renewable energy finance program “save some green” river falls municipal utilities mike noreen...
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Renewable Energy Finance Program “Save Some Green”
River Falls Municipal UtilitiesMike Noreen
Conservation and Efficiency CoordinatorApril 7, 2010
Who We Are• Non profit and locally owned and operated electric,
water/sewer, and wastewater utility.• Serves around 5,800 customers in River Falls, WI. • WPPI Energy is wholesale power provider.• Community ownership and control is the hallmark
of public power — local people working together to meet local needs.
• Mixture of agricultural, university and bedroom community with a progressive spirit.
• Selected by WPPI Energy to “Lead By Example” and become one of four “model communities”.
• Committee was established to help River Falls become a model in the state and region for implementing community-wide sustainability initiatives.
• Comprised a group of concerned citizens representing the university, hospital, public school, private sector, city government, and utilities.
Our Challenge
POWERful Choices!Mission Statement: A community-wide effort to install a strong local conservation ethic while demonstrating the effectiveness of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable resources
“Lead by Example” Locally• LEED Silver Certified City Hall• Hired Conservation and Efficiency Coordinator • Formed employee “Green Teams” to reduce energy
in municipal facilities by 10% • Performing Energy Audit on all municipal facilities• Installed Wind Test Tower • Purchased Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle
The BIG Picture• Governor Doyle selected University of WI-River
Falls 1 of 4 campuses to be “off the grid” by 2012.• EPA Green Power Community and Top 10 List for
green power usage - first community in Wisconsin and the Midwest.
• U.S. DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Top 10 List for green power sales.
• Full participation in the WPPI Energy, Solar Buy Back Tariff.
• First new construction LEED Silver City Hall in Wisconsin!
• Selected to be 1 of 4 Midwest Efficiency Cities.
Our Latest Project
• Innovative Renewable Energy Finance Program called “Save Some Green”.
• Install renewable energy system on home.– Solar photovoltaic panel system– Solar hot water– Solar thermal heating– Geothermal heating and cooling system– Wind turbines– Major energy efficiency projects (in conjunction with
renewable energy project)
• Repay on property taxes.
Program Details
• Residential customers within city limits.• Funding and administration through the utility. • 4% loan ranging from 5-20 years.• $2,500 - $50,000 range.• Loan paid back as a “special charge” on city
property taxes.
Renewable Energy in 10 Easy Steps
1. Review program guidelines.2. Complete Focus on Energy Home Performance
with ENERGY STAR evaluation.3. Obtain bid proposals.4. Pay application fee ($25-100).5. Utility internal review of application.
10 Easy Steps Continued…6. Sign required documentation including: Loan
Agreement, Promissory Note, Mortgage document, Standard Distribution Generation Application, and Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement.
7. Proceed with installation.8. Conduct final inspection and submit copy of final
bill for payment.9. Process payment directly to installer, record
mortgage and submit info to the city for collection on property taxes.
10. Pay “special charge” on city property taxes.
Funding Source
• Electric revenue funded.• $500,000* utility commitment for “Save Some
Green” program in 2010.• Funding sources for 2011 yet to be secured.
* An additional 1.7% of revenue has been dedicated for additional conservation programs and services, as approved through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Why Program Was Created• Eliminate “cost first” barrier when considering
renewable energy installation.• Offer additional low interest funding options.• Increase the proliferation of renewable energy
systems into residential market.• Help customer through the complex web of city
codes, financial rebates, renewable energy options and deadlines.
Program Uniqueness• No improvement district formed or municipal
bonds sold.• Funding acquired from utility revenue.• Commitment to energy efficiency required.• Not tax deductible.• Homeowner signs mortgage document and owns
the renewable energy system.• Incentives are not required to be repaid
immediately.• Loan to be paid off at the sale of the property.
Potential Concerns• Limited pool of funding.• Trailblazers and program guidelines may change.• Attempt to have all projects with energy savings of
at least 75% of the cost of the loan.• Is the renewable energy technology ready?
2007
2008
2009
2010
April—Approved "Leading By Example” participation
November—Started following Berkley model
February—First met with City staff
March—Subcommittee formed
November—Presented program concept to governing bodies
November—Approved collection on property taxes
March—Approved funding allocation
March—Mass marketing
March—First customer application!!
Project Timeline
"Our goal is not to take over the market for financing solar and energy efficiency," says
Francisco DeVries.
"It's to provide a financing mechanism for people who otherwise could not or would not get solar
and energy efficiency.”
[DeVries is a confessed save-the-climate junkie and chief of staff for Berkeley, California, that was in charge of implementing an ambitious new measure to cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.]
Questions and Comments?
Mike Noreen, Conservation and Efficiency Coordinator715-426-3467 [email protected]
River Falls Municipal Utilities222 Lewis Street, Suite 228
River Falls, WI 54022www.rfmu.org