CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the report and concur with PUAB recommendation to fund the 2023 Renewable Energy Program at the 2022 revenue level and dedicate any underspend to installing solar projects on City of Naperville facilities
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On November 10, 2022 the Public Utility Advisory Board (PUAB) unanimously recommended approval for the update on the Renewable Energy Program and proposed program changes for 2023...body
BACKGROUND:
In 2004 the City Council approved the Renewable Energy Program (REP) as a mechanism for Electric Utility customers to monetarily support renewable energy. The program primarily procured Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to support the development and continued operation of new renewable energy sources.
In March of 2020, the City Council and PUAB approved expanding the REP to include residential energy efficiency programs such as window and attic insulation upgrades as well as an increase in the incentive for residential customers wishing to install solar to $300/kilowatt (kW), with a maximum grant of $3,000 for a homeowner. Additionally, those customers installing Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle chargers could now qualify for a $500 grant if the participant agreed to charge their vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. These changes focused on lessening load on the electric grid and improving efficiency of homes.
In 2021, the Electric Utility partnered with stakeholders, including the City's Sustainability Coordinator and members of NEST, to discontinue the procurement of REC's. Instead, these funds would be used as grants for Utility customer grants. At the same time, A/C tune-ups, and blower motor upgrades were added to the grant program.
In 2022 REP participation increased by 10%. It now has just over 3,000 participants with annual revenue of approximately $260,000.
The fund's cash bal...
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