The contracted services will be funded from various energy-related grants and rebates.
The County's Strategic Energy Plan ("SEP") was approved by the Board of Supervisors in February 2004. Since then, the County has implemented many of the SEP initiatives including installation of direct digital HVAC controls in various buildings, chiller and boiler replacements, lighting retrofits, variable frequency drives, vending machine misers, LED lighting, lighting controllers, window film, and construction of cogeneration plants at Juvenile Hall and the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center.
The scope of SEP initiatives for the next two years include:
1) develop, manage, and implement energy projects that are funded thru PG&E's On-bill Financing Program;
2) provide support for the County's two solar Power Purchase Agreements with Main Street Power Company, Inc.;
3) operate and maintain the County's participation in the Demand Response and Demand Bidding Program to maximize financial benefit;
4) continue to explore, develop, present, and implement cost effective and environmentally beneficial energy projects;
5) track Federal and State energy programs;
6) research and apply for grants, rebates and incentives;
7) support County departments on energy efficiency and conservation initiatives; and
8) coordinate the County’s participation in the Regional Renewable Energy Procurement program.
The energy manager consulting services agreement that the County was utilizing has expired. A request for qualifications for energy manager services was advertised recently. Seven statement of qualifications were received and three firms were short-listed. The three short-listed firms were interviewed by a panel of County staff and a final ranking was established. Andrew Green Energy Consulting was ranked number one and contract terms were agreed upon. Services will be provided on an as-needed basis with a total payment limit of $270,000 over the two-year contract term. It is feasible that the entire payment limit may not be reached. Staff recommends that the as-needed consulting services agreement be awarded to Andrew Green Energy Consulting.
The County will not have energy manager expertise to coordinate and oversee the implementation of energy projects or initiatives, advise on energy matters, or further implement the County's Strategic Energy Plan.