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5FoWI4IEIOKQ <br /> Reducing the Waste Stream for Alameda County <br /> March 01, 2012 <br /> TO: WMA Programs and Administration Committee <br /> WMA Planning and Organization Committee/Recycling Board <br /> FROM: Wendy Sommer, Principal Program Manager <br /> Karen Kho,Senior Program Manager <br /> Gary Wolff, Executive Director <br /> SUBJECT: Energy Efficiency Grant Funding <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> In recent years the Agency has successfully secured several energy-related grants, including <br /> approximately$8 million in economic stimulus funding on behalf of member agencies.The PG&E <br /> Innovator Pilot grant and similar energy-related grants present an opportunity to expand the types of <br /> green building and energy efficiency programs StopWaste.Org could implement on behalf of or with <br /> member agencies. We estimate around $175 Million available through the California Public Utilities <br /> Commission alone.These funds are traditionally directed to PG&E and other Investor Owned Utilities, <br /> but the CPUC commissioners have expressed interest in a larger local government role Staff is working <br /> with the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition to propose that funds be directed to local <br /> governments to implement regional energy networks that complement PG&E services and existing local <br /> government partnerships. <br /> Via this memo,staff seeks guidance on whether to develop a more formal governance structure for <br /> seeking energy-related grants and other third party funding. <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> StopWaste.Org is in many ways well suited to provide a regional coordinating role in grant seeking and <br /> assisting member agencies in equitably implementing energy efficiency programs,grants,and contracts. <br /> We already provide member agencies with services in green building, climate action planning and <br /> related activities.The Agency provides specialized technical assistance to jurisdictions that have robust <br /> local programs and staffing, and in smaller jurisdictions we can offer more comprehensive services. <br /> We have identified the following factors that are important to current and potential funders: <br /> - Clear governance structure in place for energy activities <br /> - Innovative programs that can be scaled regionally <br /> - Capacity to offer a diverse range of energy management activities <br /> - Accountability of funds not co-mingled with other sources such as general funds <br /> Member agencies would also benefit from regional coordination in grant seeking via: <br /> - Economies of scale <br /> - Greater competitiveness in grant seeking <br /> - Access to specialized technical expertise and services <br />