PREPARED BY: AMANDA BOOTH DATE OF MEETING: 04/15/2019
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION BY MINUTE ORDER TO EXECUTE A LETTER OF SUPPORT OF THE BAY AREA REGIONAL ENERGY NETWORK (BAYREN) TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS AND CITY STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMS
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize by Minute Order
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2019-21 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
Infrastructure: Enhance Community Resilience - (202) Develop Long-Term Environmental Stewardship Goals is an adopted policy item under the adopted FY 2019-21 Council Priority Workplan, effective March 1, 2019.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This is not a project as defined by CEQA.
BACKGROUND
On March 27, 2019, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released an Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Future of Regional Energy Networks, Rulemaking 13-11-005. This document is requesting comment from local governments and other relevant parties regarding the appropriateness of regional energy networks (RENs), an evaluation of RENs, and whether the CPUC should continue funding RENs.
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a collaboration of the nine counties that make up the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), BayREN provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs, services, and resources. BayREN is funded by utility ratepayer funds through the CPUC, as well as other sources, drawing on the expertise, knowledge, and proven track record of Bay Area local governments.
The following are a selection of BayREN programs provided to San Pablo:
• Home + Program that provides residents with a Home Energy Advisor that can help residents receive cash rebates for installing energy efficiency measures in their home.
• Multifamily property owners can receive a free energy audit and are eligible for cash rebates for energy upgrades to their buildings. The program provides technical assistance with identifying and financing both energy and water-saving home improvements. Projects that result in at least 15% energy savings are eligible for rebates in the amount of $750 per unit.
• The new small and medium commercial business property owners program provides specialized technical assistance and financial resources to help local businesses.
• Financing program that provides municipalities and business with ways to finance energy efficiency upgrades.
• Codes and Standards program that helps local governments evaluate and improve compliance with state energy codes.
City Staff, residents and local businesses have found all BayREN programs to be invaluable assets. Since 2013, BayREN programs have serviced 112 residents, saved over 20,000 kWh of electricity, and provided over $120,000 in rebates for energy and water projects in San Pablo. In addition, City staff have attended seven BayREN trainings and forums over the past two fiscal years. These heavily-used programs continue to grow in popularity throughout the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
None associated with this report, other than staff time to support development of the Draft Letter.
ATTACHMENTS
1- Rulemaking 13-11-005: Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Future of Regional Energy Networks
2- Draft City Council Letter of Support for BayREN