To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): General Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Jane Elias, 707-565-6483
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Regional Climate Protection Authority Funding Agreement
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
A) Authorize the Director of General Services to execute an agreement with the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) for the County to provide up to $95,969 in energy efficiency program administration services, subject to reimbursement by RCPA, related to various Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) programs through December 31, 2019. This program allows staff to perform residential and commercial energy efficiency projects, consultation, and educational activities, resulting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the county.
B) Authorize the Director of General Services to execute amendments with Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), in a form approved by County Counsel, to extend the term and/or to receive additional funds that may become available during the course of the agreement.
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Executive Summary:
Staff requests authorization for the Director of General Services to execute an agreement with the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) for the County General Services Department Energy and Sustainability Division (ESD) to deliver programs of the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) through December 31, 2019. The agreement provides funds from RCPA for ESD technical staff to perform residential and commercial sector energy efficiency projects, consultation, and educational activities, which result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the county. This program complements and enhances other energy efficiency programs and services offered by General Services ESD.
The Bay Area Regional Network (BayREN) provides funding to the nine county Bay area jurisdictions to implement energy efficiency programs. RCPA has received funding from BayREN and is leveraging the technical resources, customer service, and energy expertise available through ESD. General Services ESD has administered similar programs for over a decade, and has the technical expertise and proven track record of successful marketing, outreach and implementation of projects to meet the BayREN’s requirements.
The agreement is for $95,969 for calendar year 2019; the term end date is December 31, 2019.
Discussion:
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) program aligns with and supports the goals and objectives associated with California Assembly Bill 32 and the 2006 Sonoma County Community Climate Action Plan. By promoting and facilitating the implementation of energy reduction projects and raising awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of such activities, the County will continue to demonstrate commitment and leadership in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for County operations and the community.
Through partnership with RCPA, the General Services ESD will improve upon its service delivery, increase educational efforts, and continue serving the public with projects that result in greenhouse gas reductions and promote energy efficiency to enhance Sonoma County’s community and environment.
This agreement leverages the impact of current energy efficiency and sustainability programs that the General Services Energy and Sustainability Division manages including the Sonoma County Energy Watch Program, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), the Sonoma Green Business Program, and workforce development through contractor programs.
The 2019 agreement is a contract for a total of $95,969 for the 2019 calendar year. During the program cycle, the County General Services ESD will provide services through BayREN programs for Single Family Residences, Multifamily Residential, Codes and Standards Development, Commercial Businesses, Green Labeling (home energy scores), and the Water Bill Savings Program (formerly the Pay-As-You-Save PAYS Program).
Objectives of the 2019 Program
The RCPA will leverage the Energy and Sustainability Division’s experience and success working with residences and businesses in implementing environmental programs through contracting direct service delivery elements of the BayREN program to the Division.
• Single-Family: Provide services to support the BayREN Single Family program. These tasks include local outreach to single-family residents (homeowners and renters), contractor recruitment, support and engagement, and coordination with the BayREN.
• Multi-Family: Provide services to support the BayREN Multifamily program. These tasks include local outreach to recruit property owners, support to the consultant providing technical assistance services to local property owners, assistance with recruiting contractors for trainings, and coordination with the BayREN.
• Codes and Standards: Provide coordination efforts related to promotion of trainings, over the counter and electronic compliance improvement tools, regional forums, and reach code and zero net energy (ZNE) policy resources; and engagement with the Bay Area chapters of the International Code Council (ICC), City and County Board of Supervisors, local governments within their respective County and other key stakeholders (local contractor and building professional groups/associations, property owner and building operator associations, etc.).
• Commercial: Provide regulatory participation, outreach, and expertise related to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing.
• Water Bill Savings Program (formally known as PAYS): Provide services to support the expansion of this program. These tasks include local outreach, contractor recruitment, support and engagement, and coordination with the RCPA.
• Green Labeling: Provide services to implement the Home Energy Score program, provide real estate sector education, and coordinate County level real estate engagement. Green labeling is a critical component of a comprehensive approach to achieve greater energy efficiency in California’s homes, the objective of AB 758. Green labeling enables market recognition of the value of a green home during real estate transactions and complements other market transformation strategies such as incentives and financing.
This agreement between the County General Services Department and the RCPA is a result of ongoing communication and collaboration to enhance how our two organizations work effectively together to offer non-competing energy efficiency services using funding from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other partners to meet the County’s economic and environmental stewardship goals. As the County’s point of contact to BayREN, the RCPA is a key partner with the ability and potential to apply for public goods charge funding from the CPUC to offer additional energy efficiency programs that complement but do not overlap existing energy and sustainability programs.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 18-19 Adopted |
FY19-20 Projected |
FY 20-21 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$47,985 |
$47,984 |
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|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$47,985 |
$47,984 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$47,985 |
$47,984 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$47,985 |
$47,984 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Staff resource costs required to perform the agreement will be reimbursed by the RCPA and paid on a time and materials/expenses basis. The Agreement establishes a not to exceed limit of $95,969, which will be reimbursed to County for services performed. The County shall invoice the RCPA on a monthly basis. Revenues and expenses were anticipated in the FY18-19 Budget, no additional appropriations are needed.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A - I Step) |
Additions (number) |
Deletions (number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
The BayREN program funding replaces revenue lost through fiscal year 2018-19 budget cuts for existing staff to continue and enhance delivery of educational services and technical expertise.
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Professional Services Agreement with the Regional Climate Protection Authority
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None