HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-23 Pledging 100% Renewable Energy for TOV Municipal Electricity RESOLUTION NO. 23
Series of 2019
A RESOLUTION PLEDGING 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR TOWN OF VAIL
MUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY
AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail (the "Town"), in the County of Eagle and State
of Colorado is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Colorado and the Town Charter (the "Charter");
WHEREAS, the members of the Town Council of the Town (the "Council")
have been duly elected and qualified;
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail's Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan,
adopted by the Vail Town Council in 2009, includes Goal #2, "Reduce the Town of Vail
municipal and community energy use by 20% below 2006 levels by 2020, in order to
effectively reduce the Town's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and impact on
global climate change";
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail supports the goals of the Climate Action Plan for
the Eagle County Community of a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by
2025 and 80% by 2050;
WHEREAS, Holy Cross Energy, which provides electric utility services to a
majority of Eagle County residents and businesses, has agreements in place to provide
70% of its power supply mix from renewable energy by 2030 and will likely reach that
target by 2021;
WHEREAS, Holy Cross Energy offers its members the ability to participate in the
PuRE program, Powered by 100% Renewable Energy, which further offsets electricity
use with renewable energy resources generated either within the Holy Cross Energy
service territory or within the state of Colorado;
WHEREAS, Holy Cross Energy dedicates all funds collected from the REPP to
its WECARE program, which supports additional local energy efficiency and renewable
energy projects through incentives and resources; and
WHEREAS, Pledging to purchase 100% renewable electricity will contribute to
an overall 32.5% reduction in the Town of Vail's municipal energy use.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO:
The Town of Vail hereby finds, determines and declares that this Resolution is
necessary for the public health, safety and welfare of the residents/constituents of the
Town of Vail.
Resolution No. 23, Series of 2019 Page 1 of 2
INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st da if May 2019.
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Resolution No. 23, Series of 2019 Page 2 of 2
TOWN OF1111)
Memorandum
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Community Development Department
DATE: May 21, 2019
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 23, Series of 2019, a Resolution Pledging 100% Renewable Energy for
Town of Vail Electricity
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum and presentation is to present for adoption Resolution No. 23,
Series of 2019, pledging to purchase renewable energy through the Holy Cross Energy PuRE
program, Powered by 100% Renewable Energy, for all Town of Vail electric accounts.
II. BACKGROUND
The Town of Vail's Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan, adopted by the Vail Town
Council in 2009, includes Goal #2, "Reduce the Town of Vail municipal and community energy
use by 20% below 2006 levels by 2020, in order to effectively reduce the Town's contribution to
greenhouse gas emissions and impact on global climate change. In 2006, the town's total
carbon emissions were approximately 12,000 lbs. CO2e, and today are approximately 10,440
lbs CO2e, a 13% reduction due to the town's facility-wide energy efficiency project, despite
significant increases in snowmelted areas. However, in order to reach the 20% by 2020 and
80% by 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal, a large-scale renewable energy purchase is
required. In order to achieve a full emissions offset of town operations including the snowmelt
system, staff will return to the Vail Town Council with additional options for consideration later
this summer.
Emissions Per Capita by Community
Vail Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory '°CC,
45.0°
40.tG
CLEER further broke down the County inventory by 350°
3040
community. Vail's greenhouse gas emissions are _
25.CO-_
comparably higher than other communities, due to PQM
high impact from the ski industry, guests, snowmelt 7: 1
and transportation. With a low population but high 5R° I I I WI
guest attendance, per capita emissions are skewed. °" w,
ROA Gd1 MLnlur�� YOW[ Gown 6�c i<irrxA:: n V;�i l.nmearF
GHG emissions per capita
Emissions by Community(mt CO2e)
AbOd1O0 Off
300.000.00
3wAW.0u
2ooa°o.00
Cc monomial
150.(10(1 CO Residentw1
1°0000.00
5°:'160.°0
Rcd Cbtf Nn[urn Basalt Gypsurr fag)c Ecwares Aron Vail En nco,p
Emissions by community-Buildings,Facilities,and Industry
III. HOLY CROSS PuRE PROGRAM
Holy Cross Energy will present the PuRE program, an energy offset program where members
may purchase renewable energy for a premium at a rate of$.00076/kWh for wind, $.0107/kWh
for hydroelectric power, and $.01222/kWh for solar. Since HCE is currently supplied by 39%
renewable energy, members are only responsible for the remaining 61% to offset their bills with
renewable energy. Members may choose the renewable energy source which tracks with
electricity bills.
Town Electric Offset Options
kWh 2018 100%Wind 100% Hydro 100% Solar
4,643,782 $35,293 $49,688.47 $56,654.14
So far, other communities and organizations in the Climate Action Collaborative including
Basalt, Eagle County, Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, Snowmass Village, and
Carbondale have adopted to select either 100% solar, 100% wind, or a combination of the
sources. The premium purchase prices are based upon the wholesale rate Holy Cross Energy
pays for the power, and each has its advantages. Wind has a higher capacity factor and
compliments daytime solar use. Wind is also the least expensive product, but is not necessarily
in the state of Colorado, where new solar contracts will include those developed in-state. Hydro
Power is purchased through Wester Area Power Association (WAPA), made up of 19 different
hydro-electric projects in the state.
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Vail Town Council adopt Resolution No. 23, Series of 2019 pledging to
purchase 100% renewable energy, and adding $36,000 (estimated based on last 12 months
kWh usage) to the supplemental budget for wind power for all electric accounts associated with
Town of Vail municipal operations.
V. ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 23, Series of 2019
Town of Vail Page 2