HomeMy WebLinkAbout5E Public CommentRemarks to Palm Springs City Council on DCE
Good evening Mayor Holstege, Mayor Pro tern Middleton and Councilmembers. My name is David
Freedman. I am speaking to you on agenda item SE in my capacity as Chair of the Desert Community
Energy Community Advisory Committee and its Palm Springs Working Group. The Working Group met
Monday to consider the issues outlined in the staff report.
Notwithstanding challenging conditions in its first year of operation, DCE has achieved its core goals. Under
its Carbon Free program, the City's carbon footprint has been substantially reduced, and those enrolled in
its Desert Saver program have saved nearly $250,000. DCE recently signed solar and wind power purchase
agreements that will result in significant savings for its customers and bring new jobs to Palm Springs.
Considering DCE's need to maintain prudent finances while keeping electricity rates as low as possible and
contributing to the GHG reduction goals set out in state policy and the City's Sustainability Plan, the Working
Group recommends that DCE suspend the 100% Carbon Free plan for CARE / FERA customers. The
Carbon Free product should continue to be sourced solely from carbon-free generation with the minimum
renewable content required by state law. As DCE's financial reserves are built up, it should strive to restore
the 100% Carbon Free plan to CARE / FERA customers and increase the renewable portion of the Carbon
Free product beyond the minimum state requirement.
To reduce the economic distress its customers are now experiencing, DCE should adopt the bill assistance
program outlined in the staff report. The 3% delinquency rate is like what other utilities are seeing because
of COVID. DCE should also continue to actively promote the Desert Saver program, whose rates are
pegged to be at or slightly below those of SCE's base product.
Finally, I would like to inform you that the CAC now has two Palm Springs vacancies. We would appreciate
your recommendation of candidates preferably from Council Districts 1 and 4 not currently represented on
the CAC, to ensure that the CAC's membership fully reflects the community it serves.
Thank you for your consideration.