Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. With relatively clean electricity sources, Ashland has great potential to reduce GHG emissions through switching from higher-carbon fuels such as natural gas and gasoline to lower-car - bon electricity. This action calls for the City to work across departments in a coordinated and strategic manner to identify ways to promote this kind of fuel switching in the community. BE-1-3. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. Local generation of renewable energy can offset emissions associated with energy con - sumption from the electric grid, and in some cases, may also mitigate climate-related risks to the hydropower electricity supply due to snowpack declines and increased drought risk. This action calls for the City to support increased solar energy production in Ashland, such as through the installation of a large- scale community solar project or rooftop solar panels on buildings in the community. It is worth noting that City-sponsored community solar has faced cost challenges in the past, so this action would need to address potential financial hurdles, like finding a nongovern - mental organization or institution to sponsor the project or by developing new models and policies to facilitate community interest and investment, such as virtual net metering and solar production aggregation. The new Oregon Renewable Energy Cooperative Law will facili - tate this process, allowing renewable energy cooperative corporations to be created and capitalized without the requirement of secu - rities registration. It will also be important to ensure that new renewable energy installations do not negatively impact natural habitats or ecosystems.Strategies and Actions Strategy BE-1. Support cleaner energy sources. Efforts to support cleaner energy sources will minimize harmful pollution associated with energy use and help meet the additional energy needs as climate change causes temperatures to rise. This strategy deals with enhancing the use of cleaner fuels through fuel- switching in residential and commercial buildings and renewable energy production and generation. PRIORITY ACTIONS BE-1-1. Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility. The transition to low-carbon energy such as renewables will require taking a broad-level approach that transcends traditional utility boundaries. Although some aspects would not fall under the traditional purview of the utility, a comprehensive energy plan for the Municipal Electric Utility that addresses clean renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of the transportation sector will provide a more strategic path forward for maximizing societal benefits and achieving climate goals. This plan would set targets, address policy and service issues, and identify potential solutions related to comprehensive energy planning. For example, the plan could delineate energy rate structures and efficiency/conservation program funding levels, targets for installation of solar photovoltaics within the City’s distri - bution grid, a long-term strategy for wholesale power acquisition, and demand management. The recently adopted 10% new, local, and clean energy by 2020 ordinance is a key policy decision that would play a large role in devel - opment and shaping of this plan.C MiC Mi AdC Mi 52 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANBUILDINGS & ENERGY52