Agenda Packet 11-18-19 Work Session

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Perspectives on Key Policy Issues: Natural Gas, Electric Vehicles and Reducing Consumption Equity Panel Members provided feedback on each of the following policy questions. These notes represent different voices in the conversation, not consensus from the group. Natural Gas: How would adding a fee for using natural gas or raising prices impact you? Price Increases: • Additional fees on natural gas would be passed on to renters who do not have any control over their heating/cooking source. • If offsets are required, subsidies should be offered for income constrained population or a sliding scale should be created based on income levels. Business Impacts • Concerned that commercial accounts are not feasible to convert—it may lead to increase in costs at restaurants. Transitioning from Gas to Electricity • Consumers are price sensitive; they want cleaner sources of energy until the price becomes too high. • Keeping gas stoves is not a priority; people are willing to switch to electricity. • Renters do not have control over efficiency or electricity source. • Education would be more beneficial than raising prices. • Converting to natural gas is expensive; financial assistance in the form of grants or no interest loans would be necessary. Include incentives for rentals as well. Policy Suggestions • Target policies to focus on the largest consumers of natural gas. • City should work towards policies that incentivize more efficient homes. • Require all new developments to be natural gas free and limit new natural gas infrastructure. Other Concerns • Hydro is “clean” but dams are destructive. Impact with dams is also felt in communities of color, tribes, and rural communities. Be aware of trade-offs. • There is a danger of disasters from natural gas in communities. November 18, 2019, Work Session – Item 1