2022.04.12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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possibility to assist the City in implementing a plan. She reiterated that some of the work was work the City already needed to do, while other work was in marketing this program to local businesses. Schlichting explained this was an energy action plan would focus on how the City uses energy, electric vehicles and how the City uses its buildings. He reported the City has been opportunistic in this area and was pursuing pilot programs for an EV program. He indicated a climate action plan would integrate transportation, waste management, greenspace, and water. He discussed how the energy action plan would fold nicely into the City’s climate action plan. Councilmember Dunsworth asked if the City would be positioning itself well by pursuing this program in possibly receiving funding from the State in the future. Massopust noted this could be a possibility. Fink reported Xcel Energy takes applications twice a year for this program and the next round was due in July. She asked if the Council supported the City applying for the program. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated she was thrilled to have the City apply and participate in this program. She asked what kind of public engagement would be required for this program. Fink reported she could work with the facilitators to make sure the City was not over asking the community for assistance or existing commissions could be utilized to assist in finding a vetted group that was willing to work on the engagement panel. Councilmember Dunsworth commented she loved this and she believed it would be easy to get members of the community to assist because this program was narrow in scope and sustainability efforts were top of mind for people. She fully supported the City applying for this program. Councilmember Abdulle supported the City applying for the program as well. He explained this program aligned well with the Council’s goals for the City. He believed there was enthusiasm in the community behind this topic and that there would be support from residents. He suggested a survey be completed prior to the City setting its goals within this program. Councilmember Axberg supported the City applying for this program too. Home Energy Squad Partnership Program Fink stated the mission of the Center for Energy and Environment is to “discover and deploy the most effective energy solutions that strengthen the economy and improve the environment.” In order to accomplish that, one of the services that the Center for Energy and Environment offers is a Home Energy Audit. After experiencing this first hand, staff reached out to CEE. A number of cities “buy down” the cost of these audits for residents. She asked if this was something the Council wanted to consider. Stacy Bootscamp, Center for Energy and Environment, explained she worked on residential and Home Energy Squad outreach. She provided further comment on how energy audits work and noted they were available to all CenterPoint and Xcel Energy customers in one to four unit homes. She described the products that were installed during the audits that assist customers in saving immediately. She explained the audit provides an energy fitness plan along with a guide for next steps and rebate information. She explained CEE was a non- profit organization that works to help people make their home more efficient. She commented further on how the City can partner with CCE to promote and subsidize the expense of the home energy audits. It was noted free energy audits are provided to families living at 60% AMI. Councilmember Abdulle questioned what the expense was for a home energy audit. Fink reported the most a home energy audit would be was $100, and commented further on the services included with the audit.