Number
080883
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Administration - Office of Environmental Sustainability to enter into a service contract with Focus on Energy and We Energies regarding implementation of the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program (Me2) to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Office of Environmental Sustainability to enter into a service contract with Focus on Energy and We Energies regarding implementing the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties.
Body
Whereas, The 2009 Proposed Budget includes a new innovative pilot program, the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program (Me2) to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties; and
Whereas, The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Milwaukee, Focus on Energy and We Energies; and
Whereas, Focus on Energy will conduct energies audits of homes and small businesses and coordinate building improvements, with the cost being charged to property owners over time as they realize energy savings on their We Energies bills; and
Whereas, The program will help eligible City residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, protect the environment, improve the housing stock, and control the region’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas; and
Whereas, A City appropriation of $1 million provided in a newly created special purpose account for the project will be offset by revenues; and
Whereas, The project is categorized as a “municipal service” under state law, allowing charges to be recovered through the tax bill if customers default on their payments; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration - Office of Environmental Sustainability is directed to represent the City in the Me2 pilot program and set forth the City’s responsibilities during the pilot program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of Environmental Sustainability shall work with partners to implement a new energy efficiency program for residents and businesses within the city; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of Environmental Sustainability is directed, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Focus Energy under which Focus Energy will perform energy efficiency audits and installation; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Office of Environmental Sustainability shall work with Focus on Energy, the Center in Wisconsin Strategy and We Energies to develop a legally-binding M2 service contract that each participating program subscriber signs, which will include explicit terms and conditions of program participation and delivery, including but not limited to any penalties for non-payment of charges by program subscribers and the process handling collections for non-payment; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of Environmental Sustainability shall assist in the determination of the target market for the pilot program and work with partners to identify criteria for selecting neighborhoods; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of Environmental Sustainability shall direct or assist in the initial program advertising, marketing and customer awareness of the availability and features of the program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of Environmental Sustainability shall advise Me2 and Focus on Energy regarding target markets for green energy, training and jobs that may result from program start-up and implementation, and arrange support from the Work Force Development Board.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 08494-1
TWM/sd
10/13/08