Title
Request to Apply for and Accept Grant Funds for the U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Upgrade Prize and Enter Related Contracts
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to apply for, and, if awarded, accept prize funds from the U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Upgrade Prize to fund a solar for low-income pilot program. The total prize funds applied for is $400,000.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy launched an innovative Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP) on Jan. 18, 2023 to accelerate the transformation of U.S. buildings into energy-efficient and clean energy-ready homes, commercial spaces, and communities. In Phase 1 of Buildings UP, applicants will propose a concept to deliver scalable and replicable upgrades to buildings in disadvantaged communities, low- and moderate-income households, and underserved commercial, nonprofit, and public buildings. Phase 1 Equity-Centered Innovation winners will each receive a $400,000 cash prize.
Staff are proposing to use the prize funds to offer free solar installations on twenty low-income owner-occupied homes in the City of Phoenix on a first-come first-served basis. The purpose of the program is to document the impact of solar on energy affordability in homes where more than 15% of household income is typically spent on energy. Roof-top solar energy can, in many cases, reduce annual energy bills by 75% or more. The City's Human Services Department will provide the income verification to qualify applicants.
Financial Impact
The prize is $400,000. No matching funds are required.
Recommendation
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to apply for, and, if awarded, accept prize funds from the U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Upgrade Prize to fund a solar for low-income pilot program.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Office of Sustainability.