01/11/1984 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e VII. REVIEW OF WEATHERIZATION ORDINANCE (memo, ordinance, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Greg Page, Project Manager for Facilities Development, gave the staff report, reviewing the purpose of the weatherization ordinance passed in 1981 that established specific standards for existing residential dwellings for use in times of energy shortages. The intent was to improve the performance of voluntary programs of utilities, and inform the community of expectations during energy shortages. The review today is scheduled because the council required a review one year in advance of implementation of weatherization standards. Over the last three years, there has been a surplus in the supply of energy; prices have increased about 10 percent per year. Mr. Page felt that the surplus in supply was a temporary condition. Matt Northway, Conservation Manager of Eugene Water and Electric Board, then reported on the success of the voluntary program, stating that about 12 percent of the electrically-heated homes served by EWEB have been weatherized, and 60 percent of electric water heaters have been insulation-wrapped. This represents over $6.5 million in customer reimbursements, with a potential energy savings of 34 million KWH per year. EWEB has had 34 percent of its customers request energy audits since inception of the financing program. At Bonnevillels current funding level, it would take from five to seven years to weatherize all homes requesting it. Even with the sale of weatherization bonds, it will take two years to weatherize those on the waiting list. Even though we are in an energy surplus stage, lower costs realized by weatherization can be passed on to EWEBls customers. EWEB will continue to work with the council to ensure commit- ment to energy conservation. Mr. Page listed three options on the ordinance for council action, as: 1) enactment in 1985; 2) postponement; and 3) abolishment. He stated that the staff recommends adoption of option #2, postponement, because there is a sub- stantial amount of work to be done--75 to 80 percent of the population still needs weatherization. In response to Councilor Ball IS question on why postponement for two years was not recommended, Mr. Page said that the reason was that, .from all indications, the energy surplus would last for at least two years. While this was the major reason, availability of financing was also a factor. Mayor Keller asked for clarification on the backlog of 42 percent of the homes, and if this percent of customers would be served if the bond measure was passed. Mr. Northway responded that passing the bond measure would be a help to these customers. In response to Mayor Keller's second question, Mr. Northway felt that a five-year extension of the ordinance would help penetrate a broader segment of the community. Councilor Hansen asked that if, under the present program, there was any assist- ance for those who do not have an "all-electric" home. Mr. Page responded that it is estimated that there are 7,000 natural gas and oil customers and that there are 6-1/2 percent loan programs available to assist them weatherize. Mr. Gleason added that partial electric customers have been provided with water tank wraps by EWEB. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 11, 1984 Page 6