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Politics & Government

PA Utility possible rate increase

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Wanted: Public Input on Palo Alto Green Power Decision

 We want to spread the word...the City of Palo Alto needs its citizenry to weigh in on questions about implementing a program to buy essentially 100% “green” electric power. 

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 Right now the City Utilities staff is looking at options for its electric utility to primarily buy power from carbon-free, renewable or other clean sources (such as hydroelectric facilities). Having a “carbon neutral” portfolio of power sources would not only help Palo Alto achieve community-wide climate protection goals but also emphasize our leadership role in the region by exceeding the state requirements for electric utilities.  

However, there are trade-offs involved in the decision for the City to buy electricity primarily from “green” sources, including higher costs.  Therefore, we are asking residents and businesses in the Palo Alto to take a very short three question survey to let us know how they---as customers of our community-owned utility---would value those trade-offs.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The survey can be found at:

 Residents: www.surveymonkey.com/s/CarbonNeutralSurvey

Businesses: www.surveymonkey.com/s/CarbonNeutralCommercialSurvey

(The only difference between the two surveys is that for residents, the percentages have been translated into likely average dollar amounts.)

 Background details, FYI:  On May 21, 2012 the City Council declared support for a policy to pursue a carbon-neutral electric portfolio.  They directed Utilities staff to develop a plan by December 2012 to achieve that goal.  Read the full report to the Council here: www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=31442

 A  “carbon neutral electric portfolio”  would be one where all the sources for the electricity Palo Alto buys are considered to be “green,” i.e. they do not generate carbon emissions and release them into the atmosphere. Examples of resources typically considered “carbon neutral” would be hydroelectric power, solar photovoltaic (PV) power and wind power. There are debates on exactly how to define “carbon neutral” and agreeing upon this definition will be part of the process in establishing such a carbon neutral portfolio policy.

While it may seem obvious that pursuing a policy to buy 100% cleaner “green” power is a good thing, this decision comes at a cost, since green power sources are typically more expensive than more traditional “brown” power sources.   Also, when people know their power is coming from “green” sources, they may feel less concerned about being as careful in their energy use. Therefore, as staff considers various alternatives for achieving a carbon-neutral portfolio, we need and want community input on the various trade-offs.  

If you have any questions or need other information, contact me anytime.

Debra

Debra Katz

Utilities Communications Manager

City of Palo Alto

PO Box 10250

Palo Alto CA 94303

debra.katz@cityofpaloalto.org

office: (650) 329-2474

cell: (650) 823-8534 (for after hours or urgent matters)

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