10-04-2013 BPU RPT 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES r. b Board Memorandum PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: October 4, 2013 ITEM NO: 6 SUBJECT: UPDATED SELECTION CRITERIA OF THE AFFORDABLE SOLAR ENERGY FOR RIVERSIDE PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DIVISION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ISSUE: The item for Board of Public Utilities consideration is approval of the updated selection criteria of the Affordable Solar Energy for Riverside (ASER) program to be provided in partnership by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) and the Housing Authority Division of the Community Development Department. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve and recommend that the City Council approve the updated selection criteria for the Affordable Solar Energy for Riverside program. BACKGROUND: On May 28, 2013, the City Council approved the ASER program. The program will serve to expand the City's renewable energy portfolio, reduce energy bills for low-income households and provide workforce development training through the installation of photovoltaic solar systems. The program will also promote economic development by increasing home prices in low-income areas and providing education and workforce development training on the installation of solar. ASER is the first municipal program of this kind in California, bringing together city departments, nonprofits and community members to innovatively eliminate the financial barriers to renewable energy acquisition. ASER will initially serve as a pilot program, providing solar installations on ten area homes, and will function as a model for other municipal agencies wishing to offer solar to low-income households. Updates to the ASER Administration Previously, the ASER program was intended to focus on Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) homes as they met numerous beneficial selection criteria. While reviewing the selection criteria a better alternative was identified that met the same criteria as NSP and will streamline administration and marketing of the program, which is the Citywide Housing Rehabilitation Program (Rehab Program). The Rehab Program is managed by Community Development and administered by Riverside Housing Development Corporation (RHDC), a local nonprofit. The Rehab Program provides low interest loans and grants to qualified homeowners to address health and safety issues. The applicant's household income cannot exceed 80% of area median income and the home must be owner occupied. The Rehab Program is funded with State CalHome Grant funds and federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds. The Rehab Program follows the same applicant screening process as the adjusted ASER program. Therefore, RPU is recommending partnering with RHDC to refer Rehab Program applicants that have been prequalified and are interested in photovoltaic solar systems to the ASER program staff. This partnership will simplify the eligibility process and provide a greater realization of benefits and energy savings under this program format.