CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:title
Receive the update on the Renewable Energy Program (Item 1 of 2)
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
In 2004 the Naperville City Council approved the creation of the Renewable Energy Program (REP) as a way for Electric Utility customers to monetarily support renewable energy.
Various changes to the program have occurred over the past 17 years including an increase in purchases of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and adding energy efficiency grants for commercial and residential properties to the program. A significant turning point in the program occurred in March of 2020 when the City Council and Public Utilities Advisory Board (PUAB) approved expanding the program to include residential energy efficiency programs such as window and attic insulation upgrades. At that time, the solar incentive provided to residential customers wishing to install solar panels was increased from a flat $1000 per installation to $300/kilowatt (kW) with a maximum grant of $3000 for a homeowner installing a 10kW system. Finally, those customers installing Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle chargers could qualify for a $500 grant if the participant agreed to charge their vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The changes made in March of 2020 were targeted at lessening the load on the electric grid by improving the efficiency of customers' homes. The increase in solar incentive dollars was expected to increase solar power system installation in the City while reducing the REP fund balance which had accrued over the years. In 2021, REC purchases were formally discontinued so that funds could be utilized solely to support local projects.
In 2022, program participation increased by 10%, it now has just over 3,000 participants with annual revenue of approximately $260,000. The fund's cash balance is $311,275 as of December 5, 2023.
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