Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
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Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
Agenda
October 20, 2021
Virtual Meeting
6:30 - 8:00pm
This meeting will be held electronically. Residents interested in listening to
the meeting or making public comments can join in one of two ways:
1) You can call in to (Toll Free) + 1 888 788 0099
Webinar ID # 860 1851 8742
Passcode # 429774
2) You can log in via your computer. Please visit the City’s website here
to link to the meeting: https://www.louisvilleco.gov/local-
government/government/boards-commissions/sustainability-advisory-
board
The Board will accommodate public comments during the meeting. Anyone
may also email comments to the board prior to the meeting to
KBaum@louisvilleco.gov.
1. 6:30PM Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
5. 6:35PM Public Comment
(3 min per comment, 10 min total, more as needed)
6. 6:45PM LSAB Member Updates and Reports
(10 min, more as needed)
City of Louisville
City Manager’s Office 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027
303.335.4533 (phone) www.louisvilleco.gov
Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda
October 20
Page 2 of 2
7. 6:55 PM City Staff Update (10 min)
8. 7:05 PM Discussion Item: Dark Sky Ordinance
Led by Lisa Ritchie, Interim Director of Planning and Building
Safety
Letter of Support, Provided by Josh Cooperman
(20 minutes and separate 5 minute Letter of Support review)
9. 7:30 PM Discussion Item: Commercial Bag Tax Outreach
Led by Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
(10 minutes)
10. 7:40 PM Discussion Item: 2022 Energy Futures Work Plan
Input
Led by Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
(10 minutes)
11. Administration Tasks
A. Appoint New Board Chair for 2022
B. Work Plan Review
C. Log Volunteer Hours
12. Adjourn
2
Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2021, Virtual Meeting
6:30 - 8:00pm
1. Call to Order at 6:32 PM
2. Roll Call
All LSAB members present, Katie Baum (Sustainability Coordinator),
Councilmember Deb Fahey, RJ Harrington (resident)
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
Joe Neguse’s name needs to be fixed. Change major to mayor.
Minutes approved and seconded.
5. 6:35PM Public Comment
RJ Harrington: Planning commission meeting. Lisa Ritchie presented an
electric vehicle charging plan to the commission. Then, it will go on to the
council. EV capable, ready, and installed may need to be clearly defined.
RJ attended Xcel Energy’s meeting on EV charging today. RJ will reach
out to Katie about this meeting. Last part of his testimony was cut off and
I couldn’t hear it.
6. 6:45PM LSAB Member Updates and Reports
Laura: Laura’s time will be up in December as chair.
4 towns want to be in the Sustainability film series.
Letter to Council from LSAB re: Building code will be in the council's
packet. Katie will send the letter out for everyone to see.
City of Louisville
City Manager’s Office 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027
303.335.4533 (phone) www.louisvilleco.gov
Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda
September 15
Page 2 of 2
Jack’s Solar Garden tour powers 300 homes and they grow lots of crops
under the panels! 1st agrivoltaic project in the US!!! LSAB should offer a
public tour in the spring.
Todd: Energy audit, something to encourage in the newsletter. Lots of
insight from infrared. Key pump air source $900 rebate hot water heater,
electrification of house.
Tiff: 100 bags handed out at the parade! Let’s focus on GHG reduction on
LSAB! Todd seconded this….let’s talk about this soon as an advisory
board!!
Josh: Alumni golf course meeting for his alma mater re: sustainability.
7. 6:55 PM City Staff Update (10 min)
Katie:
*Green Business Breakfast need more than 15 for the regional cities to
come together to do it. It might be postponed to 2022 to increase turnout.
*Submitted application for Bicycle Friendly Community designation
*Climate Action surveys will go out again in October.
*Ride and drive is now a showcase and people can’t drive the cars. We
have 55 people registered for the event on 9/24
*Drop counter app has launched available to all to see your water
consumption. It’s a separate app. It hooks up with your monthly usage.
*Disposable bag distribution has been going great!
Council approved to provide the credit for retailers to stay consistent
Exemption on temporary events, farmer’s market it will apply
*Sept. 21st Council meeting for building code update first reading.
Louisville does not have too much new construction, but we need to have
high percentages of alignment.
Deb Fahey: 1st round of public comments on building codes is Tuesday.
Farmers Market bag tax is consistent with the state.
Katie:
*Library garage EV charging station...ChargePoint will no longer service it.
*EV charging stations may be added to City Hall in the public service
parking behind the white house.
* Megan Pierce (Director of Economic Vitality) and Katie are working with
Xcel re: efficiency upgrade rebates for businesses. For example, in
2
Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda
September 15
Page 2 of 2
Westminster, businesses get a list of upgrades and if they complete them,
they get up to $1500 per business. Katie put in for an increase in the
budget to offer these rebates. An audit pilot would give us more
information. Laura suggested we offer an information session.
8. 7:05 PM Discussion Item: Initial Climate Action Survey Results
Led by Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
43 residential and 3 business surveys people feel somewhat or very
informed on climate. The survey will be included in the newsletter. People
want to sign up for a newsletter. Not many people are familiar with the SA
Plan. People are interested in incentives. Climate action...citizens want to
take action! What does that look like? Shop local gift cards will be given
away.
9. 7:20 PM Discussion Item: Sustainability Newsletter
Led by Tiffany Boyd and Todd Budin
Todd went through the newsletter. We will send out the first one on Sept.
28th. Each LSAB member will add an article on the month that they are
the secretary. Katie and Todd and Tiff will work together. Send Katie
ideas.
Deb Fahey: LSAB accompany Council to NREL
CO Climate Conservation Corp plugged by Joe Neguse. Similar to Ameri-
corp Vista. City hired grants manager!
City and County of Denver is coming up with their own agrivoltaic at
Chatfield Farms. 100% of the generation will go to low income housing!
Awesome! Funding by climate tax.
Katie said we will talk in October about getting an outline about a possible
Climate Tax that might be coming in 2022 and what LSAB could do.
10. 7:35 PM Discussion Item: Sustainable Landscaping
Led by Josh Cooperman
Josh will write a memo/letter and Katie will check with Meredyth about
how to proceed with these recommendations. Examples of other towns
could be helpful, Katie will help with that.
3
Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda
September 15
Page 2 of 2
Deb Fahey said that the recommendations should include sustainability
practices with landscaping plans. This will be helpful for the work plan.
11. Administration Tasks
A. Work Plan Review
For October meeting: Dark sky ordinance presentation by Planning
department, sustainable landscaping (Josh), sustainability outreach,
Energy Futures Collaboration work plan input.
Laura would also like to vote for a new board chair.
Laura will be out and is looking for someone to host an event for recycle
week. Todd suggested that if no one is going to host it, it could go into
the newsletter. Laura said that the virtual tour of the recycling plant is
really helpful.
B. Log Volunteer Hours
Laura: 8
Josh: 4
Dan: 4
Mark: 6
Seth: 3.5
Todd: 8
Tiff: 10
C. 2021 LSAB Secretary Schedule
2021 LSAB Meetings Schedule, Deadlines, Meeting Assignments. If you are unable to fulfill
your assignment, you are responsible for finding a replacement. Secretaries to email
meeting-minutes to LSAB Board Chair no later than 2 weeks before the next meeting.
Month Meeting Date Chair Secretary
January Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Laura Mark
February Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Laura Seth
March Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Laura Tiffany
April Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Laura Todd
May Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Laura Josh
June Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Laura Mark
July Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Laura Dan
August Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Laura Seth
September Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Laura Tiffany
October Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Laura Todd
November Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Laura Josh
4
Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda
September 15
Page 2 of 2
December Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Laura Dan
12. Adjourn
Todd moved
Seth 2nd
5
Memorandum
To: Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
From: Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
Date: October 20, 2021
Re: Staff Updates
General
Education/Programming
• Green Business
o Green Business Breakfast took place on October 14th at the Louisville Center for the
Arts. PACE, City of Louisville, City of Lafayette, and Town of Superior all presented. Xcel
Energy provided breakfast and additional information on their business EV solutions.
• Bike, Walk and Wheel Week
o Bike, Walk, and Wheel Week was a success! Over 150 participated in events (Bike
Maintenance Clinic, Bike to Work Day, EV and eBike Showcase) and the WaytoGo
challenge.
o Thank you to all LSAB members who stopped by and helped volunteer.
• Sustainability Film Series
o The 2021/2022 Sustainability Film Series will begin November 2021, hosted by the City
of Lafayette.
o Films series will once again be virtual with four films in total (one film hosted by each of
the four participating communities):
City of Louisville
City of Lafayette
Town of Superior
City and County of Broomfield
• Climate Action Outreach (LSAB)
o Commercial and residential surveys are both live and will stay open until LSAB
determines when is best for closing. Staff has continued to communicate the surveys to
residents and the business community.
o LSAB to develop report on findings for Council in November.
• Sustainability eNewsletter
o Sign up for the eNewsletter at https://www.louisvilleco.gov/living-in-
louisville/residents/sustainability/sustainability-enewsletter
o First LSAB sponsored Sustainability eNewsletter was sent out to 26 recipients with a
53% open rate.
o 6 additional subscribers since Sept 30th.
Disposable Bag Tax Implementation – LouisvilleCO.gov/BagTax
• Over 2,500 bags have been given out to residents since mid-August. Free pick up bins at the
Library, Museum, and Rec Center closed on October 1st. Free pick up bin at City Hall continues
to be open.
• City Council adopted amendment recommendations and moved the language through to
second reading. This includes:
o Credit provided for retailers captured under the state’s “store” definition. This ensures
all retailers in Louisville will still collect.
o Removed exemption for farmers’ markets for the bag tax but maintains the temporary
vendor exception.
o Allows for quarterly remittance to match the state’s legislation.
• Commercial outreach will be discussed later in the meeting.
Building Code Update
• City Council will have second reading on Tuesday, October 19th.
• Changes from the first reading include:
• Construction document requirements
• All-electric or high efficiency HVAC with electric-ready infrastructure
• Prohibits new gas-fire lighting appliances
• Fenestration exception
• Snow load
• EV requirements set at time of building permit
Municipal Operations
• Staff is currently moving forward with LED lighting installations, insulation and HVAC
improvements with additional considerations in progress.
• Libraru
Energy Future Collaboration (EFC)
• Staff is working with Xcel to develop a programming plan for potential incentive stacking for
residential and commercial energy efficiency rebates.
Grants
o Current:
Boulder County Sustainability Matching Grant
Next Steps
NoneMemorandum
To: Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
From: Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
Date: October 20, 2021
Re: Discussion Item 8: Dark Sky Ordinance
Summary
The 2021 City Council work plan includes consideration of a policy resulting in Dark Sky compliant lighting. City
Council provided direction to staff on July 20, 2021 to develop an ordinance to adopt updated citywide
standards to meet dark sky best practices. A Dark Sky policy would aim to mitigate light pollution by addressing
the design of outdoor lighting. The purpose of such a policy would be to:
• Minimize adverse offsite impacts of lighting, such as light trespass and glare
• Protect the natural environment and wildlife from the adverse effects of night lighting
• Conserve energy and resources
• Reduce light pollution, and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy
General topics addressed in a Dark Sky policy typically include:
• Quantity, spacing and location/placement of lighting devices
• Design of light devices themselves (light color/type, even light spread, direction/shielding of light,
dimmers/timers, etc.)
Changes to use or design regulations can render some existing properties noncompliant with new standards.
Cities commonly treat these non-compliant properties in one of two ways: regulations for non-conforming
structures and uses and regulations creating amortization periods. A general non-conforming code section
describes the triggers for when the properties need to come into compliance with the code. Chapter 17.36 of
the Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) generally allows non-conforming properties to be maintained in good
repair, but not expanded or altered unless conformance is achieved.
An amortization code for certain uses or design standards gives property owners a timeframe in which
conformance is required, regardless of whether they are expanded or altered. The timeframe should be
established with the property owner’s associated investment required to achieve conformance in mind.Generally, the higher the value, the longer the amortization period should be. Specific to lighting standard design amendments, setting an amortization period for conformance is permissible in accordance with legal standards regarding expected depreciation of property over time. Unlike the city’s current non-conforming code, which is trigger-based, the amortization option could be administered as a proactive program or as non- conforming properties are identified. On September 21, 2021, Interim Director of Planning and Building Safety, Lisa Ritchie, led discussion and received direction from City Council on dark sky amortization policy. Interim Director Ritchie’s full presentation can be found here and covers key issues to consider on this topic. Proposed Letter of Support Developed by Board Member Josh Cooperman. Dear members of the Louisville City Council, The Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board strongly supports the adoption of a dark sky lighting ordinance. Such an ordinance would significantly advance environmental sustainability in Louisville. We highlight two notable advances. First of all, a dark sky lighting ordinance would reduce the City’s light pollution. Light pollution adversely affects many forms of wildlife endemic to Louisville, harms the health of Louisville’s citizens, and denies our community a vital part of our natural environment, the night sky. A dark sky lighting ordinance would help to remediate these various negative effects of light pollution. While the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Sustainability Action Plan do not specifically address light pollution, these Plans do call for the protection and restoration of Louisville’s natural environment that a dark sky lighting ordinance would afford. Moreover, curbing light pollution represents a natural extension of the goals enunciated in the Sustainability Action Plan, which we hope to update to explicitly address light pollution. Secondly, a dark sky lighting ordinance would increase the City’s energy efficiency. The installation of dark sky compliant lighting would make lighting more energy efficient: such fixtures do not waste energy illuminating areas that do not require illumination and do not over illuminate areas that do require illumination. The replacement of dark sky noncompliant lighting with dark sky compliant lighting would make lighting even more energy efficient: compliant fixtures typically have higher intrinsic efficiencies than noncompliant fixtures. Thank you for considering our recommendation.
OUR MISSION
To p r o t e c t t h e n i g h t
from light pollution.
JOIN THE DARK
SKY MOVEMENT
Protect
SINCE 1988, the
Night
the International Dark-Sky Association
has led the global movement to protect
the night from light pollution. Our impact
now reaches more than 51 countries with
members, advocates, and dark sky places
on every inhabited continent.
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
ABOUT US
The International Dark-Sky Association fosters
and empowers a global volunteer network that
drives the worldwide dark sky movement by
promoting eco-friendly outdoor lighting and
educating policymakers and the public about
the importance of nighttime conservation.
The IDA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Tucson, Arizona USA.
Give Today
Front panel photo by Shreenivasan Manievannan
darksky.org/ways-to-give
+1-520-293-3198
contact@darksky.org
International Dark-Sky Association
5049 E Broadway Blvd, # 105
Tucson, AZ 85711 USA
darksky.orgLIGHT POLLUTION HURTS OUR PLANET LIGHT TO PROTECT THE NIGHT
The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light — known as light pollution — can have serious
environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.
LIGHT POLLUTION LIGHT POLLUTION CAN
D E VA S TAT E S W I L D L I F E . MAKE YOU LESS SAFE .
Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily light There is no clear scientific evidence that
and dark cycle to govern life-sustaining behaviors. increased outdoor lighting deters crime.
Research shows that artificial light at night has Poor outdoor lighting can decrease personal
adverse and even deadly effects on many species. safety by making victims and property more
visible to criminals.
Follow IDA’s Five Principles for
L I G H T P O L L U T I O N WA S T E S
E N E R GY A N D M O N E Y.
L I G H T P O L L U T I O N M AY Community Outdoor Lighting to
H A R M Y O U R H E A LT H . reduce light pollution where you live.
As much as 50% of outdoor lighting is wasted,
Studies suggest that artificial light at night
which increases greenhouse gas emissions, MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTING IS:
negatively affects human health by increasing
contributes to climate change, and renders us all
our risks for obesity, sleep disorders,
more energy-dependent. Useful
depression, diabetes, breast cancer, and more.
Install lighting only when and where it’s needed.
L I G H T P O L L U T I O N R O B S U S O F O U R H E R I TA G E . Targeted
Our ancestors experienced a night sky that inspired science, religion, philosophy, art, and literature. Shield your lights so they shine down on the
Now, millions of children across the globe will never know the wonder of the Milky Way. ground, which reduces harmful glare and
decreases skyglow.
Low Light Levels
OUR PROGRESS Light should be no brighter than necessary.
LIGHT P OLLUTION IS R E V ERSIBLE !
Controlled
Unlike other forms of pollution, light pollution is a Use controls such as timers, dimmers,
problem with solutions that are easy to implement. and motion sensors on outdoor lights.
These solutions deliver immediate and lasting results.
The Appropriate Color
Use warm color lights where
possible. Limit the use of harmful
S U C C E S S S T O R Y In 2018, the City of Tucson, Arizona, USA blue wavelength lighting.
(population 500,000) upgraded its streetlights; by doing so, it saved
$2.2 million per year in energy costs and reduced light pollution by 7%.
BEFORE AFTER
1,000+ 17 0 + 500+
More than IDA has designated more IDA supports
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
1,000 dark sky- than 170 International Dark more than Photos by Richard O’Brien
certified lighting Sky Places, protecting over 500 volunteer
fixtures are 110,000 sq km of dark advocates in
available in the places around the globe. 49 countries.
marketplace.Memorandum
To: Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
From: Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
Date: October 20, 2021
Re: Discussion Item 9: Commercial Bag Tax Outreach
Summary
From August to September, staff has been providing residential outreach and engagement on the upcoming
disposable bag tax, set to go into effect on January 1, 2022. In order to ensure commercial awareness and
compliance, staff has developed materials that businesses can request via an online form at
LouisvilleCO.gov/BagTax. The materials available include:
• Poster 8X11
• Poster 8X11 Spanish
• Point of Sale Placard
• Point of Sale Placard Spanish
• Window Cling
• Point of Sale Decal
• Reusable “Louisville Bring Your Bags” Tote Bags
The poster and point of sale placard (English and Spanish) will be available on the website for printing along with
an employee cheat sheet. The online form has gone live as of October 15th.
Volunteer slots are open here to support dropping off requested business supplies.
To inform businesses more directly, letters will be mailed to all identified impacted businesses providing
additional information on the upcoming tax the week of October 18th. If businesses believe they have been
improperly identified as an impacted business, staff as developed a retailer correction form that can filled out
online at LouisvilleCO.gov/BagTax.Memorandum
To: Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board
From: Katie Baum, Sustainability Coordinator
Date: October 20, 2021
Re: Discussion Item 10: 2022 Energy Futures Work Plan
Summary
On September 7, 2018, the City of Louisville and Xcel Energy entered into an Energy Future Collaboration. For
Louisville and Xcel Energy, the MOU provides a strategy and framework for cooperation and achievement of a
shared vision through broad collaboration, focusing on innovation, clean energy, economic development
opportunities, customer choice programs and technology – known as the Energy Future Collaboration
Partnership.
Unlike the previous Partners in Energy program, Energy Future prioritizes both renewable energy integration as
well as energy efficiency and usage reduction and maintains the three core areas (commercial/industrial,
residential and municipal) as focus. Made up of City staff, Xcel staff and City Council representatives, the EFC
meets quarterly to continue discussions as well as programs and projects to help us achieve our mutual goals.
Q1 and Q3 meetings are dedicated to policy discussions, whereas Q2 and Q4 are dedicated to programming.
Outside of these meetings, City staff and Xcel Energy staff work to complete specific programming and policy
task items.
Next Steps
In November, the Q4 EFC meeting will be discussing the 2022 Work Plan. Staff asks for discussion on the 2021
work plan and if there are specific items for the 2022 Work Plan that should be included.ENERGY FUTURE COLLABORATION
2021 Work Plan Timeline
Project #1: Sharing Knowledge and Baseline Setting
Project #2: Increase City Energy Efficiency via Louisville Leveraging Existing Xcel Energy Programs
Project #3: Achieving Alternative Energy and Carbon Emission Reduction Goals
Project #4: Transportation
Project #5: Economic Development
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, many action items may be delayed or postponed.
Q1 2021 (January – March)
2021 Kick Off
PUC approved Xcel Transportation Electrification Plan
Project 1
• City/Xcel continue to work on benchmarking and auditing
• Xcel to provide 2020 municipal electric and natural gas usage and renewables participation for reporting
needs
Project 2
• City/Xcel to develop 2020/2021 info for public outreach
• City of provide update on municipal energy efficiency progress
• City/Xcel to apply for building energy audits
Project 3
• Communications on community climate action goals
• Ongoing discussions on community-wide renewable energy opportunities
Project 4
• Xcel to provide update on Transportation Electrification Plan and potential programming opportunities
Project 5
• Ongoing discussions on economic vitality opportunities
Q2 2021 (April – June)
Municipal building audits
Project 2
• City to host Green Business Kick Off w/ Xcel Energy support [virtual]
• City/Xcel to choose and finalize two late spring/summer events for Home Energy Squad
showcasing/participation or alternative event/programming on efficiency [TBD]
• City/Xcel to discuss and plan multi-family outreach planning for Q3 implementation• City to continue municipal operations efficiency efforts and provide update
• Xcel to assist the City in any data/information sharing needed to present municipal efficiency plan and
update to Council in July
Project 3
• Ongoing discussion regarding community-wide renewable energy opportunity
o Update on renewable programming (i.e. change from Renewable*Connect)
• Communications on community climate action goals
Project 4
• Plan for electric vehicle test drive event and potential driverless car in Q2 or Q3
• Xcel to provide update on Community Charging Hubs and Multi-Family Charging
• City/Xcel to discuss potential for projects based on Community Charging Hubs and Multi-Family Charging
Project 5
• Ongoing discussions on economic vitality opportunities
• Xcel to provide update on economic development rate and how to communicate the rate with potential
businesses
Q3 2021 (July – September)
2020 Community Energy Report is available
Project 2
• City/Xcel to review Community Energy Report and trend summary
• City/Xcel to disperse commercial digital communications regarding Small Business Lighting program and
Green Business program launch
• City/Xcel to develop residential webinar
• City to continue municipal operations efficiency efforts and provide update
Project 3
• Ongoing discussions on community-wide renewable energy opportunities
• Xcel to provide update and potential opportunity for inclusion to learn about Boulder’s commercial
district electrification project
o Provide City with overview and outline for potential City project
• City to pursue potential partnership with Boulder County Housing Authority on Home Energy Squad
participation and multi-family outreach [TBD]
Project 5
• Ongoing discussions on economic vitality opportunities
Q4 2021 (October - December)
2022 Work Plan developmentEOY Meeting for program evaluation
Project 2
• City to continue municipal operations efficiency efforts and provide EOY update
• Xcel to provide update on Q1/Q2 programming figures
Project 3
• Ongoing discussions on community-wide renewable energy opportunities
o EOY update on renewable programming (i.e. change from Renewable*Connect)
Project 4
• EOY update on transportation electrification efforts and initiatives
Project 5
• Ongoing discussions on economic vitality opportunities and EOY updateLOUISVILLE AND XCEL ENERGY, COLORADO ENERGY FUTURE COLLABORATION
WORK PLAN (“Work Plan”)
Background
On September 7, 2018, the City of Louisville, Colorado (“Louisville” or “City”) and Public Service
Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation and an Xcel Energy company (“Xcel Energy”), entered into
an Energy Future Collaboration – Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”). For Louisville and Xcel
Energy, the MOU provides a strategy and framework for cooperation and achievement of a shared
vision through broad collaboration, focusing on innovation, clean energy, economic development
opportunities, customer choice programs and technology – known as the Energy Future Collaboration
Partnership (“EFC Partnership”). A copy of the MOU is attached and incorporated into this Work Plan.
Section 4.1 of the MOU contemplates that, upon execution of the MOU, the Parties will develop a plan
to advance the EFC Partnership, which is this Work Plan for 2018-2019. Louisville and Xcel Energy are
collectively called the “Parties.”
This Work Plan details the anticipated deliverables under the EFC Partnership for 2018 – 2019 and
follows the guiding principles in the
MOU (see Section 3 of the MOU). It has refined priority community plans and projects using Attachment
1 to the MOU as a guidepost.
More specifically, this Work Plan addresses each of the following for proposed EFC Partnership projects
and plans:
• Brief project/plan description;
• Project objective;
• Anticipated resources needed from Louisville, Xcel Energy and any partners (note that
“partners” is used in a general sense and does not imply actual legal partnerships or
arrangements absent such a separate, written agreement);
• Process maps, as needed;
• Funding source(s);
• Anticipated timelines;
• Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed; and
• Any other information deemed necessary by the Parties including coordination with, and
approvals from, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”), as applicable.
In prioritizing the items to be performed in this Work Plan, the Parties have considered their shared
vision in the MOU as well as regulatory requirements in Colorado. Recognizing the new nature of the
EFC Partnership, the Parties are focused on building a track record and gaining greater experience on
this broad collaboration. In light of this, Louisville and Xcel Energy have outlined short-term and longer-
term goals and will begin by focusing on the top four short-term priorities for 2018. Additionally, theParties recognize that we will be learning through this process and may need to update and modify this
Work Plan at the quarterly meetings as deemed appropriate by both Parties.
Work Plan
Shorter Term Projects
1. Project #1: Sharing Knowledge and Baseline Setting
A. Project objective: Louisville will be provided with more information about Xcel Energy’s
regulatory and resource planning process and requirements. Xcel Energy will be provided with
more information about how Louisville views these processes and how they relate to the City’s
priorities and objectives through the EFC Partnership. Louisville and Xcel Energy will work with
other interested EFC Partnership communities to explore the possibility of creating a baseline
Renewable Energy Certificate (“REC”) accounting mechanism that supports community goals
and allows them to take advantage of Xcel Energy’s baseline clean energy mix in Colorado as it
relates to their clean energy goals.
B. Anticipated resources needed from Louisville, Xcel Energy and any partners:
• Louisville: Internal staff time.
• Xcel Energy: Internal staff time to:
1. provide an overview of regulatory, resource planning, energy efficiency/DSM
processes and requirements;
2. provide internal resources to understand Louisville’s perspective of the
overviews provided in item (1) above as it relates to EFC Partnership efforts;
3. host a REC accounting summit with Louisville and other EFC Partnership
communities that have interest; and
4. provide additional information on the Xcel Energy Home Energy Squad.
• Partners: Evaluate as appropriate.
C. Process maps, as needed: None.
D. Funding source(s):
• Louisville: Internal staff time.
• Xcel Energy: Internal staff time.
• Partners: Evaluate as appropriate including that some knowledge sharing may include
other Energy Future Collaboration partnership communities.
E. Anticipated action items:
• Overview of regulatory and resource planning process and requirements: ongoing.• Overview of DSM programs: ongoing.
• Better understand Louisville’s view of the regulatory and resource planning processes
and requirements
• REC accounting summit
F. Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed: N/A.
G. Other information deemed necessary by the Parties: None.
2. Project #2: Increase City Energy Efficiency via Louisville Leveraging Existing Xcel Energy Programs
Lowering energy consumption reduces operating costs for consumers while decreasing air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency is often the lowest-cost energy resource and should be
used across all sectors whenever it is a good fit to achieve the shared vision. Below are some initial ideas
for consideration, all within the larger context of the MOU including applicable PUC rules.
A. Project objective: Continue internal and external efforts to promote energy efficiency as
through the City’s and Xcel Energy’s prior “Partners in Energy” program work, including:
• Residential – continuing coordination with partner agencies, promoting Xcel Energy’s
energy-efficiency programs and rebates and identifying opportunities for outreach.
• Commercial/Industrial – continuing to focus on large commercial opportunities,
collaborating and sharing resources to raise awareness of Xcel Energy’s energy-
efficiency programs and rebates and identifying opportunities for outreach.
• Municipal – developing case studies to highlight completed projects, performing
building audits and identifying opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements and
any finance planning through Xcel Energy’s existing programs.
In addition, the Parties would like to explore opportunities and options to collaborate on
lighting, such as LED conversions and exploring challenges related to dimming opportunities.
B. Anticipated resources needed from Louisville, Xcel Energy and any partners:
• Louisville: Internal staff time and costs associated with programs, as applicable.
• Xcel Energy: Provide a detailed overview session for Louisville on current company
energy-efficiency offerings. Provide in-house resources to answer questions on company
programs.
• Partners: May include Boulder County’s Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE). The
Parties will continue to evaluate as appropriate, particularly as it relates to any Energy
Performance Contracting Program through the state.
C. Process maps, as needed: None
D. Funding source(s):• Louisville: As applicable, the relevant portions of the City’s operating funds budgeted
for the year.
• Xcel Energy: Participation to the extent allowed by, and in accordance with, then-
current rules and regulations regarding company-offered energy-efficiency programs
and plan.
• Partners: As applicable.
E. Anticipated timelines: Ongoing.
F. Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed: Savings and participation metrics
as outlined pursuant to specific programs, which would include deemed or actual savings, as
applicable.
G. Other information deemed necessary by the Parties: As applicable, including any coordination
with the PUC.
3. Project #3: Alternative Energy and Carbon Emission Reduction Goals
In August of 2019, Louisville passed climate action goals for both municipal operations and community-
wide with the help of Xcel Energy.
A. Project objective:
• Communications of the City’s Climate Action Goals: XX
• Innovation Opportunities: Xcel Energy will provide an “apples-to-apples” comparison
of Xcel Energy clean-energy programs available to the City for municipal facilities,
including WindSource®, Renewable*Connect®, Solar*Rewards, Solar*Rewards
Community and net metering, etc. As part of this, the Parties may be able to work with
certain developers to provide more background from them regarding the Xcel Energy
programs that involve them, e.g., solar gardens.
i. Explore what 100% renewable energy really means as it relates to community
goals, including the cost and technological hurdles. Also, focus on how the City
defines renewable energy and how it can advance its key focus area of carbon
emission reduction goals to be in line with the Paris Accord commitments.
• Renewable*Connect: Xcel Energy will assist Louisville with review of its accounts for
participation by the City in this program.
• Policy Coordination: The Parties will seek areas of mutual alignment regarding policy
matters, such as the City’s support of the Colorado Energy Plan that, if approved by the
PUC, would result in Xcel Energy’s electric system mix being 55% renewable in 2026, as
well as a correlated system carbon emission reduction of 60% by that same year (as
compared to 2005 levels).
B. Anticipated resources needed from Louisville, Xcel Energy and any partners:
• Louisville: Internal staff time.• Xcel Energy: Internal resources to provide:
1. The City with applicable renewable portfolio accounting;
2. the “apples-to-apples” customer program offerings regarding renewable
energy products;
3. assistance with City accounts for Renewable*Connect participation; and
4. information about overall company plans and polices that may overlap with
Louisville objectives.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
C. Process maps, as needed: None.
D. Funding source(s):
• Louisville: Staff resources as well as program costs, as applicable.
• Xcel Energy: Participation to the extent allowed by, and in accordance with, then-
current rules and regulations regarding company offered customer choice programs and
plan.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
E. Anticipated timelines:
• Deeper dive regarding “apples-to-apples” comparison of customer programs: Q4 2018
– first calendar quarter (“Q1”) 2019.
• Preparation for Renewable*Connect for City facilities: Q2 and third calendar quarter
(“Q3”) 2018.
• Policy coordination: Ongoing in 2018 - 2019.
F. Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed: TBD.
H. Other information deemed necessary by the Parties: As applicable, including any coordination
with the PUC.
4. Project #4: Transportation
Accelerated electrification of the transportation sector is important to reducing emissions. Investments
by the city in electric vehicle associated infrastructure, charging stations, and fleet replacement should
be prioritized and the Parties can discuss options to collaborate regarding electric vehicle (EV) policy in
areas of mutual alignment.
A. Project/plan objective: Xcel Energy and the City will meet to discuss EV opportunities and will
collaborate on EV “education and outreach” to further communicate activities around EVs that
the company is undertaking, which are convenient or beneficial to the City’s residents and
businesses.B. Anticipated resources needed from City, Xcel Energy and any partners:
• Louisville: Staff time.
• Xcel Energy: Internal resources to support a new pilot project and implementation of
the same.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
C. Process maps, as needed: None.
D. Funding source(s):
• Louisville: Internal staff time.
• Xcel Energy: Internal staff time.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
E. Anticipated timelines:
• Create education and outreach plan and start executing upon it in 2019.
F. Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed: None as of October, 2018, but
evaluate as appropriate.
G. Other information deemed necessary by the Parties: As applicable, including any coordination
with the PUC.
5. Project #5: Economic Development
A. Project objective: The City is focused on economic development and participation in Xcel
Energy’s related programs, such as its site certification and partner site processes for
appropriate locations. In addition, the City believes that many of the other projects outlined in
this Work Plan can support economic development.
B. Anticipated resources needed from Louisville, Xcel Energy and any partners:
• Louisville: Internal resources.
• Xcel Energy: Internal resources.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
C. Process maps, as needed: As applicable, create for various pilot opportunity ideas.
D. Funding source(s):
• Louisville: Internal staff time.
• Xcel Energy: Internal staff time.
• Partners: None as of October, 2018, but evaluate as appropriate.
E. Anticipated timelines:• 12 months from October, 2018
F. Measurement metrics, including what data may be needed: At least one certified site and/or
other partner building site within the City.
G. Other information deemed necessary by the Parties: As applicable, including any coordination
with the PUC.
Longer Term Projects
1. Goal – Fuel Switching–Stationary Sector: Electrification of space and water heating, using renewable
electric energy, is an area the City and Xcel Energy would like to study and explore.
• Tentative plans: Possibly start to study these opportunities.
2. Goal – Reliability & Resilience: Reliability and resilience are critical to our energy future. Identifying
ways to boost reliability will be part of our goal setting in accordance with PUC rules and requirements.
Initial ideas include:
– Accelerated undergrounding of electric distribution facilities in accordance with the Franchise
Agreement and the underground fund or as otherwise funded by the City.
– Explore identification of possible pilot projects and opportunities, e.g., microgrids.
– Natural disaster preparedness planning that addresses resilient infrastructure.
• Tentative plans: Coordinate on Franchise Agreement undergrounding projects.SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
2021 WORKPLAN*
MONTH TOPIC AREA / PROJECT UPDATE / PRESENTATION
JANUARY 20, 2021 2021 LSAB OVERVIEW
• New member introductions/welcome
• Processes and Procedures (STAFF LIAISON)
• 2021 Work Plan overview
2021/2022 LSAB BUDGET REQUEST
FEBRUARY 17, 2021 2021 SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION + ENGAGEMENT – input/support
BAG TAX IMPLEMENTATION – input/support
MARCH 17, 2021 CLIMATE ACTION PRESENTATION (CMO) – input/support
WATER RATES
GREEN BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
APRIL 21, 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
GREEN BUILDING AND CODE INTRO (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR)
MAY 19, 2021 CC4CA UPDATE (CMO) - update
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESENTATION (CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER)
CLIMATE ACTION
JUNE 16, 2021 BOARD AND COUNCIL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS (LSAB)
FALL EDUCATION/ENGAGEMENT – input/support
JULY 21, 2021 MUNICIPAL EFFICIENCY UPDATE (CMO)
BAG TAX IMPLEMENTATION – support
CLIMATE ACTION
• COMMERCIAL SURVEY REVIEW – input
AUGUST 18, 2021 GREEN BUILDING CODE (CMO + BUILDING) - input
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 CLIMATE ACTION (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR)
• RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SURVEY REVIEW
SUSTAINABILITY NEWSLETTER – LOGISTICS OVERVIEW (LSAB)
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING DISCUSSION (LSAB)
OCTOBER 21, 2021 COMMERCIAL BAG TAX OUTREACH UPDATE (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR)
DARK SKY LIGHTING ORDINANCE (STAFF)
EFC 2021 WORK PLAN INPUT (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR)
NOVEMBER 17, 2021 CLIMATE ACTION OUTREACH FINDINGS (LSAB)
CLIMATE ACTION PROGRAMMING MATRIX (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR)
2022 PLANNING/IMPLEMENTATION
DECEMBER 15, 2021 2021 WRAP UP + END OF YEAR EVALUATION
2022 WORK PLAN REVIEW
* This is a tentative work plan for 2021. Work plan is subject to change depending on internal or external demand
or necessity and is to be evaluated for changes during LSAB monthly meetings.You can also read
