HomeMy WebLinkAboutA007 - Motion authorizing staff to apply for and participate in the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Community Energy Resilience Program for up to $37,500ITEM #:9
DATE:01-13-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY'S COMMUNITY ENERGY
RESILIENCE PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Economic Development Authority's (IEDA) Community Energy Resilience Program
provides federal grant funds for projects to purchase or develop portable renewable energy
generators equipped with battery storage and train relevant staff on its usage.
A portable renewable energy generator with battery storage can be incorporated into
emergency response protocols and be used to support critical needs. This generator could
include the ability to charge mobile devices and/or providing backup power to remote facilities
such as water wells and pumps. The equipment could also be used for a wide array of non-
emergency uses, including usage at City construction sites, education events, and other
remote work areas in place of a diesel generator. The attachment contains example photos of
these systems.
Staff is seeking City Council's authorization to apply for a federal grant to fund a
portable renewable energy generator for up to $37,500. While the grant does not require
a match, providing some match fund will increase the application's competitiveness.
Therefore, the grant application proposed includes a 40% cost matching up to $25,000.
The cost match funding would come from the Electric sustainability reserve fund where there
are funds available to support renewable energy projects.
Due to the limited amount of funds available for the program, the grant application proposes
two equipment options. The two options are detailed in the table below along with examples of
equipment that could be purchased under either option. If awarded, the equipment would be
procured through a competitive bid.
Total Cost Grant Request Cost Match Example Model Solar Size Battery Size
$40,000 $24,000 $16,000 RPS Sun Titan 2.7 kW 30 kWh
$62,500 $37,500 $25,000 North Star
Logistics 7.5 kW 61 kWh
The equipment would be a shared community resource, meaning local public entities could
request to borrow the equipment when it is not in use by the City of Ames. If the grant is
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awarded, a use policy would be established detailing eligible users, priority of use, and outline
what the borrowing process would be. The City would provide training to borrowers, require
they hold insurance and are held liable for any damages, and the City would retain full
authority to determine acceptable uses of the equipment. Emergency response and City use
will be prioritized over other uses. The Fleet Department would store and administer the
equipment and receive training from the manufacturer on its operation.
Letters of support were obtained from Iowa State University (ISU) and Story County
Emergency Management. ISU indicated the equipment could provide valuable for research
purposes. The equipment will also be made available for other cities within Story County to
use in emergency situations, coordinated by Story County Emergency Management.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to participate and apply for the Iowa Economic Development Authority's
Community Energy Resilience Program for up to $37,500 and provide up to $25,000 in
matching funds.
2. Do not authorize staff to apply for or participate in Iowa Economic Development
Authority's Community Energy Resilience Program.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Renewable energy and energy resilience align with City climate action goals and
emergency response priorities. A portable renewable energy generator with battery
storage would provide critical support in an emergency. The shared governmental
asset would also be capable of serving a variety of non-emergency uses in place of
other, non-renewable forms of electricity. Ther efore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Portable Renewable Energy Generator Examples.pdf
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Image Sources:
https://shop.rpssolarpumps.com/products/off-grid-power-plant-solar-battery-diesel-backup-trailer?variant=35890397610139
https://newuseenergy.com/products/sunwing?variant=48569789153553
https://homegeneratorsnsl.com/products/mobile-solar-power-stations/30kw-solar-diesel-hybrid-power-station-mobile-53389722
https://progresssolarsolutions.com/power-cubes
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