To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: Grant in the amount of up to $150,000 from Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund for Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program, through September 30, 2026
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to apply for and accept a grant in an amount not to exceed $150,000 from the Contra Costa County Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund to implement the Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program, for the period October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No impact to the General Fund. The grant is expected to cover all staff costs associated with implementation of the Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program.
BACKGROUND:
The Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund process was established in August 1992, and funds are used to mitigate effects of the landfill site by funding community-based organizations and County Departments for programs in the following areas: youth services, code enforcement, community beautification, public health and safety, and community services.
The Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program will provide rebates for qualified electric home improvement projects in single-family homes within Bay Point and portions of Pittsburg. Many residents in these communities live in neighborhoods experiencing disproportionate pollution burdens or vulnerabilities, in particular disproportionately high levels of asthma. Switching from gas to electric appliances can address these challenges and lead to significant direct health benefits for residents by improving indoor air quality as a result of the elimination of combustion byproducts associated with burning fossil fuels which can exacerbate respiratory ailment symptoms. The electric appliances will also help eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in communities most impacted by climate change.
Through this program, the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) will leverage its experience administering the pilot Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate (PEER) Program on behalf of the City of Pinole. The Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program is based largely on the PEER Program and will utilize much of the PEER Program infrastructure and processes to streamline implementation of the new program in Bay Point and Pittsburg. The PEER Program leverages DCD’s 10 years of experience implementing the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) energy efficiency program. DCD is committed to providing programs that make it easier for residents to improve the health, safety, and energy efficiency of their homes.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this proposal is not approved, the Department of Conservation and Development will not be able to implement the proposed Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program.