05/21/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- of electrically heated homes and of investor-owned prop€rty up to four- plexes. Matching grants for those who want to provide their own labor would mean that EWEB would provide the material. This has been made retroactive to the time that the board might approve it. It will take time for the court case to test the legality of this proposal. The retroactive date would probably be May 27. Conservation is much more cost-effective than investing in new generation; future energy costs will be less. The council's action today is to encourage the EWEB Board to approve the financing. Mr. Lieuallen asked if EWEB needs to wait for the decision on. the court case for the authority to begin this weatherization program. Mr. Page stated that they are asking for authority to loan money to private individuals. Mr. Lieuallen asked if this would be financed by revenue bonds or some other means. Mr. Page responded that it could be either by revenue bonds or included in the base rate. The discussion at the next meeting will be to set a policy for establishing the loan program and the grants. Mr. Lieuallen asked what the matching grants would consist of. Mr. Page responded this would be for people who want to do their own work and EWEB would pay for the materials. EWEB would inspect for completion of the weatherization and upon presentation of the bills would reimburse the individual. Mr. Lieuallen asked what would happen to those who weatherize between now and the time that this would become available. Mr. Page responded it would be retroactive to May 27. Mr. Obie spoke in favor of the proposal and the resolution. He feels this is an important and significant first step in energy conservation. He feels it is fortunate that EWEB and the council have placed this as a high priority. Mr. Lieuallen asked what the mechanism for the court case was and how long it would take. Mr. Page responded that he does not know the legal specifics but would expect it would take one to two years and that the City has asked to be involved in this decision. EWEB will bear the legal costs. They must get approval from the Federal Department of Energy. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the statement would be made to the Federal government and specifics worked out later. Mr. Page responded that that is correct. . Ms. Miller stated that this is to encourage EWES to take the first step in working toward energy conservation. This will not be a simple process but it is encouraging that the council is working with the EWEB board. Only by the council and EWEB working together will this be accomplished. Mr. Lieuallen asked if there is any indication that this will work and that the judgment will bear out. Stan Long, City Attorney, stated that their office has looked at this and feels it is worth pursuing. Res. No. 3371--A resolution recommending the adoption by the Eugene Water and Electric Board of the financinq program in the proposed ~~sidential Conservation Servic~ Program under the National Energy Act. (e Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolu- tion. 5/21/80--9