Minutes: Public Benefits Committee: January 2007

Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC BENEFITS COMMITTEE
EVANSVILLE INITIATIVE
JANUARY 25, 2007
VILLAGE SQUARE RESTAURANT


In attendance: Janis Ringhand; Steve Carlson; Georgia Duerst-Lahti. Also: Lauri Morehart, WPPI Member Relations Manager; Mike Hodges, WPPI Customer & Renewable Programs Coordinator; Cheri Tessman, WPPI Community & Customer Programs Coordinator; Kendall Wethal, Pleasant Prairie Greenhouse Owner; Eric Jepperson, City Finance Director; Dan Wietecha, City Administrator; Tom Cothard, Chairman of City Water and Light Committee; Sandy Decker, Mayor.

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 a.m.

The Pleasant Prairie Greenhouse Solar Project was reviewed. The estimated kW savings for the solar tracking system is 4184 kW. Various methods of calculating project financial assistance were discussed. Mike Hodges was asked about WPPI calculation methods for energy conservation assistance. He suggested $2/kW savings as an appropriate assistance level and one that WPPI has used. $10,000 was suggested as energy conservation assistance for the project, calculated as 4184kW X $2 = $8368, plus an additional incentive of $1632. The extra incentive is because Pleasant Prairie is showcasing the solar project at multiple community open houses and is willing to provide individual tours/discussions of the project. $10,000 is approximately 21% of the solar tracking system cost. The committee agreed to recommend to the Evansville Water and Light Committee approval of $10,000 in energy conservation assistance to Pleasant Prairie Greenhouse.

Mike Hodges indicated that WPPI provides project assistance for commercial solar projects at $2400/kW. The method is essentially buying lifetime energy production on day one of the project as an incentive. This WPPI incentive program is under review and updated information will be available shortly. It is likely that WPPI incentives for industrial, commercial and residential solar projects will increase.

Sandy Decker had received an inquiry from Cheryl Dickert regarding solar conservation assistance general guidelines for projects. It was suggested that guidelines be developed after WPPI has finalized their program. This information will be relayed to Cheryl Dickert.

The WPPI representatives presented information on their community assistance programs and initiatives. They will provide assistance to member communities in the preparation of the Department of Administration annual filing on energy conservation programs. Effective July 2007, DOA will require additional information on program conservation results.

The lack of use of low income weatherization funds was discussed. WPPI will provide marketing tools and assistance to increase customer awareness and usage.

There was discussion of appliance turn-in awards. The possibility of turning in dorm refrigerators and old microwaves at the April Energy Fair will be explored by Public Benefits Committee members.

WPPI has arranged for two performances of the National Theatre, on the topic of energy, at Evansville Schools on March 15. It was suggested that Evansville may want to send some teachers to the June KEEP (K-12 Energy Education Program) classes. Renewable energy will be a topic.

The next meeting of the Public Benefits Committee will be held on Friday, February 23, at 7:30 a.m. at Village Square Restaurant.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.