Item 8: RCA- YMCA of Austin 5315 Ed Bluestein — original pdf

Backup

..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $231,990 to the YMCA of Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724, in District 1. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: YMCA of Austin - 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724 Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 703 330 231.99 192.552 322,462 $429,182 $231,990 54% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements The YMCA of Austin provides recreational facilities and classes. The proposed solar system would cover 64% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. According to US Energy Information Administration and based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 152 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 193 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 226 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,280 trees or 169 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 346,550 vehicle miles or 30 cars from Austin roadways. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind-the meter installations).” In order to meet these goals, Austin Energy has funded the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Programs, which are designed to reduce the amount of electricity Austin Energy must purchase from the market and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of the Austin Energy Solar PV CBI Program is to expand adoption of solar by nonprofit organizations by helping to offset the capital investment for customers who are unable to benefit from the federal tax credit. Under this program, customers who qualify as nonprofit entities (outlined in Section V.B.iv of the program guidelines), are eligible to receive $1.00/W-DC up to $482,000. Per program guidelines, the installation is expected to continue producing for a minimum of 20 years or may be subject to repay the incentive at a pro-rated amount, if it stops producing for any reason short of the stated minimum. This project will advance the stated goals of expanding locally-sited solar, carbon reduction and resiliency, extend the adoption of solar to entities historically excluded from the investment benefits of solar, and continue to demonstrate the value and importance of renewables as part of the individual and collective generation portfolio in Austin Energy territory. Strategic Outcome(s): Government That Works for All. ..S tra te g ic O u tc o m e (s)