CCMIN 01192021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Reda said staff recommends using Renewable 100 as the default for Pleasanton's municipal accounts and designating Brilliant 100 as the default for the City's residential, commercial, and industrial accounts. He added this will allow the City to lead by example in reaching Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0 target goals while residents will receive 100% carbon-free electricity with no change to their utility bills. In response to Councilmember Arkin's inquiries, Management Analyst Reda clarified the fourth option allows for Council, should it choose a higher-cost option, to opt the community members who use the financial/medical assistance programs CARE, FERA or medical baseline into the lower-cost Bright Choice. He added those residents could still opt down, up, or out. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, neither Management Analyst Reda nor Alex DiGiorgio, EBCE Public Engagement Manager, knew the number of commercial accounts in the City off-hand which contribute to the estimated aggregate cost increase of $2.7 million for using the Renewable 100 option. In response to Councilmember Testa, Management Analyst Reda clarified the discounts associated with the assistance programs would carry over in the fourth option. He added his belief the CARE discounts vary by income level. In response to Councilmember Balch's earlier inquiry, Mr. DiGiorgio stated commercial accounts typically represent about 25% of all accounts and half the load and Pleasanton is within the range although he reiterated, he did not have the exact figures handy. In response to Mayor Brown, he confirmed there are about 36,000 total accounts in Pleasanton. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Management Analyst Reda confirmed staff has met with EBCE staff to create a community engagement plan, including best practices learned from previous rollouts such as enhanced monitoring of social media to halt the proliferation of misinformation. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiries, Management Analyst Reda clarified residents can opt up, down, or out at any time, and do it without a fee if it is within the first year of service, regardless of which path the City Council approves. He confirmed Bright Choice is 1% cheaper than PG&E and will stay as such because EBCE tagged their rates to PG&E's. He added the same is true of the Brilliant 100 and Renewable 100 costs relative to PG&E's rates. Mayor Brown noted there were no speakers to address this item Councilmember Narum detailed her experience on the EBCE Board of Directors. She stated she was initially enthusiastic about EBCE but has come to understand this is a matter of choice between cost and the amount of clean energy. She stated her newly found appreciation for EBCE being not only an energy supplier but also for its plans to encourage carbon neutrality, which will benefit the City in the future. Councilmember Narum stated her support for Brilliant 100, which meets the City's CAP 2.0 goals without costing any more. She added those who feel they can afford it can always opt-up to Renewable 100, but this time of pandemic is not the time to impose Renewable 100. She stated her support for moving assistance program accounts to Bright Choice since it helps those residents at no cost to the City. She stated her support for the City moving into Renewable 100 and leading by example, noting staff is comfortable with the $90,000 added cost. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, Councilmember Narum confirmed residents retain the ability to adjust their service however they see fit, and the City Council is merely being asked to set a default plan. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 17 January 19, 2021