Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - ENERGY OPTIONS OPPORTUNITIES (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: June 26, 2001 AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approi Item to be presented SUBJECT: ENERGY OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES DEPARTMENT: Field Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council initiate process to solicit letter of interest for appointment of citizen members to the Community Energy Advisory Committee, and authorize expenditure of $25,000 for retention of an energy advisor. At the City Council meeting of May 22, 2001, Council received a report outlining a variety of options and opportunities pertaining to energy. The report was initiated based on the City Council's concerns regarding the supply and pricing of energy, as well as the anticipated economic hardships such instability of supply and pricing poses to residents, business, and industry in the valley. At the meeting of May 22, 2001, City Council directed staff to continue their research, meet with community members as well as neighboring cities to further refine their study, and present a revised action plan. Based on the research conducted, as well as conversations with consultants and community representatives, it has been determined that it is critical that the City retain uniquely qualified individuals to assist in determining the most advantageous approach to address the energy crisis facing our community, given our unique profile and resources. Furthermore, it is suggested that the City Council form a Community Energy Advisory Committee to work in partnership with City staff and energy advisors to review and recommend a course of action to respond to the energy crisis, set forth a mid-range and long-range strategic action plan to address energy pricing, ensure supply, and enhance the economic viability of the community. Furthermore, the committee will specifically address the feasibility of establishing a municipal utility. The Community Energy Advisory Committee would consist of a total of nine members with . the following representation: • Five community members appointed by the City Council • Two City Council members • The City Manager • The Director of Transportation and Engineering Services Agenda Item: ENERGY OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES June 26, 2001 — Page 2 Due to City Council representation on the committee, all provisions of the Brown Act and public meeting requirements apply. Appointment of community members to the Community Energy Advisory Committee would be by the following process: submittal of a maximum two-page letter of interest to the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita stating their background and what resources they bring to address the issue, as well as three references. Appointments to the committee will occur at the regularly scheduled July 10, 2001 City Council meeting. It is anticipated that the committee will meet regularly during the summer months, and provide the City Council with a recommendation on a course of action at the City Council meeting of September 11, 2001. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Establish a Citizens Energy Advisory Committee appointed by the City Manager, to include technical staff, City Manager, energy advisor, and community members. Other action as determined by Council. FISCAL IMPACT Funds for retention of an energy advisor in the total of $25,000 are appropriated in Account No. 5100-8001. ATTACHMENT Sample Citizens Energy Advisory Committee Newspaper Advertisement /admin/ccitema/ene rgy06. doe Draft ENERGY Assist Your Community in Devising a Plan to Address Energy Needs The City of Santa Clarita is establishing a Community Energy Advisory Committee to assist in evaluating options pertaining to energy in the community. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please submit a maximum two-page letter, and three references to the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, by 12:00 p.m. on July 2, 2001. Address: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 E-mail: sdawson@santa-clarita com Fax: (661)255-4938 For more information, please contact Chris Daste at (661) 286-4177. SCE Comments in response to June 26 2001 City Council agenda item #29 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this agenda item. As one of the parties working hard to solve the state's energy crisis at the legislature, at the FERC in Washington and at the Public Utilities Commission, Southern California Edison is in a position to contribute a great deal to the information pool. We look forward to the opportunity to share our experience and detailed knowledge of the energy environment with you as you pursue your options and opportunities. First, I would like to commend the City for incorporating an aggressive energy conservation program, already underway. I have the chance to work with many cities in Southern California, very few of which have met the power crisis head on as you have done through your pro -active energy saving advertising campaign, traffic signal lighting (LED) change out program and, for safety's sake, the back-up batteries for traffic signals at critical intersections throughout the city. Your approach is very direct and well executed. I would also like to commend you for initiating action on behalf of the people of Santa Clarita to better understand how to minimize the 'pain' of the energy crisis and maximize any opportunity that may result from it. I'd like to offer some suggestions to that end: Hold a City Council Study Session pdor to appointing a Community Energy Advisory Committee to ensure every Council member has first-hand information. This can be a complex subject, but worth the time it takes to understand its many implications for our city. Edison, for instance, could give you a lot of valuable up- front information before you send a Committee off to do its work and the Council could gain a foundation of understanding before spending up to $25,000 on consultant fees. Unless you are flush with Reserve Funds, you can obtain solid information without spending taxpayers' money. Following your Council Study Session, instruct the Community Energy Advisory Committee to learn the fundamental issues — physical facts about the electric system as well as the legal and regulatory environment, so you will be better prepared to make energy-related decisions. If you determine that further study is needed, be specific about the information you are paying for... what questions do you want answered -- what exactly do you want an 'energy advisor' to provide. Use Southern California Edison as an information resource. We have been your partner in energy and non -energy activities; we would like that relationship to continue. As the staff report indicates, research has been conducted, and conversations have been held with community representatives and consultants, but no one has invited Edison to participate. You have nothing to loose by including us in these discussions, and I respectfully request that you do so. Thank you for the chance to comment on this item. I'm available to answer any questions you may have. RECEIVED AND MADE A PART OF THE RECORD AT C" MEETING ITEM NO. -,,) 9 FROM: CLL- ti 6 CCC-zRA SC �-