Title
Request to Apply for and Accept Grant Funds for the U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Upgrade Prize (Ordinance S-50014)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, 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. Further request to authorize a procurement process to identify an entity to administer the pilot program to fund the installation of solar on low-income homes in Phoenix. Additionally request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. The total prize funds applied for is $400,000.
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 percent of household income is typically spent on energy. Roof-top solar energy can, in many cases, reduce annual energy bills by 75 percent or more. The proposed program is envisioned to be administered by a non-profit, who will assist the homeowner to select the solar installer, inspect the installation and contracts to ensure a quality installation, and track and report the impact for the two years following. The City's Human Services Department will provide the income verification to qualify applicants.
Contract Term
The prize would likely be awarded in the fall of 2023 and will be free from any reporting requirements back to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Financial Impact
The prize is $400,000. No matching funds are required. Prize funds will be managed through the Office of Sustainability.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee approved this item on June 21, 2023 by a vote of 3-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Office of Sustainability.