Local Government Strategies for 100% Clean Energy
6/23/2020
Agenda
Introduction to SolSmart Danny Falk, The Solar FoundationIntroduction to 100% Clean Energy Debra Perry, Cadmus
Steve Hubble, City of Boise-County Collaboration Jeremiah
LeRoy, Buncombe CountyAurora Edington,
CadmusQ&A
About SolSmart
FundingU.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office
GoalHelp local governments make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses to go solar
ParticipantsU.S. municipalities, counties, and regional organizations
DesignationSolSmartnationally recognizes local solar achievements by designating communities as SolSmartGold, Silver, or Bronze
Technical AssistanceProvided at no cost to help communities achieve designation
Technical Assistance Program Designation Program AdministratorDesignation Program Administrator
Program Design and Execution
SolSmartCategories
and identify areas for technical assistance in the following 8 categories:
Permitting
Planning, Zoning, & Development
Inspection
Construction Codes
Solar Rights
Utility Engagement
Community Engagement
Market Development and Finance
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
Acknowledgment:This material is based upon work the supported by the Department of Energy and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007155.
Disclaimer:This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by anagency of the United States Government.Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof.The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.
Debra Perry
Senior Associate, Cadmus
Pathways to 100%?
Over 150 cities, 10 counties, and 7 states across the U.S. have already adopted ambitious 100% clean energy goals. Six U.S. cities Aspen, Burlington, Georgetown, Greensburg, Rock Port, and Kodiak Island have already hit their targets.
Powered by 100% RE
Committed to 100% RE
Working toward 100% RE
https://www.sierraclub.org/ready-for-100/commitments
https://www.sierraclub.org/ready-for-100/commitments
How to frame your goal?
Consider your local context and prioritiesWhat is a meaningful timeframe in your community
Which of these might work best for your community?100% renewable electricity by 20XX100% renewable energy by 20XX1,000MW of renewable energy by 20XX1,000MW of clean energy by 20XX80% carbon reduction by 2050
Considerations
The community must balance different criteria:Increased renewable energy capacityEnvironmental impactsLocal impactsEquity impactsFinancial impacts
3 Steps to Transform Your Energy Supply
Map the energy landscape
Identify available strategies
Organize capacity,
resources, and partnerships
Determine the typeof utility
Outline key state energy policies and regulations
Map the energy landscape
Utility Implications
Investor-owned utilities (IOUs).State regulators determine most aspects of rates and services and local jurisdictions have little direct control. Intervening in state proceedings, leveraging buying power, taxing authority, franchise agreements, and municipalization can all influence the operations of IOUs.Rural electric cooperatives.Local jurisdictions have little direct control over cooperatives as well and state regulators have minimal oversight. Collaboration or lobbying the board of directors and/or member-owners for renewable energy programs and incentives are the primary avenues available.Municipal utilities. Municipalities have the greatest control over these utilities. Governance structures vary, but municipalities may have the authority to appoint board members, approve integrated resource plans, and/or secure procurement contracts.
Retail Electricity Choice
Partial Retail Electricity Choice
No Retail Electricity Choice
Credit: 21st Century Power Partnership; operating agent::
NREL
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/68993.pdf
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/68993.pdf
State Policy Implications
States with Net Metering Policies
State-developed mandatory rules for certain utilities
In transition to statewide distributed generation compensation rules other than net metering
Statewide distributed generation compensation rules other than net metering
No statewide mandatory rules, but some utilities allow net metering
Credit: DSIRE
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ncsolarcen-prod/wp-
content/uploads/2019/07/DSIRE_Net_Metering_April2019.pdf
States Allowing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
Credit: DSIRE
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ncsolarcen-prod/wp-
content/uploads/2019/07/DSIRE_3rd-Party-PPA_June_2019.pdf
Apparently disallowed by state or otherwise restricted by legal barriers
Authorized by state or otherwise currently in use, at least in certain jurisdictions
Status unclear or unknown
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ncsolarcen-prod/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSIRE_Net_Metering_April2019.pdfhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/ncsolarcen-prod/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSIRE_3rd-Party-PPA_June_2019.pdf
Identify available strategies
Consumer-oriented strategiesTargeting municipal operationsUtility -focused strategies
Identify Available Strategies
Identify Available Strategies –Consumer Oriented Strategies
Identify Available Strategies –Municipal Operations
Identify Available Strategies –Utility -Focused Strategies
Organize capacity,
resources, and partnerships
Staffing UpPartnering + Collaborating
Engaging Stakeholders
Engaging the Community
Putting It All Together: Developing a RE Strategy
I. Sourcing Ideas + Input II. Selection III. Synthesis
Input + Ideas(Vision,
Goals, + Potential
Strategies)
FINAL Strategy
COMMUNITY VISIONING
BENCHMARKING & BESTPRACTICE ANALYSIS
REVIEW OF EXISTING PROGRAMS &
PLANS
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Scenario Modeling Approach
1. Develop model of baseline energy consumption in the city over time
2. Identify policy actions of interest and expected impacts
3. Add policy impacts into model
4. Model provides energy, environmental, and economic outputs
Reflecting Your Community Priorities
If the City prioritizes… A renewable energy policy may involve…
Increased localrenewable installed capacity
Strategies that encourage or requirelocal renewable energy production, which may sacrifice scale of impact or project economics.
A climateresilient renewable energy transition
Strategies that focus on increasing the climate resilience of the electric grid and community, which may impact scale of impact or project economics.
An equitablerenewable energy transition
A focus on local programs, jobcreation,and a reduction of income-related market barriers. This may result in a smaller increase in RE capacity than other strategies.
Financialsavings to the city and its residents/businesses
Targeted installation or participation in renewable energy purchasingprograms that offer financial benefits, and would likely sell any RECs obtained.
Resources: Select Planning Guides + Frameworks
Pathways to 100: An Energy Supply Primer for U.S. Cities
Cadmus
http://www.mc -group.com/pathways-to-100/
Community Energy Resource Guide
Rocky Mountain Institute, Carbon War Room
https://rmi.org/wp -content/uploads/2017/04/Community_Energy_Resource_Guide_Report_2015.pdf
Framework for Long-Term Deep Carbon Reduction Planning
CNCA + INC
http://www.usdn.org/uploads/cms/documents/cnca-framework-12-16-15.pdf
SolSmartToolkit for Local Governments
SolSmart
https://solsmart.org/solar-energy-a-toolkit -for-local-governments/
http://www.mc-group.com/pathways-to-100/https://rmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Community_Energy_Resource_Guide_Report_2015.pdfhttp://www.usdn.org/uploads/cms/documents/cnca-framework-12-16-15.pdfhttps://solsmart.org/solar-energy-a-toolkit-for-local-governments/
Covid-19 Implications for RE Planning
Finding meaningful approaches to virtual engagement, particularly for historically underrepresented communities2020 data an anomaly or new normal? Perhaps a trial run for future strategies? Telecommuting, etc.
Steve Hubble
Deputy Environmental Manager, Department of Public Works, City of Boise, Idaho
Background
Boise background:- Idaho Capital
- Population: 230,000 (City)/700,000 (Region)
- Utilities Regulated/Vertically Integrated
- Idaho Power/Intermountain Gas
Boise action:- Climate agreements
- Climate Adaptation Assessment
- Electric vehicles
- Municipal building energy use goals
Project Background
Overall Objective: Develop guidance document and establish ambitious yet achievable energy goals.
Establish Project Team
Data Collection
Community Engagement
Develop Goals and Opportunities
Implementation
Community Energy Use
Electricity Generation Mix
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Electricity Goals and Actions
100% of the electricity
be cleanby 2035while prioritizing affordability and accessfor all.
Idaho Power Goal
Thermal Goals and Actions
Implementation/Next Steps
Existing Efficiency Programs - Increase Customer Participation
Regulatory Activities- Public Utilities Commission- Utility Advisory Groups Integrated Resources Plan/Energy
Efficiency
Thermal Plan- Establish quantitative goals and detailed actions for renewable transition
Climate Action
Lessons Learned
Community Engagement- Foundational Equity- Broader Public Engagement
Financial Analysis- Expand quantifying risks and benefits
Data Specificity
Potential for Impact
Jeremiah LeRoy
Sustainability Officer, Buncombe County, North Carolina
Local Context
Renewable Goals100% RE for Buncombe County operations by 2030 100% RE Community-wide by 2042
community goal
Regulatory Framework for NCState Regulated/Monopolized Energy MarketDuke Energy Largest Investor Owned Utility in the U.S.3rd Party power purchases are not allowed
Collaboration
Buncombe and Asheville:Similar goals and limited resources
Issued a joint RFP for Renewable Energy Planning Services Contracted with The Cadmus Group
Pathways to 100 Results
Click here to view the full report
https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/come-learn-about-asheville-buncombe-county-100-renewable-energy-initiative/
Pathways to 100%
Pathway: Highly Local, Feasible Actions
Streamlined permitting, zoning, and inspection for the community
Implementation of high-
Solar Design
Energy Modeling
Lifecycle Cost Analysis
Lease government-owned land to the utility for renewable
energy development
Aggregated procurement of renewable energy projects on
public facilities
Aggregated Procurement
Solar RFP for Public Agencies
City, County, School Systems, Community College
Site IdentificationStructural AssessmentsInitial System DesignPreliminary BudgetsBid Drawings/SpecificationsSolicitation Issued for construction
Additional Efforts
Duke Energy Climate CollaborativeSpecifically working with local govts in an effort to help them reach their clean energy goalsDeveloped a Green Tariff; enhancing EE program offerings
Cities InitiativeFunded through the NC EDFPartnership between local govts in NC to address the climate crisis by sharing resources and leveraging collective voicesFocus on State and Utility level policy
https://www.duke-energy.com/business/products/renewables/green-source-advantage
Aurora Edington
Senior Analyst, Cadmus
West Chester Area, PA Renewable Energy Study
Six townships (East Bradford, East Goshen, West Goshen, Westtown, West Whiteland and West Chester Borough) worked through the West Chester Area Council of Governments (WCACOG) to study the pathways for achieving a transition to:
100% renewable electricity by 2035
100% renewable energy by 2050
The six municipalities hired the Cadmus Group in 2019 to complete a study on:Strategies to achieve an energy transition The energy impact, feasibility, and financial impact associated with the strategies
Cadmus Approach
Stakeholder and
Community Engagement
Conducted intake
interviews
Convened an Advisory
Group workshop
Held a Community
Visioning workshop
Project website
maintenance
Strategy Analysis and
Siting Review
Identified potential
strategies
Developed evaluation
criteria
Assessed strategies
against key criteria
Conducted a solar siting
analysis for eight sites
Analyzed baseline energy
levels
Analyzed potential energy
impacts of selected
strategies on energy mix
Assessed cost impacts to
municipalities
Energy and Financial
Impact Modeling
Cadmus Approach
Stakeholder and
Community Engagement
Conducted intake
interviews
Convened an Advisory
Group workshop
Held a Community
Visioning workshop
Project website
maintenance
Strategy Analysis and
Siting Review
Identified potential
strategies
Developed evaluation
criteria
Assessed strategies
against key criteria
Conducted a solar siting
analysis for eight sites
Analyzed baseline energy
levels
Analyzed potential energy
impacts of selected
strategies on energy mix
Assessed cost impacts to
municipalities
Energy and Financial
Impact Modeling
Energy Baseline
First want to understand the current and baseline consumption to determine the scale of change necessary to achieve the renewable electricity and energy goals of the townships.
Components of the baseline analysis include: The current breakdown of energy generation sourcesProjections of the energy mix if no additional actions taken between now and 2050.
Modeling Workflow
Energy Baseline –2018 Energy Use
Components of the baseline analysis include: The current breakdown of energy generation sourcesProjections of the energy mix if no additional actions were taken by WCA between now and 2050.
WCA Energy Consumption by Sector WCA Energy Consumption by Sector and Fuel Type
Energy Baseline –2018 Energy Use
Components of the baseline analysis include: The current breakdown of energy generation sourcesProjections of the energy mix if no additional actions were taken by WCA between now and 2050.
2018 Energy Consumption by Source
Energy Baseline –Projecting Electricity Use
Components of the baseline analysis include: The current breakdown of energy generation sourcesProjections of the energy mixif no additional actions were taken by WCA between now and 2050.
Electricity Generation by Source
Assumptions
Nuclear - forecasted by
incorporating the shutdown of
the Three Mile Island nuclear
power plant in 2019. Assumes
remaining nuclear plants in the
state generate through 2050.
Coal - forecasted to decrease by
10% annually with natural gas
replacing it.
Renewables forecasted to
meet the current PA Alternative
Energy Portfolio Standard then
grow at a constant rate each
year afterwards.
Energy Modeling Methodology
Cadmus modeled the likely energy impacts selected strategies by the townships would have toward increasing renewable energy in the WCA with input from the Advisory Group.Some considerations for each modeled strategy are below:
The year in which a strategy is expected to begin affecting distributed generation buildout or the power supply to the townships. Year Started
Area in which a strategy impacts the electricity supply. Strategies either increase distributed generation in the townships directly or cause broader impacts to the power mix supplying the townships.
Area of Impact
Extent to which a strategy affects renewable generation and how large the impact is assumed to be per year. Scale of Impact
Methodology: Solar Siting Task
East Goshen Public Works Annex
Estimated PV Potential
DC Capacity (kW) 78.8
AC Capacity (kW) 62.6
No. Modules 216
Estimated Annual
Production (kWh)102,144
Percent of Current
Electricity Load Offset100%
Methodology: Solar Siting Task - Applied
Information from the solar siting task was applied to more accurately project the energy impacts of modeled strategiesFor example, assumptions of one relevant strategy are summarized below:
Install Renewable Energy On-Site to Supply Municipal
Operations
Assume we install rooftop solar.Assume average solar system size of 81.5 kW per building (sourced from the Technical Assistance siting task sites). Assume each roof has a solar capacity factor equal to the average capacity of PA, 14%.Assume each municipality adds solar to 10 buildings (60 installations total)Assume solar is added to municipal buildings over a 5-year period. This results in adding solar to two buildings in each township every year.
Modeling Results
Benefits and Limitations of Modeling
Benefits
Quantitatively portray the current and projected energy mixPrioritize potential strategies to be considered in decision-making
Limitations
Unable to account for certain constraints Projections are not the future
Benefits and Limitations of Modeling
Benefits
Quantitatively portray the current and projected energy mixPrioritize potential strategies to be considered in decision-making
Limitations
Unable to account for certain constraints Projections are not the futureExample: COVID-19
Source: U.S. EIA. Hourly Electric Grid Monitor. NOAA.
Q&A
Jeremiah [email protected]
Steve [email protected]
Aurora [email protected]
Upcoming Webinars
July 15 Using Community Choice Aggregation to Support the Expansion of Renewable EnergyAugust 4 How Local and Regional Governments Can Buy Renewable Energy and Support Market Development
Engaging Your Community with SolSmart
No-cost technical assistance can help your community achieve solar energy goals, including 100% clean energy targetsAvailable to all municipalities, counties, and regional organizations
Contact us for more information at [email protected].
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