Town of Chapel Hill North Carolina Executive Summary

TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL
NORTH CAROLINA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Meeting Date: 1/11/2010
AGENDA #6a


Title of Agenda Item: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. Council Goal 4: Maintain and Improve Community Facilities and Services.

Background: The Town of Chapel Hill is a formula community under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, a program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Through this grant opportunity, the Town is eligible to receive as much as $554,900 in block grant funding. On September 22, 2009, the DOE approved the Town’s request for $50,000 to develop the mandatory Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (“energy strategy”). The energy strategy is designed to detail programs and projects that will—among other objectives—reduce fossil fuel-based energy consumption in the recipient’s jurisdiction. The energy strategy also serves as a guide for how the full allotment of block grant funds will be expended over the three-year performance period (ending September 27, 2012). The Town has until January 28, 2010 to submit the strategy for DOE review. Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. has been engaged to assist with the development of an approved energy strategy. The staff memo and corresponding attachments provide information about efforts to date as well as a process for finalizing the strategy.

Fiscal Note: At the November 9, 2009 Council Business Meeting, the Council enacted an ordinance to establish a budget for the first activity under this grant—the development of an energy strategy. As additional funding becomes available, the budget for this grant will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Recommendations: We anticipate providing the Council with additional analysis and a staff recommendation as part of the January 25th report.

ATTACHMENTS: Viewing attachments may require Adobe Acrobat.
Staff Memorandum
Energy Strategy Options
Committee Comments