Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to accept the award of an EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant in the amount of $169,762.00 from American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and to authorize the Department of Public Utilities to establish a rebate program refunding the DOP residential and multi-unit dwelling customers up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station installed on their property. The EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant program was instituted by AMP to return unused funds to participating members. Sustainability Grants are thus intended to recognize EcoSmart Choice participating communities that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through the promotion of environmentally focused, community based grant projects.
The Division of Power (DOP) will use the grant funding to install equipment for two (2) sites that could charge up to 10 electric vehicles. The goal of the program is to make charging accessible to anybody that owns an electric car, and also to explore innovative technology utilizing LED smart lights. With the remaining funds, after the installation of the two Light and Charge stations, DOP will establish a rebate program refunding residential and multi-unit dwelling customers up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station installed at their property. This program will be granted to DOP customers only. Each recipient will be required to obtain an electrical permit, and be responsible for any and all expenses related to completing the electrical work necessary to accommodate the chargers at their homes and properties, including City permit and inspection fees.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no matching requirement for this grant. Up to $169,762.00 will be spent to install two electric vehicle Light and Charge stations and to establish an electric vehicle charge station rebate program.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to accept the award of an EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant in the amount of $169,762.00 from American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP); to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to establish a rebate program; and to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $169,762.00. ($169,762.00)
Body
WHEREAS, American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) has instituted the EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant program to return unused funds to participating members; and
WHEREAS, Sustainability Grants are intended to recognize EcoSmart Choice participating communities that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through the promotion of environmentally focused, community based grant projects; and
WHEREAS, a rebate program will be established to refund residential and multi-unit dwelling customers up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station installed at their property for the Division of Power customers only; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Power (DOP) will use the grant funding to install equipment for two (2) sites that could charge up to 10 electric vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, Division of Power has been awarded an EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant in the amount of $169,762.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appropriate said funds to the Department of Public Utilities for expenditures; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to accept the award of an EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant in the amount of $169,762.00 from American Municipal Power, Inc., thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to accept the award of an EcoSmart Choice Sustainability Grant in the amount of $169,762.00 from American Municipal Power, Inc.
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into the Private Grants Fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the term of the grant, the sum of $169,762.00 is appropriated per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance. Appropriation is effective upon receipt of executed grant agreement.
SECTION 3. That the monies in the foregoing Section 2 shall be paid upon order of the Director of Public Utilities, and that no order shall be drawn or money paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $169,762, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized to be expended per the funding attachment.
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 Director of Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to establish a rebate program for refunding the DOP residential and multi-unit dwelling customers up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station installed on their property.
SECTION 7. That the Division of Power (DOP) will use the grant funding to install equipment for two (2) sites that could charge up to 10 electric vehicles.
SECTION 8. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated.
SECTION 9. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.