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Draft Areas of Interest for Ann Arbor Energy Commission for Calendar Year 2023
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The following topics, in no particular order, were submitted by Commissioners to be discussed at the December 13, 2023 Energy Commission work session.
• Presentations and discussion on the Inflation Reduction Act, including, but not limited to
o Financial impact of direct pay for solar owned by the City of Ann Arbor
o All the various solar, energy efficiency, and weatherization tax incentives
o How to best share the information and opportunities with eligible entities in Ann Arbor
• A better understanding of new and innovative possibilities for providing energy to Ann Arbor outside of a traditional utility. Key areas include:
o Microgrids, especially as they relate to solar energy
o Bidirectional EV charging
o Greener natural gas
o Green hydrogen
• Host presentations on and develop and finalize proposals and approve resolutions of support for (Micro-) District Geothermal.
• Finalize the proposed Green Rental Housing Program and approve a resolution in support.
• Collaborate with the Planning Commission to develop and finalize proposals, such as policies / regulations and carrots and sticks, to drive all-electric, low-(embodied) carbon, energy-efficient new construction in A2, and approve resolutions of support.
o A new resolution or multiple resolutions to require all new construction to be prohibited from hooking up to natural gas infrastructure, requiring that new construction have the necessary electrical infrastructure to allow for electric vehicle charging, and solar installations (also possibly some other weatherization requirements and or incentives).
o Support Planning Commission in approval of a proposal to increase all electric new construction.
• Host presentations on and develop and finalize bulk-buy electrification (for HVAC, appliances, EVs, batteries / storage, etc.) and energy-efficiency / weatherization proposals and approve resolutions of support, if appropriate.
• Host presentations on and finalize a course forward for implementing solar on the city-owned landfill and approve a resolution of support.
• Update on the introduction of both online and in-person energy concierge services, including scope of services (including limits), cooperation with other local entities.
• Overview and detailed breakdown of proposed climate millage spending.
o Updates on planned initiatives and actions to be taken with the funding
• Upgrades to and new hydropower generation at A2-owned dams (Note: previous discussion with City staff has led to potential availability for the February Energy Commission meeting).
• Presentation and discussion of the results of the municipalization feasibility study leading to a resolution recommending the pathway forward for A2.
o Covering topics like technical and financial microgrid-related issues and the use of virtual power purchase, reduction, and storage agreements
o Receive information on pursuing the Sustainable Energy Utility and municipalization as options to support the City’s net zero targets to inform any future new policy/change.
o Discussing specific alternative options for building generation capacity, including, but not limited to
§ Reintroducing hydropower to Geddes and Argo Dams
§ Municipally owning the landfill solar project
• Presentation on plans to expand EV-charging for multi-family housing developments and renters, including on-street charging.
• Further discussion, including presentation(s) from City staff of outside expert(s), on climate mitigation strategies. Specifics could include:
o Challenges faced by SE Michigan and Ann Arbor
o Strategies that could be implemented or are planned to implement
§ Using City vehicles, especially larger commercial vehicles, as mobile energy storage devices
• A2Zero Plan Progress - opportunity to increase ongoing reporting and transparency of successes and challenges / shortfalls to better position Commission and other interested stakeholders to support with solutions.
• Presentation on Scope 3 Procurement GHG emissions from UM’s carbon neutrality modeling team.
• Transportation electrification discussion on how to leverage proven and creative solutions to further increase non-carbon intensive modes of transportation, including, but not limited to
o Community education and outreach
o Permanent pedestrian only zones
o How to fill new bike lanes with bikers
o Increase use of public transportation
o Electric car share program
o Battery electric busses
o Trolleybuses
o Rail