HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment ZimringAllison Spani
From:
Shanna Kuhlemier
Sent:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022 6:48 PM
To:
Allison Spani
Subject:
FW: Public Comment
Please file on the pdrive and Laserfiche.
Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CMC
District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager
DONNER
11570 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
P:530-582-3980
www.tdpud.org
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From: mark zimring [mailto:mark.zimring@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 12:51 PM
To: Shanna Kuhlemier
Subject: Public Comment
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Can you please have the comment below submitted at this week's TDPUD board meeting?
Thank you!
Mark Zimring
Comment:
2021 provided a harsh glimpse into the future of Truckee's electricity challenges. From catastrophic fire risk
shuttering transmission lines to record -breaking storms devastating infrastructure to natural gas prices more
than doubling, TDPUD faces core challenges in delivering on its core mission of reliability, sustainability and
cost -efficacy.
Those challenges also present unprecedented opportunities for innovation and leadership to drive resilience.
But, this will take more than incrementalism. This will take real vision. Vision to invest in energy efficiency in
the existing commercial & residential building stock as if it is a core resource not a "nice to have". Vision to
invest in local, sustainable power production. Vision to recognize that reliance on baseload natural gas is neither
consistent with the climate change imperative nor fiscally responsible as natural gas prices cannot be hedged
long-term. Vision to invest in a smart microgrid to support core commercial and public service corridors. Vision
to build best -in -class demand response programs. Vision to demonstrate to the world that Truckee can and will
lead.
This is hard work, but it comes with huge upside. Multi -benefit projects like biomass plants can help to reduce
catastrophic fire risk in the area and create local jobs. Energy efficiency can reduce utility bills and increase
health & safety. Tourists will be able to flock to Truckee knowing that the next weather event won't blackout
their vacations. If this vision isn't going to be realized in a place like Truckee, where the costs of inaction have
proven to be clear and present dangers, where is it going to happen?
Please, step up to the moment. The fall 2021 community working groups were disappointing. They suggested a
hodge-podge of incremental potential priorities and a lack of cohesive vision. Let's make 2022 a pivotal year --a
year in which TDPUD builds a credible, compelling vision for the future and takes concrete steps to pivot away
from a business as usual trajectory that promises higher costs, less reliability and constant triage to keep up with
evolving threats.
Best,
Mark Zimring
Truckee Resident & Concerned Citizen