REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Services with Cascade Energy, LLC for a Third-Party Efficiency and Electrification Solutions for Industrials Program, for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000
Report
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 385, covering the Public Benefits Charge (PBC), and the City's Public Benefits Program Policy Statement adopted by the City Council on May 12, 1998, staff developed energy efficiency programs to benefit Silicon Valley Power's (SVP) commercial and industrial customers. Over the past several years, there has been increased interest from the legislature, California Energy Commission, and environmental agencies to boost the level of energy efficiency programs in the municipal utilities, with legislation pushing to double the amount of energy efficiency achieved in California.
Every four years, electric utilities in California are required to conduct a Potential Study that determines all economically feasible energy efficiency opportunities within the utility's service territory. Based on Santa Clara's load profile, nearly all of the City's energy efficiency potential comes from business customers.
The PBC is a state-required surcharge imposed on all sales of electricity and electrical services. State law mandates that funds collected must be used for eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-income, or electric technology research and development programs and projects. In alignment with these requirements, SVP continues to enhance its business energy efficiency programs to support statewide energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
To implement these initiatives, SVP contracts with third-party providers to deliver energy efficiency programs and consulting services that supplement existing energy efficiency rebate programs. The Efficiency and Electrification Solutions for Industrials (EESI) will deliver a three...
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