Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a professional consulting service agreement to develop and assist in the Renewable Energy Project and act as the Owner’s Representative with Go Sustainable Energy, LLC for the Department of Public Utilities, Department of Finance and Management, and other City Departments as needed.
The City of Columbus is committed to taking steps to mitigate and adapt to our community’s changing climate. The changing climate poses risks to resident health and is expected to have a negative impact on the local economy, if steps are not taken to mitigate these harmful effects.
From 1951-2012, the annual average temperatures in Columbus warmed by 2.3 degrees F, faster than national and global rates. As our climate continues to change, Columbus can expect temperatures to further rise and precipitation to increase. To combat these changes, the City is working to reduce municipal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In June 2017, Mayor Ginther announced the City’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations by 40% by the year 2030 from year 2005 baseline levels and to explore a 100% renewable energy portfolio for municipal operations.
Go Sustainable Energy, LLC will serve as the City’s agent to assist in the procurement of on-site renewable energy installations to serve the City’s electricity load in a manner that is consistent with the City’s existing power supply commitments. Go Sustainable Energy, LLC will assist in preparing future renewable energy procurement documents, evaluating proposals, verifying technical/fiscal engineering, and negotiating ownership structure, financing, and legal contracts with vendors and/or utilities.
As the Owner’s Representative, Go Sustainable Energy, LLC, will also review and evaluate the financial impact the proposed renewable energy project would have on the City’s Division of Power’s revenue in the short-term (init...
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