Agenda Item Wording:
title
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Application - Authorization for Public Works to submit Technical Assistance and Equipment Rebate Voucher application for U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in the amount of $182,320 to develop a comprehensive energy efficiency and energization audit of the Water Reclamation Facility.
body
Deadline for Action: 3/18/2024
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Ben Litwack, WRF Superintendent, ben.litwack@visalia.city, 713-4671. Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 713-4052. Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.city, 713-4190.
Department Recommendation:
Authorize staff to submit application for U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for the full formula amount of $182,320 to develop a comprehensive energy efficiency and energization audit of the Water Reclamation Facility.
Background Discussion:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to create or expand key agency programs. One of those programs is the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program that received $550M through BIL and is administered by DOE’s Office of State and Energy Community Programs (SCEP). The EECBG program is designed to assist local governments and tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
Through the EECBG Program, DOE is offering eligible local and Tribal governments the option to select an equipment rebate and/or technical assistance voucher in lieu of a traditional formula grant. Technical assistance can include Policy Planning and Program Design, Building Retrofit Planning and Design, Engineering and Modeling, and Community and Stakeholder Engagement. The goal of the vouchers is to simplify and streamline the process of accessing EECBG Program formula awards. Vouchers can be used for two primary purposes:
1. Technical assistance vouchers are used to access support from experts across a wide array of high-value opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and related areas.
2. Equipment rebates are used for the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment used to meet EECBG Program goals.
Staff is proposing to utilize the technical assistance funding to develop a comprehensive audit of the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to identify energy efficiency and energization opportunities and assess power needs. An evaluation of the existing facility and cogeneration facilities will be completed to identify current project opportunities as well as cogeneration capacity. This project aims to ensure energy efficiencies and outline future energy and renewable opportunities at the WRF so as to lead to energy independence for the WRF and improve overall SCE grid reliability for the residents and businesses in the City of Visalia once potential improvements can be implemented. This analysis should provide information necessary for a potential future grant application through the DOE Grid Deployment Office’s Grid Innovation Program (among others), which could provide funds for implementation projects.
DOE plans to procure the services of a third-party Technical Assistance Administrator to coordinate requests and provide technical assistance to voucher recipients. The Technical Assistance Administrator will work with voucher recipients to develop a technical assistance scope of work that meets recipients’ needs and desired outcomes. Eligible entities, such as the City, that select a technical assistance voucher may not choose their own technical assistance provider as technical assistance obtained using a voucher must be provided by the Technical Assistance Administrator and their team. As we do not have a specific vendor in mind for the study, but rather a preferred end result of such a study, this option is ideal as technical experts will be identified for us by the granting agency based on our desired outcomes.
Technical assistance voucher applications must be received by April 30, 2024. Federal lobbyist, Greg Burns with Thorn Run Partners has assisted staff with initial information about the program and staff from the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO) have been instrumental in assisting staff with the application process. Following Council approval to apply, staff will quickly move to submit necessary application information by the deadline identified.
Fiscal Impact:
$182,320 is EECBG program formula funding available to the City of Visalia. If the grant is awarded to the City, staff will return to appropriate funds.
Prior Council Action: None
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Per Council direction
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize staff to submit application for U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for the full formula amount of $182,320 to develop a comprehensive energy efficiency and energization audit of the Water Reclamation Facilityend
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: EECBG Program FAQs, EECBG voucher program FAQs