Agenda

Back to Calendar Return

AD HOC COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY

Meeting Date:	11/13/2017
Subject: RECEIVE report on energy efficiency programs in Contra Costa County and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff.
Submitted For:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Department:	Conservation & Development
Referral No.:	N/A
Referral Name:	N/A
Presenter:	Demian Hardman, Senior Planner	Contact:	Jody London (925)674-7871

Information

Referral History:

None.

Referral Update:

The East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW), a partnership of the jurisdictions in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, including the County, and PG&E, recently published a discussion paper for decision makers on the landscape for energy efficiency programs in the two counties (attached). The paper recognizes that there are now a number of entities that offer energy efficiency programs, including the East Bay Energy Watch, PG&E on its own, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (led by the Association for Bay Area Governments - ABAG), and MCE and other community choice aggregators. It is too early to know what East Bay Community Energy will offer.

The County plays a lead role with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and EBEW. Staff finds both the BayREN and the East Bay Energy Watch to be valuable programs to residents and businesses in Contra Costa County. Staff finds that greater partnership between the EBEW, BayREN, and MCE would be valuable going forward. Specifically, it would be useful to have mutually developed and agreed upon protocols for handling referrals to make sure property owners are made aware of all the rebates and services available to them, and are directed towards the program offerings that provide the best resources relative to the type of project they are seeking to undertake. Any new programs should be developed collaboratively and with a focus on best serving residents and businesses.

ABAG has requested a meeting with the Supervisors who represent the County on MCE’s Board, along with those same Supervisors who comprise the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability. Staff will ensure that the East Bay Energy Watch and MCE are also available to provide perspective on the issues identified in the white paper.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

RECEIVE report on discussion paper “Navigating the Changing Landscape of Energy Efficiency Programs in the East Bay”, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as appropriate.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

No impact to the General Fund. Both the EBEW and the BayREN provide funding to Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development staff to support work in administering and implementing energy efficiency programs.

Attachments
East Bay Energy Watch - Energy Efficiency Landscape, Oct. 2017
Tables Summarizing Energy Efficiency Program Offerings and Providers