07-12-16 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Perras responded that there is not a current deadline with a pending case or process before an agency. This is a natural continuation of the Integrated Resource Plan process that the Mayor commented on. It also reflects that despite the different comments that have come in, I &M has stated they are sticking with their original plan. This is a continuing process where customers can engage and tell the agencies and I &M what they value. Committeemember Oliver Davis stated there was talk related to a July or August date pertaining to an upcoming meeting. He asked Ms. Perras to address that issue. Ms. Perras responded the Sierra Club has been anticipating that I &M would file a case with the IURC by the end of June but they have not done so yet. While there might be a hearing later in the summer, we are still waiting on them to file that case to add some pollution controls to the plant. Steve Francis, 52174 Juday Lake Drive South Bend, stated he is a local representative for the Sierra Club and on behalf of more than 1,000 members in the greater South Bend area we have an interest in this resolution. This is not just something that is coming from outside but there is widespread support both within the Sierra Club and also the other environmental and sustainability groups within South Bend for a value statement on clean energy. Councilmember Jo M. Broden entered the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Matthew Satterwhite, 101 South Ohio Street Indianapolis, spoke as a representative for I &M. They had a handout for the Council which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Satterwhite gave a comparison of their rates to the national and state averages. Approximately 60% of the power I &M distributes to their customers is emission free power. Mr. Satterwhite questioned the claim from Ms. Perras that their energy efficiency programs are controversial. The only way I &M receives recovery for funds from efficiency programs is through the IURC. We have the largest open to the public program that there is and look at all ideas for cost - effective programs that we can implement. I &M has a refrigerator recycling program, home energy rebates, income weatherization, online checkups for peak demand reduction options, and also a program which helps people weather proof their homes for better energy efficiency. All of these programs have to be approved by the IURC. We have quarterly meetings that everyone is invited to and can bring ideas. Ultimately, we take those ideas to the Commission and they are the ones who approve the programs. Committee Chair Dr. Varner asked on what criteria does the Commission approve the programs. Mr. Satterwhite responded they look at a number of factors and do tests to see if they are cost - effective or not. I &M presents the programs as a portfolio because a lot of the low- income programs on their own merits wouldn't be cost effective but I &M thinks they are still worthwhile. We might have something like an industrial focused program and we include that with a low- income program and we ask the Commission to approve it all as a portfolio because this gets us to overall better energy efficiency. 3