REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) Grant Agreement Silicon Valley Power CG-2167 Maximizing the Effectiveness of Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps in Existing Homes and Approval of Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
The American Public Power Association's Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) program provides funding for research grants for member utilities, student scholarships, and internships. Members of the program pay annual dues, which are used to fund the grants and scholarships. Utilities may apply for funding up to $125,000 per project, with matching funds provided by the utility or other project partners. Grant-funded projects can be research and development, pilot projects, early commercialization, or new technology demonstrations, and are expected to have applicability to the broader public power community. Deliverables developed through the project are made available to all DEED member utilities. As a member of the DEED program, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is eligible to apply for grant funding.
In order to expand its energy efficiency programs, SVP periodically participates in research and development efforts to investigate new technologies or study ways to improve the energy efficiency achieved through technology solutions. SVP partners in larger efforts undertaken regionally or nationally to leverage the expertise and investment by other industry partners. SVP also leverages funding by applying for grant money, where applicable.
In an effort to expand its residential energy efficiency programs and assist customers in saving energy, SVP, along with other utilities, has been investigating the addition of ductless mini-split heat pumps (DHP) into its energy efficiency program portfolio. These DHP systems have several advantages:
1) are highly effective at heating individual rooms or zones within a home, allowing for heating or cooling of only occupied rooms;...
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