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-~ RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES <br /> Board Memorandum <br /> AL1aLIC 11rIf ILIES <br /> BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: October 1, 2010 <br /> ITEM NO: 9 <br /> SUBJECT: THE 2011 TREE POWER PROGRAM CAMPAIGN <br /> ISSUE: <br /> Board of Public Utilities approval is requested to implement the 2091 Free Shade Tree Coupon Campaign. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> That the Board of Public Utilities recommend that the City Council approve the implementation of the 2011 <br /> Free Shade Tree Coupon Campaign. <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> The Riverside Public Utilities(RPU)Tree Power program has been successfully operating for ten(90)years. <br /> The program provides incentives for RPU electric customers to plant shade trees in locations around their <br /> homes or businesses to help conserve energy and save on summer cooling costs. Customers can receive a <br /> $25 rebate per qualifying tree, up to five trees per calendar year. <br /> In 2001, RPU launched the Free Tree Coupon Campaign. Since then, it runs annually from March 9 to June <br /> 30; with a free tree coupon printed on the back of the March utility bill. Customers take the March bill to a <br /> participating nursery to redeem the coupon for one free shade tree up to $25. The back of the bill strategy <br /> was created to ensure that a free tree coupon will reach all RPU customers,as well as bring awareness to the <br /> regular Tree Power Program. <br /> When the first Free Shade Tree Coupon Campaign was launched in March 2001, 3,700 trees were planted. <br /> This was a significant increase from the 214 trees planted in Fiscal Year 1999-00 resulting from the Tree <br /> Power Rebate Program. In Fiscal Year 2009-10, over 14,000 trees were planted bringing the lifetime total to <br /> over 87,000. Approximately 80 percent of these trees were planted by program participants who utilize the <br /> back of the bill coupon. <br /> FISCAL IMPACT: <br /> The FY 2010-11 budget includes $500,000 in the Public Benefits Residential Tree Power Program Fund <br /> Account No. 6020100-456038; $400,000 of which is earmarked for the Free Tree Coupon Campaign. <br /> Prepared by: Michael J. Bacich, Utilities Assistant General Manager/Customer Relations/Marketing <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 /> Certifies availability of funds: <br /> Reiko ,. Kerr <br /> Public Utilities Assistant General Manager <br /> Finance/Administration <br />