATISFY THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSES HEREOF. THE LIABILITY OF ANY PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES ONLY, AND ALL LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF TAX CREDITS OR OTHER TAX BENEFITS, LOSS OR DELAY OF FUNDING, INTEREST CHARGES, COST OF CAPITAL, CLAIMS OF CUSTOMERS, BUSINESS INTERRPUTION, LOST PROFITS, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL AND OTHER DAMAGES IN LAW OR EQUITY ARE WAIVED, WHETHER BY STATUTE, IN TORT OR UNDER CONTRACT, UNDER ANY INDEMNITY PROVISION OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT THE OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE, NOTWITHSTANDNG THE CONTRARY, IF THE DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT BY SELLER SHALL EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE TO SELLER HEREUNDER, THEN SELLER’S LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES AND ALLOCATED ACCORDING TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES SET FORTH IN SECTION 4, AND SUCH DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES (AS SO LIMITED) SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IN RESPECT TO ANY BREACH BY SELLER OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. (c) BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND CONFIRMS THAT IT IS NOT RELYING UPON ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, GUARANTY, PROMISE, STATEMENT OR INDUCEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MADE BY SELLER OR OTHERS ACTING OR PURPORTING TO ACT ON BEHALF OF SELLER WITH RESPECT TO THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE CONDITION OF THE PROJECT ASSETS, THEIR ACTUAL OR PROJECTED INCOME, EXPENSES, OPERATION, VALUE, USES, MAINTENANCE, OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THIS TRANSACTION OR THE PROJECT ASSETS, EXCEPT THE ABSENCE OF ASSOCIATED LIENS AND OTHER ENCUMBRANCES OF ANY FORM OTHER THAN PERMITTED LIENS, AND BUYER AGREES TO ACCEPT TITLE TO THE PROJECT ASSETS IN THEIR PRESENT CONDITION, “AS-IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED FOR HEREIN. 13. Assignment. No Party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party. 6 14. Reserved. 15. Transfer Taxes. All transfer, sales, use, registration, documentary, stamp, value added and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with the title transfer described in this Agreement and the other transaction documents, if any, shall be borne and paid by Buyer when due. Buyer shall, at its own expense, timely file any returns, declarations, reports, information returns and statements and other documents relating to Taxes (including amended returns and claims for refund), and Seller shall cooperate with respect thereto as reasonably necessary. For purposes of this Agreement, “Taxes” means all federal, state, local, foreign and other income, gross receipts, sales, use, production, ad valorem, transfer, documentary, franchise, registration, profits, license, withholding, payroll, employment, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property (real or personal), customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind arising after or by virtue of the transaction of the Closing, together with any interest, additions or penalties with respect thereto. “Taxes” does not include any of the preceding financial obligations accruing or otherwise arising prior to the date of the Closing and/or due and payable by Seller associated with Seller’s ownership, operation of, or generation of income from the Project and/or Project Assets prior to the date of the Closing, 16. Notices. All notices required or given pursuant to this Agreement must be in writing and must be personally delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid, or sent by a reputable overnight air courier service (such as Federal Express, UPS or DHL). If mailed, a notice will be deemed to be received on the second business day following the date of mailing. Notices must be sent to the receiving Party at the address set forth below (or such other address as a Party may hereafter designate in writing to the other Party): To Buyer: City of Fort Collins 300 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Attn: John Phelan Email: jphelan@fcgov.com With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to: Lisa Rosintoski, Deputy Director of Utilities Service Email: lrosintiski@fcgov.com and Judy Schmidt, Senior City Attorney jschmidt@fcgov.com To Seller: CEC Solar #1038, LLC c/o Clean Energy Collective, LLC 363 Centennial Pkwy, Suite 300 Louisville, CO 80027 7 Attn: Tom Sweeney. CEO Email: tom.sweeney@cleanenergyco.com With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Katherine Worden, Chief Legal Officer Email: katherine.worden@cleanenergyco.com 17. Entire Agreement; Merger. The terms of this Agreement supersede and cancel all prior and contemporaneous oral or written agreements and understandings of Buyer and Seller in respect of the Project and transactions contemplated herein. Notwithstanding the contrary, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement, dated as of January 8, 2014, between Buyer and CEC (the “NDA”) shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms and conditions, and that it shall apply both to the subject matter of this Agreement, and to all matters other than the subject matter of this Agreement. However, Buyer’s disclosure of this Agreement to Customers, or in the defense of any claim asserted by Customers shall not be considered a breach of the NDA. 18. Modifications and Waivers. No such waiver, and no modification, amendment, discharge or change of this Agreement will be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by the Party against whom the enforcement of such modification, waiver, amendment, discharge or change is sought. This Agreement may not be amended except by written agreement executed by all Parties. 19. Successors and Assigns. All rights and obligations arising out of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Parties hereto. 20. Governing Law. This Agreement and all matters arising hereunder or in connection herewith shall be governed by, interpreted under, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof. Venue for any action arising in connection with this Agreement shall be in Larimer County, Colorado District Court. 21. Remedies. Except as limited by this Agreement, all rights, powers, and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to and not exclusive of any appropriate legal or equitable remedy provided by law or contract. 22. Interpretation. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. 23. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is finally adjudicated to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, it will be deemed deleted to that extent, and all other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. 24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of which will be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one original. This Agreement will not be binding on the Parties until each Party has executed a counterpart of this Agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. 25. Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim, action, suit or other legal proceeding based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the negotiation, 8 execution or performance of this Agreement, may only be brought against the entities that are expressly named as parties hereto and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such party. No past, present or future director, councilmember, officer, employee, incorporator, manager, member, partner, equity holder, affiliate, agent, attorney or other representative of any party hereto or of any affiliate of any party hereto, or any of their successors or permitted assigns, shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of any party hereto under this Agreement or for any claim, action, suit or other legal proceeding based on, in respect of or by reason of the transactions contemplated hereby. (Signature page follows) IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized. CEC SOLAR #1038, LLC By: Clean Energy Collective, LLC, its Manager By_____________________ Tom Sweeney Chief Executive Officer FORT COLLINS UTILITIES By_____________________ Darin A. Atteberry City Manager ATTEST: City Clerk Approved as to form Assistant/City Attorney LIST OF EXHIBITS TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT Exhibit A – Description of Project Exhibit B – Project Assets Exhibit C – Termination Agreements Exhibit D – Model Continuing Customer Agreement Exhibit A Description of Project CEC Solar #1038, LLC solar array located at or about 500 Riverside Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Exhibit B Project Assets The following equipment: Inverter(s) Inverter Type: Schneider GT500-480 Manufacturers Serial #: C11323160565 Racking Racking Type: RBI-Ground Mounted DAS Monitoring Type: Also Energy including any ancillary solar equipment located on the Site (but excluding the modules, which are owned by the Project’s customers) and any existing warranties with respect to such equipment to the extent such warranties are assignable. Balance of Operations and Maintenance fund of $[45,417.92] less any amounts that are outstanding as of the Closing such as Seller’s share of any Taxes through the Closing. Exhibit C Termination Agreements See attached. Exhibit D Model Continuing Customer Agreement (Subject to revision by Buyer)