Laserfiche WebLink
•• 4 1 M v Y I I t l <br /> RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES <br /> Board Memorandum <br /> P U R I I C 11 T I L I T I E 5 <br /> BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: September 17, 2010 <br /> ITEM NO: 17 <br /> SUBJECT: ENERGY AND WATER PROGRAM SUPPORT TO LOCAL SCHOOLS <br /> ISSUE: <br /> To provide the Board of Public Utilities with a background of support of energy and water programs at local <br /> schools by Riverside Public Utilities. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> That the Board of Public Utilities receive and file this report. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Over the past decade, Riverside Public Utilities(RPU)has provided significant benefit to the Riverside Unified <br /> School District,Alvord Unified School District and private schools at a level of over$3 million. Energy related <br /> benefits have been funded through Public Benefits Funds in the Electric Utility and water related benefits <br /> have been funded through the Water Reclamation and Conservation Surcharge. <br /> Public Benefit Funds were established by the State Legislature in 1996 equal to a 2.85% surcharge on all <br /> electric bills. Public Benefit Funds collected by municipal utilities like RPU were retained by those utilities to <br /> assist local customers. These funds were legislated to be expended only on: <br /> 1. Energy efficiency, conservation and demand-side management services, which includes customer <br /> education; <br /> 2. Renewable energy resources and technology; <br /> 3. Research, development and demonstration programs; and <br /> 4. Low-income assistance. <br /> The Water Reclamation and Conservation Surcharge is a 1.5%surcharge on water bills and was established <br /> in Riverside in 2005 to increase efforts towards recycled water use, as well as to fund water conservation, <br /> efficiency and education programs. <br /> Staff will present a detailed breakdown of all programs and benefits provided to schools overthe last decade <br /> to make Riverside a more environmentally responsible"green" City. <br /> FISCAL IMPACT: <br /> There is no rate payer impact associated with this report. Funds to support local schools come primarily from <br /> Public Benefit Funds and the Water Reclamation and Conservation Surcharge, which are restricted to a <br /> speck spending purpose. <br /> Prepared by: Michael J. Bacich, Utilities Assistant General Manager/Customer Relations/Markebng <br /> Approved by: David H. Wright, Public Utilities General Manager <br /> Approved by: Belinda J. Graham, Assistant City Manager <br /> Approved as to form: Gregory P. Priamos, City Attorney <br />