Item 10
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY ALLIANCE
Staff Report – Item 10
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Alisa Lembke, Board Clerk / Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: Community Advisory Committee February 24, 2022 Meeting Summary and Formation of 2022 Task Groups
DATE: March 10, 2022
This report summarizes the Community Advisory Committee’s meeting held via Zoom webinar on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
A. Considered revised draft Collections Policy. Staff presented a revised draft Collections Policy and received input, specifically on process and due diligence by VCE to connect with the customer prior to sending the customer to collections. The CAC recommended that the Board approve the Collections Policy with the addition of a flow chart of customer contact and verbiage reflecting multiple contacts with the customer will be made prior to sending them to collections (8-0-0).
B. Considered Time-of-Use (TOU) Bill Protection Program. Staff summarized 4 approach options of a bill protection program for customers transitioning from flat, tiered rates to time of use (TOU) rates. The CAC discussed cost differences between options 3 and 4, what other CCA’s are offering in bill protection, how a credit amount was determined in option 3, length of participation by customer in the program, messaging to the customer, and which option would result in a more positive customer service experience. The CAC recommended that the Board approve Bill Protection Option #3, in which customers can call and request bill protection if they choose to remain on the Time-of-Use rate for a full 12 months. In addition, the CAC recommend that the Board include staff outreach efforts, such as using VCE’s website, newsletter, and social media to inform customers that the bill protection program is available (7-0-1). The abstention was from a CAC member who felt the customer should be enrolled automatically and not have to call and request.
C. Considered Customer program concept (Heat Pump Pilot Program). Staff summarized the proposed customer Heat Pump Pilot Program concept. The CAC discussed how the heat pumps work, the goals of the program, engagement of contractors, and resources for customers. The CAC recommended that the Board approve Phase 1 of the Valley Clean Energy’s Heat Pump Pilot Program and change the primary focus of the program to encourage replacements of failing, failed, or outdated heating / air conditioner systems with Dual Fuel Heat Pumps or all Electric Heat Pumps (8-0-0).
Item 10
D. Formation of Energy Resilience Task Group and charge for 2022. The CAC reviewed, discussed and formed an Energy Resilience Task Group with the concept and preliminary charge agreed upon. Energy Resilience task group members were asked to develop with Staff a work plan/tasks for the CAC’s review and discussion for their March meeting (8-0-0).
At the CAC’s January 20th meeting, three (3) Task Groups formed for 2022: Leg/Reg, Outreach, and Programs (7-0-0) and Task Group Charges were approved (7-0-0). This summary report transmits the Charges for the four (4) task groups formed for 2022.
E. Received power procurement / Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) update. Staff provided an update on power procurement status, 2021 target and current power estimates, reviewed 2022 target, provided an update on the Aquamarine project, output from Indian Valley hydro, and reviewed the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) outlook.
F. Elections of Chair and Vice Chair. David Springer was elected as Chair and Marsha Baird was elected as Vice Chair, both to serve for the remainder of 2022.
Attachments: CAC 2022 Task Group Charges
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2022 LEG/REG TASK GROUP CHARGE
Members: Yvonne Hunter (Chair)
Lorenzo Kristov
Jennifer Rindahl
Christine Shewmaker
Staff Lead: Mitch Sears
2022 Charge:
Work with VCE’s lobbyist and VCE staff to:
• Provide feedback, technical information and strategic advice to VCE staff on key legislative and regulatory issues facing VCE and the CCA community in general, including legislation and regulatory issues related to VCE’s Strategic Plan and Environmental Justice Statement. • Provide periodic reports to the CAC about legislation and regulatory issues. • Solicit recommendations from the CAC on VCE positions on key legislation and regulatory proceedings.
• Advise VCE staff on CalCCA’s regulatory work when appropriate. • Work with staff to consider options to enhance the Task Group’s and CAC’s understanding of regularoty proceedings.
• Contribute to VCE’s engagement with legislators and other stakeholders. • Work with staff to periodically review and update VCE’s Legislative Platform for consideration by the CAC and VCE Board.
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2022 OUTREACH TASK GROUP CHARGE
Members: Mark Aulman (Chair)
Marsha Baird
Yvonne Hunter
Staff Lead: Rebecca Boyles
2022 Charge:
Collaborate with VCEA staff and consultants on community outreach to, and liaison with, member communities
Assist in the development of public information strategies, planning, and materials related to VCEA policies and programs. As requested by staff, review draft materials and provide comments as appropriate
Specific Tasks
1. Consult with staff and Green Ideals on short-term and long-term outreach strategies and communications projects
2. Help define audience segments within VCE’s service area and consult on appropriate messages and communications approaches
3. Provide a sounding board to assist in message development and copy testing
4. Review development procedures for marketing communications and public relations projects
5. Conduct review of marketing materials at the draft (pre-release) stage
6. Provide concise summaries of activities at the monthly CAC meetings
7. Assist with projects designed to implement the VCE Outreach and Marketing Plan with emphasis on environmental justice and the VCE Strategic Plan
8. As requested by the Director of Customer Care and Marketing, provide outreach and messaging support for the efforts of other CAC task groups, e.g., Programs TG and Rates TG.
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2022 PROGRAMS TASK GROUP CHARGE
Members: Marsha Baird (Chair)
David Springer
Staff Lead: Rebecca Boyles
2022 Charge: The CAC Programs Task Group will assist VCE Staff with development and planning of Customer Programs that are prioritized for implementation by the criteria outlined in the 3-year Programs Plan adopted by the Board in June 2021. Specifically, the Task Group will:
(1) advise on program details and review program design/implementation forms for programs prioritized for implementation in 2022,
(2) assist VCE Staff with updates to programs already in place, (3) collaborate with Staff on annual update to the 3-year Programs Plan, (4) assist Staff with finding and applying for external funding for upcoming programs, (5) have preliminary discussions with Staff on programs in line for implementation in 2023, and (6) provide summaries and updates at monthly CAC meetings on Task Group activities.
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2022 ENERGY RESILIENCE TASK GROUP CHARGE
Members: Lorenzo Kristov
Gerry Braun
Staff Lead: Gordon Samuel
Concept: Form a TG to consider practical ways that VCE can work with its member jurisdictions and other local collaborators to address imminent challenges related to climate disruption. The TG would focus initially on how VCE could contribute to building local energy resilience, i.e., the capability to maintain electric service for essential community needs and functions during planned and unplanned power system outages. 2022 Charge: Work with VCE staff and other potential collaborators to develop specific ideas and initiatives for providing energy resilience benefits for Yolo County people and communities while maintaining VCE’s financial health and core responsibilities.
Scope/Tasks: TO BE DETERMINED. Task Group members will work with Staff to develop work plan/tasks which will be reviewed and discussed by the CAC at their next meeting. -----------------------------------------------------
Strategic Plan: Goal 4. Promote and deploy local decarbonization and grid innovation programs to improve grid stability, reliability, community energy resilience, and safety.
4.1 Objective: Working with a variety of local, regional and state partners, develop a grid innovation roadmap for VCE’s service territory that supports community energy resilience and reliability.
4.2 Objective: Develop a VCE decarbonization roadmap to guide near and long-term program decisions and offerings.