CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the recommended changes to the voluntary Renewable Energy Program
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
At its November 18, 2021 meeting, the Public Utilities Advisory Board (PUAB) reviewed and unanimously approved the recommended changes.
BACKGROUND:
In 2004 the City Council approved the creation of a voluntary Renewable Energy Program (REP) as a mechanism 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 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) purchases and offering commercial and residential energy efficiency grants.
A significant turning point in the program occurred in March 2020 when the Council approved expanding the program to include residential energy efficiency programs such as window and attic insulation upgrades. The solar incentive provided to residential customers wishing to install roof solar panels was increased from a flat $1,000 per installation to $300/kilowatt (kW), with a maximum grant of $3,000 for a homeowner installing a 10kW system. This change alone has grown the number of residential solar installations by over 400 since the changes in reimbursement were implemented. Finally, those customers installing Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle chargers 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 in 2020 were targeted at removing load from the electric grid by improving the efficiency of homes within Naperville. The increase in solar incentive dollars were expected to increase solar power system installation in the City while also reducing the REP fund balance which had accrued over the years.
The program currently has just over 3,000 participants with annual revenue of approximately $260,000. The fund's cash balance is ex...
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