IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT - Energy Consumers Advisory Committee - Imperial Irrigation ...
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IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Energy Consumers Advisory Committee
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 2, 2020 6:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / ROLL CALL
Chairperson Michael Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The following members attended the meeting:
El Centro – Chairperson Michael Anderson and members Chad Cooper, Rosa Guerrero, Guillermo Hermosillo,
Jeffrey Plourd, Eric Reyes, Haydee Rodriguez and David Salgado
La Quinta – Vice Chairperson Steven Bayard and members Jacob Alvarez, Barbara Barrett, Philip Bautista,
Becky Broughton, Glenn Miller, Lee Osborne, Oscar Ortiz, John Peña and Patricia Saleh
Members Gerald Gauna and Shorty Hickingbottom were absent.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. ECAC Special Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2020
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Mr. Peña seconded a motion to approve the ECAC Regular Meeting Minutes of
October 5, 2020. Motion carried 15-0-2 with Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Barrett abstaining.
2. 2020 ECAC Attendance Report YTD September 2020
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Mr. Plourd seconded a motion to approve the 2020 ECAC Attendance Report Year-
to-Date October 2020. Motion carried 16-0-1 with Ms. Barrett abstaining.
D. ACTION ITEMS
1. Energy Department 2021 Proposed Operating & Capital Budgets
Ms. Belen Valenzuela, chief financial officer, presented the Energy Department’s proposed 2021 Operating and Capital
Budgets. She related that an ECAC Budget & Strategic Planning Subcommittee Meeting was held October 19 in which
much detail of the budget was discussed. She reviewed the financial goals of the Energy Department, including the
days cash on hand levels, Other Post-Employment Benefits funding and the bond covenants’ debt ratio. The overall
budget of $532 million includes: $150 million for Operation & Maintenance; $105 million for Capital; and $215 million for
Fuel and Purchased Power. The Energy Department is working on a five-year plan for capital projects, which will be
presented to the ECAC and the board in early 2021, and the budget will be adjusted, if approved. The Energy
Department is requesting 23 new positions to bring the [vegetation management function] in-house. Ms. Marilyn Gilbert,
energy manager, outlined a high-level summary of the 2021 capital projects for generation, transmission, distribution
and general plant, which are listed on Page E-5 of the budget.
Ms. Guerrero inquired about the amount deferred for capital projects. Ms. Valenzuela reported there were budget
reductions of about $11 million for COVID-19 alone; in 2019, a reprioritization of capital projects resulted in deferring
projects amounting to a total of $20 million. Ms. Gilbert added that some customer-funded projects were deferred in
2020, as well.Referencing Page F-2, Mr. Alvarez asked about the actual debt service compared to that budgeted. Ms. Valenzuela
explained that IID does not borrow for deferred projects. Staff is projecting about $46 million of debt service payments
in 2021. She related that the California Air Resources Board’s laws pertaining to fleet emissions require replacement of
much of IID’s fleet. Actual costs [for Automotive Equipment] in 2019 were about $2.9 million and IID is anticipating $5.3
million in 2021.
Mr. Alvarez sought clarification, stating that in 2019 and 2020 $5 million was anticipated, but only $2.9 million is shown.
Ms. Valenzuela affirmed and elaborated that some vehicles, such as the line trucks ordered, have a two-year lead-time.
Ms. Gilbert added that some of the fleet was delayed to subsequent years.
Mr. Alvarez inquired whether debt service is the money received and paid through bonds, regardless of whether there
is a purchase. Ms. Valenzuela conveyed that vehicles are a capital lease—IID leases vehicles and equipment for three-
and five-years, respectively. Concerning bonds issued, IID deferred the issuance of bonds when projects were deferred
in 2019. IID does not include bond financing in 2021; however, the energy manager’s capital plan may require it.
Mr. Osborne stated that the 2021 high-level budget report (Page C-3) indicates IID is negative $46 million. He asked if
staff will be going to the board to discuss rates next year to address the negative operating costs versus revenue.
Ms. Valenzuela disclosed that a cost of service study is being conducted, which will reveal the cost of service compared
to revenues. Staff may know results in late 2020 or early 2021.
Mr. Henry Martinez, general manager, added that there are negotiations underway with labor as the three-year contracts
end, which is another pending expense for the wages of 95 percent of the workforce.
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Ms. Broughton seconded a motion to recommend approval of the 2021 Proposed
Energy Department Operating & Capital Budgets. Motion carried unanimously.
2 & 3. OrHeber 2 LLC Transmission Service Agreement and Generator Interconnection Agreement GIA-2020-59
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Ms. Broughton seconded a motion to combine items D2 and D3, the Transmission
Service Agreement for OrHeber 2 LLC and the Generator Interconnection Agreement for OrHeber 2 LLC. Motion carried
unanimously.
Ms. Sabrina Barber, manager, Energy Regulatory & Strategic Marketing, related that Ormat recently submitted a
generator interconnection application for the Gould 2 Heber South consolidation project. Currently, Heber South is
injecting 14 MW into the Imperial Substation, but will increase to 17 MW with the addition of Gould 2. Ormat has
submitted the required milestone payments of $45,000 for engineering and construction activities. She sought approval
of the rollover of the existing long-term transmission service agreement provided by IID under its Open Access
Transmission Tariff, which will replace and terminate the prior agreement. The term of service is 13 years with
anticipated annual revenue of about $350,000.
Mr. Plourd moved and Ms. Rodriguez seconded a motion to recommend board approval of the OrHeber 2 LLC
Transmission Service Agreement and the Generator Interconnection Agreement GIA-2020-59. Motion carried
unanimously.
4. MWA 200164: Rockwood Units 1 and 2 Controls Upgrade Project
Mr. Mario Escalera, manager, Operations & Energy Infrastructure, reported that Rockwood Units 1 and 2, which were
originally designed by United Technologies and commissioned in 1978, are rated at 25 MW apiece. More than 42 years
old, neither unit has had any major controls upgrade or overhauls and far exceeded the industry life standard. He
credited the staff for their ingenuity in keeping the units running. No longer supported by the equipment manufacturer,
the control circuits are virtually impossible to calibrate. The units, which are primarily peakers, provide emergency back-
up service, critical voltage support, non-spin reserve capacity and reactive regulation. Unit 1 is a blackstart unit and
critical to IID’s restoration plan. IID will solicit a contractor to design, procure, remove and replace existing turbines with
new non-proprietary microprocessor technology that will run all the functions currently performed. The project will also
include a human machine interface. The total estimated cost of the project is $1,660,000.
2Vice Chair Bayard asked how many more such projects would arise and requested a future presentation. Mr. Escalera
indicated that staff has concluded a number of studies one of which was with Black & Veatch that reviewed IID’s system
and recommended certain modifications to the existing fleet. Staff is evaluating and prioritizing the fleet in conjunction
with the five-year plan to modernize the fleet.
Mr. Martinez added that a number of issues with generation have surfaced over time: 1) Compliance and acceleration
of the Renewables Portfolio Standard, requiring a more aggressive shift from gas-fired plants to renewables. 2) Unit
reliability and the dynamic needs of the system that IID is encountering as a balancing authority, as well as the
interconnections with major systems across the West. IID must react and accommodate changes on the grid that happen
more frequently and the peaker units are important to meeting those requirements. 3) How IID mitigates rate increases
because investing in generators is very expensive. 4) The overproduction of renewable energy during the off-peak
season, which is eight months of the year. IID’s neighbors also have lots of excess production during off-peak hours,
which necessitates an investment in battery energy storage systems. All of these factors will be compiled in a five-year
plan, which is still in an embryotic state and addresses not only generation, but transmission and distribution, as well.
Staff is ensuring they make the right investments, schedule them appropriately and minimize rate impacts.
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Ms. Saleh seconded a motion to recommend board approval of Major Work
Authorization 200164, the Rockwood Units 1 and 2 Controls Upgrade Project. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program
Ms. Barber stated that the board approved IID’s participation in the CARB-administered LCFS program, which is
intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California resulting from transportation consumption. Qualifying entities
that opt into the program generate credits associated with clean fuels, which can be sold in the LCFS market. The use
of the proceeds is restricted and must benefit current and future electric vehicle customers. Credits are based on the
number of EVs registered with the DMV within IID’s service boundaries. The first quarter EV credits totaled 887 and the
estimated revenue generated by the sale of credits will be about $170,000 at a cost of roughly $250. All participants are
required to fund the Clean Fuels Rewards Program that provides point-of-sale rebates on new electric vehicles. IID’s
initial contribution of $81,000 will be funded from LCFS revenue and proceeds will also be used to fund rebates for EVs
in the secondary market and for maintenance training, education and outreach supporting EV adoption. IID will
competitively bid the sale of credits through a joint solicitation package with other utilities to leverage efficiencies and
gain better sale prices, offering potential bidders a more attractive package.
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Mr. Peña seconded a motion to recommend board approval to sell Low Carbon Fuel
Standard credits, as needed. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Proposed Energy Efficiency Incentive Program Changes
Ms. Barber provided background about IID’s energy efficiency rebate programs and related that staff has been working
on a number of program enhancements for its Energy Rewards, Refrigerator Recycling and EVolve programs. Staff
proposes to transition from a paper check format to a bill credit for all prescriptive rebates of $500 or less, applying the
credit directly to the customer’s electrical account. The new process will expedite payments to customers, reduce costs
associated with check issuance and mailing and eliminate the risk of lost checks. Staff is also proposing to modify
program guidelines to require all electrical accounts be in good standing to qualify for a rebate akin to that which most
other utilities practice. The anticipated implementation date would be January 1, 2021, allowing for board approval and
notification to customers.
Mr. Alvarez remarked that it makes sense that customers would have to be current on their bills to qualify for a rebate
and asked how many customers, percentage-wise, are behind due to COVID-19. Ms. Barber replied she would defer to
the CFO for that information, but the number of applicants with accounts that were not in good standing was minimal
two months ago when staff initially considered this course of action. Staff would take a closer look at that number and
respond with actual figures. Mr. Martinez related that staff has looked at the number of customers with delinquent
accounts, which is about 22,000 of 156,000 customers at this point, but the 8,000 commercial and industrial customers
that have not paid since March have the most impact.
3Mr. Alvarez conveyed it is a good practice to credit accounts administratively. At the same time, those that need the
enhancement of energy efficiency are not able to pay IID back at the same time, but [energy efficiency] may go a long
way to catching up on payments.
Ms. Guerrero inquired if the change affected all customers or those who are behind on their bill. Ms. Barber reiterated
that the proposal is to modify the program criteria for the prescriptive rebate programs so that customers need to be
current on their bill to be eligible for a rebate. In light of the unique circumstances presented by COVID-19, she would
be happy to take a second look as there are valid concerns and customers may need the rebates to pay their electric
bill. Perhaps IID can implement the on-bill credit, postpone the second portion and bring the eligibility back post-COVID-
19. Ms. Guerrero voiced that was a good idea.
Mr. Martinez added that IID has been encouraging customers to take advantage of LIHEAP and city funding. Some
customers are not taking advantage of applying for the resources that are available through the cities and even IID’s
special programs. There seems to be a lack of interest in pursuing funds to make payments. IID is trying to figure out
the best way to make the information available and promote the benefits so customers apply for funds and keep up with
payments. Mr. Martinez voiced that staff would welcome feedback in creating a message that generates action--anything
that can be done to help customers meet their obligations would help everybody.
Mr. Alvarez asserted he was speaking for the City of Coachella, which received CARES Act funding. There were
headlines about the amount of money the city had, but over one weekend a nonprofit was able to hand out close to
$200,000 for housing assistance.
Mr. Martinez thanked Mr. Alvarez for the feedback—and commented that anything IID can do to help customers meet
their obligations with the funds that are available would help everybody.
Mr. Alvarez moved for approval with the consideration of holding off on penalizing those who are behind on their bills.
Ms. Saleh inquired whether a notice is sent to customers who are late with their payments advising them of the
assistance programs that are available. She conveyed that it seems it would be easy to automatically notify customers
about the programs and invite them to participate by letter. Mr. Martinez revealed that IID has been sending form letters
to customers who are in arrears and IID’s Communications Department has been very active via the internet, website
and media to notify customers of the assistance available. He agreed that was a good idea and would forward the
recommendation to Communications to modify the letter.
Ms. Broughton commented that those living in rural areas do not have as much access to help as others do.
Ms. Guerrero requested a copy of the letter IID sends to customers.
Chairman Anderson asked Mr. Alvarez if he wished to hold off on Item D6 or proceed. Mr. Alvarez asked it be moved
forward to the board, highlighting the concern for those who cannot participate in the rebate program owing to the fact
they may be late on their bill due to COVID-19.
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Ms. Broughton seconded a motion to recommend board approval of the proposed
changes to the energy efficiency program incentives. Motion carried unanimously.
7. Customer Assistance Programs 2021 Changes to Income Guidelines and Program Materials
Mr. Robert Fugett, general superintendent, Customer Service, provided background information about each of the
district’s assistance programs, the Residential Energy Assistance, the Emergency Energy Assistance and the Medical
Equipment Energy Usage Assistance programs. The 2021 program budget of $6.7 million will remain at the same level
it was in 2020, except the EEAP and the MEEUAP program budgets will each be increased by $50,000 due to the 2020
increase in participation levels. He asked the committee’s support for the adoption of the new income guidelines of 200
percent of 2021 federal poverty guidelines and the new flyer for the programs.
Chairman Anderson asked if MEEUAP [participation] increased since 2019. Mr. Fugett indicated participation increased
by 20 percent in 2020 and he would elaborate on the coronavirus impacts in the next presentation.
4Ms. Saleh inquired about the $453,000 administrative costs for the programs. Mr. Fugett revealed that the $453,000 is
for five dedicated workers for REAP, EEAP and MEEUAP application intakes, outreach and marketing. Staff is tasked
with handling thousands of phone calls and about 1,500 applications every month and he said they are so busy he
recommended adding a staff member in the future.
Mr. Ortiz moved and Ms. Guerrero seconded a motion to recommend board approval of the 2021 Residential Energy
Assistance Program income qualifications and materials. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Drew Solar LLC Backfeed and Station Power Service Agreement
Ms. Gilbert reported that Drew Solar LLC proposes to develop a 100 MW solar generating facility to connect to the
California Independent System Operator system, but located within IID’s geographic area. Because IID has the
exclusive right to provide electric retail service within its defined service territory, Drew Solar agreed to a limited one-
time waiver fee of $1 million to allow the project’s station service needs to be served by the CAISO. Under the contract
rate, the developer will also pay IID $40.70 per MWh for retail backfeed services.
Vice Chairman Bayard asked if the $40.70 per MWh is a one-time or more frequent payment. Ms. Gilbert said the fee
is for energy consumed by the facility. The $1 million is a one-time payment, but not the $40.70 per MWh.
Ms. Saleh inquired about the use of the solar energy and whether the project was the previously discussed community
solar project. Ms. Gilbert explained the energy is going into the CAISO system and not the IID system. The Citizens
Energy community solar project came online last year so this is a completely different project.
Ms. Saleh also asked whether IID was required to contribute to a stream of energy going into other areas. Ms. Gilbert
indicated this is a project Drew Solar built in IID’s service territory and is connecting to the CAISO. This is an agreement
that IID has worked out with Drew Solar.
Ms. Saleh inquired how much IID gains with this agreement, if the energy is going to various places. Ms. Jamie Asbury,
associate counsel, conveyed the project is geographically located in the IID service territory, but connects to the CAISO
to serve a load within its system. In consideration of the IID waiver, Drew Solar must pay a one-time $1 million fee and
a mark-up of $40.70 per MWh for every MWh they take power from the CAISO system because that is IID’s lost
opportunity and legal right.
Ms. Saleh asked if CAISO is paying the $40. Ms. Asbury said Drew Solar would be paying the $40.70 per MWh.
Mr. Martinez added that the project is using IID farmland that will be retired for the duration of the contract; therefore,
the IID Water Department is getting revenue for the rent for the land IID owns. At the end of the 25-year agreement, the
developer is obligated to remove those facilities and return the land to farmland status.
Ms. Saleh commented that it makes it worthwhile not to pay the $1 million. Mr. Martinez stated it was their option to be
served by the CAISO and not IID so they pay the $1 million.
Vice Chair Bayard pointed out that on Page 188 there is no city or state listed with Drew Solar’s address.
Chairman Anderson inquired about the city Drew Solar is in and Ms. Asbury and Mr. Martinez both said New York City.
Vice Chairman Bayard moved and Ms. Rodriguez seconded a motion to recommend board approval of the Drew Solar
LLC Backfeed and Station Power Service Agreement. Motion carried unanimously.
9. MWA 2.00190: S-Line Upgrade/Sunpin Project
Ms. Sandra Blain, deputy manager, reported that the agreement ensures that the design must conform to CAISO
standards in order to achieve a certain level of performance and transferability of power. Sunpin will perform the
engineering and IID provided the standards. IID must take an active role in the oversight per the agreement with CAISO
to ensure all standards and requirements are met. The total project is estimated at about $51 million of which $48 million
is by Sunpin, which will be reimbursed after substantial completion and energization of the line. Another $3.5 million will
be IID’s responsibility, including any overruns for right-of-way acquisition, engineering oversight, construction field
inspections and project management oversight. The MWA is seeking to award a sole source agreement to Cordoba
Corporation for $465,512. Cordoba, in conjunction with Burns & McDonnell, evaluated the project in 2018; therefore,
5Cordoba has embedded knowledge of the development and requirements of the line having worked in partnership with
IID in creating the standards for the project design. Cordoba is responsible for meeting three major project milestones
that were submitted by Sunpin for review.
Vice Chairman Bayard pointed out that the misspelling of the department manager’s name on Page 199.
Ms. Broughton moved and Vice Chairman Bayard seconded a motion to recommend board approval of Major Work
Authorization No. 2.00190, the S-Line Upgrade/Sunpin Project. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Blain later clarified that Sunpin would be reimbursed $47 million at the completion of the project; however, IID is
responsible for costs above the $40 million that will be funded by Citizens Energy in addition to the $3.5 million.
Chairman Anderson asked Ms. Blain to identify the pages that information is found and Ms. Blain referenced pages
189-201 and 202-351, which Ms. Asbury covered.
E. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. S-Line Transmission Upgrade and Vega SES LLC 100 MW Generator Interconnection Agreement
Ms. Asbury reminded the committee that staff has previously discussed the litigation and settlement with the CAISO
and the agreement with Citizens Energy to fund an IID system upgrade that will result in a more robust S-Line project.
Recently, a generator seeking interconnection to the S-Line offered to act as the engineering, procurement and
construction contractor for the project in order to meet its own schedule. Therefore, this is the amended and restated
generator interconnection agreement containing an obligation on the part of Sunpin to build the S-Line upgrade for IID.
Sunpin will design, engineer, procure and construct the project under IID’s oversight and according to IID’s standards
for the sum of $47.7 million. Citizens Energy will fund the $40 million, but there will be additional costs for the 18-mile
line. In addition to the construction of the S-Line, Vega will build its own 100 MW solar and storage facility. There are
two-parts to the generator interconnection agreement: 1) a standard interconnection agreement whereby IID reimburses
Vega for building standard network upgrades apart from the S-Line project, which are quantified at $8.8 million; and 2)
Vega will fund and build the S-Line upgrade for IID. This item went to the board on an expedited schedule because
Sunpin was wrapping up its financing and needed this agreement in place.
2. Power Content Label
Mr. Marc Printy, manager, Optimization, discussed the Power Content Label for 2019, comparing IID’s power mix to the
state’s mix. Gains were made with various sources, including geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, natural gas and nuclear.
IID reduced its use of unspecified sources of power found on the market, as well. Mr. Printy also discussed the
projections for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Vice Chair Bayard inquired if there is anywhere in the IID service territory in which wind would work. Mr. Printy conveyed
there is wind in Ocotillo, but IID has not released a request for proposals for wind resources. Looking at the RPS
portfolio, IID is required to be 31 percent renewable in 2019 and 33 percent in 2021, but IID is above that requirement.
Considering the retirement of renewable energy credits, IID is [compliant] through 2029.
Mr. Ortiz asked about the disparity of the numbers for wind and hydroelectric energy for the first and last columns of the
projections. Mr. Printy indicated that the last column is not IID’s, but rather the state’s power mix.
Mr. Printy requested acknowledgement of the Power Content Label and Chairman Anderson acknowledged receipt.
3. Customer Assistance Programs Update – January through September 2020
Mr. Fugett provided an update of REAP, EEAP and MEEUAP from January through September 2020. During that period,
the average number of participants in the REAP was 11,629 of which 58 percent were seniors. There was an increase
of approximately 1,000 participants and staff anticipates participation will continue to increase through the end of the
year. About $3.2 million or 68 percent of the budget was expended from the $4.7 million budget, leaving $1.5 million.
The EEAP had 7,458 participants and its actual costs were $707,983. The increase in EEAP participation was due to
the board decision to be more flexible with REAP applicants. The average number of customers in the MEEUAP is 507
and the actual cost was $91,886 or 73 percent of the $125,000 budget for the same period. Through September, 64
percent of the $6.7 million budget for all the customer assistance programs was expended, leaving $2.4 million. Due to
6the coronavirus, there has been an increase in participants, but not as robust as expected because a number of
customers moved out of their residences and multiple families are now living in the same home.
Mr. Ortiz asked about the [qualifying] age for the senior discount and Mr. Fugett responded that it is 62 years of age.
Chairman Anderson recalled extending the application period of the MEEUAP from 12 to 18 months. Mr. Fugett affirmed
and elaborated that IID is being as flexible as the guidelines permit to keep participants on the program.
Chairman Anderson also inquired when the renewal notice from IID would be provided to MEEUAP participants in a
non-COVID-19 world. Mr. Fugett assured the notice would be sent three months prior to the expiration date. In
September, the board authorized flexibility with the programs so long as they are kept to the spirit of the guidelines.
Ms. Saleh asked if there was any way to streamline administration of the programs because the cost is very high as is
the need. IID is paying five employees about $90,000 apiece to administer the program. Mr. Fugett informed there is
also the marketing, materials and outreach that goes with the programs, not only the very valuable people.
Ms. Saleh commented that she was hearing about plans to hire additional people to administer the programs. She
opined that COVID-19 would go on for another year and she did not know what IID would do to handle all the cases
that arise if the programs are not streamlined. She added that many people do not have access to a computer and need
to speak to a person. Mr. Fugett reiterated that the program advertising and brochures, along with the labor for
processing applications and talking to customers on the phone takes lots of staff time.
Mr. Martinez stated he did not recall seeing any increases in the budget for personnel. Mr. Fugett responded there were
no increases in the budget for personnel and he has not added any staff in a number of years. With the current pandemic,
a number of customers are reaching out, especially those challenged by computers.
Mr. Martinez clarified that IID is not proposing a budget to add more people. She probably heard that staff is spending
more time guiding and handling customers who inquire about the programs. Ms. Saleh said she was told staff is so busy
they were considering adding more people when she asked about the administrative costs during the last segment. Mr.
Martinez said he did not recall the comment, but the current staff can handle the programs and is not changing in 2021.
IID would be looking at this closely as the pandemic continues as the demands will probably be higher.
4. Smart Thermostats for Residents in Desert Environments (STRIDE) Pilot Project
Ms. Barber conveyed that IID was eligible to apply for grant funding through its membership in the American Public
Power Association for its Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Development program. The DEED program funds projects
that support adoption of new technologies that better serve public power customers. IID successfully applied for funding
for a pilot program that will install smart thermostats in low-income households. The program goals include helping
REAP customers save energy and money, establish STRIDE as a self-sustaining program, reduce summer energy
demand to avoid the risk of outages and mitigate expensive energy purchases. The pilot project will monitor and install
approximately 600 Google Nest E thermostats of the highest energy consuming customers currently enrolled in the
REAP. IID will monitor not only thermostat use, but weather, consumption data and communication protocols. Monthly
and quarterly reporting is required to APPA, as well as a final report that must be submitted including a white paper with
the overall findings that will be made available on the DEED repository. IID will make monetary and in-kind contributions
and plans to complete the development of the project by end of 2020 with implementation in early 2021.
Vice Chair Bayard asked who would be paying for the Wi-Fi, which is required for the Nest thermostats. Ms. Sabrina
answered that IID will verify whether the customers have existing Wi-Fi at enrollment. Ms. Gonzales added that
customers would be vetted as they apply to become participants to determine if they have functioning Wi-Fi, central air
conditioning and opportunities that family members will be away to allow Google Nest to determine if the home is empty
in order to raise the thermostat to gain energy savings. Customers will be interviewed as there is a wide array of
requirements to determine if they are eligible for the program. Ms. Barber commended Ms. Gonzales for her extensive
research and the development of the grant application.
75. Energy Department Third Quarter 2020 Projects Status Report
Ms. Barber reported there were 18 projects in progress in October. Staff tracked the current costs to ensure adherence
to the approved budgets; at this time, staff does not anticipate exceeding any approved budgets for the listed MWAs.
Of the 18 approved projects, there were 14 projects with no delays, three delayed and one completed. Three projects
were customer funded, one shared the cost with the customer and 14 were funded by the Energy Department. The
delayed projects include the CI Line that was behind due to weather and outage constraints and the CA-CE Line project
that was stalled due to material shipping. The Naval Special Warfare project was delayed per the customer’s request.
The lion’s share of the cost--$21.5 million--was IID’s, $4.2 million by customers, and $2.7 million was split between the
customer and IID. Ten projects are listed for the fourth quarter of 2020, most of which are funded by IID’s approved
capital budget; however, the Northgate project will be jointly funded by IID and the customer. She also presented the
list of other projects that are planned for 2021 that are in development or predevelopment stages.
Chairman Anderson thanked Ms. Blain and Ms. Barber and voiced his appreciation for the status reports of the projects
the ECAC approves.
F. ENERGY DEPARTMENT GENERAL MATTERS
Ms. Marilyn Gilbert, energy manager, presented the Generation Status Report: Rockwood was scheduled to be back online
October 30, but will not be online until November 6 due to scheduling delays. Turnip will not be available until November 19.
Drop 1 Unit 2 will not be online until the end of the year due to the parts needed for additional work that was identified.
Planned fall outages were modified owing to abnormally warm months and CAISO’s non-awards, requiring IID’s fleet to have
more run time. Additionally, two of the three gas compressors failed at the Niland Gas Turbine Plant so the plant is restricted
to running one unit until repairs are complete.
G. MEMBER COMMENTS
Vice Chairman Bayard wished his wife of 52 years a happy birthday tomorrow.
Ms. Barbara Barrett thanked staff and introduced herself to the committee. Chairman Anderson welcomed her to the ECAC.
H. NEXT MEETING
Chairman Anderson announced the next meeting will be held December 14 and the selection of officers will be on the
agenda. He also thanked Ms. Gilbert for the parking lot lighting.
I. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairperson Anderson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
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