HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-09/09/2008-Work SessionNatural Resources Department
City Of
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Fort
Collins
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Fort Collins, CO 80522
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Managerb
Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
FROM: Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer and Employee Relations Manager pa
CC: Steve Catanach, Gary Schroeder, John Phelan, Dana Leavitt, Doug Swartz, Tiana
Smith, Norm Weaver, Felix Lee, Lucinda Smith
DATE: September 11, 2008
SUBJECT: September 9, 2008 Work Session Summary — Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Certificates (RECs)
On September 9, 2008, City Council held a work session for information and discussion related
to Energy Policy development. In the past 6 months, many questions have arisen as a result of
Council and citizen dialogue on the topics of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Staff arranged to have subject matter experts available to provide additional information and
answer questions for City Council with the intention of developing a "shared pool of knowledge"
between staff and City Council as well as the general public.
Key Discussion Points
Brian Janonis provided context for the discussion, indicating that staff would be presenting a
draft of a new Energy Policy to replace the 2003 Electric Energy Supply Policy on September
23, 2008. Because of the importance for implementation of current and future Energy Policy
strategies, as well as development of the City's Climate Action Plan, a common understanding of
how energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy contribute to reaching policy goals
and compliance with current state mandates —and potentially future federal legislation— is a
priority.
Howard Geller's presentation on energy efficiency included definitions and roles of efficiency
and conservation, best practices, potential for increased energy efficiency, the role of utilities,
energy codes, and regional and state initiatives.
Lori Bird's presentation on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS) provided information on the
history of RECs, advantages and challenges, and on the carbon benefits of RECs. Ms. Bird
emphasized the importance of agreement on the desired goals in procuring renewable energy,
including RECs.
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Staff asked if any additional information would be helpful in understanding energy efficiency
and Renewable Energy Certificates. Council members expressed satisfaction with the level and
content of the information provided.
In general, Council expressed a desire for a unified approach, across city departments, to energy
efficiency and conservation. It's important to consider both sides of the meter when looking at
energy efficiency (e.g. of the electric generation and delivery system). Council does not want
PRPA to purchase any additional RECs on behalf of the City but did indicate that existing RECs
may be a cost-effective way of meeting our Renewable Portfolio Standard. Additionality is
important in meeting our carbon reduction goals. Encouraging local economic vitality is also an
important consideration in energy policy development.
Next Steps
The proposed new Electric Energy Policy will be presented for discussion with City Council at
the September 23 work session.