Title
a. Receive a status report of the Monterey Bay Community Power Project (MBCP).
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Alternative Energy and the Environment Committee (AEE):
a. Receive a status report of the Monterey Bay Community Power Project.
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
At the April 28, 2016 AEE Committee meeting, they received a status update on the MBCP project that outlined the anticipated project timeframe, current investigation process, and potential start-up costs associated with forming a regional with forming a regional Community Choice Energy (CCE) Joint Powers Authority (JPA). On May 3, 2016, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation from MBCP. Since that time, County staff has continued doing its diligence by updating critical county staff on the MBCP Technical Study, interviewing external organizations and preparing for the MBCP Special Study Session scheduled for May 24, 2016 at the County of Monterey Board Chambers.
DISCUSSION:
Monterey County staff has continued its research and interviews with Sonoma County and Sonoma Clean Energy JPA staff for insight into questions related to implementation of an operational CCE JPA. With the fundamental concept of not trying to 'reinvent the wheel' County staff interviewed Cordel Stillman, Deputy Chief Engineer, Sonoma County Water Agency, to learn and understand their project management process, financing, and operational budget costs during the analysis phase prior to presenting recommendations to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Their start-up costs were approximately $440,000 that included two full time equivalent (FTE) staff; a Deputy Chief Engineer and Deputy Counsel, a part-time intern and an outside consultant during a fourteen month period. Attachments A and B. The Deputy Chief Engineer has expressed his willingness to assist the County of Monterey in sharing other project inf...
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