https://www.americancityandcounty.com/wp-content/themes/acc_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Hybrid Work
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcast
    • Latest videos
    • Product Guides
  • Resources & Events
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • IWCE 2022
    • How to Contribute
    • Municipal Cost Index – Archive
    • Equipment Watch Page
    • American City & County Awards
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
American City and County
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Hybrid Work
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcasts
    • Latest videos
    • Product Guides
  • Resources/Events
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers/eBooks
    • IWCE Expo
    • Calendar of Events
    • How to Contribute
    • American City & County Awards
    • Municipal Cost Index
    • Equipment Watch Page
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Stament
    • Terms of Service
  • newsletter
  • Administration
  • Economy & Finance
  • Procurement
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works & Utilities
  • Smart Cities & Technology
  • Magazine
acc.com

Public Works & Utilities


Article

Money is power

Money is power

Communities are using stimulus funds to upgrade facilities and electric infrastructure to reduce energy consumption.
  • Written by Ron Blagus
  • 15th June 2010

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dramatically reenergized local governments’ ability to help address their energy and infrastructure issues, primarily through billions of dollars in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) programs. Those stimulus funds have been used to upgrade facilities and public spaces, reduce energy consumption and create opportunities for “green” jobs and businesses. The resulting improvements can deliver long-lasting environmental benefits that can help cities and counties meet their energy and emissions reduction goals.

With about 45 percent of the funds already disbursed by May 2010, much of the work is beginning to take shape. And, cities and counties continue to explore ways to use the funding to improve their communities, including energy retrofits offset by guaranteed energy savings and smart grid initiatives, such as automated meter networks and demand response programs.

Maximizing grants

Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of energy use and 70 percent of electrical use in the United States. So, many cities have identified energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements as primary uses for their energy block grant funds. A recent study from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) indicates 83 percent of cities have earmarked their EECBG funds to retrofit government facilities, with other uses including solar installations, LED traffic and street lighting, and energy awareness campaigns.

To accomplish energy retrofit projects, more than half of the USCM survey respondents plan to use their EECBG funds as part of an energy savings performance contract, a financing tool that allows organizations to pay for facility improvements and upgrades through the guaranteed energy savings they generate. By incorporating energy block grants with guaranteed energy savings, cities and counties can stretch their funding without affecting operating budgets or requiring additional taxpayer dollars. Using energy savings also counters concerns about excess spending because projects that pay for themselves in a definitive time period will not burden governments with excessive debt obligations after stimulus funds are gone.

Wilmington, Del., recently completed a $14.5 million energy retrofit and renewable energy program funded through a 20-year agreement, backed in part by more than $9.5 million from EECBG and a low-interest ARRA stimulus loan through the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Drinking Water. The program is expected to deliver $1.14 million in guaranteed energy savings each year, as well as generate $16 million above the guaranteed amount through several of the infrastructure improvements. The work also will create or sustain more than 80 jobs.

As part of the program, the city installed a solar array at its Porter Reservoir Filtration Plant, which is expected to generate 650,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and cover nearly 25 percent of the load at the facility. A second roof-mounted array at the Public Works Yard and Municipal Complex will add 300,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, and will be financed by a Clean Renewable Energy Bond from the Department of Treasury.

Along with the solar installations, a booster pumping station was installed to increase the available capacity of the Porter Reservoir from 4 million to 30 million gallons. With the increased capacity, the city will draw from the reservoir during the day and shift most of its raw water pumping to off-peak hours when utility rates are low. Additional work under the program included converting city traffic lights to LEDs, and upgrading lighting and HVAC controls in 11 facilities.

The energy improvements will reduce electricity consumption by an estimated 2.8 million kilowatt-hours per year — enough energy to power more than 260 homes annually. The program also will decrease carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 4.4 million pounds each year — equivalent of removing more than 380 cars from the road, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) figures.

Getting smart with automated metering

Many municipal utilities also are exploring ways to use stimulus funds from the SGIG program for a number of initiatives, including installing automated metering reading systems. By deploying smart meter networks, utilities can reduce operating costs, improve meter accuracy and billing, deliver enhanced customer services, and build a platform for future conservation programs that will minimize the need to build additional power plants.

Duncan, Okla., recently started a program to implement a smart metering and wireless broadband network that will automatically collect electricity and water use data from residents and local businesses. The smart grid deployment is part of a broader infrastructure renewal and public safety program funded by a 15-year performance contract and backed in part by more than $2 million from EECBG and a low-interest ARRA stimulus loan through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

The automated meter reading system will include more than 9,000 electric meters and 12,000 water meters. The electric meters will have two-way communication capabilities, which will give the city greater visibility into, and control of, the power grid. Instead of simply collecting data, for example, utility employees can pinpoint specific houses affected by a power outage or remotely shut off power if a resident is moving. The new meters also will reduce costs through quicker troubleshooting, minimize the need for meter readers to visit properties monthly and allow the city to generate timely, accurate use and billing information for customers.

The infrastructure renewal program encompasses several energy conservation measures, including HVAC upgrades to several city facilities, installation of energy-efficient fixtures on all street lights and traffic signals, and implementation of variable frequency drives at the city’s wastewater treatment facility for reduced energy costs.

Through the program, the city will reduce electricity consumption by an estimated 2.2 million kilowatt-hours per year — enough energy to power more than 190 homes annually. The program also will decrease carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 1,600 metric tons each year, or the equivalent to removing more than 300 cars from the road, according to USEPA figures.

The stimulus grants have allowed the city to expand the project to include communications technology improvements for the police and fire departments, including the addition of closed-circuit security cameras in public areas, computer-aided dispatch and new IT equipment. With the technology upgrades, police can remotely access programs, files and information from anywhere in the city.

Managing consumption through demand response

Some cities are using SGIG funds to implement automated demand response programs that can help residential and commercial customers automatically shed load based on pre-set critical peak pricing strategies. Utilities use demand response to reduce consumption when electricity is expensive and demand outpaces supply — usually on hot days when air conditioners and cooling equipment are running in most facilities. By working with customers to control energy use, utilities save money by eliminating the need for additional peaking power plants, which typically run only when electricity use spikes.

Traditionally, letting customers know when demand and prices are expected to jump has been a cumbersome manual or semi-automatic exercise. New technologies and communications standards, such as the Open Automated Demand Response protocol, are allowing utilities to fully automate the delivery of price and reliability signals to their customers, and more effectively trim peak demand. That allows customers to decide how they want to respond to pricing changes, which can help utilities reduce energy use and provide more affordable, clean power.

Having initiated smart grid enhancements in 2008, Tallahassee, Fla., is positioned to be the first utility in the country to operate a smart metering system for electric, water and natural gas across its entire service area. The city recently received SGIG funding to implement two separate demand response programs that will help commercial facilities and residents make better, more informed decisions about their energy consumption. “The goal is to offer customers greater control, flexibility and cost-saving options while ensuring power reliability and long-term energy efficiency,” says Mayor John Marks. “By incorporating advanced information technology into every aspect of delivery and consumption, the city effectively minimizes environmental impact, improves service, reduces expenses and increases operational efficiency.”

The city will automate the load-shedding process for up to 100 commercial customers, using a web-based automated demand response system that will enable two-way communication with energy management systems at commercial and industrial sites. The program aims to reduce peak electric load by 17 megawatts by 2012.

Tallahassee’s residential demand response program, like the commercial program, is voluntary and geared toward reducing peak load. During the grant period, up to 15,000 participating customers will receive a free smart thermostat, which will communicate with the existing smart meters. That will allow the city to reduce residential demand during peak summer times by directly communicating with the thermostat and changing temperature settings of central air conditioners. The thermostats also will serve as in-home displays, providing customers with detailed insight into their energy use through billing information and gas and water data. The program aims to reduce peak electric load by 18 megawatts by 2012.

Taking the next step

Whether used in conjunction with guaranteed energy savings or through smart grid initiatives, stimulus funds are giving cities and counties many alternatives to address their critical energy and infrastructure needs. The projects will have a long-term economic impact by reducing tax burdens and creating jobs, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions for an improved environment and community.

Ron Blagus is Energy Market director for Minneapolis-based Honeywell Building Solutions.

Related Stories

  • USGBC releases ‘Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds for Green Building’
  • Mayors dismayed by exclusion of EECBG funding in Power Act
  • More power to you: Grants fund ‘smart grid’ projects, energy assurance plans
  • DOE approves 16 state energy-spending plans
Tags: Administration Economy Public Works & Utilities Article

Most Recent


  • citizen
    How to move to a citizen-focused engagement model
    We know that engaged citizens play a critical role in helping make government agencies more transparent, more effective and more accountable. In fact, putting increased attention on digital government services and the citizen experience was ranked as one of the biggest changes that state chief information officers expected to continue post-pandemic. But too often, many […]
  • suburbs
    10 best suburbs for city-like living
    As more people are moving out to the suburbs, they still crave those city-living amenities like restaurants, shopping and engagement. So, suburban areas are adopting more urban aesthetics and principals, creating vibrant and connected communities. StorageCafe recently looked at the best U.S. suburbs with that urban flair, to see where people can find the right […]
  • crisis
    Navigating crises with confidence: Five ways strategic plans support crisis response
    Some crises are short-lived, barging through our lives and routines, and before we can get a sense of what’s happened, we’re left dealing with the aftermath. But many crises build slowly, with many early warning signs, and once they’vehit their breaking point, panic and uncertainty overwhelm the ability of leaders to think clearly and mitigate […]
  • cities
    Gallery: Annual index ranks America's top performing cities; most are in the West
    Starting with the pandemic and the economic uncertainty that came along with it, it’s been a difficult few years for cities across the United States. As a testament to the resiliency and commitment of public administrators, American cities continue to thrive—with many of the fastest growing communities located in the West, according to the Milken […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your American City and County account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • NLC releases State of Cities 2021 report
  • How local governments can get ahead of the infrastructure wave: Strategies to mitigate risk
  • Prioritizing rapid restore leads to stronger ransomware attack recovery
  • Ultrafast electric vehicle charging will propel local governments into the future

White papers


5 reasons why Plan Examiners need Objective Trapeze

30th May 2023

7 Permitting & Licensing Fails Slowing Community Growth

24th May 2023

The Secret Ingredient to Local Government Employee Retention

23rd May 2023
view all

Webinars


How to Centralize and Build a Grants Management Process at your Organization

24th May 2023

Making Permitting Easier: What We’ve Learned Helping America’s Largest Cities Improve Their Permitting Process

16th May 2023

Digital Property Tax Collection: Tales from the Trenches of Modernization

16th May 2023
view all

PODCAST


Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina

13th October 2020

Young Leaders Episode 3 – Shannon Hardin – City Council President, Columbus, Ohio

27th July 2020

Young Leaders Episode 2 – Christian Williams – Development Services Planner, Goodyear, Ariz.

1st July 2020
view all

GALLERIES


10 best suburbs for city-like living

1st June 2023

Gallery: Annual index ranks America’s top performing cities; most are in the West

30th May 2023

Gallery: Top 10 American cities for seasonal and summer jobs

25th May 2023
view all

Twitter


Newsletters

Sign up for American City & County’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about local governments.

Resale Insights Dashboard

The Resale Insights Dashboard provides model-level data for the entire used equipment market to help you save time and money.

Municipal Cost Index

Updated monthly since 1978, our exclusive Municipal Cost Index shows the effects of inflation on the cost of providing municipal services

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital audience? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • IWCE’s Urgent Communications
  • IWCE Expo

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

FOLLOW American City and County ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2023 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.