General Plan - Energy Element
INTRODUCTION
There has been wide-spread public and official concern about future
energy supplies. The fundamental problems underlying the projected
decrease in the supply and increased costs of traditional energy
sources are national and international in scope, but there are
significant contributions which can be made by local government. Land
use patterns, building standards, growth policy, transportation and
intensity of development all directly affect local energy consumption.
Efficient use of energy, by both the City and its businesses and
residents, can be mandated or encouraged by local government.
Alternative energy sources, which can address at least part of the
City's needs, can be investigated and developed. Since unlimited supply
of relatively low cost energy can no longer be taken for granted,
energy considerations need to be evaluated along with other factors
that enter into City policies and decisions.
BACKGROUND
Issues and Problems
- Convincing energy consumers to utilize energy more
efficiently.
- An aggressive mandatory energy conservation program versus
a voluntary, incentive-based program.
- Added energy demand caused by new development and its
ramification on future energy cost and supply.
- The cost-effectiveness of certain alternate energy source
energy conservation measures.
- The City's dependence on nonrenewable energy resources.
Opportunities
- An in-house Energy Coordinator and municipally-owned water
and power utility as a means of implementing conservation policies and
programs.
- Expanded energy conservation programs directed at the
development process and large energy consumers.
- Increased utilization of Transportation Systems Management
strategies.
- Local utilization of cost-effective alternative energy
systems.
- Consumer education, including at the elementary and
secondary school levels.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal 1.0:
New buildings which exceed Title 24 standards and improved energy
efficiency of existing buildings.
Objectives:
1.1 20 percent of existing
buildings weatherized by 1988.
1.2 20 percent of existing
residential units and 30 percent of existing commercial and industrial
buildings to have been energy audited by 1988.
1.3 An average 20 percent
reduction in BTU’s per sq. ft. consumed in 30 percent of existing
non-residential (commercial/industrial) buildings by 1988, using an
average of energy usage during 1980-1982 as the baseline.
1.4 An average 20 percent
reduction in BTU’s per sq. ft. consumed in 20 percent of existing
residential units by 1988, using an average of energy usage during the
years 1980-1982 was the baseline.
1.5 New buildings to exceed
Title 24 standards by an average of 10 percent.
Goal 2.0:
Energy efficient transportation of people and goods.
Objectives
2.1 25 percent of total office
building space to utilize ridesharing and parking management strategies
by 1988.
Goal 3.0
Greater use of energy from alternative sources.
Objectives
3.1 30 percent of City
electrical energy demand to be met from renewable sources and
conservation by 1988.
3.2 900 Solar water heating
installations to be in operation by 1988.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND POLICIES
Strategy I 00.0:
Expanded energy conservation efforts be directed towards encouraging
energy efficient new development and increasing the effectiveness of
current conservation and wheatherization efforts in the public and
private sectors.
Policies:
101.0 Energy conservation shall merit equal consideration with all
other development criteria in the evaluation of development projects.
102.0 All new development projects requiring discretionary action by
the City and subject to full environmental impact report shall be made
to comply with all energy related mitigation measures including TSM
(Transportation Systems Management).
103.0 The City shall maintain a power rate structure which encourages
conservation by its consumers.
104.0 The City shall require consideration of solar access to both
present and future developments.
105.0 The City shall encourage and make maximum use of energy from
alternative sources, including, but not limited to utilization and
participation in, if economically feasible, small hydro facilities.
106.0 The City shall devote not less than the current ratio of its
annual power sales revenues to conservation programs.
Programs:
100.1 Expansion of the occupancy inspection program to include energy
audits. Compliance with recommended improvements is to be voluntary,
but audit findings are to be made available to new occupants.
100.2 Annual reports to the Board of Directors by the Energy Policy
Coordinating Committee on the progress of achieving the objectives of
increasing weatherization and reducing BTU consumption by 1988. At the
end of FY 1989, the Energy Policy Coordinating Committee will report to
the Board as to whether the extent of progress achieved under a
voluntary approach warrants the institution of mandatory programs.
100.3 Imposition of a condition on City-assisted rehabilitation loan
approvals to require applicants of loans for improvements beyond those
to meet building code requirements to use an amount not to exceed 6
percent of the loan for every conservation improvements. Improvements
necessary would be determined by the City's in-house auditors.
100.4 Imposition of a surcharge on power consumption which exceeds the
average monthly consumption during the previous year or a multi-tier
power rate structure in which unit costs increase in proportion to
consumption.
100.5 Adoption of ordinances which will:
1) Prohibit Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's)
adverse to solar systems;
2) Require the dedication of solar easements with new subdivisions
(other than condominium conversions); and
3) Establishment procedures and guidelines for reviewing all new
projects for their effect on solar access to existing and future solar
applications on adjacent properties.
100.6 Preparation and implementation of a master plan for the City's
internal energy conservation program which addresses all energy using
facilities and equipment. It should be based on an incentive program
and include energy audits and an implementation schedule with a
financing program. The plans should be annually updated to include new
cost-effective energy management tactics and financing opportunities.
The City's Energy Coordinator would be responsible for providing the
coordination and technical assistance for this effort.
100.7 An incentive program for developers to exceed Title 24 energy
efficiency standards. incentives can include, but are not limited to:
1)An "Energy Efficiency Rating System," administered by the City's
Energy, Coordinator, whereby a high rating can be used as a marketing
tool.
2) Priority processing.
Strategy 200.0:
Development of land use patterns which reduce the need to travel and
transportation systems which increase patronage of more energy
efficient travel modes.
Policies:
201.0 The City shall encourage energy efficient land development.
202.0 The City shall provide incentives to developers to promote ride
sharing and/or the use of public transportation.
Programs:
200.1 Incorporation of incentive provisions in the Zoning Ordinance
granting height and density bonuses for mixed use developments.
200.2 Granting of parking variances to developments which utilize
transportation or parking management techniques or are located adjacent
to public transportation lines.