Number
181742
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
091066, 131035, 131576, 170337, 171843, 181537
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN, ALD. HAMILTON, ALD. KOVAC, ALD. DODD, ALD. MURPHY, ALD. JOHNSON, ALD. RAINEY, ALD. PEREZ, AND WITKOWSKI
Title
Resolution directing the Legislative Reference Bureau, in collaboration with the Environmental Collaboration Office, the Department of Administration-Budget and Management Division, and the Department of Public Works, to undertake an analysis of the We Energies Solar Now and Dedicated Renewable Energy Resources pilot tariff programs.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Legislative Reference Bureau, in collaboration with the Environmental Collaboration Office, the Department of Administration-Budget and Management Division, and the Department of Public Works, to undertake an analysis of the We Energies Solar Now and Dedicated Renewable Energy Resources pilot tariff programs. This analysis shall include, but shall not be limited to, the potential costs and benefits (including opportunity costs) to the City of Milwaukee were the City to participate in these programs, the long term implications of these programs on the City’s sustainability goals, the impact of these programs on the overall societal goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and a comparison of these programs with other models for solar energy production across the United States. The resolution also directs the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek the introduction and passage of legislation in the State of Wisconsin that would authorize third party solar energy production similar to the model represented by the current agreement between the City of Milwaukee and Eagle Point Solar.
Body
Whereas, On December 22, 2009, the Common Council adopted File Number 091066, supporting the “25 x 25” goal, which called for generating 25 percent of the City’s electricity from renewable resources by 2025; and
Whereas, On December 17, 2013, the Common Council adopted File Number 131035, approving and directing implementation of the City's sustainability plan, ReFresh Milwaukee; and
Whereas, The City's sustainability plan calls on the City to reduce energy use 20% by 2020 and increase use of renewable energy to 25% by 2025; and
Whereas, On April 2, 2014, the Common Council adopted File Number 131576, directing the Department of Administration-Office of Environmental Sustainability and the Department of Public Works to create an energy independence plan that will, among other things, reduce reliance on fossil fuels for the supply of electricity, natural gas and heat to operate City facilities and infrastructure; and
Whereas, On June 20, 2017, the Common Council adopted File Number 170337, expressing the City’s support for the Paris Climate Accord; and
Whereas, The City has made a commitment to take action to reduce climate pollution in alignment with the City’s energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, and continues to support the principles of the Paris Climate Accord; and
Whereas, On April 17, 2018, the Common Council adopted File Number 171843, directing the Department of Administration-Environmental Collaboration Office to accept $211,882 of incentive funding from the Focus on Energy program and work with a participant investor and solar installer to design, supply, install, commission, maintain and finance 1.1 megawatt (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on six City-owned buildings; and
Whereas, On February 26, 2019, the Common Council adopted File Number 181537, authorizing the Department of Administration to enter into a conventional construction agreement with Eagle Point Solar to build up to 210 kilowatts (KW) of solar systems on three City-owned library facilities with the City of Milwaukee maintaining 100 percent ownership of the facilities immediately upon construction completion and project commissioning; and
Whereas, In December, 2018, We Energies received Wisconsin Public Service Commission approval to offer customers solar energy through two new tariffs, referred to as Solar Now and the Dedicated Renewable Energy Resource; and
Whereas, The City asserts its interest in having a diversified portfolio of clean energy options and demonstrating immediate action on climate change; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Legislative Reference Bureau, in collaboration with the Environmental Collaboration Office, the Department of Administration-Budget and Management Division, and the Department of Public Works, is directed to undertake an analysis of the We Energies Solar Now and Dedicated Renewable Energy Resource pilot tariff programs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the analysis and investigation shall include, but shall not be limited to, the potential costs and benefits (including opportunity costs) to the City of Milwaukee, were the City to participate in these programs, the long term implications of these programs on the City’s sustainability goals, the impact of these programs on the overall societal goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and a comparison of these programs with other models for solar energy production across the United States; and, be it
Further Resolved, That as part of this analysis, the Public Transportation, Utilities and Waterways Review Board and the Public Works Committee may hold public hearings on these programs to solicit public input and comment; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the findings of the analysis shall be presented to the Public Works Committee within three months of adoption of this resolution; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division is authorized to seek the introduction and passage of legislation in the State of Wisconsin that would authorize third party solar energy production similar to the model represented by the current agreement between the City of Milwaukee and Eagle Point Solar.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 173637-1
Aaron Michelson
2/26/2019