HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 20, 2005 K-01AGENDA ITEM V=601
I& CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
M
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Managerto allocate $51,000 in
Public Benefit Program funds for the Lodi Solar Rooftops Pilot Project
(EUD)
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2005
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City
Managerto allocate $51,000 in Public Benefit Program funds for
the Lodi Solar Rooffops Pilot Project.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Electric Utility staff is proposing the Lodi Solar Rooffops Pilot
Project, which is designed to further promote solar energy
technology in our community.
The proposed pilot project earmarks $51,000 in Public Benefit Program funds, underthe category of
Renewable Energy Resources & Technologies. Eligible Lodi electric utility customers will have the
opportunity to receive a rebate or grant of up to $5,100. The rebate formula is as follows:
➢ $1,700 per kW of photovoltaic/solar system installed on the rooftop or property; the program will
provide for a maximum 3kW system rebate per customer service address ($1,700 'X' 3kW=
$5,100 maximum rebate/grant). Note: if each participating customer installs a minimum of a 3kW
system, this pilot project could fund/rebate ten (10) actual solar projects (10 projects X $5, 900=
$51,000 in proposed kr&-,).
Based upon staff research, a 3kW photovoltaic/solar system is considered the appropriate size for the
average Lodi residential or small commercial property rooftop (average single-family dwelling of 1,800
square feet, with the solar panels placed on either the south or west facing side of the roof). Depending
upon the individual customer's energy use patterns, a 3kW photovoltaidsolar panel system would be
enough to provide from 20 percent to 60 percent of the property owner's monthly electric energy needs.
In order to qualify, and receive a rebate, eligible participants must be City of Lodi Electric Utility
customers. current on their utility account, and allow for their propertyto serve as a Lodi Solar Showcase
for a period of six (6) months once installation of their solar project is complete. The solar rebate is
based upon one per customer service address.
The City of Lodi Electric Utility has several other solar -related projects or campaigns already in place. In
September of 2004, the Lodi City Council approved a grant for a 43kW photovoltaidsolar panel project
for the Lodi Grape Festival; in the spring of 2001, the Lodi City Council approved the Jim Porter Solar
Port Parking Structure at the Lodi Municipal Service Center (a 3.6kW system); and for the past three
APPROVED:
Blair King, City Manager
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to allocate 551,000
in Public Benefit Program Funds for the Lodi Solar Rooftops Pilot Project
April 20, 2005
Page 2
years, the utility has maintained the Lodi Solar Education Outreach Campaign, providing solar education
and training opportunities for Lodi educators and students.
It should be noted that GovemorArnold Schwatzenegger is proposing his California Million Solar Roofs
Initiative in 2005. Via two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1017, Governor
Schwarzenegger is promoting solar energy and solar technology as a way to address the state's growing
thirst for electricity. If adopted by the State Legislature, and signed by the Governor, the two bills in their
current form would create roughly 3,000 megawatts of electricity- generated by the sun. That is enough
electricity to power several hundred thousand homes during the course of a year.
The City of Lodi Electric Utility respectfully recommends approval of the Lodi Solar Rooftops Pilot Project,
as a qualifying component of the City of Lodi Public Benefits Program.
FISCAL IMPACT: City of Lodi Electric Utility staff has budgeted appropriate Public Benefit
Program funds during the current fiscal year to accommodate this pilot project.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: 164608— Public Benefits Program (Category: Renewable Energy
Resources & Technologies
mes R. Krueger,inance irector
Z& A AlL
Alin N. Vallo
Electric Utility Director
Prepared By: Rob Lechner, Mgr. Customer Service & Programs, EUD
ANVIRUmdw
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-80
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAM GRANT TO
ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM KNOWN AS THE LODI SOLAR
ROOFTOPS PILOT PROJECT
...............:................................. ..... r.r---
WHEREAS, the State has mandated that beginning January I, 1998, the City of Lodi is
obligated to fund various programs through a Public Benefits Charge based on an historical
electric revenue requirement; and
WHEREAS, the requirement amounts to approximately $1 million per year that must
be dedicated to qualifying programs such as energy efficiency. A further stipulation is that
these efforts must be done on the customer's side of the meter in order to qualify: and
WHEREAS, staff is proposing the Lodi Solar Rooftops Pilot Project, which is designed
to further promote solar energy technology in our community. The pilot project earmarks
$51, 000under the category of Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies. Eligible Lodi
electric utility customers will have the opportunity to receive a rebate or grant of up to $5,100.
The rebate formula is as follows:
$1,700per kW of photovoltaic/solar system installed on the rooftop or property; the
program will provide for a maximum 3kW system rebate per customer service address
($1,700x 3kW = $5,100maximum rebate/grant), Note: if each participating customer
installs a minimum of a 3kW system, this pilot project could fund/rebate ten (10) actual
solarprojects (10 projects x $5,100 =$51,000 in proposed funds).
WHEREAS, in order to qualify and receive a rebate, eligible participants must be City
of Lodi Electric Utility customers, current on their utility account, and allow for their property to
serve as a Lodi Solar Showcase for a period of six months once installation of their solar
project is complete. The solar rebate is based upon one per customer service address.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council hereby authorizes
the City Manager to provide a Public Benefits Program grant in the amount of $51, 000to fund
the pilot program known as the Lodi Solar Rooftops Pilot Project, specifically designed for Lodi
Electric Utility customers.
Dated: Apri120,2005
hereby certify that Resolution No. 2005-80 was passed and adopted by the Lodi City
Council in a regular meeting held April 20, 2005 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce, and
Mayor Beckman
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2005-80