HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 Alternative Power options Agenda Item
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DistrictPublic Utility
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Peter Holzmeister
Date: November 8, 2006
Subject: Discussion of alternative power supply options
Why this matter is before the Board: We have received comments from members of the public
expressing concern over our plan to enter into a contract with UAMPS for a power supply using coal
as the fuel. This matter in on the agenda to give those people a chance to address the Board.
History: The Board adopted as one of its goals that we will "Manage the District is an environmentally
sound manner". Two specific objectives were then adopted: (1) the District will maintain a program of
energy and water use efficiency and (2) the District will seek to minimize any negative impact of its
operations on the environment.
The District also adopted a goal that states the District will "Provide an adequate reliable and high
quality electric supply ... to meet current and future needs". Again, the Board adopted two objectives
directly related to this goal that state (1) the District will maintain and implement a long-term energy
and load forecast and (2) the District will procure and contract for low cost electric power supplies to
reliably meet current and future loads.
You are already familiar with the history of our involvement in the UAMPS IPP-3 generation unit. You
are also familiar with the fact that we have no power supply lined up for the period beginning in the
second quarter of 2008. IPP-3 gives us base load power supply beginning in 2012. It does not
provide power for all of our needs. We still need to acquire other power resources to meet the full
needs of our customers. Therein is an opportunity to secure green power as part of our power supply
portfolio.
We have a long tradition of supporting green technology. We fought for over twenty years to get
access to hydro-power from WAPA. We finally succeeded. We are currently fighting to get access to
hydro-power at Stampede dam. We support ground source heat pump technology, biomass
technology, and photovoltaic technology. We offer rebates for energy efficiency appliances. We
support the green building movement. We conduct energy audits for businesses and residences. We
offer net metering for customers who install on green site generation. We have invested in hybrid
vehicles. We sponsor an electric vehicle refueling station in Truckee.
New information: I have asked Jackie Coombs of UAMPS to attend the meeting to help us discuss
the development of a power supply portfolio, the role of base load, peaking power, and the place
where green power best fits. This where we balance the goals and objectives set forth above.
At the end of the day, it is clear that this District agrees with the promoters of green power. It is
probably beneficial to have that discussion Wednesday evening.
Recommendation: Executing the IPP-3 contract does not exclude the District from have an
aggressive strategy of pursing green power within our overall power supply portfolio.