RES 02132 - Laserfiche WebLink

Contents A. Introduction B. Policy Principles C. Assets, Opportunities, and Barriers D. Implementation E. Action Plan F. Attachments A. Introduction Energy has rarely attracted as much attention in the media or in policy circles as it has since the fall of 2000. Sharp increases in energy prices gave rise to widespread concern not only over monthly utility bills but also about potential impacts on local jobs and growth. Concern over high prices and the environmental impacts of fossil-fuel burning power plants has renewed interest in energy conservation, sustainability, local control, and predictable energy rates. Measures that help create clean, reliable, economical, and energy efficient systems.of an acceptable power quality are desired. While blackouts due to power supply shortages are not anticipated to occur in 2002, energy supply shortages and cost uncertainty may occur in the future unless communities plan for their energy needs in a comprehensive, well-thought-out manner. The purpose of this plan is to guide the City toward a sustainable energy future without increasing adverse impacts to the community. Primary provisions of this plan include educating the public about energy saving techniques and programs; promoting and developing energy conservation strategies and programs; installing environmentally benign, renewable energy facilities; participating in alliances with businesses and other agencies; developing other policies, programs, and ordinances that are compatible with this plan; and reviewing local control and public-power opportunities. Included in this plan are goals and projects prepared under the direction of the City of Pleasanton's Energy Advisory Group (EAG). The group has worked intensively since June 2001 to develop the recommendations contained in this plan. The group has prepared detailed lists of policies to guide the City and actions for the City to pursue. The group is voluntary and is comprised of Pleasanton residents, business leaders, environmentalists, and energy and industry experts. A list of EAG members is provided in Attachment A. To develop the Energy Plan, EAG took advantage of the meeting processes and strategies provided in Rocky Mountain Institute's Community Energy Workbook~. As recommended in this workbook, workshops were organized to discuss what energy strategies worked in other places, opportunities unique to Pleasanton, and project priorities. In short, the workbook provided EAG with the direction it needed to create an energy plan. The plan-development process also benefited from knowledgeable guest speakers who shared their ideas about dislributed energy generation, renewable energy, Page 2 of 8