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BACKGROUND The Energy Council is a Joint Powers Agency that was formed in spring 2013, to seek funding on behalf of its member agencies to develop and implement programs and policies that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources. To date, the County of Alameda and the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro and Union City have joined the Energy Council. The City of Livermore is in the process of applying for membership. The Energy Council assists its members by strengthening staff capacity, providing technical expertise, and securing funds to implement local sustainable energy strategies and address the climate change readiness of local communities. The Energy Council is currently a member of the San Francisco Bay Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and is the implementer and administrator for the regional multifamily energy-efficiency program. Alameda and Contra Costa jurisdictions voted for the Energy Council to become the Independent Administrator for East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW), which allows for more synergy in regional program planning. Since its formation in 2013, Energy Council has managed energy efficiency programs totaling over $24 million in external funding. All StopWaste staff work on behalf of the Energy Council is funded by these external sources DISCUSSION In 2012, the Waste Management Authority Board directed staff to invite all of the 14 cities in Alameda County and the County itself to become members of the Energy Council. A deadline of March 29, 2013 was given for the initial formation of the Council. However, additional jurisdictions can join at a later time with the permission of the Energy Council Board. The Council meets at the same time and place as the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (WMA) Board. The Council's members (one from each member agency, and one alternate) are the same as those who sit (and serve as alternates) on the WMA governing board. StopWaste serves as staff to the Energy Council as well as to the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, a public Joint Powers Agency formed in 1976 and to the Recycling Board created by Alameda County Charter Amendment in 1989. StopWaste has extensive experience implementing resource efficiency, green building and energy efficiency programs in Alameda County and the Bay Area. The Energy Council Technical Advisory Group (EC TAG), comprised of staff from Alameda County jurisdictions, advises staff on funding proposals and the implementation of programs. The EC TAG meets monthly and is a resource for jurisdictions to share common concerns and strategies, hear from expert speakers, stay current on new program developments and request new programs and services. The Energy Council benefits member agencies in providing greater competitiveness in obtaining funding and strengthening local staff capacity. By joining Energy Council the City of Pleasanton would have the opportunity to provide direction on the types of funding opportunities and programs that are being pursued. Page 2 of 3