Environmental Sustainability Council

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL ENERGY TRANSITION SUBCOMMITTEE Thursday, November 1, 2018 at George Mason High School Library MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Members: Tim Stevens (Chair), Thomas Cash, Jon Ward Staff Liaison: Kate Walker, Dan Sze (City Council liaison Public Attendees: Adam Gruen, Andy Skellaris Approval of Minutes: September 13, 2018 minutes were approved. Staff Report: Kate reported that the City will pursue actual certification through USGBC at the the Silver level of for the library expansion. Ongoing Business - Review possible actions from October 4, 2018 meeting regarding EV’s. The committee reviewed and agreed on the following list, derived from discussion at the October 2018 meeting, as action steps for accelerating adoption of EVs in Falls Church: * Explore reduced personal property tax for EVs (meet with Tom Clinton) * “Ride and Drive” showcase events * Promote installation of EV charging infrastructure in the City - establish standards for new commercial development (VC negotiation) - explore enhancement to state building code (BHCD) - discuss funding opportunities with Electrify America - discuss funding opportunities with EVgo (Stacy Bradford) - tie-in EV charge stations in next Solarize campaign * Explore ways to encourage employers to install charging stations at work locations * Meet with Dominion Energy Virginia to explore pilot program * Establish goals and strategies in re-write of Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 5) The committee will use this list to guide its work going forward. - Greenhouse Gas Inventory – review updated draft presentation for future City Council session. The committee reviewed the draft GHG presentation. The consensus view was that the presentation is ready, and that Kate Walker will work with Cindy Mester to schedule the presentation to city council. - Other issues: DEV “Community Solar”, Solar Freedom legislation, etc. The committee discussed DEVs tariff filing for its version of a “Community Solar” service. This service would offer its customers the option of obtaining ownership rights to the electricity generated at solar farms built in Virginia, and owned by DEV. DEV has structured the service as an add-on to the rates for existing service. The proposed price is 2 cents per kWh more than the existing price for residential service, which is approximately 11.5 cents per kWh. A customer may match their existing usage (for an average customer this would add approximately $20 per month to their rates) or choose to match a portion of their existing usage, and pay an additional amount proportionate to the amount of their match. The committee observed that DEV’s Community Solar offering may appeal to some customers who currently subscribe to DEV’s Green Power Program. The Green Power Program involves the purchase of renewable power from out of state facilities, such as wind farms, and adds approximately 1.5 cents per kWh to a customer’s bill. Jon Ward agreed to draft a memo for distribution to city council that would provide ETS’ opinion on DEV’s Community Solar offering. Tim provided an update of the proposed Solar Freedom state legislation. The ESC has forwarded a description of Solar Freedom to City Council for inclusion in their upcoming legislative program. Surrounding jurisdictions are following in this same track. Meeting Adjournment