Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution of the City Council of the City of McKinney, Texas, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to Receive a $322,253.68 Distributed Renewable Energy Program Grant for a 51.06 kw Solar Array for Fire Station #6
Summary
MEETING DATE: March 1, 2011
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Stewardship
Engineering
CONTACT: Julie Smith, Manager
Patricia Jackson, Facilities Construction Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve the Texas Comptroller Contract
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This grant, in conjunction with Oncor Rebates and City matching funds in the current budget, will provide funding for a $386,704.41, 51.06 kWh solar array for Fire Station #6. The array will provide almost half of the energy demand for Fire Station #6.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• On September 24, 2010, the City submitted a grant application to the State Energy Conservation Office under the Distributed Renewable Energy Technology Stimulus Grant Program of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Because of the short window for applications, staff was not able to bring the item to Council before applying.
• On January 7, 2011, the City received confirmation that they were awarded the grant. The grant of $322,253.68 covers 80% of the total cost for the 51.06 kw solar array.
• On January 19, 2011, the City of McKinney applied for an Oncor Rebate in the amount of $55,029.10 to be applied toward the balance of the total cost of the array. The initial application was approved and the funds reserved. Once a contractor has been hired and construction plans completed, the City of McKinney can submit a request for the State to release the funds.
• The final $9,421.63 will come from funds in the current budget year.
• The solar array will provide 47.6% of the energy demand for Fire Station #6.
• The payback on the City’s contribution of $9,421.63 is 2.35 years at $.06 kWh.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds in the current budget in the amount of $9,421.63 will provide the City match. The remainder - $377,282.78 - will be covered by this grant and Oncor Rebates. Significant energy savings will be realized for the life of the array, typically 25-35 years.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A