CC WS PACKET 07222025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Action Current Status Share existing information on resources for reducing energy use in buildings, including the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Energy Rebates, free energy audits from power companies, etc. Ensure educational resources and opportunities for home energy improvements are accessible to low-income residents. Specific information and education-sharing tactics are being planned with Partners in Energy/the Energy Action Plan.** Consider developing an incentive program or grant funding for residents to pursue a home audit. One example would be to refund residents the cost of their home audit if they address a certain number of inefficiencies identified in the home audit. Examine providing low-income residents with financial support in improving home efficiency if a home audit identifies significant issues. Long-term planning needed to determine funding source and budgetary resources for an incentive or cost-share program. Staff are staying updated on available grant opportunities and may pursue grants that could provide funds to pilot an incentive program for residents.** Consider adopting a sustainable building policy for all new and remodeled construction projects. PEC has visited this topic twice, further direction needed from City Council before staff can make a draft and bring it back to PEC and onto Planning Commission. Discuss participating in Partners in Energy Program and creating an Energy Action Plan.* Currently in the 18-month implementation period with Partners in Energy support. Major engagement opportunity at VillageFest to promote Energy Action Plan to wider community. Subsidize Home Energy Audit for residents who commit to investing in some form of energy efficiency in their homes. Long-term planning needed to determine funding source and budgetary resources for an incentive or cost-share program.** Action Current Status Partner with Minnesota Renewable Energy Society to build Community Solar Gardens on public property (e.g. parking lot canopies) where qualifying households can apply for a subscription and save money on their monthly electric bill. Action determined unfeasible (as written) during Partners in Energy meetings. Focusing efforts on promoting opportunities to participate in existing Community Solar Gardens through the utilities. Address financial barriers for low-to-moderate-income residents by reducing or waiving permit submission fees for solar panels. Staff have investigated the feasibility of this and more details will be shared at 7/22/25 work session discussion. Explore solar panel installation on public facilities. Seek funding from utility providers and government programs, and integrate implementation costs into the annual budget.* Received Solar on Public Buildings Department of Commerce grant for Public Works and Water Treatment Plant. Water Treatment Plant has been installed and undergoing inspections as of July 2025. Public Works project is slated for Fall 2025.** There are no policy-oriented actions in this initiative. 2025 Climate Plan Mid-Year Update Energy and Transportation Focus Areas Presented to City Council July 22, 2025 PEC completed a ranking activity in Dec 2024 to provide input on how the city should consider prioritizing these actions. (* = highest priority actions) The Energy Action Plan has several strategies mirroring those in the Climate Plan, creating parallels and stronger initiative for the City to make progress in those areas. (** = Energy Action Plan mirror strategy) City Council will review actions that are policy-oriented, these are summarized in the tables below. Refer to the Climate Plan for the full list of actions that include these as well as education and operations-oriented actions being owned by staff. Initiative 1: Improve efficiency of homes, businesses, and public facilities in SAV ENERGY INITIATIVES Initiative 2: Increase usage of renewable energy Initiative 3: Increase the purchasing of electric devices and appliance alternatives