Title
Transportation Department recommending adoption of Resolution authorizing the Director of Transportation to apply for California Energy Commission Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant federal stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
FUNDING: California Energy Commission Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding.
Resolution 268-2009
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
The exact costs of the projects have yet to be determined pending completion of energy audits and cost-effectiveness reviews. There will be some short-term costs reimbursable to the County via the EECBG program. There will be long-term savings in the form of reduced energy consumption and utility bills. Depending upon the number of projects submitted, the projects could be 100% reimbursable up to the allocated $812,423. There is no net cost to the County General Fund associated with this agenda item.
Background:
The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the federal stimulus Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The County of El Dorado has been allocated $812,423 through this program and there are no match requirements. If awarded, the grant funds must be claimed and all projects completed by September 13, 2012. Any funds remaining after completion of the proposed projects will remain with the grantor.
Reason for Recommendation:
The County must apply to the CEC for the allocated funding with qualifying energy efficiency programs by the deadline of January 12, 2010. One of the requirements of the grant application is the inclusion of an authorizing resolution to apply for the EECBG funding. The resolution must be specific, therefore, Resolution No. 273-2008, approved by the Board of Supervisors on October 7, 2008, authorizing the Director of Transportation to submit and execute grants applications will not satisfy this requirement.
The grant funds proposed to be requested from the EECBG program are $812,423, the maximum allocated to the County of El Dorado. A brief description of the proposed energy efficiency projects for which the County intends to apply follows:
Lighting Retrofit Project - This involves lighting retrofits of various County-owned facilities and includes upgrading the existing T8 fluorescent ballasts to premium efficiency electronic ballasts with a reduced ballast factor. Energy savings result from the reduced wattage of the new fixtures. This is expected to be completed by December 31, 2010.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Project - This project involves retro-commissioning measures to be performed on the HVAC systems in various County-owned facilities. Measures include reduction in outside air percentages, reduction in speed settings of the variable frequency drives (VFDs), installation of new VFDs, optimizing start-up of air conditioning (AC) units, and installation of occupancy sensors. Energy savings result from reduced runtime of AC units, fans, and cooling savings. This is expected to be completed by December 31, 2010.
Union Mine Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades - This project involves upgrades to various equipment and processes at the facility and includes upgrades to the control systems, installation of VFDs, changes to the aeration and diffuser systems, and adjustments to the blowers. Energy savings result from increasingly efficient processes, equipment upgrades, and shortened run times. This is expected to be completed by the required date of September 13, 2012.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) intends to leverage additional incentives and rebates from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) utility company in the amount of $24,385 for the Lighting Retrofits and $57,180 for the Retro-commissioning project.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
1) The Board Clerk will have the Chairman sign two (2) copies of the Resolution and will forward one signed original to the Department of Transportation to include with the EECBG Program application.
Contact:
James W. Ware, P.E.
Director of Transportation
Concurrences:
County Counsel