DEPARTMENT: Office of Sustainability
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Douglas Melnick, Chief Sustainability Officer
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1,10
SUBJECT:
Interagency Participation Agreement with CPS Energy
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes an Interagency Participation Agreement with CPS Energy to transfer ownership of electric vehicle charging equipment used by the Center City Development and Operations Department and the Library Department in support of CPS Energy's existing network of electric charging stations. Office of Sustainability was the lead department to secure grant funding to purchase and install six electric vehicle charging stations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On June 25, 2009, the City filed an application in response to the DOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Funding Opportunity Announcement ("FOA") which allocated federal grant funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to qualified local governments for the implementation of energy efficiency programs. The City qualified for federal ARRA grant funds in the approximate amount of $12.8 million to support, manage and implement the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency in the building, transportation and other appropriate sectors. A portion of these grant funds, totaling $9,371.58 was used to purchase and install six (6) EV Charge America electric vehicle charging stations located in COSA parking facilities, as authorized by City Council under Ordinance 2009-12-10-1037. EV Charge America was awarded in October 2010 and installed in November 2011 within the following City facilities:
· (1) Electric Vehicle Charger - Central Library Parking Garage, 600 Soledad, 78205
· (2) Electric Vehicle Charger - Houston Street (Mid City) Garage, 240 E. Houston Street, 78205
· (1) Electric Vehicle Charger - Marina Garage, 850 E. Commerce Street, 78205
· (1) Electric Vehicle Charger - St. Mary's Parking Garage, 400 N St. Mary's Street, 78205
· (1) Electric Vehicle Charger - Thousand Oaks Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks, 78233
The goal of the Program was to encourage the use of electric-powered vehicles by citizens to increase their energy savings while also improving air and water quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
CPS Energy operates 135 ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations at numerous locations throughout their service area. City staff and CPS Energy agree that coordination of their respective energy initiatives will increase the efficiency of the effort and result in enhanced utilization of resources. Upon City Council approval, the City will transfer ownership of the six EV charging stations to CPS Energy. CPS Energy will upgrade the six stations to ChargePoint electric charging stations. These stations are identical to the EV charging stations already operated by CPS Energy and are proven to operate reliably for a larger variety of vehicle models. The six replaced stations will continue to be public-charging stations for citizens to charge their vehicles without a fee.
ISSUE:
The Office of Sustainability is recommending approval to authorize an Interagency Participation Agreement with CPS Energy to transfer ownership of electric vehicle charging equipment used by the Center City Development and Operations Department and the Library Department in support of CPS Energy's existing network of electric charging stations.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may deny or postpone authorization of the Interagency Participation Agreement with CPS Energy to transfer ownership of electric vehicle charging equipment. Failure to approve the ordinance would require City staff to identify alternative funding to replace the equipment, leave the chargers in place or remove them.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will continue to fund the cost of electricity to operate the electric vehicle charging stations. City staff estimates the cost to operate an electric vehicle charging station is approximately $50.00 per month in electric utility usage.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to authorize an Interagency Participation Agreement with CPS Energy to transfer ownership of electric vehicle charging equipment used by the Center City Development and Operations Department and the Library Department in support of CPS Energy's existing network of electric charging stations.