Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: DME
ACM: Howard Martin, 349-8232
Date: December 1, 2015
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on the Denton Renewable plan, activities, and possible financial options related to the future power supply plans to meet the City's growth and needs.
Body
BACKGROUND
Over the past five years the City of Denton has secured its place as a national leader in public power by providing 40% wind energy to its customers with no corresponding increase in rates.
DME is responding to the future energy needs of its customers with the Renewable Denton Plan, a plan that will enable us to increase Denton's renewable energy from 40% to 70% by the year 2019.
Renewable energy has desirable qualities due to a lower environmental impact than other conventional energy sources, and because wind and solar power can be naturally replenished. However, one undesirable quality of renewable generation is that it is intermittent and difficult to predict thereby introducing reliability or financial risks. A reliable source of dispatchable on-demand power is needed and staff has proposed using quick start generation using reciprocating internal combustion engines which would minimize the use of natural gas. This option manages risks while at the same time increasing our renewable energy footprint and providing safe, reliable power without increased rates.
DME held a press conference on October 6, 2015, and has been engaging in public outreach by mailers, publishing information via website, and conducting open house meetings with the public on October 19 and 27, 2015, as well as attending Council Members community meetings. DME briefed the Council on the feedback and comments at the November 10th meeting and at Council direction will discuss future options during this presentation.
EXHIBITS
1. December 1 Renewable Denton draft presentation
2. November 10 Renewable Denton Council present...
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