Grid Decarbonization

In Progress
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Grid decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating the carbon emitted by the grid. The City estimates grid decarbonization will reduce energy demand by 23 percent. However, electricity demand will increase due to the transition to electric vehicles and buildings. If renewable sources are used, the increased demand will not add to the emissions level on the grid, while the emissions for transportation and the built environment will be sharply reduced.

OUR INTERPRETATION

The City has restructured the plan for Grid Decarbonization in a number of ways. Utility Scale Solar Energy Story has been broadened to Energy Storage. A pilot program is being defined, and the due date has moved from May 2023 to December 2025. The Rooftop and Ground-Mounted Solar goals have been consolidated, and the due date will move from January 2025 to December 2025. The 5MW individual goals will be combined for a total of 10MW for the consolidated approach. This change reflects the City's belief that rooftop solar is more viable in the City. The Community Choice Aggregation project has progressed through City approvals but has been impacted by schedule issues at the Public Service Commission. 

Energy Storage

In Progress

Non-wires alternatives (NWAs) use distributed energy resources and microgrids to defer or replace the installation of more traditional “wires and poles” infrastructure. When utilities choose non-wires alternatives, they often save ratepayers money by avoiding investments in costly infrastructure. From an environmental perspective, NWAs may cut carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy that avoids fossil fuel-fired plants. They can also reduce line losses, boost efficiency and shift loads.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By December 2025: The City will complete a pilot program for utility scale energy storage as non-wires alternatives.

Distribution Upgrades

In Progress

Distribution refers to the system that carries electricity over poles and wires from the energy source to homes and businesses. Making smart grid upgrades can provide a more responsive system. 

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By January 2027: In coordination with utility companies, plan and deliver required upgrades to distribution system.

Community Choice Aggregation

Complete

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) allows local governments to procure power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal accounts from an alternative supplier while still receiving distribution and transmission service from their existing utility provider. By aggregating demand, communities gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources. CCA’s may also make it easier to balance peak and off-peak usages of electricity, especially if combining business and residential buildings.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By May 2023: The City will propose a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) law to the Planning and Economic Development Committee (PEDC).

Renewable Energy

Not Started

Capture of solar power through installed panels on rooftops, parking garages or available open spaces, with the goal of delivering 10MW capability to the municipality.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By December 2025: The City will document and publish a plan to deploy 10MW of solar capability to the municipality.
  • By December 2030: The City will fully implement the plan.

Back to Scorecard

Scorecard
Updates
About the Project
Website designed and built by Paula Welling