HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2022-017 N.C.S. 01/24/2022 DocuSign Envelope ID:9D5B83B4-7299-4F41-A77E-E4DB36EODF52
Resolution No. 2022-017 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
RESOLUTION OPPOSING NET ENERGY METERING 3.0 PROPOSED DECISION
FROM THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)has rulemaking
authority over the tariffs related to distributed energy generation related to small solar, wind,
biogas, and fuel cell, including Net Energy Metering(NEM); and
WHEREAS, the current NEM program was adopted by the CPUC on January 28, 2016
under Decision 16-01-044; and
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2021, the CPUC released a Proposed Decision 20-08-020
which would significantly decrease the value of solar energy fed into the grid under NEM when
compared to the current NEM program and would impose a monthly cost of$8/kW on grid-
connected residential solar energy generating systems; and
WHEREAS, the combination of decreased net value of solar energy and monthly costs
creates a significant disincentive to install new small-scale solar energy systems in California;
and
WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Council adopted a Climate Emergency Framework on
January 11, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Emergency Framework established goals to mitigate climate
change through local building electrification and renewable energy generation; and
WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Council adopted 2021-2023 Goals and Priorities on
August 2, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Goal 49 states the Council's goal to "Install solar panels on city-owned
properties where appropriate and work with Sonoma Clean Power on a solar program for
potential revenue generation"; and
WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Council believes the CPUC's Proposed Decision 20-08-
020 would create disincentives to install local solar energy systems, contrary to the City's
Climate Emergency Framework and Goal 49 of the Council Goals and Priorities; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Resolution is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act under the "common sense" exception in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it
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DocuSign Envelope ID:9D5B83B4-7299-4F41-A77E-E4DB36EODF52
can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a
significant effect on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Petaluma
that the City of Petaluma as follows:
SECTION 1. Finds the above recitals to be true and correct and are incorporated herein as
findings of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. That the City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby notifies the California Public
Utilities Commission of its strong opposition to the Proposed Decision 20-08-020 unless
amended to
• Strengthen NEM to expand access to all households, particularly of low-and-moderate
income
• Expand access to other clean energy technologies that pair with solar, such as batteries
• Ensure that the solar installations continue to grow in order to meet City and State climate
goals
• Exclude provisions set forth in the Proposed Decision such has high monthly fixed fees
and reducing or eliminating credits for sharing electricity with the power grid.
SECTION 3. That the City Council of the City of Petaluma directs staff to submit the signed
letter of opposition to the California Governor and members of the California Public Utilities
Commission.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 24th day of January form:
2022,by the following vote: —r DocuSigned by:
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AYES: Mayor Barrett,Barnacle,Fischer,Healy,King,McDonnell,Vice Mayor Pocekay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None D ocuSign ed�by:
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cuSigned by:
ATTEST: �"al ,S -� aB48F4 2WE...t-{}
City Clerk Mayor
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