INTRODUCTION

There has been wide-spread public and official concern about future energy supplies. The fundamental problems underlying the projected decrease in the supply and increased costs of traditional energy sources are national and international in scope, but there are significant contributions which can be made by local government. Land use patterns, building standards, growth policy, transportation and intensity of development all directly affect local energy consumption. Efficient use of energy, by both the City and its businesses and residents, can be mandated or encouraged by local government. Alternative energy sources, which can address at least part of the City's needs, can be investigated and developed. Since unlimited supply of relatively low cost energy can no longer be taken for granted, energy considerations need to be evaluated along with other factors that enter into City policies and decisions.

BACKGROUND

Issues and Problems

1. Convincing energy consumers to utilize energy more efficiently.

2. An aggressive mandatory energy conservation program versus a voluntary, incentive-based program.

3. Added energy demand caused by new development and its ramification on future energy cost and supply.

4. The cost-effectiveness of certain alternate energy source energy conservation measures.

5. The City's dependence on nonrenewable energy resources.

Opportunities

1. An in-house Energy Coordinator and municipally-owned water and power utility as a means of implementing conservation policies and programs.

2. Expanded energy conservation programs directed at the development process and large energy consumers.

3. Increased utilization of Transportation Systems Management strategies.

4. Local utilization of cost-effective alternative energy systems.

5. Consumer education, including at the elementary and secondary school levels.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

Strategy I 00.0:

Expanded energy conservation efforts be directed towards encouraging energy efficient new development and increasing the effectiveness of current conservation and wheatherization efforts in the public and private sectors.

Policies:

101.0 Energy conservation shall merit equal consideration with all other development criteria in the evaluation of development projects.

102.0 All new development projects requiring discretionary action by the City and subject to full environmental impact report shall be made to comply with all energy related mitigation measures including TSM (Transportation Systems Management).

103.0 The City shall maintain a power rate structure which encourages conservation by its consumers.

104.0 The City shall require consideration of solar access to both present and future developments.

105.0 The City shall encourage and make maximum use of energy from alternative sources, including, but not limited to utilization and participation in, if economically feasible, small hydro facilities.

106.0 The City shall devote not less than the current ratio of its annual power sales revenues to conservation programs.

Programs:

100.1 Expansion of the occupancy inspection program to include energy audits. Compliance with recommended improvements is to be voluntary, but audit findings are to be made available to new occupants.

100.2 Annual reports to the Board of Directors by the Energy Policy Coordinating Committee on the progress of achieving the objectives of increasing weatherization and reducing BTU consumption by 1988. At the end of FY 1989, the Energy Policy Coordinating Committee will report to the Board as to whether the extent of progress achieved under a voluntary approach warrants the institution of mandatory programs.

100.3 Imposition of a condition on City-assisted rehabilitation loan approvals to require applicants of loans for improvements beyond those to meet building code requirements to use an amount not to exceed 6 percent of the loan for every conservation improvements. Improvements necessary would be determined by the City's in-house auditors.

100.4 Imposition of a surcharge on power consumption which exceeds the average monthly consumption during the previous year or a multi-tier power rate structure in which unit costs increase in proportion to consumption.

100.5 Adoption of ordinances which will:

1) Prohibit Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) adverse to solar systems;

2) Require the dedication of solar easements with new subdivisions (other than condominium conversions); and

3) Establishment procedures and guidelines for reviewing all new projects for their effect on solar access to existing and future solar applications on adjacent properties.

100.6 Preparation and implementation of a master plan for the City's internal energy conservation program which addresses all energy using facilities and equipment. It should be based on an incentive program and include energy audits and an implementation schedule with a financing program. The plans should be annually updated to include new cost-effective energy management tactics and financing opportunities. The City's Energy Coordinator would be responsible for providing the coordination and technical assistance for this effort.

100.7 An incentive program for developers to exceed Title 24 energy efficiency standards. incentives can include, but are not limited to:

1)An "Energy Efficiency Rating System," administered by the City's Energy, Coordinator, whereby a high rating can be used as a marketing tool.

2) Priority processing.

Strategy 200.0:

Development of land use patterns which reduce the need to travel and transportation systems which increase patronage of more energy efficient travel modes.

Policies:

201.0 The City shall encourage energy efficient land development.

202.0 The City shall provide incentives to developers to promote ride sharing and/or the use of public transportation.

Programs:

200.1 Incorporation of incentive provisions in the Zoning Ordinance granting height and density bonuses for mixed use developments.

200.2 Granting of parking variances to developments which utilize transportation or parking management techniques or are located adjacent to public transportation lines.