REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
ANN D. KLOOSE, Manager
Public Works Department, Sustainability Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submission of a grant application to the United States Department of Energy for up to $494,390 in funding from the 2023 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program; and authorizing the execution of grant application and grant agreement documents by the Public Works Director or designee. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) 2023 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program totaling up to $494,390 in requests for funding and authorize the execution of all grant applications and grant agreement documents by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Grant Program is administered by the DOE and SCEP. The purpose of this program is to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce the total energy use, to improve energy efficiency in appropriate sectors, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to build a clean and equitable energy economy. Eligible entities can use flexible EECBG Program funding for projects and programs that cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy use. This initial offering is currently anticipated to be a single opportunity with an application deadline extended to April 30, 2024. The City will submit for up to $494,390 for a project for the acquisition and implementation of a municipal energy data management system. An energy data management system will allow the City to track, monitor and adjust our energy usage, which includes over 2,000 electricity accounts.
BACKGROUND
The Department of Energy (DOE) and Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) published program guidance and allocations for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act referred to as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” or “BIL” authorized and appropriated $550 million to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for the EECBG Program. The DOE Formula Grant Funding allocation for local governments nationwide totals $299 million. The City of Fresno has been allocated $494,390.
The Sustainability Division of the Department of Public Works has successfully implemented a wide array of citywide energy efficiency and renewable energy programs which will significantly reduce annual emissions and save the City taxpayers an estimated $166 million over the next 20 years. The challenge for many public agencies, including the City of Fresno, has been to track, monitor and adjust the energy usage at City facilities. This function is important because being able to monitor and manage energy data can provide additional energy efficiency, improve operational efficiency, increase utility bill savings, and provide the information needed to become compliant with regulatory reporting requirements. The acquisition and implementation of an energy management program and software has been identified as an eligible use for the EEBCG allocation.
The Public Works Department submitted a pre-award application in April of this year as required by the SCEP. The grant applications are due on April 30, 2024. The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the staff report and resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item is not a project for the purposes of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the grant does not require a match of cash or in-kind contribution.
Attachment(s):
Resolution