Item 8
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY ALLIANCE
Staff Report – Item 8
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Alisa Lembke, Board Clerk / Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: Summaries of Community Advisory Committee June 27, 2024 and August 22, 2024 meetings
DATE: September 12, 2024
This report summarizes the Community Advisory Committee’s meetings held in person and via Zoom webinar on Thursday, June 27, 2024 and on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 Meeting:
A. Review, provide feedback and approve draft 2024 CAC Bioenergy Task Group Charge.
VCE Staff Gordon Samuel informed those present that he is proposing that the Task Group be called Bioenergy, to broaden the scope, rather than Biomass. Staff and the CAC discussed: conversion methods, initiating sites, different fuel sources with different emissions, benefits and liabilities of different sources, and whether there is an economic benefit to farmers. There were a few suggestions made to the draft. The CAC approved the Bioenergy Task Group Charge as amended. (7-0-0)
B. Received 2024 Summer preparedness presentation. Jaclyn Harr of The Energy Authority (TEA) provided a summary of CAISO and VCE Summer readiness by highlighting average to above average temperatures, power needs, including imports, meeting hedging procurement requirements and load, and weather forecasts. The CAC discussed: liquidated damages as a supply resource, hedging, load shifting and education, and demand response.
C. Received an update on Power Procurement / Renewable Portfolio Standard. Mr.
Samuel provided update on VCE’s projects, how those projects are performing, and VCE’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) position. The CAC and Staff discussed:
options for other “filler” resources rather than gas generation, prices, distribution of energy between commercial and residential, load, and curtailment.
D. Discuss and provided feedback on VCE Renewable Energy Credits. Ms. Harr informed those present that VCE is contemplating the selling of some of VCE’s excess renewable energy RECs with VCE retaining the renewable resources towards VCE’s portfolio. The CAC and Staff discussed: REC buyers; market price, penalties, and longevity; surplus and retirement; load shift; revenue and financial benefits; the effects of resources coming online; and VCE’s renewable resource targets for the upcoming years. The CAC supports an approach that monetizes RECs as long as VCE remains at or above RPS compliance requirements.
Item 8
2 E. Reviewed, provided feedback and support the concept of a collaborative effort with Cool Davis. The CAC provided some comments and support the idea of a more formal relationship with Cool Davis. The CAC encourages the collaboration to support outreach and resources for low income and disadvantaged communities within VCE’s territory. It was requested that the draft MOU be provided to the Outreach and Programs Task Group for their information. The CAC support the idea of a more formal relationship and recommend to the Board that they support Staff proceeding with the effort. (7-0-0) Thursday, August 22, 2024 Meeting:
A. Received presentation on Virtual Power Plants: VCE Staff Sierra Huffman introduced VCE Intern Catherine Rowan. Ms. Rowan provided an introduction to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) emphasizing how VPPs can help meet the demand during peak periods and modify load on a large scale; the work she has been doing, including preparing two surveys; and her end goal of preparing a final report for VCE. CAC and Staff had a brief discussion on programs and using thermostats and other technology like bidirectional electric vehicle charging. The CAC requested more information on flexibility markets.
B. Reviewed and provided feedback on VCE’s 2024-2026 Outreach and Marketing Plan Outline. VCE Staff Rebecca Kuczynski provided highlights of the updated Outreach and Marketing Plan outline. Ms. Kuczynski requested that feedback be provided to her or Board Clerk Alisa Lembke via email.
C. Received update on VCE’s programs and grants. Ms. Kuczynski provided a summary and status of VCE’s programs and grants. The CAC asked a few questions and made a few suggestions.