title
Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $172,690 to the Special Purpose Fund for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (1EPEN2510) Awarded by the United States Department of Energy
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Department: |
Public Works |
Meeting Date: |
3/4/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
David Ingram |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-1602 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance Attachment #2: Resolution Authorizing Application for EECBG Attachment #3: EECBG Project Details |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate grant funds awarded to the City of Wilmington by The United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) to assist local governments in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wilmington has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (“EECBG”) by the DOE in the amount of $172,690 with no matching funds required. The City of Wilmington set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by 58% by 2050, utilize 50% clean energy for municipal operations by 2035 (and 100% by 2050), electrify 50% of the city fleet by 2035 (100% by 2050), and has community wide goals to collaborate on clean energy and equity efforts. To make progress toward these goals, the EECBG funds will be utilized on the following three projects:
1. Fleet Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition Study:
• Grant Funding: $100,000.
• To guide efforts towards achieving fleet electrification goals, an RFP was issued to conduct a Fleet EV Transition Study. The components of the study will consist of:
o Fleet evaluation / right sizing
o Fleet transition timing (what to replace when)
o EV charging Infrastructure planning
o Electricity grid impacts & needs
o Fleet purchasing policy recommendations
o Final Fleet EV Transition Report
This proposed use of the EECBG funds has been reviewed and recommended by the Clean Energy Advisory Committee. The study would also support Recommended Action Item #8: Adopt a ZEB or hybrid vehicle purchasing policy from the Ad Hoc Clean Energy Policy Task Force Report.
2. Energy Efficiency Improvements for Low and Moderate Income (LMI) Households:
• Grant Funding: $50,000.
• To meet our community-wide energy and equity goals this use of EECBG funds will be in collaboration with the Housing & Neighborhood Services (HNS) Department. The funds will be used towards improving energy efficiency in the homes of low-moderate income (LMI) residents within the geographic limits of the City of Wilmington. The HNS Department will be responsible for identifying and vetting qualified LMI homeowners. The HNS will manage the inspection and energy audit process to determine if any assistance is available, award and manage the work to be performed, and perform administrative record keeping for the persons / homes provided this assistance. This project also meets the EECBG Justice40 Initiative requirements that 40% of the overall benefits of Federal investments in clean energy and climate solutions flow to disadvantaged communities that for too long have faced disinvestment and underinvestment. Additionally, this project addresses recommendations made in the Ad Hoc Clean Energy Task Force Report from the Social Equity and Community Adoption Subcommittee, including:
o Reduce energy cost burden on low-income city residents through weatherization
and energy efficiency improvements.
o Decrease Energy Cost Burden on Low Income Communities
3. Solar Photovoltaic Array Installation Cost Offset on new Parks & Recreation Maintenance Facility:
• Grant Funding: $22,690.
• To implement projects to achieve our clean energy goals, any remaining EECBG
funds will be used towards offsetting the costs of installing a solar PV array on the new Parks & Recreation Maintenance Facility. Use of the funds toward a solar PV installation would support Recommended Action Item #4: Optimize energy efficiency of municipal buildings & operations from the Ad Hoc Clean Energy Policy Task Force Report.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The EECBG provides 100% re-imbursement of funds, with no matching funds required. No budgetary impact. The budget line for this appropriation is: Energy Efficiency Conservation BG 1EPEN2510.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of this Ordinance is recommended.