American and Businesses: Building Partnerships for a Low-Carbon Future Volume III

Alliance for a Sustainable Future a joint effort by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) January 2020 THE CONFERENCE OF MAYORS Bryan K. Barnett of Rochester Hills, MI President

Greg Fischer Mayor of Louisville Vice President

Nan Whaley Mayor of Dayton Second Vice President

Tom Cochran CEO and Executive Director The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Bob Perciasepe President The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

About the U.S. Conference of Mayors: The U.S. Conference About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities (C2ES) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly working to forge practical solutions to climate change. Our 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city mission is to advance strong policy and action to reduce is represented in the Conference by its chief elected greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen official, the mayor. Learn more at www.usmayors.org resilience to climate impacts. Learn more at www.c2es.org Acknowledgement

The Alliance for a Sustainable Future would like to thank AECOM for leading the development of this report. We would also like to thank Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Duke Energy for their work in developing these case studies. Thank you as well to the cities of Asheville, , , , and Salt Lake City as well as Buncombe County for their contributions to this report. Please note that none of the views of the report necessarily reflect the views of these organizations. The U.S. Conference of Mayors and C2ES are solely responsible for the content of this report. American Mayors and Businesses: Building Partnerships for a Low-Carbon Future Volume III

ALLIANCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE a joint effort by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)

January 2020

CONTENTS Introduction A Partnership A Partnership LakeSalt City & Rocky MountainPower: 100% Clean Energy CommitsLA to ofWaterLos &Los Angeles Department Angeles Power: and & Sustainability inDetroit Advancing Electrification Detroit &DTE Energy: Community Future ofthe Utility Investments ina Leveraging &ComEd:Chicago Negative Future for aCarbon

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Introduction Cities across the country are increasingly reach 100% renewable energy for municipal interested in partnerships to advance buildings by 2025 to Salt Lake City’s energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, goal to reach 100% municipal renewable and low-carbon mobility. Collaborative energy supply by 2032, the undertakings partnerships between cities and utilities are significant, and cities have found serve as opportunities to advance these themselves working with their communities goals and can lay the foundation for clean and utilities to accomplish their goals. Time energy solution implementation, policy and time again, these partnerships have change, and community engagement. been instrumental in enabling communities Through collaboration, cities and utilities to meet their climate targets and spur can leverage a diverse set of resources and development for a clean energy future. connections to take a holistic approach in addressing climate issues that satisfy The Alliance for a Sustainable Future, a community needs, increase resource collaboration between the U.S. Conference access, create supportive regulatory of Mayors (USCM) and the Center for environments, and help utilities grow. Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), has captured a collection of case studies To reach these goals, more than 60% of to demonstrate the impact of city- cities that responded to the 2018 Survey of utility partnerships on addressing the Mayors1 launched or significantly expanded growing impacts of climate change and a climate initiative or policy in the past two promoting collaboration. From different years. The actions are a concerted effort regulatory environments to different on the part of local government to address community priorities, each city-utility the challenges their cities are experiencing partnership has a unique story. However, related to climate impacts: In the past 5 they all demonstrate a commitment to years, 95% of American cities surveyed have improving their communities through experienced a change related to at least innovative collaborative efforts. one climate impact. From Chicago’s goal to

1. Alliance for a Sustainable Future. 2018. Mayors Leading the Way on Climate. www.c2es.org/site/assets/uploads/2018/09/mayors-leading-way-on-climate-2018.pdf.

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This portfolio of case studies features 1. How are these collaborative efforts highly effective city-utility partnerships tackling clean energy and transportation that have and will continue to acceler- issues? ate clean energy, transportation elec- trification, and climate action in their 2. What approaches are replicable and communities. This case study collection accelerate success? features the following four partnerships: 3. How are equity, workforce development, 1. Chicago & Commonwealth Edison and resilience goals woven into the (ComEd): Leveraging Utility Investments collaborations? in a Community of the Future These case studies were selected to provide examples of partnerships 2. Detroit & DTE Energy (DTE): Advancing between both small and large cities Electrification & Sustainability in Detroit and municipally-owned utilities (MOUs) 3. Los Angeles (LA) & Los Angeles and investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in a Department of Water and Power variety of geographies and regulatory environments. They demonstrate how city (LADWP): LA Commits to 100% Clean governments and utilities are implementing Energy renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid 4. Salt Lake City & Rocky Mountain Power: modernization, and mobility electrification A Partnership for a Carbon Negative initiatives to drive positive community Future change and progress towards city targets. The purpose of this collection of case studies is to give both cities and utilities an overview of partnerships that have been beneficial in advancing sustain- ability goals and how these partnerships are created and evolve. The case stud- ies address the following questions:

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Establishing Measures of Success: Targeted commitments to improving climate outcomes

City Target Chicago ƒ Reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050 from a 1990 baseline ƒ Reach 100% renewable energy for municipal buildings by 2025 ƒ Reach 100% renewable energy for all buildings by 2035

Detroit ƒ Reduce community-wide GHG emissions by 30% by 2025 from a 2012 baseline ƒ Reduce municipal GHG emissions by 35% by 2024 and 75% by 2034 from a 2012 baseline ƒ Increase solar generation capacity to 10 MW by 2029

Los Angeles ƒ Reach 55% renewable energy by 2025 ƒ Reach 80% renewable energy by 2036 ƒ Lead CA to 100% renewable energy by 2045

Salt Lake City Climate Positive 2040: ƒ 100 X 2032: 100% Renewable energy for community electricity supply by 2032 - Goal includes 50% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2020 ƒ 80% Reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2040, compared to 2009 baseline - Goal includes at least 50% reduction in community footprint by 2030

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In developing this document, USCM, establishment of clear targets and C2ES, AECOM, the Institute of Electrical metrics for success is necessary for city- and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and utility partnerships to track progress and ComEd interviewed each city-utility identify areas for improvement. Metrics partnership to gain a better understanding can also be shared with stakeholders of how partnerships are developed and ensure progress towards goals. and executed, enabling factors and challenges, impacts of efforts, lessons Partnering with Diverse Stakeholders: learned, and keys for project replication. Working with a diverse set of stakeholders is key for city-utility partnerships to implement While each case study represents unique successful initiatives. This includes working lessons learned, there were also several key across city and utility departments to break themes that cut across successful city-utility down silos as well as collaborating with partnerships. The following themes were a wide-range of external stakeholders. keys to success across the four case studies. Collaboration with groups such as non- profit organizations, local businesses, community leaders, education institutions, Keys to Success health institutions, and technical experts Laying the Groundwork: The city, enables partnerships to take a holistic utility, and key stakeholders all play an approach, develop a shared vision, and important role in laying the groundwork for leverage a variety of technical and financial partnership success. In some cases, city- resources for planning and implementation. utility partners should focus on gaining local government support and experience Listening to Community Feedback: from pilot projects before kicking off Ongoing community engagement drives their partnership efforts. In other cases, long-term support for city-utility initiatives. movement building and advocacy efforts These partnerships thrive when they not from all partners and stakeholders can set only engage their communities, but also the stage for partnership development. listen to and make communities an active partner. A bottom-up approach helps ensure Supportive Regulatory Environment: While initiatives address community needs and regulation and policies differ from state to wants. Partnerships with local organizations state and city to city, having a supportive help build connection and trust with the regulatory environment allows partnerships community as well as identify co-benefits, to make quicker progress towards goals. especially for vulnerable community groups. Supportive environments can look different from location to location, and if a supportive Building on Success: Progress regulatory environment does not yet exist, towards initiatives born from city-utility city-utility partnerships can be impactful collaborations should be regularly advocates for and accelerate change in the communicated to stakeholders and regulatory environment to better support the community. As initiatives are their clean-energy goals and initiatives. implemented and successes realized, these partnerships can evolve to encompass Creating a Shared Vision: Identification new projects and goals. The relationships of a clear vision and strategic objectives is developed through these partnerships foundational for city-utility partnerships. are fundamental for implementing A shared vision is critical to connect other sustainability related initiatives. By varying entities and align on a targeted building on initial successes, partnerships approach that benefits all parties. can expand their impact and reach. Establishing Metrics for Success: Early

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between ComEd and the City of Chicago have accelerated the impact of the utility’s existing investments to focus on resilience, decarbonization, inclusive economic growth, and STEM education in the Bronzeville community, on the South Side of Chicago, through what has been Chicago & ComEd: termed the “Community of the Future”. Leveraging It is a sunny April day and ComEd’s Chicago Utility Investments Training Center, located in Chicago’s South Side, is bustling with activity. Local high in a Community of school students outfitted in matching “Ideathon” blue shirts proudly stand the Future by tables waiting to demonstrate the prototypes they developed as part of the projects to the judges. Team “Four Lions” is confidently explaining their team’s “Digital The electric grid has long been the Playground” to Shay Bahramirad, Vice foundation of a modern economy and President of Engineering and Smart Grid society, but what if it can do more? at ComEd. They show her and the other This is what brings the City of Chicago judges the Raspberry Pi-coded prototype and ComEd together to leverage the of a playground where sensors tell children possibilities of the advanced electric grid. whether swings and basketball courts are occupied. Across the room, another student Today, as electrical system demands explains how her gunshot detector will help change and disruptive events such as keep students in her neighborhood safer. extreme weather caused by climate change challenge resilience, grid modernization This initiative is the result of a partnership becomes imperative. Utilities must ensure between ComEd, , that energy systems are equipped with and other stakeholders to provide the advanced technologies needed to Bronzeville students with first-hand access enhance capabilities, increase sustainability to cutting-edge technology. Beyond and resilience. Beyond this, for cities, a this, it also represents one way in which modern grid can also serve as a focal ComEd, the City of Chicago, and its sister point to support job creation, local STEM agencies are partnering to leverage ComEd development, decarbonization efforts, investments and resources to spur a future and improve community liveability. This of decarbonization and community liveability case study highlights how partnerships as part of the Community of the Future.

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At the center of the Community of the RESILIENCE Future is ComEd’s investment in the first utility-operated microgrid cluster designed INCLUSIVE STEM to support an area that includes critical city ECONOMIC EDUCATION facilities, such as Chicago’s public safety GROWTH headquarters, schools, and libraries. The microgrid has the capability to operate independently from the rest of the grid and DECARBONIZATION once complete, it is expected to directly serve more than 1,000 local households and businesses using more than 7 MW of distributed resources that include solar panels, battery storage, and dispatchable generation. Essential for deep carbon Innovative Partnerships reductions, the microgrid is designed to serve as a foundational core for inclusive A key stage in the collaboration between the carbon solutions that strengthen the grid City of Chicago and ComEd began as part as well as surrounding communities. of the City’s participation in the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) “When I speak about ‘inclusive economic program in which the City engaged with development’, I’m not only talking about ComEd, AECOM, and other organizations growth. I’m also talking about our need to to address key resilience challenges faced rebuild our communities with equitable by Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods. and modern infrastructure investments”, Starting in Summer 2018, the Mayor’s said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The Office led a series of working sessions Mayor’s call for larger scale community focusing on themes of distributed energy revitalization is reflected in the Community resources and resilience, coordination of of the Future. In fact, the Community overlapping initiatives, and income-eligible of the Future initiatives align with the energy efficiency programs. Since then, City’s ongoing INVEST South/West this partnership has become more focused, initiative, an unprecedented community allowing the implementation of a robust set improvement initiative spearheaded by of scalable pilots with measurable impacts Mayor Lightfoot. The effort is intended as part of the “Bronzeville Community to leverage partnerships with local Microgrid”. These efforts have successfully government, philanthropic organizations, engaged a number of City departments community leaders, and others to invest and sister agencies such as the Chicago capital in re-activating neighborhoods Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools, in Chicago’s South and West Sides. The City Colleges of Chicago, the Chicago Park objective is to achieve inclusive and District, and community organizations. measurable growth. This ambitious ‘Marshal Plan’ starts with providing these areas with improvements to their physical transit infrastructure, as well as access to broadband and 5G, improvements to schools, libraries, and other institutions and increased housing equity.

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Customer Total Customer Projects/ Estimated Program Customers Project Goal Participation Savings

Single Family 2,042 100 499 0.6 Gigawatt hours

Multi Family 13,817 1,100 6,255 7.7 Gigawatt hours

Small Businesses 1,385 55 113 2.8 Gigawatt hours

Large Customer 57 2 0 0

incentive program to incentivize small busi- More Resilient nesses and building sites to move towards Neighborhoods efficient geothermal heating and cooling systems. Two pilot projects have been in- To advance the decarbonization goals of the stalled in Bronzeville, each with four tons microgrid, ComEd partnered with the Chi- of geothermal capacity in partnership with cago Housing Authority to focus on siting the Geothermal Alliance of and Ino- renewables which supply generation to the va. One of the sites is a small local business Microgrid as well as an Energy Roadmap and the other is a non-profit organization. Pilot Project focused on energy efficiency. The geothermal even enabled the build- The effort led to a public and private sector ing owner to install rooftop solar, for which innovation project with the Chicago Hous- there had previously been no roof space: ing Authority to site a 750 kW solar PV array By removing the old rooftop HVAC units, at Dearborn Homes, a Chicago public hous- roof space was made available for rooftop ing development that serves more than solar. For each ton of geothermal capaci- 600 families. However, leveraging renew- ty, ComEd provides an incentive of $1,000. able energy is just half of the equation. The As a part of this work, a partnership with Energy Roadmap Pilot outlines methods the University of Illinois at Chicago and the for Dearborn Homes to meet a 20% ener- academic community developed guidelines gy reduction commitment in line with the for calculating appropriate incentives for Retrofit Chicago Energy Challenge. The geothermal energy efficiency measures. assessment of lighting and HVAC retrofit opportunities identified nine measures to Thirty-foot tall Remote Power Units (RPUs) achieve a 17% energy reduction. The lighting – miniature self-sustainable power units measures identified represent more than that are not connected to the electric grid 50% of electricity savings with a less than but draw energy from a wind turbine, solar four-year payback. Additionally, private solar panels, and battery storage – illuminate panels have been located on the rooftops the outside of Beethoven Elementary of the property to help power its buildings School. These off-grid lights are powered by and feed power back to the microgrid. The renewable energy and installed by ComEd effort is in part funded through a $4 million at the Chicago Public School. The unique grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. wind turbine enhances airflow into the blades, causing a generator to efficiently Another energy efficiency initiative being produce energy and power the LED lighting. piloted in Bronzeville is a unique geothermal

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It combines the potential for wind at any hour of the day with daytime solar and a battery storage unit large enough to power the lights for up to five days without any generation. The RPU powers its own internet connectivity to monitor and control its operation. Most importantly, ComEd and Chicago Public Schools collaborated to ensure that lighting was placed along a Safe Passage Route to better light the route and help keep students safe as they walk to and from school. At the ribbon cutting, Beethoven Elementary School Principal, Dr. Mellodie Brown, thanked the initiative for “enhancing the safety of our campus with Innova EV to provide greener transportation leading edge renewable energy-powered options. The DASH Mobility Pilot Program lighting” and acknowledged the impact was designed to study the demand for of tangible technology at the school by a first-mile/last-mile mobility program, saying “our science teachers will enjoy using measure the impact of electric vehicle the lights and the data collected from the adoption on ComEd’s grid reliability, solar and wind production and battery and identify potential opportunities to charging to design class lessons related to leverage the charging technology in environmental science and sustainability.” supporting demand response programs. Phase I was launched in December 2017 ComEd and the City of Chicago are also and provided transportation for senior working together to achieve targeted residents at three senior buildings for a energy efficiency goals and accelerate total reach of approximately 350 residents. decarbonization. Two Chicago Housing In addition to working with the City Authority buildings with 685 units were throughout the permitting process, the retrofitted with an annual projected DASH stops include connections to Chicago savings of 1.8 GWh. Additionally, virtual Transit Authority train and bus stops. commissioning analyses identified strategic opportunities within the Community The pilot’s success is being tracked in of the Future boundaries representing terms of economic and environmental more than 4.5 GWh of potential savings. impact. Economic benefit to date has Lastly, the Smart Streetlights program been estimated at nearly $40,000 has upgraded streetlights and resulted in for the community through resident more than 2.9 MWh in savings with the transportation savings, wages earned by expectation of completing the remaining locally hired staff (which include drivers phases of streetlight replacement by 2020. and ticket agents), and rent for storing the vehicle at the garage of a local business. Reductions in greenhouse gases Clean and have recently begun to be realized.

Accessible Mobility Phase II of the mobility pilot is engaging A sustainable future also includes greener additional partners, specifically from transportation options. ComEd has the local academic community at the partnered with the Bronzeville Community Illinois Institute of Technology, to provide Development Partnership (BCDP) and students and faculty access to safe and reliable and low-carbon transportation.

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Inclusive Economic Growth Central to ComEd’s and the City of Chicago’s partnership is the revitalization of neigh- borhoods through economic growth and job creation. Collaborative discussions be- tween ComEd and the City identified areas of economic opportunity of the future in which jobs are expected to be created, such as in clean energy and technology fields. In response, a partnership was created with Dawson Technical Institute to implement a job training program in Bronzeville. Part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, Dawson Technical Institute offers industry validated training in the construction and utility in- dustries. Developed with ComEd, the Daw- son Overhead Electrical Line Worker (OELW) Program is a training program for those interested in careers as ComEd overhead linemen. Additional opportunities allow local residents to obtain certification in solar pan- el installation and energy management that previously had only been available outside of Chicago. The program currently has a 93% graduation rate and 90% job placement rate. Above: Bronzeville residents using the smart kiosk to find local restaurants, shops, and activities. With the support of local aldermen, smart kiosks are also being installed within the ground zero for STEM careers, evidenced Bronzeville community. The kiosks pro- by ComEd’s grid modernization efforts vide residents with emergency alerts, that use innovative digital technologies to transit updates, and local information. improve reliability and service and require The kiosks leverage investments to pro- engineers and trained individuals to oper- vide community with critical information ate and advance the modern grid. ComEd, including energy efficiency information, Chicago Public Schools, and City Colleges of public notifications, and public Wi-Fi. Chicago have partnered to provide educa- tional and training opportunities that pre- pare students for these and other jobs of the STEM as a Community future. The Energy Academy offers students Development Driver paid apprenticeships to prepare them for job opportunities and further education. Despite the demand and high earning HFS Scholars provides financial assistance potential of STEM careers, hundreds of to lower socioeconomic background stu- thousands of jobs in these fields remain dents to attend top area high schools by unfilled with significant underrepresen- immersing them in a four-year electrical tation among minorities and vulnerable engineering program to introduce them to populations. The energy industry itself is key technical concepts. Ideathon has en-

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gaged local high school students to develop Initiatives focused on making technology an ideas and prototypes to make their commu- accessible part of the community include nities more green, connected, and resilient. augmented reality and artificial intelligence efforts. An augmented reality mural that The programs have only been in place for will be painted by local artists will feature a couple of years, but metrics and student virtual reality technology that allow users surveys have provided promising insights to scan their phone on the mural and learn into the immense success of the efforts. more about the investments in Bronzeville, Nearly 70% of students said that they would the technology drivers within the commu- participate in Ideathon again, with virtually nity, and the importance of green, resilient, all remaining students indicating that they and connected neighborhoods. This initia- would not be eligible to participate again tive is the result of a partnership with the due to senior standing. Metrics also tracked non-profit arts organization founded out of skills learned and include what students MIT and based in , who was respon- wish they had spent more time learning and sible for a similarly tech-equipped mural what were their favorite areas of study. As in the Wynwood Art District of Miami. As part of the partnership with Chicago Pub- a part of this effort, ComEd has engaged lic Schools, local teachers were engaged the South Side Community Arts Center to encourage their students to sign up for and the art-focused Chicago Public School, programs and some teachers have even Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy, served as mentors. Additionally, schools to have local students participate in the offered up their spaces as meeting spots so creation of the Mural. In addition, artificial that students had local and easily accessi- intelligence and machine learning pilots ble spaces to come work on their projects. are being implemented to enhance asset management that will include an artifi- A Net Zero Future cial intelligence focused hackathon with local students and a collaboration with Critical to a clean energy future is working industry-leading technology providers. with communities to enable them to reduce their carbon footprint. In Bronzeville, plans for a neighborhood area with low carbon A Roadmap For Other emissions and climate resilient features Communities are under development. Leveraging vacant city-owned lots with green technologies The ComEd and City of Chicago partner- such as solar panels, smart sensors, rainwa- ships are not only an innovative case study ter collection, storm-water management, in city-utility partnerships to leverage exist- and geothermal energy can activate the ing investments, but also one in scalability. spaces by drastically reducing the carbon By implementing a series of phased pilots footprint while also creating green space with trackable metrics, ComEd and the City for use by the community. The power gen- have been able to optimize their successes erated at these spaces is expected to sup- and advance key community priorities. More port neighboring facilities into becoming importantly, targeted partnerships with net-zero buildings. There are also plans to specific City departments and sister agen- develop a solar job training site for Dawson cies have been formed in order to leverage Tech students, part of the City Colleges of their areas of focus and expertise to achieve Chicago system, and serve as a STEM Learn- significant impact within Bronzeville. As ing Center for neighborhood high schools. a result, these efforts are intended to be scaled and replicated in other communi- ties. Ultimately, ComEd and the City aim

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initiatives and pilot efforts that are close- ly aligned with individual partners’ exist- ing resources and skill sets can ensure leveraged expertise, optimal allocation of resources, and a greater likelihood of successful implementation. These part- nerships can be used to advance goals of both the utility and City government.

Plan for scalability: From the very be- ginning of planning, it is important to establish intended scalability goals and keep them in the forefront of planning as pilots are implemented. This can help determine the metrics used to track suc- cess and influence pilot selection.

Engage the community: Decarbonization can be accelerated through community engagement and economic development initiatives. Early and ongoing community engagement is essential to directly shaping program priorities and should be connect- ed to community economic development priorities. This will optimize co-benefits of proposed decarbonization strategies and to develop future connected communities, enhance feasibility and adoptability. Incor- including identifying parameters that make porating STEM components, workforce de- for successful candidate communities. velopment opportunities, and job training is Rooted in the technical need to modernize not only a way to ensure successful commu- a 100-year-old electric delivery system and nity engagement but can also provide op- provide customers with improved reliability portunities to train community members in and programs, Bronzeville has become a necessary skillsets for the jobs of the future. tangible example of connecting with people and piloting programs that work to meet Develop metrics: Instrumental to suc- their unique community needs and enable cess is being able to measure areas of cities to learn from systemwide opportuni- strength and areas where programs and ties that can benefit other communities. pilots can be improved for future efforts. In order to do so effectively, metrics should be recorded and measured throughout Lessons Learned the program. Planning for metrics during This partnership offers several les- the early stages of program and project sons for other communities wish- design can also increase the likelihood ing to pursue similar efforts: that the initiative meets intended goals. Focus on partnerships: Utility partner- ships with local government can be a critical building block for neighborhood revitalization. Identifying specific roles on

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Contact Information Contact Name: Bill Abolt, Vice President, Energy, AECOM

Phone: (312) 373-7547

Email: [email protected]

Contact Name: Dr. Shay Bahramirad, VP of Engineering and Smart Grid (ComEd) and VP of New Initiatives and Outreach (IEEE PES)

Phone: (630) 576-6108

Email: [email protected]

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Above: Councilman Scott Benson discusses the importance of sustainability in Detroit at the announcement of the Sustainability Action Agenda Process. Detroit’s pilot EV is shown in the background.

on transportation electrification. Through the creation of ongoing transportation electrification working groups co-chaired by the City and DTE, Detroit will continue Detroit & DTE Energy: to accelerate towards an electrified future. This formalized partnership sprang from the Advancing City of Detroit’s Sustainability Action Agen- da. In 2017, the City recognized that it could Electrification achieve more for its residents by developing and implementing a unified vision and co- & Sustainability ordinated approach to sustainability. Under the leadership of Detroit’s Office of Sustain- ability, the City launched the development in Detroit of its Sustainability Action Agenda (Agenda) in 2018. The resulting strategic roadmap works towards creating a Detroit where: Over the past decade, Detroit has been doubling down on sustainability. From All Detroiters thrive and prosper in the development of the Detroit Food Poli- an equitable, green city; have access cy Council, to expanding recycling access, to affordable, quality homes; live in greening demolitions, and creating safer clean, connected neighborhoods; and mobility options, the City has worked to work together to steward resources. improve the quality of life for Detroiters. Central to many of the sustainability ad- Equita ble vancements in Detroit is the energy sys- , G nected re tem. Detroit became the largest U.S. city on Ne e , C ig n in 2016 to convert all streetlights to LEDs, n h C a fforda b A b o i invested $9.5 million in energy efficiency le l t e r y C , h Q and conservation upgrades in City build- o u o

a ings, and built the city’s first urban solar Healthy, d

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park. Through these successes, the part- Thriving t y

nership between Detroit City government People H

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and DTE Energy (DTE) – the electricity m

e provider serving – was essential. This part- s nership has continued to drive forward sustainable initiatives with a recent focus

Above: Detroit is committed to achieving four key outcomes through the Sustainability Action Agenda.

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DETROIT The advancement of electrified mobility is SUSTAINABILITY a focus of the Agenda to achieve this vi- ACTION AGENDA2 sion. Specifically, the Agenda includes two mobility electrification-focused actions. Action 9: Reduce emissions from City vehicles 1. Green the City fleet to improve lo- The City of Detroit owns and operates more than 2,700 vehicles, including police pursuit cal air quality and reduce expo- vehicles, fire apparatuses, ambulances, dump sure to pollution (Action 9). trucks, street sweepers and ride-on mowers. While this represents a small percentage of 2. Develop an electric vehicle (EV) in- the overall on-road vehicles driving in the frastructure strategy to reduce mu- city, Detroit City government is committed to leading by example and fully-leveraging nicipal and citywide greenhouse its assets to achieve the goals outlined in the gas (GHG) emissions (Action 43). Agenda. The City has committed to reduc- ing vehicle fleet emissions by right-sizing the City’s fleet, integrating electric, clean-diesel, At the same time that the City began de- hybrid, and other low-emissions vehicles veloping its Agenda, DTE was also assess- into future vehicle purchases, retrofitting ing the potential of mobility electrification heavy trucks with clean diesel technolo- gy, and pilot testing alternative fuels. and exploring the energy company’s role in its advancement. The company is poised to invest $12 billion into generation and Action 43: Develop an electric vehicle distribution assets, including investments infrastructure strategy to achieve 80% clean energy generation In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency by 2040. In an effort to reduce rate pres- declared seven southeast Michigan counties in violation of ozone pollution standards, includ- sure and grow load in an affordable and ing Wayne County. Air pollution in Detroit is sustainable way, DTE turned its attention largely caused by emissions from industrial towards transportation electrification, facilities and motor vehicles. EV offer an op- since the majority of EV load can be shift- portunity to reduce harmful emissions from the transportation sector, which contribute ed to hours when there is excess capacity to local asthma rates and other health issues on the system. Until this point, the City and climate change. The City has committed and DTE had been partnering on electrifi- to convene government, local electric pro- cation around individual projects such as vider, and third party stakeholders to identify charging station installations at City parks the roles of each entity in the operation and maintenance of EV infrastructure in the city. and facilities. The development of the Sus- They will work with this group to develop a tainability Action Agenda provided a plat- comprehensive EV strategy to support and form from which DTE and the City could accelerate widespread adoption of clean formalize an ongoing collaboration and di- energy transportation including identifying priority locations for new EV infrastructure; alog around shared mobility electrification the necessary upgrades to existing infrastruc- goals. In spring 2019, DTE and the City be- ture to support EVs; and local policies, codes gan meeting to formalize working groups and incentives needed to support adoption. that will build the foundation for acceler- ated mobility electrification in Detroit. 2. https://detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office- sustainability/sustainability-action-agenda

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in May 2019, the City’s consulting partner, Formalizing the AECOM, facilitated a discussion to focus Partnership efforts and align priorities. The group was able to build off of the City’s vision and stra- DEFINING A SHARED VISION tegic goals identified in the Sustainability Action Agenda as a starting point for cre- Early on in the development of the City’s ating a shared vision. Through the discus- Sustainability Action Agenda, a robust com- sion, two specific priorities were identified: munity engagement process was undertak- en to identify priorities of existing Detroiters. 1. Create a Fleet Electrification Working Through an extensive community engage- Group tasked with working to integrate ment campaign that reached over 6,800 EVs into the City’s 2020 vehicle Detroiters, it became clear that Detroit’s air procurement process quality and reducing GHG emissions were community priorities. In response, the City 2. Create a Public Charging Infrastructure identified nine actions to address these Working Group tasked with developing goals. The actions included increasing tree a strategy to deploy EV infrastructure plantings, redesigning truck routes, improv- that supports residents and visitors ing energy usage at buildings, increasing and supports accessible and affordable the use of renewable generation, and ad- development. vancing transportation electrification. The City also specifically identified the need The stakeholders agreed to gather and for City government to right-size its fleet, analyze supporting materials such as integrate low- or no- emissions vehicles fleet usage data or locations of existing into future vehicle purchases, retrofit their charging infrastructure in advance of the heavy trucks with clean diesel technology, next working group meetings. Then, in July and pilot test alternative fuels. Additionally, 2019, the two working groups met to fur- the actions commit the City to developing ther define group charters and next steps a strategy for EV charging infrastructure. based upon the more detailed information at hand. Refined areas of focus included: Understanding that work to advance transportation electrification was already ƒ Fleet Electrification Working Group underway within Detroit by government, DTE, community groups and other stake- - Setting targets for converting the City holders, the City decided to convene a fleet to electric group of these stakeholders to align on a - Identifying specific vehicle classification shared vision and create a formal forum for types for a pilot EV program for City’s collaboration. Key stakeholders included 2020 vehicle procurement the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan ƒ Public Charging Infrastructure Working Governor’s Office, the Downtown Detroit Group Partnership, the Ecology Center, internal City departments relating to fleet procure- - Determining ways to raise awareness ment and infrastructure build out, and of DTE’s new “Charging Forward” EV third-party experts to facilitate discussions. infrastructure program launched in June 2019 All of these stakeholders brought different expertise, ongoing initiatives, and strategic - Identifying policy barriers to EV priorities to the collaborative efforts. At the infrastructure build out first meeting of this working group held

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CHARGING FORWARD PROMOTING STEM EDUCATION THROUGH ELECTRIC VEHICLES DTE’s Charging Forward Program seeks to facilitate EV adoption in Southeast Mich- DTE is partnering with two Southeast Michigan igan. It has three key components: communities, Ann Arbor and Roseville, to pilot the deployment of 6 all electric school buses. As part of this pilot, DTE and the schools will cre- Customer Education and Outreach: In- ate a STEM program for K-12 students to build crease EV awareness through customer awareness about EV technologies. The pilots education in order to inform and recruit po- will be used as a living lab for the communities. tential site hosts and engage EV drivers.

Residential Smart Charger Support3: Pro- DTE has the Charging Forward program vide $500 residential rebates for installation in place to support adoption of Light-duty of a Level 2 smart EV charger with enrollment in a year-round electric time-of-use rate. Passenger Vehicles, and its goal is to sup- port a seamless solution for customers in the other four sectors. Their approach relies Charging Infrastructure Enablement4: on educating customers and building part- Provide $20,000 rebates for DC fast char- nerships through pilots, which are still in the gers and $2,500 rebates for Level 2 charging ports in addition to supporting the deploy- planning or early deployment phases. How- ment of charging infrastructure for fleets. ever, designing and implementing pilots is central to DTE’s strategy to allow customers to experience new technology and DTE to BUILDING CAPACITY AND DRIVING collect necessary data to better support ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE infrastructure deployments. DTE has found it helpful to work towards understanding Both DTE and the City recognized the the motivations of and barriers faced by need to align internal resources and build potential EV purchasers in their different internal support in order to better collab- customer classes. While DTE’s ultimate role orate towards the identified priorities and in supporting EV adoption is through infra- support the defined visions. In the latter structure provision, it is important for the half of 2019, DTE focused on assessing the energy company to understand broader electrification market, customer needs, customer motivation and barriers during and new business models. The result was the pilot testing phase. This allows the com- the formation of DTE’s Electrification Team pany to identify ways they can contribute which focuses specifically on transportation to or explore overcoming barriers and helps electrification. Specifically, DTE identified develop lasting partnerships. These pilots five focus areas to prioritize: Light duty Pas- and partnerships can eventually be lever- senger Vehicles, Public Transit Buses, School aged to build a more supportive regulatory Buses, E-Fleets, and Airports and Ports. and political environment for EV adoption.

While DTE works to better understand the motivations of and barriers faced by cus- tomers, like the City of Detroit, the City of Detroit has also been working to under- stand their own needs, motivations and

3. www.dteenergy.com/chargingforward 4. www.dteenergy.com/chargingforwardbiz

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Above: Detroit’s Sustainability Ambassadors invite their fellow Detroiters to ask them about sustainability at the announce- ment of the Sustainability Action Agenda process. barriers to be a more collaborative partner with DTE. An important outcome of the TCO = Acquisition Cost early meetings of the working groups was (Vehicle and Infrastructure) a deeper understanding between the City and DTE of each other’s needs. In order for + Lifetime Maintenance Cost DTE to support the City in building out fleet (Vehicle and Infrastructure) charging infrastructure and procuring EVs, + Lifetime Fuel Cost the City needs to understand how it cur- rently uses its fleet, from driving patterns and fuel usage, to where vehicles are stored and what types of equipment they carry. The TCO model has allowed the City to bet- Likewise, for DTE to better support the de- ter articulate the true value of EVs in com- ployment of public charging infrastructure parison to internal combustion vehicles. This in the City, the City needs to understand approach, coupled with political support possible public charging needs including from Detroit leaders including the Office of locations, user profiles, and demand. the Mayor through the Sustainability Action Agenda and the Detroit City Council, has In the latter half of 2019, the City focused allowed the City to start scoping the imple- on analyzing its current fleet and building mentation of a 2020 EV procurement pilot. a business case for EV procurement. Se- curing the necessary internal support for a Next Steps pilot EV procurement required the City of Detroit Office of Sustainability and Gener- With the formalization of the DTE Elec- al Services Department – which manages trification Team and the buildup of in- the majority of the fleet – to shift internal ternal support at the City of Detroit, the gears. A key tool towards achieving this has Fleet Electrification and Public Charging been defining the holistic value of the new Infrastructure working groups are ex- investment. For EV procurement, the City pected to reconvene in early 2020. Their achieved this through the use of a holis- first order of business will be to sup- tic total cost of ownership (TCO) model. port the City’s plans for EV procurement. There are two key procurement efforts:

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1. Procuring EV light-duty passenger Take an Iterative Approach: There are sev- vehicles for the Municipal Parking eral ways for energy companies and cities Department: Based on the usage patterns to advance transportation electrification. and type of vehicles used by Municipal To make tangible progress, it is important Parking and where these vehicles are in to take an iterative approach by identifying their replacement lifecycle, these vehicles pilots that build trust in technology, form are the ideal candidates for a pilot study. important partnerships, and collect nec- The procurement of these EVs will be essary data to understand impacts. This funded through the standard vehicle allows cities and energy companies to learn procurement funds. quickly from failures and build on successes. It can also allow cities and energy compa- 2. Partnering to deploy EV buses with the nies to capitalize on early and easy wins. Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT): This partnership is working to Build Internal Support: Energy companies pilot EV public transit buses in Detroit. The and cities should both build internal support pilot would include 500 kW of en-route during the planning phase to better prepare charging. The City and DTE are working to themselves for successful project collabo- address barriers to pilot implementation ration. Energy companies should conduct which include land easements for en- due diligence through market assessments route charging. and demonstrate success through pilots to gain internal and external political and Next, the group will focus its efforts on regulatory support. Similarly, cities need the siting of EV charging infrastructure to gain the support of senior leaders such and educational campaigns. This work as the Mayor and Council Members as well will be centered around promoting eq- as departmental-level support. This pro- uitable and affordable access to electric cess takes time and persistence. It can be mobility options and may include the ex- supported through inclusive engagement, ploration of electric mobility hubs – the holistic investment valuation and align- co-location of different electric mobility ment with planned capital investments. options such as bike share, scooters, bus- es, and personal vehicles – in addition Identify Holistic Investment Value: To to the siting of public charging units. build buy-in and secure funding for new technologies, it is important to articulate the holistic value of the investment. For EVs Lessons Learned and supporting charging infrastructure, this Strategic Planning Activities Help Exter- means comparing the TCO between EVs nal Partners: By articulating a clear vision and internal combustion engine vehicles. related to electrification, the City of Detroit Identify Opportunities to take Advan- made it easier for DTE to identify ways to tage of Planned Capital Investments: help the City meet its goals. Developing a Aligning the procurement and installation strategic vision allows cities to more easily of new technologies with asset replace- bring partners to the table. Additionally, a ment cycles or planned infrastructure strategic planning process that involves di- investments can reduce the overall cost verse stakeholders early opens new lines of and improve the total project econom- communication between City departments ics. It is important to understand plan- and energy companies/providers, including ning and investment timelines to identify utilities. These informal connections allow easy wins and align funding streams. for quicker identification of opportunities and more successful implementation.

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Public-Private Partnerships are Key: Part- nership between energy companies, cities, and communities is key to implementing successful pilots and full-scale deploy- ments. Energy companies can provide the necessary infrastructure support, but only through working with the cities and com- munities can they understand city assets and needs and determine optimal infra- structure deployment. Working togeth- er to site charging infrastructure allows chargers to be installed at the lowest cost with the greatest community benefit.

Work with Existing Programs: Existing en- ergy programs, like DTE’s Charging Forward, can be used to reduce the cost of installing EV charging for cities and communities. Promoting these programs through existing education and communication pathways is a low-cost method to accelerate EV adop- tion and increase program participation. Contact Information Contact Name: Nishaat Y. Killeen, Project Manager, City of Detroit Office of Sustainability

Phone: (815) 742-2361

Email: [email protected]

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Los Angeles & Los Angeles Department of LADWP is the nation’s largest municipal util- Water and Power: ity and supplies LA with all of its power, an annual average of over 26 million megawatt LA Commits to hours of electricity. Collectively, three coastal natural gas plants – Scattergood, Haynes, 100% Clean Energy and Harbor – represent 38% of the City’s current natural gas portfolio and sit in some of the state’s most polluted communities. In February 2019, Mayor took a California has long been a national leader powerful step forward and announced the in implementing renewable energy produc- phase out of some of these units by 2029 tion supported by a legislative and regulato- in favor of investing in renewable, battery ry environment that prioritizes clean ener- storage and other low carbon resources to gy. Senate Bill 350, signed in 2015, enacted accelerate LA’s transition to 100% renew- the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction able energy and put the City on track to Act into law. The legislation targets a 40% meet its carbon-neutral target by 2050. reduction in the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, as well as a goal The announcement is only the latest phase of obtaining 100% of its electric power from in a history of successful goals by the City renewable sources by 2045, an increase on and LADWP. In 2017, LADWP, with City the initial goal of 33% by 2020 and 50% by support, was able to meet targets in GHG 2030. To meet this goal, the state is rapid- reductions 14 years ahead of the state’s ly scaling up its renewable energy usage. 2030 deadline. The collaboration has fo- Integral to the state’s efforts to advance cused on increased transparency with renewable energy usage are cities like Los communities and customers, job cre- Angeles (LA), whose leadership with the LA ation, allocation of financial resources to Department of Water and Power (LADWP) explore innovative alternatives to non-re- has not only prioritized solar, storage and newable energy sources, development of smart grid development, but also relied public-private partnerships, transmission on community engagement to shape the and distribution system upgrades, and future of the utility and enhanced the ability investment in microgrid technologies to effectively and holistically meet City goals. and enhanced energy storage projects.

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pathway – and nearly tripling the Implementation & maximum amount of stormwater Partnership Development captured. BUILDING A FOUNDATION ƒ Planting and maintaining at least 90,000 trees citywide by 2021 – which will provide In April 2019, Mayor Garcetti released Los 61 million square feet of shade – and Angeles’ Green New Deal: 2019 Sustain- increasing tree canopy in low-income, able City Plan. The innovative strategy set severely heat impacted areas by at least aggressive goals for the City’s sustainable 50% by 2028. future that tackle the climate emergen- cy with accelerated targets, commits to ƒ Reducing GHG emissions to 50% below strengthening the economy and middle 1990 levels by 2025; 73% below 1990 levels class by providing green jobs, and sets Los by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral Angeles on course to be carbon neutral by by 2050 through the Green New Deal 2050. The Green New Deal leads with bold Pathway. action to zero out Los Angeles’ primary LA’s Green New Deal is intended to guide sources of harmful emissions: buildings, the City’s transition to an equitable and transportation, electricity, and trash. The abundant economy powered by 100% re- accelerated goals and targets include: newable energy. The plan, which will sup- port the creation of hundreds of thousands ƒ Building a zero-carbon electricity grid of green jobs in nearby communities, was – reaching an accelerated goal of 80% prepared with extensive input from stake- renewable energy supply by 2036 to lead holders, including community organizations, California toward 100% renewables by businesses, academia, labor groups, and 2045. City departments. Included in the effort was ƒ Creating a Jobs Cabinet to bring City, an unprecedented feasibility analysis with labor, educational, and business leaders LADWP to study an equitable transition together to support the City’s effort to from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy. create 300,000 green jobs by 2035 and ELAND SOLAR AND STORAGE CENTER 400,000 by 2050. The City of Los Angeles is already on its way ƒ Mandating that all new municipally to accelerating goals and targets set in the owned buildings and major renovations Green New Deal with the November 2019 be all-electric, effective immediately, and announcement of their partnership with that every building in Los Angeles – from 8minute Solar Energy, LLC, the largest inde- skyscrapers to single family homes – pendent solar and storage power plant de- become emissions free by 2050. velopment company in the U.S. 8minute will develop the Eland Solar and Storage Center ƒ Achieving a zero-waste future by phasing in Kern County, California, which will support out styrofoam by 2021, ending the use LA in achieving 100% renewable energy sup- of plastic straws and single-use takeout ply by 2045, decrease GHG emissions, and containers by 2028, and no longer sending create green jobs. The project is expected to any trash to landfills by 2050. commence no later than December 31, 2023.

ƒ Recycling 100% of wastewater by The Eland Solar and Storage Center will 2035, sourcing 70% of water locally – a deliver affordable, renewable power to over significant increase from the existing one million people throughout Los Ange-

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les. When completed, it will be the largest ƒ A Demand Response (DR) Program: municipal photovoltaic operation in the An integrated program of Smart Grid world with the lowest prices ever recorded operations and technology with test bed in the U.S. at less than 2 cents per kWh. The sites that can investigate a full range of Eland Solar and Storage Center is connected user environments, such as residential, to the grid via the 1,000 MW Barren Ridge commercial, light industrial, and Transmission Line that LADWP began de- institutional. veloping over 10 years ago to increase the production and use of renewables in the ƒ Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration into the City. The center is projected to capture 400 LADWP Grid: Initiatives include smart MW of solar energy and store up to 1,200 charging and battery aggregation; MWh of energy. Through these efforts, renewables and EV battery integration, LADWP will boost its renewables portfolio an operational microgrid, a ride/car share from 32% to 39.1%, a 7.1% total increase. program at LADWP, and EV test bed sites at USC and UCLA. By replacing natural gas energy sourc- es with renewables, it will prevent up to ƒ Customer Behavior: Plan to execute 727,360 metric tons of GHG, the equiva- a comprehensive portfolio of studies lent of taking 148,700 cars off the road. related to the impact of Smart Grid The Eland Solar and Storage Center will communication systems and processes also help LA reduce emissions to accom- on customer usage, energy savings from plish their Green New Deal Pathway and using Smart Grid enabled interfaces, promote cleaner air and healthier liv- pricing options and programs, and ing environments for all Angelenos. effective messaging and incentives regarding electric vehicles. 8minute has negotiated with the labor unions in Kern County to ensure jobs for ƒ Next-Generation Cyber Security: Plan workers and will create about 700 jobs to implement technologies focused on during the construction period and 40 enhancing grid resilience and protecting jobs for long-term operations and main- against physical and cyber-attacks. tenance. With projects like 8minute’s Solar and Storage Center, the City, LAD- WP, and its citizens will work together to create an equitable green economy.

SMART GRID INITIATIVES

LADWP is working to propel Los Ange- les to a low-carbon, green energy future by collaborating with a diverse consor- tium of research institutions to develop smart grid technologies. To help accom- plish renewable energy targets set in the City’s Green New Deal, these smart grid advancements will address the need for grid modernization and advancement to support investment in renewable ener- gy resources. These initiatives include:

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RESULT

Renewable energy ac- 2003 ACTION counted for about 3% of energy delivered to LAD- AB32 – GHG Cap and Action Purpose Trade (2006) WP customers (2003)

LA climate action plan: Green LA Established goal for LA to “Green LA: An Action Plan to reduce 33% of emissions be- Lead the Nation in Fighting low 1990 levels by 2020 Global Warming” (2007) 2007 LADWP sets their own SB 2 - 1X California Renewable Energy rigorous goal of produc- (Simitian 2011) Resources Act set a new Renew- ing 20% of power from ables Portfolio Standard (RPS), renewable sources by 2020 targets, and requirements: ƒ Average of 20% renewables and 35% by 2030 (2007) LADWP reduces emis- between 2011 and 2013 2009 sions 22% below the 1990s ƒ 25% RPS by 2016 emission level (2009) ƒ 33% RPS by 2020 LADWP achieves a 20% renew- State Senate Bill 2 (1X) re- able energy portfolio a decade LA100 Study This study will determine quires electricity companies what investments should be 2011 in advance of targets (2010) provide 33% of power from made to achieve 100% renew- renewables by 2020 (2011) LA’s first Sustainable City able energy for the City pLAn is released (2015) LADWP creates goals that LA Green Outlined ways in which LA are even more aggressive LADWP achieves a 29% renew- New Deal can reduce emissions with- than state legislature with 2016 able portfolio, surpassing state in the buildings, transporta- 50% by 2025, 55% by 2030, requirement of 25% (2016) tion, power, water, and waste and 65% by 2036 (2016) while simultaneously com- mitting to an inclusive green LADWP launches the economy and job creation 100% Renewable Ener- gy Advisory Group Study 2017 (LA100 Study) at the Community request of Mayor Garcetti and City Council (2017) Engagement LADWP, in collaboration LADWP partners with 8min- The Eland project was unanimously ap- with the City, announces ute Solar Energy to develop proved by LADWP in September 2019 2019 phasing out natural gas Eland, the largest munici- following 45 public comments urging operations at once through pal photovoltaic operation the board to approve. The project initially cooling units at three ex- in the world (2019) failed to pass vote by the LADWP Board of isting coastal plants (2019) Commissioners a month earlier in August Mayor Garcetti releases the due to labor concerns expressed by a local LA Green New Deal (2019) Los Angeles labor union, The International LADWP partners with Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18 8minute Solar Energy to (IBEW Local 18). During the weeks follow- develop Eland, the largest The Future ing, 8minute and LADWP collaborated municipal photovoltaic LADWP is currently on with the local labor unions to reach an operation in the world (2019) 2020 track to exceed the next agreement to operate under a project target of 33% (2020) labor agreement and preserve jobs.

The next Strategic Long Term Resource Plan (SLTRP) will be developed in 2020 and will be merged with the LA100 Study (2020)

Eland construction 2023 will begin (2023)

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Left: Dozens of clean energy advocates testified in support of the project. (Credit: Julian Spector/Greentech Media)

In addition to the clean energy goals fea- tured in the SB 350 (DeLeon 2015), the bill requires large utilities to develop and sub- mit integrated resource plans (IRPs).

LADWP’s IRP is one of the most transpar- ent and thorough in the industry and is developed annually with a defined pro- cess focusing on stakeholder input, stra- tegic development, and benchmarked success. LADWP’s IRP process is below.

Gather Establish stakeholder clear goals and input objectives

Conduct computer Establish Identify and modeling of strategic case approve key power systems alternatives assumptions operations

Present Recommend preliminary and approve findings and gather internal a preferred and public resource case comments

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Stakeholder input is used to establish goals ƒ Energy systems and objectives for the IRP analysis and preliminary findings are shared with the ƒ Sustainability public for initial feedback. Every other year, LADWP conducts a public review process A few groups involved in the advisory group of its IRP. A series of public outreach work- include Environment California, LA Metro, shops are held to collect comments and Environmental Defense Fund, Neighbor- address concerns. Example comments from hood Council Sustainability Alliance, Califor- outreach have included eliminating coal nia ISO, Southern California Gas Company, and decreasing natural gas from LADWP’s USC, UCLA, and IBEW Local 18. The National energy portfolio, increasing renewables Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the and energy efficiency initiatives, promoting research partner for this study and is re- transportation electrification, and reducing sponsible for conducting an objective eco- GHG emissions. This input has served as a nomic/reliability analysis of opportunities for baseline for LADWP to change the future reaching the goal of 100% renewable energy. of its utility in terms of meeting customer goals as well as those of local government. Supportive Policies The review process includes the formation LADWP’s renewable energy goals were of a new IRP Advisory Committee. The Com- developed starting in the early 2000s in mittee is comprised of a variety of stake- accordance with LADWP’s renewable pol- holders including neighborhood councils, icy. As a national leader in renewable en- the mayor’s office, and student/staff repre- ergy production, California has repeatedly sentation from UCLA. The Committee meets passed major legislation that has strongly five times throughout the year and provides impacted LADWP’s renewable energy goals input on the preliminary cases analyzed for and policies. Most importantly, they have the final IRP case. The Office of Public -Ac enabled LADWP to successfully implement countability, a ratepayer advocate, attends initiatives outlined in their goals by creat- and observes most of these meetings. As a ing a supportive regulatory environment. whole, the process provides multiple op- portunities to engage the community and solicit feedback from the groups that are directly affected by clean energy initiatives.

In addition to the IRP, the LA100 study that began in 2017 was significant for the way it involved the community. The advisory group is made of community members, students, scientists, engineers, and policy- makers that have expertise in the following:

ƒ Power systems

Avove: LA100 ƒ Policy

ƒ Transportation

ƒ Economic development

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SB 1 (Murray 2006): Eligibility Mandated that all California electric utilities (includ- Criteria and Conditions for Solar ing municipalities) implement a Solar Incent Pro- Energy System Incentives gram by January 1, 2008 with a goal of installing 3,000 MW of net-metered solar energy systems over 10 years. LADWP’s cap on expenditures was $313 million.

AB32 (Nunez 2006): Global Required California to reduce GHG emissions to Warming Solutions Act of 2006 1990 levels by 2020 through development and use of a Scoping Plan for achieving maximum cost-ef- fective and technologically feasible solutions.

SB 32 (Pavley 2006): Required LADWP to make a tariff available to eligi- The California Global ble renewable electric generation facilities until LADWP Warming Solutions Act of could meet its 75 MW share of the California target. 2006: emissions limit

SB 32 (McLeod 2009): Required publicly owned utilities to establish a Feed-in Tariff E-ReMAT Feed-in Tariff Addition (FiT) where owners/operators of renewable energy systems could sell their energy directly to LADWP and have it count towards LADWP’s 50% renewable energy requirement.

SB 2-1X (Simitian 2011): Set new Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) The California Renewable of 25% RPS by 2016 and 33% by 2020. Energy Resources Act

SB 350 (De León 2015): The Requires utilities to procure 50% renewable energy re- Clean Energy and Pollu- sources by 2030 with interim targets of 40% by 2024; tion Reduction Act of 2015 45% by 2027; and 50% by 2030, large utilities to de- velop and submit IRPs, and requires doubling ener- gy efficiency and conservation savings by 2030.

SB 350 (De León 2015): Requires utilities to procure 50% renewable energy re- The Clean Energy and Pollu- sources by 2030 with interim targets of 40% by 2024; tion Reduction Act of 2015 45% by 2027; and 50% by 2030, large utilities to de- velop and submit IRPs, and requires doubling ener- gy efficiency and conservation savings by 2030.

SB 100 (De León 2018): Sets a target for 60% renewable energy by 2030 The 100 Percent Clean and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. Energy Act of 2018

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the total price will come to 3.3 cents/kWh. Cost and Financing 8minute Solar will be funding the develop- THE ELAND SOLAR AND ment, maintenance, and operation costs of STORAGE FACILITY: the facility. The contract will cost less than $5/year for each LADWP customer. Glendale The Eland project is being funded by LAD- utility has partnered with LADWP, pur- WP, the Glendale utility, and 8minute So- chasing a 12.5% share of the project which lar through the Southern California Public will deliver 25 MW of solar energy and 18.75 Power Authority (SCPPA). The solar energy MW of battery storage for the City of Glen- generated will cost 2 cents/kWh, the low- dale, CA. Below is a summary of the cost est price for solar on record in the United breakdown for each phase of the project. States. With the addition of battery storage,

Eland Phase 1 Eland Phase 2 Term 25 years Total Solar Capacity 200 MW 200 MW Solar Price $19.97/MWh (1.997 cents/kWh) Battery Storage Size 100 MWh (100 MW/4-hour) 100 MWh (100 MW/4hours) Battery Storage Price Addition $13/MWh (1.3 cents/kWh) LADWP Share 87.5% 100% Glendale Share 12.5% N/A RPS % in 2025 3.1% 3.5% Early Buyout Option 15, 20, and 25-year anniversary of Commercial Operation Date Early Buyout Price Based on Fair Market Price

Source: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/06/28/los-angeles-seeks-record-setting-solar-power-price-under-2%C2%A2-kwh/

SOLAR INCENTIVE PROGRAM power. In 2007, LADWP pledged to distrib- ute $313 million in rebates for PV projects. In 2019, LADWP was recognized for hav- The program was extended until the end ing the most installed solar power of any of 2018. For every watt a resident installed, city in the United States for 2018, largely LADWP would send a check for $0.25/W. attributed to the Solar Incentive Program The following table summarizes the re- (SIP). The program began in 1999 but bate amount a customer who installs 7 was updated in 2007 to meet criteria es- kW (the average home requirement per tablished by California state legislature to month) would receive from the utility. support the installation of 280 MW of solar

Example Rebate for Project Type Rebate Rate a 7 kW System Residential $0.25/W $1,750 Commercial $0.30/W $2,100 Government, non-profit, affordable housing $0.95/W $6,650

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS ments, and overarching city goals are key to enabling actions that enhance resource LADWP has ambitious goals to achieve 15% procurement, reliability investments, and of retail electricity sales through energy addressing rate concerns as utilities and savings by 2020 and to continue the pace cities work together to meet targets. of energy savings through 2030. LADWP offers energy savings incentives and pro- Transparency with the City and commu- grams to its residential, commercial and nity is critical for utilities to develop sup- industrial customers, including rebates for port for innovative actions and reforms: efficiency appliances, direct install of ef- Not only does transparency create more ficiency measures and custom programs opportunities to address concerns early on that provide an incentive per kWh saved. in the process, it is also an effective way to In FY 2017-18, LADWP’s customers saved build trust, communicate initiatives, garner 476,361 MWh cumulatively, equivalent to support for goals, and share progress. Reg- the electricity needed for 79,394 homes.5 ular and inclusive reviews of IRPs can be an effective way to maintain transparency. LADWP also provides funding opportuni- ties for community groups. In July 2019, it Prioritizing job creation enables inclu- opened its seventh round of Community sive growth: As utilities and cities con- Partnership grants to local 501(c)3 non-profit tinue to move forward with investments organizations for new community outreach focused on clean energy, it is imperative and public education activities to improve that emphasis is placed on developing an energy efficiency and water conservation inclusive economy that is accessible and throughout Los Angeles. LADWP plans to equitable and accounts for green jobs. By fund 17 grants totaling $860,000. The latest doing so and ensuring jobs, cities and util- round of grantees, awarded in September ities can establish good relations and work 2019, included community groups such as well with local labor unions, ensuring an Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), additional degree of support for work. Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica, High Sierra Energy Foundation, Foundation for Aggressive and deliberate benchmarking LA Community Colleges, Granada Hill Char- is necessary to track progress: By setting ter High School, Pacific Asian Consortium intentional targets for renewable energy in Employment (PACE), Climate Resolve, sources, cities and utilities can work togeth- Barrio Action Youth and Family Center, and er to determine the investments that need U.S. Green Building Council Los Angeles. to be made to reach the targets as well as measure progress against the bench- LADWP’s allocation of financial re- marked targets as initiatives continue to be sources not only demonstrates a com- implemented. Measurable findings can be mitment to clean energy goals but shared with community groups and stake- affirms the City’s commitment to an holders to encourage additional support. inclusive green economy that is equita- ble and accessible for all Angelenos. Invest in diverse collaboration to ensure success: Regular collaboration between groups leads to successful projects that Lessons Learned are able to achieve energy efficiency goals Supportive regulatory environments can in a manner that addresses community drive innovation: Having supportive reg- needs and priorities with wide support. ulatory environments, legislative require-

5. LADWP 2018 -2019 Briefing Book.

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8minute plane for Eland

also include plans to contract bus What’s Next chargers for up to 520 new electric buses The City of Los Angeles and LADWP’s joint between now and 2025. efforts are actively contributing to keep- ing Los Angeles on the forefront of carbon Additional Resources reduction, energy efficiency, and environ- mental policy. With the Green New Deal as To learn more about Los Angeles’ Green the guiding light and clear plans for nec- New Deal, visit: https://plan.lamayor.org/ essary investments, Los Angeles continues to tackle aggressive energy and climate To learn more about Los Ange- goals to reach their carbon neutral, green les’ 100% Renewable Energy Study, economy future. Both California and Los visit: https://www.ladwp.com Angeles have provided a supportive reg- ulatory environment that continue to en- Contact Information able utilities, such as LADWP, to embrace Contact Name: emerging business models and take bold Nancy H. Sutley, Senior Assistant General action towards meeting renewable energy Manager - External and Regulatory Affairs targets. With community support and in- and Chief Sustainability Officer, LADWP volvement, the City and LADWP will create a low-carbon energy future while prioritiz- Phone: (213) 367-0133 ing vulnerable communities, creating jobs, and developing a healthier living environ- Email: [email protected] ment for all. Building on the significant progress made to date, Los Angeles and LADWP’s will continue to partner towards accomplishing targets set in the Green New Deal, starting with the next steps below:

ƒ The Eland Solar and Storage Center will commence operation no later than Dec 31, 2023.

ƒ LADWP is developing national protocols to monitor GHG emissions related to water management. They will be used in The Climate Registry’s new reporting program for the Water Energy Nexus Registry that launched in May 2019.

ƒ LADWP is focusing on fleet electrification initiatives, which among other initiatives,

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Above: Installation of RE sources on City properties (Source: https://www.slc.gov/sustainability/climate-positive/)

CLIMATE POSITIVE 2040

Climate Positive 2040 is a holistic plan fo- cused on long-term climate and energy Salt Lake City & Rocky Mountain Power goals that was published in 2017. Through : this plan, Salt Lake City will document A Partnership its progress towards two main goals:

ƒ 100 X 2030: 100% Renewable Energy for for a Carbon Community Electricity Supply by 2030 - Goal includes 50% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2020 Negative Future ƒ 80% Reduction in Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2040, compared to 2009 baseline Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Power - Goal includes at least 50 percent have jointly pushed forward to meet renew- reduction in community footprint by 2030 able energy and emission goals outlined in Salt Lake City’s Climate Positive 2040 plan since the plan was released in 2017. The ity goals, and impact state legislation. efforts build off of the City’s goals to propel communities throughout Utah towards Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Power, a carbon negative future and represent a together with their community partners, mutual commitment to partner with com- helped pass Utah’s Community Renewable munities to achieve goals in a cost-effective Energy Act of 2019 – a groundbreaking leg- and reliable way. The successful city-utility islation that creates a prescriptive frame- partnership has included collaboration with work for communities throughout Utah to community organizations, businesses, and set cross-community goals and timelines to non-energy focused institutions to lever- achieve net 100% renewable energy supply age strengths, audiences, and resources by 2030. Currently, other communities across and improve community reach and im- Utah are joining Salt Lake City to move for- pact. The partnership has enabled both ward towards a climate-positive future, in Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Power which activity goes beyond net zero carbon to install solar capacity, advance mobility emissions and targets environmental ben- electrification, promote models for other efits by removing additional carbon dioxide communities to advance their sustainabil- from the atmosphere. The legislation pro- vides a framework for other communities.

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Progress in Salt Lake City Engaging Vulnerable The Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Communities Power partnership has set target dates for municipal facilities, spurring the installa- Throughout planning and implementation tion of solar capacity and implementation of the Climate Positive 2040 plan, signifi- of mobility electrification initiatives. In cant focus has been placed on engaging collaboration with Summit County, Park vulnerable communities and bringing City, Vail Resorts, and a local university, the resources to local communities to ensure utility was able to develop two 40 Mega- their unique challenges and opportunities watt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) installa- are accounted for as the City progress- tions to supply the partners with 80 MW es towards a decarbonized future. Rocky of regional solar energy. Once online in Mountain Power’s grant program and the 2022, approximately two-thirds of the elec- City’s Empower SLC partnership are ex- tricity produced will be attributed to Salt amples of innovative programs focused on Lake City. The approximately 50 MW of vulnerable communities and are supported solar energy provided will be in addition by the State’s legislative requirements to to both the 3 MW solar power purchase include programmatic elements focused the City secured through Rocky Mountain on benefitting low-income populations. Power’s Subscriber Solar program and on- site solar PV installations at City facilities.

Rocky Mountain Power secured U.S. De- INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS FOR partment of Energy (DOE) funding to for VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES charging infrastructure installations. To date, they have used these grant funds to install Blue Sky Program: A utility-funded and over fifty charging stations and support- run solar installation program that pro- ed over 25,000 individual vehicle charging vides opportunities for customers to pur- chase solar energy and grant funding to sessions throughout Utah. In addition to the incentivize on-site solar installations. efforts by Rocky Mountain Power, the City has built upon its commitment to commu- nity use of electric vehicles (EV) and provides Empower SLC: A community engagement free public charging at the stations it owns. partnership by the City and non-profit Utah Clean Energy focused on energy efficiency and The City has also made measurable prog- non-energy benefits education and support ress towards decarbonizing its municipal for Salt Lake City homeowners, renters, small vehicle fleet by expanding EV and hybrid businesses, schools, and community programs. EV purchases over the last two years. Spe- cifically, the City focused attention on State cost control requirements: Utah state purchasing EVs for the Parking Compli- laws and regulations require that participating ance fleet and hybrids for the Public Ser- communities to adopt programs that benefit vices fleet. Additionally, in Fall 2019, the City low-income communities. State policies imple- ment a rider on community’s bills that contain a announced that their upcoming budget 90-day window for individuals to opt-out of the would include funding to purchase 110 elec- new community renewable energy program. tric-hybrid police cruisers, a significant source of the City’s vehicle emissions.

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Rocky Mountain Power’s nationally-recog- ly, partnerships with the International Res- nized Blue Sky program not only provides cue Committee and Salt Lake County’s Ag- opportunities for customers to support ing and Adult Services illustrate the benefits the purchase of Renewable Energy Cred- and overlap this approach has generated. its (RECs), but it also supports grant fund- ing to incentivize on-site solar installations The partnership’s work with the Interna- for a number of non-profit organizations. tional Rescue Committee (IRC), which as- The largest of these installations was di- sists newly-arrived refugees fleeing armed rected to three homeless resource centers conflicts and natural disasters, is especially (one for families, one for men-only, and unique. The program works with IRC to one for women-only). These homeless re- ease the resettlement process for refugees source centers were erected in response by providing supportive services such as to the state’s re-evaluation of its approach helping with routine activities like grocery toward people experiencing homeless- shopping, waste and recycling collection, ness and a reinvestment in housing and and accessing local transportation services. support resources. The Blue Sky program IRC provides these services through in-per- partnered with Auric Energy, a local solar son and in-home visits of recently resettled company, and the S&P Andersen Foun- families. Through a partnership with the dation to provide enough solar panels to City, IRC was able to integrate tutorials on cover the roofs of the City’s three homeless how to program a thermostat, teach refu- resource centers at no cost to the centers. gees about efficient lighting, and provide information about energy and cost saving behaviors and products. This connection, Empowering previously unexplored by utility and City en- Salt Lake City ergy efficiency outreach programs, provides a new avenue for energy education to some The City also expanded outreach and of the City’s newest residents through a engagement with local vulnerable com- trusted third-party organization. Additional- munities by partnering with community ly, it demonstrates a vantage point of work- and mission-based organizations already ing to bring innovative technology to an of- engaged with these important popula- ten-overlooked and underserved population. tions. Utah Clean Energy, a non-profit fo- cused on expanding clean energy access Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Pow- throughout Utah, was selected by the City er also partnered with Salt Lake County’s to administer the Empower SLC program Aging and Adult Services, which provides and engage both businesses and residents support to the local elderly population, to in target communities. This program em- expand outreach and education efforts. This powers homeowners, renters, small busi- partnership focused on education about nesses, schools, and community programs how to update thermostat programming with the tools and education they need to and how utility programs can help improve save energy, lower bills, and reduce pollu- energy efficiency. This partnership realized tion. Through this partnership, an emphasis and expanded upon non-energy benefits was placed on finding organizations acting for comfort and inclusion. The Aging Ser- to address challenges within the communi- vices partnership illustrated how WiFi-en- ty and finding common ground with them abled devices such as smart thermostats to integrate energy efficiency and conserva- may have convenience benefits for the tion efforts. This emphasis on finding com- general city population. They also identi- mon ground has proven invaluable in the fied inclusion and independence benefits program implementation to date. Particular- for populations with special needs, such

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A Changing Regulatory Environment Legislative and regulatory environment advancements in the state, resulting from Climate Positive 2040 as well as collabo- ration and partnership efforts related to the plan, are laying the groundwork for a number of innovative initiatives and differ- ent programs. The recent passage of Utah’s Community Renewable Energy Act of 2019 (House Bill 411) was achieved only through the concerted and collective effort and advocacy of a diverse set of stakeholders that included Salt Lake City, Rocky Moun- tain Power, and community and municipal stakeholders such as Summit County and Park City. This first-of-its-kind legislation provides a framework for interested com- munities to collaboratively set cross-com- munity guidelines and timelines to achieve net-100% renewable energy supply by 2030.

The legislation and subsequent imple- menting rules were negotiated among as mobility restraints that prevent them state regulators, Rocky Mountain Power, from accessing their own thermostats. and early adopter 100% communities. To- In addition to targeted partnerships gether, they create a regulatory pathway with community organizations such as for interested communities to band to- the IRC and Salt Lake County Aging and gether to purchase electricity from new, Adult Services, Utah Clean Energy has large-scale renewable power plants – creat- attended over 20 community events in ing new jobs and economic development the targeted neighborhoods where they while displacing emissions from fossil fuel educate community members about en- generators. Importantly, the pathway pro- ergy efficiency and air quality, distribute vides several off-ramps for communities Home Energy Checklists and host LED who may ultimately decide not to partic- lightbulb exchanges where residents can ipate as well as opt-outs for customers exchange incandescent and CFL light- who may not wish to participate once their bulbs for more efficient LED lightbulbs. community joins. The law specifically re- quires participating communities to adopt These partnerships not only expanded plans to engage low income customers. energy efficiency offerings to a local com- munity, but also increased the quality This unique legislation provides for a stan- of daily life for community members. dard regulatory process while giving par- ticipating communities the opportunity to make joint renewable energy procurement decisions. All plans developed by the col- laborating communities and Rocky Moun-

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tain Power are still subject to the standard Utah’s Community regulatory review process with the State’s Public Service Commission for cost. Also, any Renewable Energy Act: community may exit prior to program imple- mentation and any customer may opt-out A Partnership Process without financial penalty during the opt-out PROCESS MAP: period. The framework encourages commu- nities to collaborate to achieve shared goals 1. while minimizing risk. The more communi- Initial partnership formation ties that join the effort, the greater the eco- Collaboration among communities and nomic benefits and transformation of the en- utility to support and shape Utah’s Com- ergy supply. The regulatory processes create munity Renewable Energy Act of 2019 accountability while the flexible agreement gives communities a wealth of information 2. before deciding whether to commit or not. The city-utility partnership and key stake- holders worked with regulators and legisla- tors to help shape legislation and demon- Cross-Community strate support during the bill review process Collaboration 3. Municipalities interested in collaborating Stakeholder engagement of tar- with other Utah communities to establish geted legislators with early adopt- goals and make implementation plans to er communities as spokespeople achieve net-100% renewable energy supply by 2030 need only to pass a resolution to be 4. eligible. To date, at least two dozen munici- Passage of Utah’s Community Re- palities, including Salt Lake City, have passed newable Energy Act of 2019 resolutions to enter the agreement with Rocky Mountain Power. The communities 5. that adopted a resolution may opt-out of Expansion of community engage- the agreement with Rocky Mountain Power ment to motivate additional commu- prior to any changes to customer power bills. nities to pass resolutions to be eligi- ble to participate in the Community Salt Lake City will convene a meeting in Renewable Energy Act program early 2020 to bring participating stake- holders together. At this meeting, com- 6. munities will seek to develop a common Interested communities pass resolutions implementation plan that will ultimately to become eligible to particpate in the lead to a joint filing with Rocky Mountain Community Renewable Energy Act program Power to the Public Service Commission. 7. (FORTHCOMING) Salt Lake City will con- vene a conference to discuss community goals and facilitate working groups to develop necessary program elements

8. (FORTHCOMING) Draft plans will be re- fined through stakeholder engagement

9. (FORTHCOMING) A joint application will be submitted to Public Service Com- mission for review and approval

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Costs and Financing To leverage available financial resources and expand impacts, multiple funding sources were pursued and secured to support the Climate Positive 2040 plan’s goals.

Blue Sky Empower SLC EVs Expansion

Administering Rocky Mountain Power Utah Clean Energy Salt Lake City; Rocky Partner Mountain Power

Funding Source DOE Grant Fund- Salt Lake City obligat- DOE Grant Funding; ing; Utility Funds ed funds; lightbulbs Utility Funds; Salt for exchange program Lake City obligated provided by utility funds; small grants

Utilization Funding utilized to sup- Funding administered ƒ Public charging port solar installations to expand local engage- infrastructure for applicant customers ment and resources supported by DOE dedicated to energy grant funding and efficiency and renew- utility funds; able energy benefits ƒ City EV and hybrid fleet expansion leverages City funding

Outcomes The Climate Positive 2040 plan has already yielded results throughout the commu- nity. By building upon existing partner- ships and developing new ones, the City has forged a collaborative pathway toward achieving their goals. Some notable out- comes from the program, thus far, include:

ƒ Developed a collaborative network of community partners to foster overlapping outreach and engagement efforts;

ƒ Formed innovative partnerships with Above: Members of Utah Clean Energy and the City organizations that do not primarily focus pose for a picture at the Empower SLC launch event (ini- on energy issues to illuminate non-energy 6 tiated with a $200k investment from the City). benefits for vulnerable community groups; and,

ƒ Developed strong regional partnerships for renewable energy development and state-wide collective advocacy.

6. https://slcgreenblog.com/2019/04/12/empower-slc-energy-efficiency-launch/#more-11286

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These outcomes and other program vices. By doing so, the City remains in tune achievements highlight the addi- with the less tangible benefits of the on- tive power created when stakeholders going Climate Positive 2040 work. This al- collaborate on shared goals and pro- lows the City to better describe the full vide support through innovative ap- impact of this work for the community. proaches to community challenges. Capitalize on every interaction: Whether through community engagement or the Lessons Learned initial discussions with Rocky Mountain The Climate Positive 2040 implementation Power, the City adopted an early strat- and the partnerships developed through egy of treating every interaction as an it, offer several lessons learned for simi- opportunity to discuss clean energy and larly positioned or inclined communities development goals. For example, while to adopt and scale for their own efforts: community organizations like the Inter- national Rescue Committee and Salt Lake Find community advocates: In implement- County’s Aging and Adult Services do not ing the Climate Positive 2040 plan, the City focus primarily of clean energy, partner- primarily took a leadership role in facilitat- ships with these organizations allowed Salt ing conversations, forming partnerships Lake City and Rocky Mountain Power to with both energy and non-energy focused make progress towards renewable energy organizations, and developing regulatory and carbon emission reduction goals by strategies with Rocky Mountain Power. This connecting with vulnerable communities. approach enabled the City to expand its reach, increase community trust of the infor- Advocate for supportive regulation: Unit- mation presented, present energy efficien- ed by a common vision and plan, the City, cy information in less technical terms, and utility, and key collaborators were able to capitalize on overlapping community goals. present community desires to regulators and legislators. Through coordinated efforts Find common ground: Salt Lake City and and advocacy, partners, and key stakehold- Rocky Mountain Power found that they ers helped shape a supportive regulatory needed to identify overlapping goals and environment for renewable adoption. common challenges in order to form effec- tive partnerships with community organiza- tions and other communities. The City, util- Contact Information ity, and community organizations worked Contact Name: together to leverage and share resources Vicki Bennett, Director, Sustainability De- to create solutions that benefit all parties. partment, Salt Lake City Corporation Likewise, Salt Lake City and Rocky Mountain Power provided an opportunity for inter- Phone: (801) 535-6540 ested communities across Utah to partici- pate in the Community Renewable Energy Email: [email protected] Act to overcome common challenges and create energy solutions for Utah citizens.

Measure and publicize all benefits: In the course of the Empower SLC program and community engagement projects, the City monitored all projects for non-en- ergy benefits, such as the mobility and independence benefits experienced by the elder community served by Aging Ser-

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THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS

Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director 1620 Eye Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Tel: 202.293.7330 Email: [email protected] usmayors.org