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.
On January 8, 2013, the Board approved a Consulting Services Agreement with Andrew Green to provide as-needed energy manager services for continued implementation of Contra Costa County's Strategic Energy Plan. Many of the SEP initiatives that were identified in the Agreement require continued energy manager consulting services, including the following:
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; and
7) support County departments on energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
On October 21, 2014, the Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Consulting Services Agreement to continue to provide support through completion of the Photovoltaic Installation at 151 Linus Pauling, Hercules, and the for the Regional Renewable Energy Procurement (R-REP) Project, which includes solar photovoltaic installation at six County facilities. The R-REP Project is in the project close-out phase and the County requires the expertise of an energy manager involved from the beginning of the project through completion.
Since the approval of the Consulting Services Agreement with Andrew Green and Amendment No. 1, additional SEP initiatives have been identified and include:
1) provide Agency support for the Connected Cities Program and reporting results and to target new efficiency opportunities
2) develop Renewable Energy Projects such as adding energy storage systems to facilities with existing solar; and
3) develop and implement a Whole Facility Interior Lighting Program, including rebate and financing for projects.
Amendment No. 2 to Andrew Green's Agreement provides for additional services required to support current SEP initiatives.
If Amendment No. 2 is not approved, 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.