PC 2000-65 - Laserfiche WebLink

Resolution No. PC-2000-65 Page 3 NOVEMBER 28, 2000 PLANNING COMMISSION IVIEETING MINUTES EXCERPTS Chairperson Sullivan expressed his thanks to staff for the report and to Mr. Stoner for his presentation. He commented that he feels we are facing an energy crisis of many different elements. He stated that there is an apparent shortage of supply during peak and off-peak times. He noted that there is some dispute as to the extent of the problem and questioned the composition of the ISO. He further noted that there is some controversy and uncertainty as to the actual supply and demand equation. He advised that there is a problem with the sky-rocketing price of electricity. He noted that the proposals to build power plants in our City are not acceptable as shown by the public opposition at the last meeting. He commented that until this evening we have only heard about unsustainable solutions to the problems and not a lot of discussion about alternatives. He advised that the City is also faced with P.G. & E.'s proposal to install a transmission line through a residential neighborhood. He further advised that there is also the general uncertainty of the deregulated electrical environment. Chairperson Sullivan questioned whether the City wants to sit back and wait to see what happens or whether the City wants to be proactive and try to set a direction by putting programs in place to ensure an adequate supply and demand equation. He posed the following questions: Do we want to make sure that the solutions that are put forth are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable? Do we want to protect our residents and businesses from high rates and inadequate supply? Do we want to establish some type of framework in the General Plan as to what is and what is not acceptable for our community? He stated that he believes the City should propose the solution and not wait for others to impose a solution on it. Chairperson Sullivan stated that he would like to see the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that a study be performed with the goal of establishing a community energy strategy and policy to permit a proactive approach to and solutions for energy problems. He stated that he would like to see a community-based approach with all of the stakeholders involved, including residents, businesses, developers, energy industry representatives, and environmental and energy advocates, as well non-governmental organizations, such as the Local Government Commission and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Chairperson Sullivan advised that he would like to see the following elements that were presented in the staffreport included in the study: local generation vs. relying on imported power what can be done on the sub-regional basis energy efficiency whether short-term, market-basad decisions should be augmented by requiring attention be given to environmental externalities of all types and long-term sustainability