Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to reallocate unused funding from the existing EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant G601700 (Ord. 2533-2017) in the amount of $163,762.00, to transfer and reallocate unspent funds from Grant G601800 (Ord. 1219-2018) in the amount of $15,419.25, and $76,143.00, associated with Grant G602000 (Ord. 0924-2020) from American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) for a total of $255,324.25 into the current payment relief assistance program, Grant G601800, for Division of Power customers. This legislation also reallocates the remaining half of Grant G602000 totaling $76,143.00 be transferred to the Department of Development’s C-Pace program to help fund energy projects for commercial customers of the Division of Power.
Ordinance 2533-2017 was for the installation of equipment for two sites that could charge up to 10 electric vehicles and to explore innovative technology utilizing LED smart lights. After the installation of the two Light and Charge stations the balance of the funds was to be used to establish a rebate program refunding residential and multi-unit dwelling customers up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station installed at their property. Further exploration found the technology to install the EVs at street light poles was not feasible. There is one project currently being installed and once completed will qualify for a $3,000.00 rebate. The remaining funds totaling $163,762.00 may be reallocated at this time.
Ordinance 1219-2018 was for a two-part project. The first part of Grant G601800 (Ord. 1219-2018) was known as the Green Energy Sustainability Dashboard and after invoicing, $15,419.25 is available to transfer and reallocate for the payment relief assistance program, the second part of Grant G601800.
Ordinance 0924-2020 was to accept the EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant this year. Based upon the recent pandemic and the hardships suffered by many customers and businesses, the decision has been made to reallocate these funds to offer the funds as additional payment relief for customers and help in funding energy projects through the Department of Development’s C-Pace Program for commercial customers of the Division of Power.
This ordinance authorizes the increase of payment relief assistance to Division of Power residential customers from $150.00 one-time per year to $500.00 one-time per year for both residential and commercial customers due to the recent pandemic and other hardships suffered by many customers.
The Department of Public Utilities has been awarded the EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant funds in the past to utilize for sustainability efforts in the City of Columbus. The EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant program was instituted by AMP to return unused funds to participating members. This reallocation of funds has been approved by AMP.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $331,467.25 is available in the Private Grant fund, of which $255,324.25 shall be re-allocated to the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Power payment relief assistance program, and $76,143.00 shall be re-allocated to the Department of Development’s C-Pace program to help fund energy projects for commercial customers of the Division of Power.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to transfer unused funding from within the various EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grants to the Payment Relief Program Grant, all within the Electricity Grant Fund in the amount of $255,324.25; and to transfer from the Electricity Grant Fund to the Department of Development Private Grant Fund for the C-Pace Project in the amount of $76,143.00; and to authorize the expenditure of $255,324.25 by Director of Public Utilities. ($331,467.25)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities has established Grant G601800 to offer payment relief to customers of the Division of Power, and
WHEREAS, recent events related to the pandemic have created a hardship for more residential and commercial customers, and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the increase of payment relief assistance to Division of Power residential customers from $150.00 one-time per year to $500.00 one-time per year for both residential and commercial customers due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and other hardships suffered, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to transfer and expend up to $255,324.25 from various EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grants to the Payment Relief Program Grant (G601800), within the Electricity Grant Fund, in order to offer additional payment relief to those Division of Power customers affected by the pandemic and other circumstances, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to transfer $76,143.00 from the EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Program Year Grant funds, received in 2020, within the Electricity Grant Fund, to the Department of Development’s C-Pace Program (G602000) within the Private Grant Fund to aid commercial customers of the Division of Power, in funding energy projects, and
WHEREAS, American Municipal Power, Inc. has approved the proposed usage change to the established grants, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities and the Department of Development to authorize the City Auditor to transfer the necessary funds and to authorize the expenditure of said funds by the Director of Public Utilities for the Payment Relief Program, and by the Director of Development for the C-Pace Program; NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $255,324.25 from various EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grants to the Payment Relief Program Grant (G601800), within Fund 6316 (Electricity Grant Fund), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $76,143.00 from the EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Program Year Grant funds (Grant G602000), received in 2020, within Fund 6316 (Electricity Grant Fund), to the Department of Development (Grant G602000), within Fund 2291 (Private Grant Fund), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $255,324.25, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6316, Electricity Grant Fund, Dept./Div. 60-07, Division of Power, Grant G601800 Payment Relief, in object class 05 Other Expenditures, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance authorizes the increase of payment relief assistance to Division of Power residential customers from $150.00 one-time per year to $500.00 one-time per year for residential and commercial customers due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and other hardships suffered.
SECTION 5. That at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 6. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 7. That the City Auditor is authorized to establish proper grant accounting numbers as appropriate.
SECTION 8. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all grants, projects, contracts, or contract modifications associated with this Ordinance.
SECTION 9. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.