R5 Discussion and Possible Action Including Direction to Staff Regarding Updated Cash Flow Projections for the Ameresco Proposed Energy Saving Performance Project and Whether or Not to Continue with the Project
(Sponsor: Executive Office)
Solar panels save money on energy costs that not only offset the cost of the panels, but also cuts energy costs well into the future. The County continues to delay the decision to buy the panels, install them and start saving the County much needed energy costs, this is not wise governance. Why the delay?
The Net Zero Carbon Reduction Resolution was passed by the Board on August, 2021. It defies common sense that it took 3 more years to even get the County to sign a contract in Sept., 2024 with Ameresco to install solar. And a year and half later we’re still waiting for solar to be installed. Why?
Whether it’s $67,000 or $50,000 the energy savings in even the first year are clear. The funds are allocated to buy the panels. It is beyond belief that there are still no panels installed. Why?
Based on the material provided to the public regarding the Solar project for the Administration Building, AMERESCO guarantees the county will capture net savings somewhere between approximately $1 to $2 million dollars over the next 25 years by proceeding as planned. While I am sure that many can quibble with the assumptions these savings are based upon, history at lest strongly suggests continuing to purchase energy from outside suppliers will only add to County Government’s ongoing structural deficit . I urge Supervisors to finish what it has started and complete the installation of Solar on its Administrative Center. I also urge the Board to continue to explore ways to reduce its dependence on outside energy sources and in particular fossil fuel dependent energy.
John Risk, Treasurer and Boardmember
about 1 month ago
I simply wish to urge the Supervisors not reassign the funds to "deferred maintenance" but rather to keep the $1.5M allocation dedicated to carbon sequestration projects. Fuel prices are on the increase due to world oil supply disruptions. There are a number of options available to the County. These might include more electric powered utility vehicles (such as golf carts), electric powered landscape maintenance tools and tractors, Portable LifePo battery powered generators, portable solar panels for outdoor events, etc.. Keep the funds reserved for energy efficiency and carbon reduction not only protects the money from being absorbed by the general fund it honors the amount of time and money already invested by the County in establishing the energy savings performance project! Moreover, it is more than reasonable that funding from PGE be dedicated to carbon reduction and energy savings. Please think beyond the box on this item and invite members of the mendocino solar and environmental communities assist you in this regard.
Solar panels save money on energy costs that not only offset the cost of the panels, but also cuts energy costs well into the future. The County continues to delay the decision to buy the panels, install them and start saving the County much needed energy costs, this is not wise governance. Why the delay?
The Net Zero Carbon Reduction Resolution was passed by the Board on August, 2021. It defies common sense that it took 3 more years to even get the County to sign a contract in Sept., 2024 with Ameresco to install solar. And a year and half later we’re still waiting for solar to be installed. Why?
Whether it’s $67,000 or $50,000 the energy savings in even the first year are clear. The funds are allocated to buy the panels. It is beyond belief that there are still no panels installed. Why?
Based on the material provided to the public regarding the Solar project for the Administration Building, AMERESCO guarantees the county will capture net savings somewhere between approximately $1 to $2 million dollars over the next 25 years by proceeding as planned. While I am sure that many can quibble with the assumptions these savings are based upon, history at lest strongly suggests continuing to purchase energy from outside suppliers will only add to County Government’s ongoing structural deficit . I urge Supervisors to finish what it has started and complete the installation of Solar on its Administrative Center. I also urge the Board to continue to explore ways to reduce its dependence on outside energy sources and in particular fossil fuel dependent energy.
I simply wish to urge the Supervisors not reassign the funds to "deferred maintenance" but rather to keep the $1.5M allocation dedicated to carbon sequestration projects. Fuel prices are on the increase due to world oil supply disruptions. There are a number of options available to the County. These might include more electric powered utility vehicles (such as golf carts), electric powered landscape maintenance tools and tractors, Portable LifePo battery powered generators, portable solar panels for outdoor events, etc.. Keep the funds reserved for energy efficiency and carbon reduction not only protects the money from being absorbed by the general fund it honors the amount of time and money already invested by the County in establishing the energy savings performance project! Moreover, it is more than reasonable that funding from PGE be dedicated to carbon reduction and energy savings. Please think beyond the box on this item and invite members of the mendocino solar and environmental communities assist you in this regard.