UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee Meeting was held on August 24, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. Hogan, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Snaman, and Major Kosior.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.

Update on Federal Energy Stimulus Funds (Tabled by Committee on 8/10/09)

Due to the lack of information on the subject, this item was left on the table.

Revised Net Energy Metering Tariff

During their meeting of November 13, 2006, members recommended the acceptance of the Green Energy Program Net Metering Tariff. Mr. Ron Lunt, Public Utilities Director, advised members that on July 9, 2009, the 145^th General Assembly approved amendments to the network energy metering standards, Delaware Code - Title 26, Chapter 10, § 1014. He stated that the purpose of the amendment is to encourage private investment in customer-owned renewable energy generation facilities. Mr. Lunt explained that the amendments required staff to modify the Net Energy Metering Tariff and reviewed a summary of the proposed changes as follows: (1) Include the 100 kW system maximums for installation; (2) Direct customer payment for excess kWh delivered to Dover. Mr. Lunt stated that previously, if a consumer produced more kWh than were used, excess kWh credits were transferred to the Green Energy Fund; however, under the new legislation, excess kWh produced by a system will be credited to the consumer who produced the kWh. Mr. Lunt assured members that the proposed changes will bring the City of Dover into compliance with the Delaware Code.

In response to Mr. Hogan, it was Mr. Lunt’s feeling that the adjustment was made to encourage consumers to install systems larger than required to meet their needs.

Responding to Maj. Kosior, Mr. Lunt indicated that average residential consumption is approximately 1,000 kWh per month, and that farm consumption varies according to the size of the farm.

In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Lunt stated that Dover currently has approximately 11 photovoltaic systems in place.

Responding to Mr. DePrima, Mr. Lunt indicated that he was unaware of any systems that are currently producing more energy than they are consuming. In addition, he stated that the City will be responsible for maintaining a monitoring system to track energy credits.

Staff recommended approval of the revised Net Energy Metering Tariff, to be effective upon Council approval.

Mr. Hogan moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.

UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF AUGUST 24, 2009                                       PAGE 2

Mr. Hogan moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:08 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Eugene B. Ruane

Chairman

EBR/JS/ac/rr/tm

Attachments

Attachment #1 - Net Energy Metering “NM”