CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the recommendation to implement the proposed changes to the voluntary Renewable Energy Program
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Lucille Podlesny, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Public Utility Advisory Board Puab (PUAB) unanimously supported (4-0) the next steps to the voluntary Renewable Energy Program.
BACKGROUND:
The voluntary Renewable Energy Program began in 2004. This program is a way for electric utility customers to monetarily support renewable energy. Renewable energy generators, such as solar and wind farms, produce both electrons and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Electrons are the electricity flowing in the wires from the generator to an outlet (equivalent to water in the pipes coming to a faucet). A REC is a certificate representing the number of electrons produced by a renewable energy generator and is given a dollar value. For more details view a short video here https://www.naperville.il.us/services/electric-utility/powering-our-community-for-the-future/renewable-energy-program/>. The electric utility purchases and retires RECs equivalent to the amount of renewable energy kWhs supported each year under the terms of the program.
In 2012, the program expanded to provide grants to non-residential customers. The intent of the grant was to incent individuals to measurably increase local renewable energy usage, displace fossil fuels, develop community education opportunities, and to support recurrent projects. Since 2014 the program has granted $317,500 for nine projects. Recipients have included North Central College, Naperville Park District, Midwest Sports and Pain Specialist, and NEX-NRM.
In 2016, the City Council approved a $100,893 award for the installation of solar panels on the Municipal Center roof. In 2019, the City Council approved a $34,169 award for the installation of solar panels on the roof at the Public Works building on Forthill Drive. The P...
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