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ATTACHMENT 3 The Energy Council: Who, What, When, Where, and Why (in reverse order!) WHY Join the Energy Council? There are numerous opportunities to obtain grant or contract funds for local government energy policy development or program implementation. For example,the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has requested proposals that may lead to$160 million becoming available to local government for these purposes beginning January 1, 2013. But the CPUC and other funders of such work want formal, regional and special purpose governance structures in place to manage these funds. WHERE and How Will the Council Do Its Work? The Council's work will focus on the territory of member agencies.The work will be done in support of member agency programs and constituents. The Council will meet at the same time and place as the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (WMA) Board.The Council's members (one from each member agency)will be the same as those who sit on the WMA governing board.This saves on travel time and other expenses, and ensures there will be no duplication with work of the WMA that achieves both solid waste and energy benefits(e.g., Energy Upgrade California).A technical advisory group (TAG)of member agency staff will be consulted before items are brought before the Council's formal governing Board. Existing WMA(StopWaste.Org) staff will serve as staff to the Council through a Memorandum of Understanding with the WMA. StopWaste.Org staff is in the best position to support this new governance structure, since we have long standing and ongoing relationships with potential and current funders.Whenever possible,funding for member agency staff will be provided as well. WHEN Will the Council Begin Its Work? Any of the 14 cities within Alameda County and the county itself may become a member by signing the JPA before March 29, 2013.This is the effective date of the JPA and would be the first day of the Energy Council's existence. It's important to move forward as soon as possible— energy-efficiency funds are available January 1, 2013! WHAT Types of Projects Will the Council Carry Out? The Council will develop and implement programs and policies that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources. The Council will assist members in strengthening staff capacity, providing technical expertise,and securing funds to implement local sustainable energy strategies. For example,the CPUC is considering incentive payments through local government energy efficiency programs to multi-family building owners. WHO Benefits? Members and the residents and businesses they serve! Any city in Alameda County or the County itself can join,as can other cities and counties at a later time with the permission of the Energy Council Board. The Energy Council will increase its members'success rate at obtaining funds, and keep administrative costs low via an economy of scale.