HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan CH 11Chapter 11
Energy, Air and Water Conservation
Parts:
11.01 General
11.02 Ashland's Electric System
11.03 Ashland's Energy Conservation History
11.04 Air Quality
11.05 Water Conservation
11.06 Goals and Policies
Part 11.01 GENERAL
Sections:
11.01.01 Introduction
11.01.02 Historical Perspective
11.01.03 Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning And Conservation Act of 1980
11.01.04 State Energy Plan
11.01.05 Regional Energy System
Section 11.01.01 Introduction
Things have changed since the 1982 Comprehensive Plan was developed. The city's supplier of electricity is now the Bonneville Power Administration, the Northwest Power Planning and
Conservation Act was passed, and many requirements of the Act have been implemented at both the regional and local level. The electric energy surplus of the 1980's is dwindling faster
than many people anticipated only a few years ago. Energy is still fundamental to the quality of life we all enjoy in Ashland and America. National concerns about global warming,
acid rain and dependence on unstable international oil supply provide a national framework for city energy activities. At the community level, energy and water usage is related to
many planning facets, most notably transportation, land use and site design, new construction, air quality, housing and economic development.
In reviewing the 1982 energy element, it is remarkable that the majority of the goals, policies and objectives have been largely satisfied. However, much remains to be done. All the
reasons to use our resources wisely are still relevant -- possibly even more important today in 1991. Changes in the electric utility industry require wise energy usage not only from
a customer service point of view, but also to remain competitive in the 90's.
Meanwhile, the job of fostering wise resource usage is becoming more difficult because so much has already been done. It will be difficult to continue this momentum because the earlier,
easier savings have already been acquired. We will need innovative ideas and programs to get these harder to reach resource opportunities. Our regional successes prove that not only
can conservation be acquired, but also that it is the most cost effective way to meet the northwest's future energy needs.
Ashland is regionally recognized as a leader in instituting and providing energy conservation. We need to continue this leadership, but to also enhance our position by developing ways
to conserve water and air quality. This is the first step in moving our community on to the next level of achievement. While it is only the first step, it is probably the most important,
as it sets the tone and direction for City policy. Therefore, it is very important that the aims presented here be sufficiently challenging to motivate that public commitment which
will be necessary to achieve success. Our aspirations are high, for the goal to be obtained is of critical importance.
Section 11.01.02 Historical Perspective
The City of Ashland is the second oldest municipal utility in Oregon. We have been providing wholesale electric energy since 1909. In February 1982, the City began purchasing wholesale
electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration as a full requirement preference customer. Prior to this time, we purchased power from Pacific Power and Light. The City's power
sales contract with BPA, currently in effect, will expire in 2001.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) provides wholesale power to the City as a preference customer. BPA is a Federal marketing agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is responsible
for marketing the hydroelectric energy produced by the federally owned dams on the Columbia River System. Bonneville Power Administration supplies electrical power to preference citizens
(municipal utilities, rural electric co-ops and public utility districts), direct service industries (DSI's) which are mostly aluminum smelters, and investor owned utilities. Surplus
or non-firm energy and capacity are also sold both outside (mainly California) and inside the region. BPA's firm utility customers are located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Western
Montana. BPA's resource mix in 1987 consisted of 90% hydroelectric generation and 10% thermal resources.
Section 11.01.03 Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning And Conservation Act of 1980
In December 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (NW Power Act). This very significant piece of legislation introduced
many changes in the way that electric power issues would be dealt with in the Northwest. While the Act is very complex, a number of the more significant changes were:
Created the Northwest Power Planning Council. This Council, made up of two gubernatorially appointed representatives from each of the four states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana,
was mandated to determine the northwest's electric needs and to develop a plan for the most cost effective resources to meet these needs.
Gave BPA a much more active role in acquiring new resources to meet the future needs of the Pacific Northwest. Prior to the Act, BPA could only market the output of the federal dams
on the Columbia. Now it can actually acquire all the needed resources for its Northwest citizens.
Set up a list of priorities for the Council to use in determining which new resources BPA would acquire. This list of priorities, in order, was:
1. Conservation
2. Renewable resources
3. Co-generation
4. Thermal resources
In addition, the Act gave a 10% cost advantage to conservation over any other resource type. This meant that any conservation resource could cost 10% more than a competing resource
and still be selected over the other resource.
Mandated that the Northwest Power Planning Council adopted a 20-year load forecast and a 20-year resource plan to meet the energy requirements of the forecast by 1983.
On April 27, 1983, the Northwest Power Planning Council adopted the 1983 Northwest Conservation and Electric Power Plan. True to the requirements of the Act, the plan did include a
20-year load forecast predicting the future electricity needs of the Northwest. However, the Council decided that accurately forecasting the actual energy needs of the region over
a 20-year time span was next to impossible. Therefore, the load forecast, in the 1983 Plan, contained a range of forecasts instead of one single guess. The idea was to plan for different
growth scenarios and then develop a plan, which could respond to any of them with the most cost-effective resources. The Council's Plan followed the resource priority of the Act by
relying mainly on conservation for each of the growth scenarios.
Another key element of the plan is the Model Conservation Standards. These are construction standards for new residential and commercial buildings. The Act directed the Council to
develop these standards which "must secure all the power savings that are cost effective to the region. In addition, they must be economically feasible for consumers." The 1983 Plan
called for these standards to be implemented by the region's utilities, local governments and code agencies by January 1, 1986. And it also required BPA to develop a surcharge policy
to be levied on utilities not implementing these standards by the deadline.
In January 1986, the 1986 edition of the power plan was adopted. Like the 1983 plan, this plan emphasized conservation and called for no immediate development of new resources except
for lost opportunity resources. Lost opportunity resources are resources which, if not acquired, will be lost forever to the region. One example occurs when a new home is built.
If that home is not constructed to maximum conservation levels, it will be impossible to ever acquire that conservation. You may be able to retrofit the home with some of the conservation
measures, but it will be much more costly and will never be as effective as correctly building the home initially. This plan reemphasized the need to get the Model Conservation Standards
in place because they represent the most significant opportunity to protect a resource that could otherwise be lost to the region forever. These new buildings are likely to last for
a considerable time and all cost-effective conservation measures should be captured at the time of initial construction.
The Council is presently in the process of reviewing and developing an updated version of the Northwest Power Plan. Also, it is considering strengthening the requirement of the commercial
Model Conservation Standards. The updates will provide additional direction to BPA and the region's utilities.
Section 11.01.04 State Energy Plan
The Oregon Department of Energy is directed by State law to prepare an energy plan for the State every two years. The 1989 State Energy Plan is the third biennial plan. It guides policies
and programs to ensure Oregon's energy needs will be met in accord with State goals. This plan states:
Oregon should build and maintain the capability to meet energy demand at the lowest cost. This means the state should:
1. Commit to and develop resources as close as possible to the date that power will be needed.
2. Secure all cost-effective conservation in new structures; capture renewable resources that would be lost if not developed now.
3. Pursue pilot and research conservation programs so conservation can be acquired when needed; pursue renewable resource research, development and demonstration.
4. Ensure that financial incentives to utilities promote least-cost resources.
5. Promote market competition that lowers costs and improves services.
Oregon supply policies and actions should guard against rapid price increases and supply shortages. Should they occur, state government should be prepared to lessen their impacts.
Oregon should promote wise use of energy resources in accord with our social, environmental and economic goals.
Oregon's energy supply choices should weigh all benefits and costs, including costs to the environment and the public.
Activities of the City of Ashland should be considered in light of regional and State energy policies and reinforce and implement them whenever feasible..
Section 11.01.05 Regional Energy System
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) provides wholesale electricity to the City of Ashland.
BPA is an arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. t was created by the Congress in 1937 to act as marketing agent for power from Bonneville Dam, which was nearing completion. Bonneville
Dam was the first large dam built by the U.S. Government on the Columbia River or its tributaries.
When Grand Coulee Dam neared completion in 1941, BPA was designated to also market the power from this project. BPA has since been made marketing agent for 28 other Federal dams in the
Northwest.
To accomplish its mission, BPA has designed and built the nation's largest network of long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines. This system has grown in the past 45 years to become
the main grid for the Northwest.
BPA does not build dams or power plants. The federal dams are built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. Most Corps and Bureau projects are
multipurpose. That is, they are designed to provide flood control, navigation, recreation, and other public benefits - as well as to generate electricity.
The power features of the federal dams, together with the BPA's transmission system, are operated as a single unit known as the Federal Columbia River Power System.
BPA's service area includes that portion of the Columbia River drainage basin that lies within the United States. The full service area covers about 300,000 square miles.
Most of the federal power is generated east of the Cascade Mountains. BPA transmits large amounts of energy over the mountains to bulk power stations near load centers west of the Cascades.
Most of the northwest's major cities are west of the mountains.
BPA's transmission system is connected with other transmission systems. Besides scheduling and dispatching power from the federal dams - which have a total peaking capacity of about
19 million kilowatts - BPA "wheels" (transmits) over its grid large amounts of additional power from non-Federal utilities.
The Federal system supplies about 50 percent of the power generated in the region. BPA's transmission network provides nearly 80 percent of the transmission capacity in the region.
This network serves as the "backbone" grid for all interconnected utilities in the Northwest.
BPA wholesales power to 148 Northwest citizens: 54 cooperatives, 37 municipalities, 26 public utility districts, 15 industrial firms, 8 investor-owned utilities, 6 federal agencies,
the Washington Public Power Supply System (Supply System), and an irrigation district. It sells power outside the northwest to 14 utility citizens when no market exists for this power
inside the region.
Part 11.02 ASHLAND'S ELECTRIC SYSTEM
Sections:
11.02.01 System Description
11.02.02 Electric Sales
11.02.03 End Use Sector Analysis
11.02.04 Load Profile
11.02.05 BPA Billing System
11.02.06 BPA Contracts and Cooperative Agreements
11.02.07 Other Energy Providers
Section 11.02.01 System Description
The City of Ashland purchases electrical power from BPA via PP&L's Ashland and Oak Knoll Substations. PP&L owns and operates the 115-kV high voltage bus, circuit breakers, two 12,000/16,000/20,000-k
VA (65--C) 115/12.47-kV transformers, one in each substation, and the 12.47-kV main and transfer bus. Service is provided to Ashland at the 12.47-kV bus with BPA primary metering installed
ahead of the feeder reclosers. Both substations are fed by the Baldy to Copco 115-kV transmission line. The transformer capacity available is calculated by PP&L to be 24.4 MVA at winter
peak for each power transformer.
The City of Ashland does not own or operate any substations. The City does own and operate the Ashland Substation 12.47- kV main bus, which serves four feeders, the Morton Street, Mountain
Street, the North Main and business district circuits. All of the 15-kV type W reclosers on the four feeders at Ashland Substation have nominal current ratings of 400 amps. PP&L owns
and operates the two circuit breakers at Oak Knoll Substation which provide protection for the Highway 66 and Highway 99 feeders. These circuit breakers are rated at 600 amps continuous
current.
The City of Ashland's primary electrical distribution system consists of six 12.47-kV distribution feeders serving an area entirely within backbone primary lines consisting of 336.5
AAC conductors. Feeder branches and tap lines consist of #6 AWG solid copper through #2 ACSR conductor. Underground cables include 1,000 kcmil aluminum for substation get-a-ways at
Ashland Substation and #2 AL cables for use in residential areas and primary underground taps. #2, 2/0, 4/0AL cables are used for 30 commercial and large residential developments.
The primary City-owned electric system consists of single circuit pole lines and some double circuit pole lines near the substations. All feeders have tie points to other feeders with
normally open air switches or disconnects. The ability to switch and transfer load to other feeders is limited by the thermal capacity of the Highway 66 and Highway 99 circuits in
the summer and by the transformer capacity at both Oak Knoll and Ashland Substations in the winter. The existing electric system is well maintained and construction practices conform
with industry standards.
Some electric distribution facilities within the City limits of Ashland are owned by PP&L. As a result, there are several distribution lines in Ashland that are City-owned but used
by PP&L to serve load. The City will be acquiring these PP&L facilities since this un-metered load is already being served by the City's facilities. This would result in a simpler,
safer and more reliable overall electrical distribution system within Ashland.
Section 11.02.02 Electric Sales
In 1990, the City of Ashland purchased 160,753,170 kWhs from BPA and generated 1,855,000 kWhs at the Reeder Hydrogenerator. Total sales for 1990 equaled 162,608,170 kWhs and line losses
equaled 9,813,423 kWhs. 152,794,742 kWhs of these sales were metered and 2,439,323 were un-metered sales. Of the metered sales, 75,689,251 kWhs (or 49.6%) were residential sales, 58,363,054
kWhs (or 38.2%) were commercial/industrial sales, 14,671,087 kWhs (or 9.6%) were government sales, and 3,468,098 (or 2.3%) were municipal sales. Total revenues of $2,949,505 (or 47.1%)
were residential; $2,446,417 (or 39.1%) were commercial/industrial; $669,150 (or 10.7%) were governmental; and $195,789 (or 3.1%) were municipal. The City generates electricity at
the Reeder Gulch Hydroelectric Plant, produced from the City's water supply. In 1990, 1,855,000 kWhs were generated at Reeder. In 1988-1989, the general and street funds received
$1,868,318 in electric utility taxes and fees.
Section 11.02.03 End Use Sector Analysis
The City of Ashland's utility serves about 6,200 residential accounts. While we do not know precisely, estimates made in developing the original energy element in 1980, assumed about
3,100 (or 50%) of these citizens relied on electric heat. Electric water heating saturation is higher and estimated at about 4,960 (or 80%).
Commercial/industrial accounts are numbered at 900. Very little is known about this sector's energy using habits. The only large industrial accounts are Croman Corporation and Parson's
Pine Products, both lumber related businesses. Commercial/industrial sales equaled 37.8% of the total sales in 1990. 11.9% of total sales were for municipal and other governmental
operations. The largest use among this group is Southern Oregon State College.
Section 11.02.04 Load Profile
The City of Ashland is a winter peaking utility. This is due to the large amount of electric space heating, increased lighting needs in the winter (i.e. less daylight hours), and larger
amounts of hot water usage, combined with lower incoming water temperature.
All of these factors contribute to a winter peaking utility load profile. To indicate the size of this load diversity - in June 1988, our system peak equaled 20,690 kW. However, on
December 21,1990, we encountered an all-time system peak of 45,110 kW, or over twice the capacity of June 1988. The City also has a daily load profile which results in maximum usage
between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., and a second smaller system peak around 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.
Annual Load Factor is defined as the total mount of kilowatt hours produced divided by 8,760 (# of hours in one year) divided by the highest demand during the year. Calculating the annual
load factor for Ashland for 1990 results in:
159,875,070 ö 8,760 = .405
45,110
The higher the load factor a utility achieves, the better because utilities which have a constant year-round energy demand for will operate more efficiently. This means that building
facilities will be easier, as there is not a major difference between months in demand for energy. Facilities can operate at the same level year round, not at half capacity for part
of the time and full capacity for the remainder of the time. Ashland's load factor is low because our winter peak is nearly double our summer peak. As will be illustrated later, activities,
which increase our load factor, and therefore decrease peaking, can have beneficial effects on electric utility systems.
Section 11.02.05 BPA Billing System
The City of Ashland is billed monthly by BPA for wholesale power purchases. The bill is separated by our two points of delivery (i.e. Nevada and Oak Knoll substations) of electricity.
The bill consists of energy (kWh's) and demand (kW's) components. Under BPA's present rate structure, energy is billed at $.0144/kWh during April, May, June, July and August, and
$.0184 for the remaining seven months of the year.
Demand or capacity is billed year round at $3.46/kW. We are billed for demand on a non-coincident peak for each substation, which means that the maximum amounts of electricity used
for one hour at each substation are added together to determine total demand for the months. Non-coincident means that highest single hour at each substation, regardless if they occur
at different times, are still added together to determine total demand for the month.
In 1990, the City total wholesale power bill equaled $3,942,795, of which $2,691,574 (or 68.3%) was for energy and $1,251,221 (or 31.7%) was for demand.
The current rate structure is scheduled to remain in effect until 1991, at which time, BPA will institute new rates.
Section 11.02.06 BPA Contracts and Cooperative Agreements
The City presently has a contractual agreement with BPA to purchase wholesale power (Power Sales Contract), and acquire residential energy conservation (Residential Weatherization Buy-Back
Agreement). We also have cooperative agreements for the Super Good Cents new home grant program and the Energy Smart Design Assistance Program for commercial buildings. The residential
Weatherization Buy-Back Program Agreement is scheduled to expire in September 2001.
Section 11.02.07 Other Energy Providers
The city's electric service territory is totally surrounded by Pacific Power & Light. Power purchased from BPA is delivered to the city on PP&L lines and delivered through two PP&L-owned
substations.
C.P. National provides natural gas service to almost all of Ashland. For the last couple of years, it has advertised extensively in an effort to get citizens to select natural gas for
space and water heating in new construction, and to encourage existing citizens to switch from electricity to natural gas. The current low price of natural gas, coupled with this extensive
media campaign has resulted in more citizens using natural gas than at any other time in the past. C.P. National has been tentatively sold to Washington Water Power. This sale must
be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission before it will become finalized.
The 1980 census data indicated that 558 citizens used oil for space heating. Our experience indicates that this number has declined over the last decade, but we have no idea just how
many citizens have oil heat and will probably have to rely on the 1990 census for new data.
Part 11.03 ASHLAND'S ENERGY CONSERVATION HISTORY
Sections:
11.03.01 Energy Element of the 1982 Comprehensive Plan
11.03.02 Solar Access
11.03.03 Performance Standards and Energy Density Bonuses
11.03.04 Water Heater Wrap Program
11.03.05 Street and Area Lighting Program
11.03.06 Residential Weatherization Buy-Back Program
11.03.07 Solar and Heat Pump Water Heater Market Test
11.03.08 Commercial Audit Program
11.03.09 Super Good Cents Program
11.03.10 Heating System Evaluation Program
11.03.11 Energy Smart Design Assistance Program
11.03.12 Other Conservation Programs
11.03.13 Electric Load Growth and Management
11.03.14 Fuel Choice and Fuel Switching
11.03.15 The Role of the City as an Energy Conservation Provider
11.03.16 Compliance With The Northwest Power Act
Section 11.03.01 Energy Element of the 1982 Comprehensive Plan
While Ashland had tried various ways to informally encourage energy conservation prior to 1982, the first official movement in this direction was the adoption of the City's energy element
in 1982. It is commendable that the goals and policies of this element have nearly all been satisfied to some extent. This element aggressively pursued conservation and provided the
impetus for our actions during the 1980's. Fortunately, our partnership with BPA enabled progress in many areas which the goals and policies addressed.
Section 11.03.02 Solar Access
In August 1980, the City of Ashland passed a city-wide solar access protection ordinance. This code was a pioneering effort, which paved the way for many other jurisdictions to follow
during the 1980's. Presently, there are solar access ordinances in effect in 30 Northwest jurisdictions and communities. Ashland's leadership in this area no doubt facilitated similar
efforts throughout the region.
Section 11.03.03 Performance Standards and Energy Density Bonuses
When the City passed the Performance Standards Development Ordinance in 1981, a number of objectives were being sought. One of the major goals was to encourage people, by increased
building densities, to construct energy efficient housing. The fact that many developers are choosing to build energy efficient housing under this code demonstrates how successful
it is. While the code has been amended and fine-tuned over the past decade, the energy bonuses are still a very positive and popular way to use market-based incentives to encourage
energy efficient housing.
Section 11.03.04 Water Heater Wrap Program
The first BPA-sponsored conservation program was the Electric Water Heater Insulation Program. This program was begun in late 1981 and under it, a City employee installed R-11 water
heater blankets on citizens' electric water heaters free of charge. The City was reimbursed on a per unit basis for every blanket installed under this program. A total of over 1,120
water heaters were insulated under this program. We estimated that about 199,000 kWhs are saved annually as a result of this program.
Section 11.03.05 Street and Area Lighting Program
In 1982, the City began converting all of the City-owned streetlights from mercury vapor to high-pressure sodium lights. Under this BPA-funded program, over 1,215 City-owned lights and
an additional 220-school district and Southern Oregon State College-owned lights were converted. Energy savings in these lighting conversions are estimated to be about 235,000 kWhs
per year.
Section 11.03.06 Residential Weatherization Buy-Back Program
In April of 1982, the City implemented the BPA-sponsored Weatherization Buy-Back Program. Under this program, BPA purchases first-year electric energy savings at .32/kWh. Houses are
eligible for ceiling, wall, floor and duct insulation, storm or replacement windows, clock thermostats, and caulking and weather-stripping. Weatherization funds for this program are
paid directly to the homeowner as a one-time cash grant, which can cover up to 60% of the total costs of weatherization. Certified low-income citizens are eligible for up to 100% funding.
These grant funds do not have to be paid back to BPA or the City. In addition, a loan program through Valley of the Rogue Bank can be utilized by qualified borrowers to cover the
portion of the costs not covered by the BPA grant. During the period June 1982 through June 1989, a total of 1,450 residences had been weatherized. The yearly savings for this program
are estimated to be about 8,628,000 kWhs. The total amount of money spent for weatherization measures is $2,169,537, and an additional $266,205 has been paid to the City for administration
of the program.
Section 11.03.07 Solar and Heat Pump Water Heater Market Test
From November 1985 to September 1987, the City offered $300 cash rebates to electric water heating citizens who installed qualified solar or heat pump water heaters. This was part of
a BPA-sponsored Pilot Hot Water Incentive Program operated by eleven different utilities in the Northwest. It was designed to test whether marketing and/or financial incentives could
persuade citizens to install these alternative water heating devices. This program resulted in 7 heat pump water heaters and 106 solar water heaters being installed. $33,900 was paid
to Ashland participants as rebates, and the City received $12,035 for administration of the program. Savings for these 113 systems are estimated to be about 248,600 kWhs per year.
Section 11.03.08 Commercial Audit Program
In late 1984 and early 1985, a total of 69 commercial businesses in Ashland received a free energy audit. This was done under the BPA-sponsored Commercial Audit Program, as it selected
engineering firms to provide this service to citizens of various public utilities throughout the Northwest. The Eugene office of Brown and Caldwell Consulting Engineers did all of
the audits in Ashland. The program only involved providing the auditing service. No money was allocated for implementing the recommended energy conservation measures. No follow up
was provided to see how many of the recommended measures were implemented by our commercial citizens.
Section 11.03.09 Super Good Cents Program
Since May 1985, the City has been implementing the Super Good Cents energy efficient new home certification program. This program is sponsored by BPA and uses marketing, promotion and
certification to encourage new homes to be built to energy efficiency levels in excess of the Oregon Building Code. Since the program's start, a total of 178 buildings had been certified
as of June 30, 1989. These 178 buildings represent 305 residential units. These houses use one-third to one-half less electricity for space heating than a standard home. Savings
for these 305 units are conservatively estimated to be 762,500 kWhs per year.
Section 11.03.10 Heating System Evaluation Program
This City-sponsored program provides energy information to existing Ashland residential citizens who are considering a change in their heating systems. A thorough energy audit, heat
loss calculation, heating system sizing calculation, and an operational cost comparison of various types of heating systems are provided to citizens. In addition, a personal loan from
Valley of the Rogue Bank, is available for citizens who install an electric zonal heating or retrofit heat pump and associated weatherization, which is required as part of the heating
system upgrade. So far, only 7 installations have been financed under this program, but an additional 11 systems were installed with owner financing outside the program. This program
is relatively new and active promotion of its existence was only begun in August 1989. Estimated savings for these 18 systems are conservatively estimated to be 36,000 kWhs per year.
Section 11.03.11 Energy Smart Design Assistance Program
This BPA-sponsored program provides professional energy design assistance for new commercial buildings or major renovations/remodels of existing commercial buildings. BPA pays professional
engineering firms for computer modeling and other design services that identify energy savings, cost and economics of energy efficient design options. Special awards are provided for
buildings that achieve electrical energy savings 10% to 30% over Oregon Building Code requirements.
The total yearly estimated electric energy savings, as a result of these programs, has been summarized in Table XI-1.
[See Table XI-1 "Yearly Electric Energy Savings" on Comp. Plan page XI-10.]
Section 11.03.12 Other Conservation Programs
As a provider only of electricity, the City's conservation programs are mainly aimed at conserving electric energy. However, other programs are made available to Ashland's citizens by
other fuel providers and the State of Oregon.
C.P. National Gas Company, the supplier of natural gas to Ashland and under a franchise agreement with the City, provides a free energy audit and a Cash rebate of $350, or a 60.5% loan
for weatherization of gas heated homes. It will also finance gas water heaters and furnaces to Ashland citizens.
The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Department of Energy, provides weatherization services to homes heated with oil, propane, butane, or kerosene, or heated solely with wood. This
program, called the SHOW (State Home Oil Weatherization) Program, provides 50% rebates for low and moderate-income citizens and can also facilitate loans for oil heat customers at 6.5%
interest for one-half of the costs of weatherization not covered by the rebate.
In addition, tax credits are available from the State of Oregon for residents who install alternative energy water heating systems. This credit is based on the performance of the solar
system. To qualify, the system must be certified by DOE. On average, one to two solar collectors will provide enough energy to qualify for the maximum tax credit. The maximum credit
is $1,500. The credit can be carried forward five years from the year of approval.
The State also offers tax credits to businesses for projects that conserve or use renewable resources to produce energy. The credit is a State corporate income tax credit equal to 35%
of the eligible project costs. The credit is taken over five years - 10% in each of the first two years and 5% in the third, fourth, and fifth years. Unused credits from one year
may be carried forward up to three years.
The Oregon Department of Energy also has a program called the Small Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP). Loan funds are available for projects that conserve natural gas, electricity and
oil, or projects that produce energy from water, wind, geothermal, solar biomass, waste materials or waste heat. Individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipal corporations
are all eligible for SELP loans.
Section 11.03.13 Electric Load Growth and Management
Purchased electricity from BPA since 1983 is depicted in Table XI-2. This table also gives the largest monthly demand per year.
[See Table XI-2 "Year/Total Energy/Maximum Monthly Demand" on Comp. Plan page XI-10.]
The city has also generated electricity since 1985 at the Reeder Hydrogenerator. Table XI-3 shows the production figures for those years. This data reflects a steady increase in loads
since 1983, despite quite active and aggressive conservation programs. Since monitored results of BPA's regional conservation programs have confirmed that energy is being saved, we
must conclude that load growth would be even higher in absence of our conservation efforts.
[See Table XI-3 "kWhs" on Comp. Plan page XI-11.]
We have also experienced growth in capacity required to serve our citizens. An all time system peak was set on December 21, 1990 of 45,110 kW's. This particular day was atypical in
that we had low temperatures of about 0F. This worst case weather scenario also caused system peaks for BPA and other public and private utilities in the Northwest. Since BPA's wholesale
electric bill includes demand charges of $3.46/kW, the monthly demand component for December 1990 was $156,680. Programs, which can move energy sales from peak to off-peak hours, could
have considerable cost benefits to Ashland's utility. The main reason for this is that our winter peak is mostly made up of residential electric space and water heating. Since residential
accounts only pay energy charges, programs which move energy sales to off-peak times without an overall sales reduction will result in identical sales revenue generated, but will also
reduce the demand component of our wholesale bill from BPA. Even programs reducing total sales but significantly shifting loads could be attractive if revenue reductions are smaller
than wholesale bill reductions.
Demand management is evolving quite rapidly as more and better products appear in the market place. This technology ranges from total utility control of certain appliances remotely,
to smart appliances, which control themselves. Additional technology includes customer control of appliances and demand metering or time of use metering which encourages load shifting
for bill reduction reasons. Since there is a large potential for savings, it is in the City's interest to consider demand side management in planning for future metering, rate setting
and other related utility decisions.
Section 11.03.14 Fuel Choice and Fuel Switching
Since the City has a dual role of electric utility and a municipal government, our attitude toward influencing citizens' fuel choices creates a dilemma. While most electric utilities
in the Northwest are aggressively promoting the benefits of electricity over other fuels (especially for space and water heating), our position has traditionally been that all fuels
should be conserved, and we have not tried to influence citizens' fuel choice. Faced with a very aggressive gas company promotional campaign aimed at convincing our citizens to switch
to gas water and space heating, the City began considering ways to get accurate fuel choice appraisal information to our citizens.
This effort resulted in the heating system evaluation program. Its purpose was to allow the City to provide a full picture with all of the facts to our citizens contemplating a major
heating system change. One of the main thrusts was not to convince people to switch from gas to electricity, but to try and give unbiased information to citizens. Our Super Good Cents
Program, which pays cash incentives for every new Super Good Cents home, has probably caused some people to select electricity to heat their homes.
While we have not promoted electric load growth, we have two programs, which have effected citizens' fuel choices. While our City government's goal is to promote the efficient use of
all resources, the Conservation Division's goal has been to promote efficient electricity use.
Because we believe strongly in our programs' merits and our zeal to make them successful, we have probably emphasized the promotion of the efficient electricity use over conservation
of fuel sources. It is important to point out, however, that in both the Super Good Cents Program and the Heating System Evaluation Program, that while citizens choose electricity
for space heating, the increased insulation and weatherization required in the programs still results in our citizens using electric energy more efficiently.
It is important to note that power supplied by BPA is predominantly hydro produced electricity, which is a renewable resource. And while there are environmental costs associated with
these dams, most of these costs are fish and wildlife related and are subject to an extensive mitigation plan being implemented as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Northwest
Fish and Wildlife Plan, and being paid for by the region's ratepayers. However, with this fact in mind, it is preferable to select the renewable resource over other non-renewable resources.
Since the City's electric utility is publicly owned, there is less income drain for electricity purchases than by purchasing from other fuel suppliers who pay profits to shareholders.
However, it would not be good policy to promote the use of electricity at the expense of our citizens solely for this reason.
The current price of natural gas is lower than it has historically been for some time. For this reason, using natural gas for space and water heating in some instances will result in
the lowest operating cost for the consumer. But since water and space heating systems are expected to last 10-25 years, we need to try and determine the relative price of gas and electricity
in the future. The 1989 Oregon Energy Plan attempts to project the price of gas and electricity into the future. Table XI-4 gives the estimates from the State Energy Plan.
[See Table XI-4 "kWh's Beck Report Energy Use Forcasts" on Comp. Plan page XI-13.]
If these forecasts indicate future changes, customer fuel-choice decisions based on current prices could lead to unwise decisions which, if looked at over a longer time frame, are not
economically prudent.
Section 11.03.15 The Role of the City as an Energy Conservation Provider
Part of the problem with only supplying one fuel but trying to conserve all fuels, is that costs of conserving other fuels cannot be paid out of rates. The Conservation Division is
funded by the city's electric utility and thus the city's users of electricity fund the energy conservation activities of the department. Thus, we tend to emphasize conservation of
electricity over other fuels. This is illustrated if you look at the new construction process in Ashland. Homes built with electric space heat are scrutinized by the City's Energy
Conservation Staff. We perform a computerized heat loss analysis of the home and then try to convince the builder or owner to take part in the Super Good Cents Program. Because of
the current high level of new home construction, it takes all available staff time just to keep up with the electrically heated houses. Thus, no analysis of gas heated homes by the
Energy Conservation Staff occurs. While the Building Division still requires the new building to comply with the State Energy Code (Chapter 53), no attempt to encourage additional
energy conservation is made.
Section 11.03.16 Compliance With The Northwest Power Act
In the foreword of the first Northwest Power Plan, it states:
"This plan does not create one additional kilowatt of energy in the region. To accomplish its purpose, the plan must be implemented by Bonneville and other federal agencies, the region's
utilities, state and local government, private businesses, and the people of the Northwest."
Because the City has a dual role of both a local government and a public utility, our responsibility to implement the plan is greater.
The 1986 plan states that "a central purpose of the Council's Plan is to provide the lowest cost energy future for the Northwest." It goes on further to say "If the provisions of this
plan are implemented, the Council forecasts that average retail rates over the next 20 years will be stable or decrease (adjusting for inflation) in all but the highest growth scenario."
[See Table XI-5 "Residential Energy Costs ODOE Forecast - 1989 State Energy Plan" on Comp. Plan page XI-14.]
Since keeping electric rates stable has many important benefits for the City's utility and Ashland's citizens, the City should do all in its power to implement the provision of the Power
Plan. This includes providing a leadership role to other utilities in the region. Ashland's "can do" attitude in the area of energy conservation has already made our existing conservation
efforts very successful and recognized regionally.
One example of how this benefits the region is the Super Good Cents Program. Our early success and high rates of participation by local builders influenced other utilities to get involved
in the program. We also provided training and technical assistance to utilities just starting the program. As always, our belief in the program's merits was reflected in our operation
and this attitude contributed to the success of the program. Successful operation of such programs proves that the attitude of the implementing agency has considerable effect on the
program's success.
Regional efforts toward energy conservation will proceed at a more rapid pace because aggressive utilities like Ashland lead the way. We should ensure that our regional leadership continues
in existing and new conservation programs in the years to come. As the Northwest moves from a surplus energy situation in future years, more conservation will be needed in our region.
Since the cornerstone of the northwest's energy future lies in successfully capturing energy conservation in areas that have yet to be tapped, leadership in the successful implementation
of these new conservation programs will be vitally important. Ashland should help this effort by operating future conservation programs with the same measure of professionalism and
enthusiasm embodied in our current programs. Our successful programs will signal to the region that "if it works in Ashland, it can work here."
Part 11.04 AIR QUALITY
Sections:
11.04.01 Introduction
11.04.02 Emissions
11.04.03 Pollution Types
11.04.04 Carbon Monoxide (CO)
11.04.05 Photochemical Oxidants
11.04.06 Particulate Emissions
11.04.07 Woodburning Advisory
11.04.08 Costs of Air Pollution
11.04.09 Ashland's Role
Section 11.04.01 Introduction
The Bear Creek Valley, including Ashland, contains one of the highest propensities for air pollution in the nation because of the physical geographic situation of the valley, its particular
landforms, and the prevailing climatic conditions.
The topography of the bowl-shaped valley, ringed by mountain ridges on all sides, leads to frequent, prolonged periods of stagnant air and frequent violations of State and Federal air
quality standards. Temperature inversions trap the polluted air in the valley, reducing visibility and threatening the health of the community.
The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has designated the Medford-Ashland area as an Air Quality Maintenance Area (AQMA).
Section 11.04.02 Emissions
Air pollutants are emitted from a wide variety of sources. These sources can be classed into three broad categories - point sources, area sources and mobile sources.
Point sources emit large volumes of pollutants from a stationary location. Some examples include manufacturing plants, lumber and paper mills, and rock quarries. Area sources are collective
groups of relatively small sources of pollution spread over a broad geographical area. Woodstoves, field burns, slash burning and road dust are some examples of area sources. Cars
and trucks are examples of mobile sources.
Section 11.04.03 Pollution Types
Pollution types are monitored by DEQ for compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Section 11.04.04 Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas. Medford is the only city in the county with a CO pollution problem. The vast majority of this CO problem is produced by
motor vehicle emissions. The last five years of available data indicates that this problem is being steadily reduced. According to the 1988 Air Quality Annual Report, Medford exceeded
CO standards on 24 days in 1983, 18 days in 1984, 35 days in 1985, 16 days in 1986, 4 days in 1987 and 2 days in 1988. When this is compared to 1977, when the CO standard was exceeded
on more than 200 days, this dramatic improvement is demonstrated. A number of reasons combined to bring about this improvement in air quality with respect to CO in Medford. They include
traffic pattern changes, vehicle inspection and maintenance program (I/M), and a gradual reduction of older non-catalytic equipped automobiles.
Section 11.04.05 Photochemical Oxidants
Photochemical oxidants are hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, which react with sunlight to produce ozone (03) and a mixture of other noxious and irritating chemicals, commonly known
as smog. While this problem was quite severe in the late 1970's (the standard was exceeded on 40 days in 1977), the latest data indicates that Medford has had no days when the ozone
exceeded the minimum standard from 1983 to 1987. However, it is important to note that the ozone standard was relaxed by the federal government in 1982. Even this relaxed standard
was exceeded on one day in 1988.
Section 11.04.06 Particulate Emissions
Federal Standards for particulate emissions until 1987 were in the form of Total Suspended Particles (TSP). Effective in July 1987, this standard was replaced by a standard for particles
with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. These smaller particles (called PM10) require different sampling equipment than did TSP. DEQ, in anticipation of the standard change,
began sampling for PM10 in 1983. Therefore, the historic data for PM10 only dates back to 1983. Medford exceeded the PM10 standard 0 days in 1983, 5 days in 1984, 13 days in 1985,
2 days in 1986, 5 days in 1987 and 7 days in 1988. There is also an annual PM10 standard. This standard has been exceeded in Medford from 1984 to 1988.
In May 1987, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners appointed the Jackson County Woodburning Task Force to reevaluate the particulate air quality issues and advise local governments
on the most appropriate woodburning control measures. The Task Force made the following recommendations in December 1987:
1. Mandatory curtailment of woodstove and fireplace use (with limited exemptions) during periods of air stagnation.
2. Comprehensive public education program.
3. Clean air utility rates for electricity and natural gas.
4. Financial incentives and subsidies for cleaner woodburning units.
5. Ban on installation of non-certified woodstoves.
The Task Force report was given to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and cities in the Rogue Valley. The recommended strategy targeted a 75 percent reduction in residential
woodburning emissions on peak PM10 days and a 50-60 percent annual reduction. Jackson County has initiated efforts with the cities of Medford and Central Point for a coordinated action
plan.
The Department has identified additional control requirements for wood product industry in the Medford-White City area. These include tighter emission requirements for veneer driers
and wood-fired boilers, more comprehensive industrial requirements for continuous emission monitoring and/or operation and maintenance, and more restrictive offset requirements. Such
additional industrial measures are needed to help meet daily or annual standards and avoid more drastic, if not impractical, controls on residential wood heating in the future.
State rules would be needed for these industrial measures. The Department has drafted these rules and intends to request authorization from the Commission to hold a public hearing on
them once local governments have made decisions on the wood heating strategies.
In the Medford-Ashland AQMA, there has been an overall decreasing trend in particulate emissions as a result of reduced emissions from industry. Improvement in the efficiency of wood
used for home heating and curtailment during bad air quality are the areas that can make the most impact in efforts to improve the County's air quality with respect to particulates.
Section 11.04.07 Woodburning Advisory
Jackson County instituted a voluntary woodburning advisory in 1985. This program designates days as red, yellow or green during the months of November, December, January and February.
The number of red days since the advisory was instituted were 19 in 1985-86, 30 in 1986-87, 3 in 1987-88 and 19 in 1988-89.
Follow-up studies done by the County indicate voluntary compliance with the advisory was very low. Therefore, both the City of Medford and Jackson County instituted mandatory woodstove
curtailment ordinances to control woodstoves on red days.
Section 11.04.08 Costs of Air Pollution
Air pollution impacts the health of humans, wildlife populations, the vegetative environment, the natural ecosystem, and local climates. It reduces visibility, aesthetic quality, and
even the amount of usable solar radiation that reaches the ground. It is a scientific fact that diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer, pneumonia, and
others are related to air pollution. It can also accelerate deterioration of many man-made and natural materials.
Section 11.04.09 Ashland's Role
Many residents of Ashland perceive air quality as a Medford-Central Point-White City problem, not Ashland's. While it is true that Ashland's air quality is better than those areas of
the AQMA, it is still important to realize that we are all in the same airshed and pollutants caused by Ashland's residents contribute to the overall problem. It is very important
that we establish that it is a county-wide problem, which can only be solved by efforts by every county resident. Ashland should use its resources as both a local government and a
municipal electric utility to foster the wise use of energy and enhance the valley's air quality.
The Ashland Citizen's Air Quality Advisory Committee was appointed by the Mayor in 1989. Its goal was to develop an overall air-quality enhancement program to present to the Ashland
City Council for adoption. Things considered were education, ways to make the wood burning advisory have higher compliance rates, financial incentives and/or subsides for increasing
the efficiency of wood usage, bans on installation of non-certified woodstoves, clean air utility rates, outdoor burning regulations, and many other ideas. These actions should guide
the City in trying to improve the valley's air quality.
Part 11.05 WATER CONSERVATION
Sections:
11.05.01 Introduction
11.05.02 Ashland Water Demand
11.05.03 Residential Retrofit
11.05.04 New Construction
11.05.06 Rates
11.05.07 The Future
Section 11.05.01 Introduction
The issue of water conservation was not considered in the 1982 Comprehensive Plan. However, a number of reasons have surfaced since then to merit this special section in the City's
Conservation Element.
First, the City, in 1989, funded a water supply report by R.W. Beck and Associates. The study concludes that "Ashland must augment its water supply capabilities within the next 10 years."
It makes sense that any new water supply resource should be delayed as long as possible through cost-effective demand reduction programs.
Second, planning for water systems has traditionally focused on new supply options, much like electric energy planning did in the 1970's. The lessons learned by the electric industry
in the 1980's can be applied to develop the most cost-effective combination of demand side reduction and new supply options as a future source of water for the City.
Third, the City's successful energy conservation programs can be used as models to develop demand side reduction programs for the water utility.
Fourth, efficient use of water can accrue direct financial benefits to Ashland's residents and businesses.
Fifth, the Beck report calls for bonded indebtedness to finance the new supply. Getting voter approval for this could be politically difficult. On the other hand, an effective demand
side program, coupled with revenue generation for a new supply, along with a delayed date for a new supply, could result in financing the new supply without bonded indebtedness.
Sixth, a number of new water conservation products are now available in the marketplace. These products provide the same or better levels of water services with lesser amounts of water
usage.
Section 11.05.02 Ashland Water Demand
National data indicates that Americans use about 77 gallons per day per person for inside water usage. Outside water usage equals about the same amount as inside usage. Therefore,
the national average of about 150 gallons/person/day shows that Ashland residents use about the same amount of water as typical Americans.
Section 11.05.03 Residential Retrofit
Many new products are now available that conserve water but still provide the service that people expect. According to an article in the July/August 1988 issue of Home Energy Magazine,
"A home retrofitted with advanced water-conserving devices inside and out saves 20 to 55 percent of the total 150 gallons/ person/day, depending on which devices are installed and which
modifications are made to existing appliances."
Another article looks at successful retrofit water efficiency programs across the nation. In programs in both San Jose, California and Phoenix, Arizona, savings equaled ten gallons/person/day.
These were measured savings, not calculated savings. Both of these programs saved water by concentration on indoor water usage, not outdoor watering. There may exist a number of
cost-effective measures, which could be implemented in existing water usage to extend our existing supply. We need to look at these alternatives and weigh their effect on the timing
of a second water source.
Section 11.05.04 New Construction
The City has a number of options to reduce future demand from new growth which could result in less incremental demand per new residences than presently occurs. Many other jurisdictions
have utilized codes and other methods to reduce water usage in new homes.
A study done by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), in looking at a proposed dam for Denver, found that indoor water usage can be reduced from 80 gallons/day/per capita to 53 gallons,
or 33.8% by installation of one gallon per flush toilet, two gallons/minute low flow showerheads, and aerators for kitchen and bathroom faucets. This study states that this equipment
is readily available, involves no change in lifestyle, works at least as well as conventional equipment and looks as attractive as equipment in use today. This study states "Engineering
tests under laboratory conditions and in house performance data show many 1.0 to 1.5-gallon-per-flush toilets perform substantially better than 3.5 gpf models." It recommends passing
building code plumbing requirements as the proper first step in the orderly development of a water efficiency program.
The City should make efforts to ensure that all new residential construction is built with water efficient equipment. Code requirements for new water service have already been adopted
in California by Goleta, Monterey, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles. Glendale, Arizona; Highland, New York; and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have enacted similar requirements.
Section 11.05.06 Rates
Our current rate structure is not geared to encourage efficient water usage. Our rates encourage more use by offering volume discounts. An inverted rate structure should be considered
both to encourage efficiency and generate revenue for future needs. Inverted rates are a more equitable way to generate revenue for future demand or supply side water options, as the
basic household needs would not cost more. But the "luxury" use of water beyond the minimum amount a household needs for its use would be at a higher cost.
[See Table XI-6 "Ashland Water Consumption" on Comp. Plan page XI-19.]
Section 11.05.07 The Future
We can only be sure that future energy and resource usage in the next 20 years will be characterized by change, which could be profound and significant. The City must monitor changes
and be able to adapt programs and policies to accommodate these changes. Deregulation of the natural gas industry, more diversified investor owned electric utilities, mergers and buy-outs
of utility companies, acquisition pressures on small systems both public and private, wider transmission access, more independent power producers, new forms of energy generation, technological
production breakthroughs, more competition in the marketplace, new products which utilize energy and resources, more informed consumers and citizens, global warming, acid rain, and
increased environmental regulations are a few of the things that loom on the horizon.
This new set of rules will potentially impact the operation of our conservation programs and priorities. It is vitally important that we monitor and identify these changing conditions
and be flexible enough to adapt to these changes.
In this changing future, we must keep in mind that our city should continue to operate and provide programs which are sensitive to our citizens' wants, but also in the best long term
interest of all of the citizens of Ashland. This may require us to do things and provide programs outside our current scope of operation. We need to keep an open mind and continually
monitor all of our options with forward looking vision and not be constrained by our past history or the activities by other utilities or BPA.
Part 11.06 GOALS AND POLICIES
Sections:
11.06.01 Assumptions
11.06.02 Goals
11.06.03 Policies
Section 11.06.01 Assumptions
Conservation of energy, air quality, and water resources will continue to be very important in the region and especially in Ashland. Through its policies and programs the City is in
an excellent position to effect significant energy savings and resource conservation. City policies and programs directed toward energy efficiency and resource conservation are firmly
in place in Ashland and we are recognized regionally for our success and leadership in these areas.
The current transitional nature of the energy situation will require and reward a vigorous planning effort, which is flexible enough to adopt as changes occur.
Section 11.06.02 Goals
The City Shall Strive, In Every Appropriate Way, To Reduce Energy Consumption Within The Community. Water Conservation and Air Quality Enhancement Should Also Be Promoted. Programs
Should Emphasize Greater Efficiency In End Use, Rather Than Sacrifices in Living Standards.
In General, Policies That Effect Change Through A Combination of Economic Incentives and Public Education Shall Be Considered More Appropriate Than Policies Involving Strict Legal Requirements
Or Mandates.
The City Shall Give Due Attention to Energy and Resource Conservation And Air Quality Enhancement in All Planning Actions and City Activities.
Section 11.06.03 Policies
Information and Education
1. The City shall continue to develop clear information for the general public to help educate them on energy conservation, load shaping, water conservation and air quality enhancement.
2. By relying on education as a cornerstone of City policy, we can be assured that programs will be accepted and embraced by Ashland's citizens. It is very important that all staff,
but especially everyone in direct contact with the public, understand and believe in the importance of these programs and how they benefit not only individual citizens, but also the
City and the utility.
3. The City shall strive to ensure that policies from various City departments do not conflict with each other but enhance not only each other, but also the overall goal of fostering
wise resource usage.
4. The City shall continue to provide creditable energy information to the general public. The competitive energy markets of today should not bias City policy or the reliability of
our information. We should not promote the use of one fuel over another, but strive to reduce all forms of energy and resource usage.
5. The City can gain invaluable information and assistance from other utilities and utility organizations. We should continue our active role and communication network with these entities.
That way we can learn from their programs and experiences.
6. The City's utility billing process provides us with a valuable means of communication with our citizens. We should continue to utilize bill inserts to inform and educate our citizens,
and promote our goals and programs.
Existing Housing
1. Homes already in existence will continue to constitute the vast majority of the City's housing stock. Moreover, the older, existing homes typically have a greater need for weatherization
due to poorly developed insulation technology and a lack of concern for energy efficiency at the time of their construction. While the City has weatherized over 1,450 electrically
heated residential units, we estimate that at least 1;400 more units with electric heat are in need of additional weatherization. These units will be more difficult to reach because
a high percentage of them are not owner-occupied. We need to continue to aggressively operate the BPA-funded residential retrofit weatherization program and its success to weatherize
as many of these units as feasible.
2. Weatherization of homes that heat primarily with wood heat can greatly enhance the County's air quality. Replacement of older wood stoves with new certified clean burning woodstoves
should also be encouraged. The State Home Oil Weatherization program (SHOW) and the City's Save Our Livability, View and Environment (SOLVE) program provide funding mechanisms (i.e.
grants and loans) to help citizens weatherize wood heated homes. The City shall make efforts to publicize and facilitate using these programs for this purpose.
3. Program experience from other areas indicates that water conservation in existing homes can provide additional water for growth. Programs aimed at acquiring this resource shall be
thoroughly evaluated on equal footing with new supply options.
4. Energy efficient appliances represent a cost-effective energy conservation resource. People should be encouraged to install energy efficient appliances. Incentive programs, codes,
and rebates are possible ways to foster this policy.
5. The cost of photovoltaics continues to decline. At some point in the future, they could be cost competitive with alternative forms of energy generation. The City needs to monitor
this technology and accept and embrace it when it becomes cost effective for our citizens to utilize.
6. Lighting technology is evolving quite rapidly. This area could also provide a cost-effective strategy to pursue in homes. The City shall keep updated as this technology evolves
and help educate citizens who could benefit from these technological advances.
7. Passive solar design and sum tempering has application in existing homes. Also, solar water heating technology and photovoltaics might prove to be very cost effective in the future
in existing homes. Consequently, solar access protection is still very important. Therefore, we shall continue our aggressive policy of protecting solar access.
8. Energy rating and certification systems for existing homes are gaining more prominence throughout the United States. They utilize the competitive marketplace to reward energy conservation
efforts. There exists potential in Ashland to encourage weatherization and appliance upgrades by such a system. We shall explore the costs and benefits of employing such a system.
9. Solar water heaters, coupled with State tax credits, can be a cost-effective investment for some households in Ashland. We shall make tax credit information, technical assistance,
and economic analyses available to Ashland citizens for whom solar water heaters are an attractive investment.
10. Multi-family housing is difficult to weatherize because most owners do not pay heating bills, but their tenants do. Therefore, other types of motivation are necessary to encourage
weatherization of multi-family units. However, utility weatherization programs, coupled with the State Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC), can sometimes sufficiently motivate owners.
The City shall promote and educate landlords to the benefits of weatherization along with the BETC to reach this difficult market.
New Housing
1. The City's Super Good Cents new home certification program has been very successful in encouraging new energy efficient electrically heated homes to be built. We shall continue to
aggressively market this program and assure its continued success.
2. Some new homes are not built to the efficiency levels of Super Good Cents homes. Efforts shall be made to educate all builders in the benefits of energy conservation and encourage
higher levels of conservation in all new homes.
3. New homes and apartments are being built which do not utilize the latest technological advances in water consuming devices. The City shall use any legal means to insure that only
water-conserving equipment be installed in new construction. This should be done to accommodate growth with lesser incremental water demand and also to eliminate the need to return
to these homes later to retrofit them with water conserving devices.
4. Passive solar design and sum tempering are very cost effective in new home construction. They shall be encouraged in new housing developments and individual houses.
5. The City shall address overall energy usage of new developments instead of just looking at houses on an individual basis. Areas to be considered could be transportation energy, recycling,
composting, communal gardens, water usage and solar access protection.
6. Appliance efficiency shall be encouraged in new housing. This could be done through existing programs (i.e. Super Good Cents), by codes, by education or by incentive programs (i.e.
density bonuses). All of these options shall be considered in trying to achieve this goal.
Commercial and Industrial Sectors
1. Very little energy conservation has occurred in this sector in Ashland. BPA will be sponsoring commercial conservation programs in the next decade to begin capturing this resource.
The City shall keep abreast of these developments and offer these programs to our commercial customers as they become available.
2. The State Small Scale Energy Loan Program and Business Energy Tax Credit can help finance energy conservation in the commercial/industrial sector. The City shall publicize their
existence in conjunction with any commercial conservation programs we offer and to any other interested businesses.
3. The City's Energy Smart Design Assistance Program, sponsored by BPA for new commercial buildings and major commercial remodels, can have a significant effect on energy usage in commercial
buildings. The City shall continue to aggressively market this service and also encourage BPA to continue the program beyond the initial three-year period.
4. If BPA does not make a commercial energy-auditing program for existing businesses available by 1993, the City shall investigate starting our own commercial energy-auditing program.
Such a program could rely on reliable information, education, awards, civic pride, peer pressure and possibly even financial incentives to encourage energy and water conservation in
this sector.
5. The City knows very little about the potential for water use efficiency in this sector. We need to begin gathering data about this sector so water conservation can be evaluated for
businesses in Ashland.
6. The City shall ensure that Chapter 53 of the Oregon Building Code, which deals with energy conservation, is adequately enforced for businesses being constructed in Ashland. The City's
new Electrical Inspector could be especially helpful in this by evaluating lighting systems for not only code compliance, but also for cost effective investments beyond code requirements.
Land Use Planning and Zoning
1. The energy efficiency density bonuses in the City's performance standard ordinance have been very successful in encouraging new homes to be built more efficiently than Oregon building
code requirements. This bonus shall be preserved and maintained in future versions of this code.
2. Performance Standards' density bonuses for energy efficient housing have not been utilized in multi-family developments on R-2 and R-3 zoned land. This is because the base density
is high enough that additional density is not needed. The base density in R-2 and R-3 developments shall be reduced accordingly so developers will have an incentive to building energy
efficient multi-family housing.
3. Many housing developments require a Conditional Use Permit because they are proposed for land not zoned residential (i.e. E-1 or C-1 land). The City shall have the policy of requiring
as a condition of approval that these developments be built to the energy efficiency standards of the Performance Standards Ordinance in all of these conditional use approvals.
4. All planning applications for new commercial, industrial or large residential buildings (i.e. Site Reviews, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, etc.) shall include the following information
as part of the application or prior to building permit issuance:
a. Building plans to scale of the proposed structure including elevations showing all windows on all sides of the structure.
b. Proposed material and levels (R-Values) of insulation of the ceiling, floor and all walls of the structure.
c. Type and size of the proposed lighting and heating system for the structure.
d. A description of the proposed lighting system for the structure.
e. A description of any types of energy used during the production of a product or service delivered or produced by the use. (This applies mostly to industrial uses.)
f. A description of the method of water heating, if any, proposed for the structure. This information shall also include your best estimate as to the total annual amount and temperature
of hot water that will be required for the proposed use.
g. A description of the method of refrigeration, if any, proposed for the structure. (This is usually associated with food and frozen food.) This information shall also include an
estimate of the total amount of the annual refrigeration load of the proposed building.
h. Any other energy information, which will aid the City's Conservation Division in computing the above items.
Load Control and Shaping
1. The City shall investigate the cost and benefits of various load control strategies for residential electric water heating systems and space heating systems.
2. Our citizens have very little understanding of the distinction between energy and capacity (or demand). If properly educated on this concept, many people might voluntarily change
discretionary energy usage patterns in a way, which could help shape the City-wide electric load.
3. Energy and demand rate structures can be used to encourage commercial/industrial consumers to reduce their total electric demand on the City's electric system. As rates are changed
in the future, the goal of load management shall receive due consideration in these rate-setting matters.
4. The newly installed remote metering systems at our substations could provide instantaneous readouts of electric usage through use of a phone line, computer and modem. The City needs
to investigate the cost and benefits of setting up this system.
5. On-peak and off-peak electric rates and/or demand charges could give the correct pricing signals to consumers in encouraging load reductions. However, the City's present metering
system does not have this capability. Any changes in our metering system should consider this capability and the cost and benefits it could provide.
6. Load management programs should share the cost savings with citizens providing the load management savings. Also, they should be designed so as to not inconvenience the customer
or reduce his standard of living.
7. The City's largest electricity consumers could possibly alter their load patterns and result in wholesale electric bill savings for the City. We should work with these citizens and
see if this is feasible and cost effective.
Water Conservation
1. Water rates currently are flat in the residential and commercial sector. An inverted or increased block rate (i.e. more water usage costs more per unit) can help give the correct
pricing signals to citizens. The City shall consider changing the water rates to encourage water conservation and reduce waste.
2. The public needs to be educated about water usage and water conservation. Typical water usage by application needs to be publicized so citizens can make more informed decisions about
water usage.
3. Irrigation is a large water usage and it also can be accomplished with lower quality water. Therefore, water conservation efforts shall be directed toward an overall reduction of
water usage (conservation) and substitution of lower quality water for outdoor irrigation.
4. Under current state law, as lands with TID irrigation rights use annexed to the City and converted to urban uses, the TID water right must be surrendered. If these uses could continue
to utilize TID water for landscaping and irrigation, new water demand could be significantly reduced on newly annexed land. The City shall explore ways to see if these could be facilitated.
5. The City shall maintain City facilities, which deliver TID water to City residents to ensure that this system is usable to the maximum extent for irrigation.
6. The water supply portion of any future system development charge should be used to raise money to pay for increased water supply or water conservation programs.
Future Considerations
1. There would be advantages to the City if we were to become a full energy provider. Therefore, if the gas company becomes available for sale, the City should thoroughly evaluate this
option of purchasing the gas company's infrastructure within the city limits.
2. The future will be quite dynamic and volatile in the energy arena. The City needs to actively keep abreast of new advances in technology and embrace and encourage ones, which can
benefit water conservation, air quality, energy conservation or production.
3. Smart homes, computer and other new electronic devices will require a higher level of electric service and expertise than currently required. The City has to take whatever measures
necessary to ensure that this quality electric service and expertise is available for our citizens.
4. Small-scale energy production systems are becoming less expensive and more common. The City needs to make sure that we accommodate this change and integrate into our electric system
so citizens will not be tempted to bypass our electric system entirely.
5. Utilities are beginning to learn that we can no longer just sell our product. We must continue to educate people on the wise use of energy. Our responsibility no longer ends at
delivering power to the meter. It extends throughout the entire process of using our product. Conservation shall serve as the foundation of programs designed to meet this new challenge.
ASHLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Page 25 of 26