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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Changes to Smart Energy Program RESOLUTION NO. 15-500 RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGES TO SMART ENERGY PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF AMES WHEREAS, Smart Energy programs are designed to reduce summer demand for electricity resulting in a lower cost to the utility by delaying future generation; and, WHEREAS, side benefits of the Smart Energy program are a reduction in customer bills, a lower electric rate over time,contribution to a more robust electric distribution system,and a cleaner environment; and, WHEREAS, in addition to education and load management programs, Smart Energy programs provide economic incentives to entice customers to install more efficient equipment resulting in a reduction in electric KW demand; and, WHEREAS, Smart Energy programs began in July 2007, and since then,the programs have remained as they are; and, WHEREAS,however,the manufacturers of efficient equipment have continued to improve product offerings and lower prices, and what was considered efficient when Smart Energy began is now looked at as standard or entry level; and, WHEREAS,in addition,current rebate levels in some cases are beyond the point of incentive and approaching an unreasonable level when compared to equipment costs; and, WHEREAS, in an effort to keep up with improving technologies,to move some rebates to a more reasonable amount, and to raise the efficiency bar to entice customers to achieve greater levels of efficiency, the following program changes are recommended: Residential Lighting Rebate Program: a)Remove compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's)from the program; b) Remove T8 rebate for new construction; c) Retrofit T8 must replace T12 in order to qualify for the T8 rebates; d) Reduce rebate levels 30%-50%; Commercial Lighting Rebate Program:a)Remove T8 rebate for new construction;b)Retrofit T8 must replace T12 in order to qualify for the T8 rebates; c) Reduce rebate levels 30%-50%; Air Conditioner Rebate Program: a)Raise qualifying threshold from 14 SEER to 15 SEER; b) Reduce standard programmable thermostat rebate to $15; c) Add a WiFi/Learning thermostat rebate of$50; d) Add an air conditioning retro-commission (tune-up)rebate of$100; Appliance Rebate Program: a)Add dehumidifier rebate of$25;b)Add electric dryer rebate of$50; and, WHEREAS, Electric Services staff reviewed these recommended changes to the Smart Energy program at an Electric Utility Operations Review &Advisory Board (EUORAB) meeting held on August 6, 2014, and the Board approved these changes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the aforementioned Smart Energy program changes to become effective September 1,2015,are hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 11`h day of August, 2015. { `-4 f d. /4. jV. 6,' .AAed Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Introduced by: Goodman Seconded by: Corrieri Voting aye: Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Goodman,Nelson Voting nay: None Absent: Orazem Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this I It'day of August, 2015.