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Discussion followed regarding enforcement of the ordinance, compliance rate, changing the behavior of <br /> mall shoppers, exemptions for Certified Farmers Markets that are registered organic, compliance by <br /> restaurants, focus on retail stores and the number of uses for reusable bags in order to "break even". <br /> 14. Presentation by Alameda County on Community Choice Aggregation program <br /> Tom Kelly, KyotoUSA, presented a report regarding the Community Choice Aggregation program and a <br /> technical study that was recently concluded. He addressed Community Choice Energy, background, <br /> partnership with PG&E, benefits of the program, potential advantages, growth of the program in <br /> California, success of the programs to date, financial performance of the programs and risks. Mr. Kelly <br /> reported on the status and results of the technical study, the JPA agreement, phases and goals going <br /> forward. He added that the technical consultants reviewed three scenarios and presented details of <br /> each including a comparison of rates, results of a sensitivity analysis, macroeconomic impacts, and <br /> technical study conclusions and the project timeline. <br /> In response to an inquiry by Mayor Thorne, Mr. Kelly commented on opportunities to opt out of the <br /> program. Mayor Thorne commented on a prior Energy Committee and their challenges in being able to <br /> provide competitive rates. <br /> Discussion followed regarding the makeup of the Joint Powers Authority (JPA), the governing board, <br /> voting shares, rates, public participation, requirement of an annual audit, and examples of renewable <br /> energy. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Mr. Kelly reported that PG&E will pay customers, at a <br /> retail rate, for solar excess power/electricity they export to the grid. At her request, he provided <br /> examples of renewable energy and reported that large hydro energy would come from outside <br /> California. <br /> Councilmember Narum commented on setting rates and the need to modify the way they are set. <br /> Councilmember Pentin asked Mr. Kelly to clarify the specifics for opting out of the program and Mr. <br /> Kelly stated that customers may opt out of the programs at any time. Once someone opts out, they <br /> must do so for a minimum of a year. Councilmember Pentin inquired how the price of renewables will <br /> be affected in the future. Mr. Kelly addressed the expanding market and the decreasing price of <br /> renewables. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment <br /> Catherine Brown, Environmental Scientist, representing the East Bay Green Power Alliance, <br /> commented on her participation on the Steering Committee and referenced the Technical Study that <br /> was recently completed. She spoke in support of the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program <br /> and commented on the uniqueness of the Tri-Valley. She reported that the City's climate is very <br /> conducive to roof-top solar and reported that the JPA is not yet set and there is opportunity to effect <br /> that decision. She encouraged Council to keep local job creation in mind when considering the CCA. <br /> She hoped that the City will decide to join. <br /> Eloise Hamann, Member of the Steering Committee and representing the East Bay Green Power <br /> Alliance, encouraged the City to join the JPA and spoke in support CCA. She noted that renewable <br /> energy is the future and that Cities and local governments are working to solve the nation's problems. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9 June 21, 2016 <br />