Body: Council Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: September 5, 2012 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County
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Document Text
Green Energy Task Force Committee Agenda
Date and Time
September 5, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
Place
County of Frontenac Administrative Boardroom 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie
Members: David Hahn, Chair Janet Gutowski, Warden Denis Doyle, Deputy Warden John Inglis, County Councillor
Brad Leonard, Community Member Matt Fiene, Community Member John Kittle, Community Member Maris Krumins, Community Member
Page 1.
Welcome and Introductions
Call to order
Adoption of the agenda
Disclosure of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof
Deputations and/or presentations
Closed meeting
Adoption of minutes
3-7
•
Business arising from the minutes •
8-9
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
Grid capacity link information (Brad Leonard)
Communications •
Resignation of John Kittle - received August 17, 2012
•
Ontario Newsroom - Ontario Named Canada’s Greenest Province Click here to view website
•
Media - Toronto Star - Province proposes new path for financing energy
- Reports/Topics for Discussion 10-12
•
2012 Work Plan update
13-14
•
Green Energy Act Compliance Update
15-16
•
Solar Power Production
- Other business •
“>The Lowdown on FIT 2.0 for Communities, Aboriginal Groups and the Private Sector
Page 1 of 16
Page 11. Other business •
Preliminary discussion of 2013 Work Plan
- Next meeting date November 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
- Adjournment
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AgendaItem#7•
MINUTES OF THE GREEN ENERGY TASK FORCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 2, 2012 A regular meeting of the Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee was held in the County Boardroom of the County Administrative Office, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. In attendance: David Hahn, Chair Warden Janet Gutowski Councillor John Inglis Brad Leonard Matt Fiene Regrets: John Kittle, Vice Chair Deputy Warden Denis Doyle Maris Krumins, Community Member Staff: Elizabeth Savill, CAO/Clerk Alison Vandervelde, Communications Officer Lisa Goodberry, Executive Assistant Temp (Recording Secretary) 1.
Call to order The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.
Adoption of the agenda The agenda was received. All agreed that the new eAgenda format was very effective and user friendly.
Disclosure of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof The Chair requested that it be noted that no member of the Committee declared a pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda.
Closed meeting – Nil
Adoption of the minutes Committee Recommendation THAT the minutes of the meeting of March 7, 2012 be adopted as presented. CARRIED
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
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Business arising from the minutes Green Profit The Chair noted that he and Deputy Warden Doyle attended the Green Profit Conference. Also setting up and supporting the County-Green Energy Task Force display were staff members Ms. Savill and Peter Young. OSEA Membership The 2012 OSEA membership is in place. Committee members interested in taking advantage of webinars should advise the Executive Assistant who will be responsible for all bookings and contacts with OSEA. The Chair participated in a recent webinar dealing with municipal powers under the Green Energy Act; the panel concluded that municipalities can have great impact Mr. Leonard advised that OSEA is hoping to have more municipal participation Warden Gutowski suggested website links be added to the agenda Any notes taken during OSEA sessions can be shared with staff who can attach them to the next agenda Green Energy Act – Green House Gas Workshop Update Ms. Vandervelde advised that Don Ross and other members of the Sustainability Advisory Committee attended a workshop addressing a proposed multi-year environmental studies project at Queen’s University. Mr. Ross will be making a presentation to County Council on June 20, 2012. Details of the project are flexible at this stage Funding will be sought Queen’s and St Lawrence College students are expected to assist with data collection Base line data will be developed No cost is expected to accrue to the County for its participation The Chair advised that South Frontenac Township had joined the Partners for Climate Protection about 10 years ago and the Sustainability Committee had done the work to inventory greenhouse gas emissions in the Township. The study showed that one of the largest sources of emissions under Township control was from the landfill sites in the township and the Sustainability Committee supported the Township’s efforts to increase diversion of materials from the landfills into recycling streams. The Township now has “curb-side” pickup of recycling materials, a permanent hazardous waste facility and a plastic wrap baling facility at the Keeley Road site. Mr. Leonard recognized that there is a requirement for municipalities to collect green house gas information. Staff were requested to obtain a copy of the Township of South Frontenac’s GHG inventory completed a number of years ago (perhaps in 2000). Committee Recommendation THAT County Council and Township support for this Green House Gas Inventory project be pursued. CARRIED
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
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AgendaItem#7•
Community Energy Network Retreat – Renewable Energy Co-operatives The Chair confirmed that the retreat is scheduled for June 8-9, 2012 at Wintergreen and encouraged all Council and Committee members to attend. Both Judith Lip from TREK (Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative) and Community Energy Network will be presenting. Friday will focus on all Eastern Ontario Saturday will focus on the Frontenac area’s green initiatives and cooperatives (this will be a serious working day) Staff was asked to highlight the retreat in the monthly e-newsletter. Committee Recommendation THAT Council of the County of Frontenac be requested to financially support the involvement of the Green Energy Task Force to the Community Energy Network Retreat and Wintergreen Initiative. CARRIED Ministry of Labour Regulation Changes Mr. Leonard advised that the Ministry has rescinded the changes following an appeal. There is no need to prepare a letter. 8.
Communications Ms. Savill advised the following had been received: Letter of thanks for the support offered for SWITCH’s Green Profit She also reminded the Committee members to “friend” the County on Facebook and to “follow” it on Twitter.
Reports/Topics for Discussion OPA Review Ms. Savill shared that the County Council response was submitted and a letter was sent to the Minister of Energy. The letter was also copied to the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus for support. Mr. Leonard advised that FIT 2 final is expected to be released on Monday. At this time, it is anticipated that no ground mounts will be allowed in areas zoned residential, abutting residential or in areas where residential is a permitted use. He also advised that only one micro FIT is expected to be allowed per applicant Mr. Leonard will share any analysis he might do looking the changes and their impacts. He will also connect with Ms. Vandervelde to ensure appropriate messages are scripted for social media. Work Plan Review The work plan review resulted in the following discussions:
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
Page 3 of 5
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AgendaItem#7•
Ms. Vandervelde advised that she and Mr. Kittle spoke after the last meeting and he had indicated to her that he was satisfied with how the work plan has been presented. Warden Gutowski spoke of Council’s decision to create the Communications Officer and the expectation that Ms. Vandervelde will help the community to better understand the County and its activities using a variety of tools. The monthly enewsletter is being delivered following Council meetings. The Committee members agreed they should suggest information items that could be included for further exposure. Mr. Leonard will confirm whether the NF Land Ambulance and Fire Station is eligible for a solar installation and will advise Ms. Vandervelde. 2. Municipal Solar Installation Projects: Mr. Leonard advised that action on applications is required within 6 months. 4. Liaise with Key Groups/#5 Gain Insight: Warden Gutowski and Deputy Warden Doyle attended the Sustainable Energy Symposium in March at St. Lawrence College. 6. Energy Efficiencies: CF has prepared a report on the energy use at its buildings. There was discussion that perhaps interns or students could be used. Ms. Savill with raise this at the next Frontenac CAOs meeting. 7. Community Energy Plan: Ms. Savill will attempt to offer a short report although it may not be realistic given resource constraints over the vacation period. 8. Grid Capacity: Mr. Leonard advised that connections are being allowed in the region. He will send the link for information.
Committee members agreed to forward work plan updates to Ms. Vandervelde prior to each meeting so updates can be prepared. 10.
Other Business Approved 2012 Budget Ms. Savill informed the Committee that County Council has passed its 2012 budget and it includes a line to cover the expenses of all committees in the amount of $45,000.00. Any spending (conferences, etc.) require Council approval. Warden Gutowski stated she would bring this forward to Council’s Finance Working Group. In addition, a new expense reimbursement process has been approved. Members will be asked to confirm attendance at each meeting in writing and will no longer need to make mileage claims. Committee Recommendation THAT Council of the County of Frontenac be asked to support the meal expenses for the members of the Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee who attend the Wintergreen Retreat in June. CARRIED
Next Meeting Date July 4, 2012, 10:00 a.m. Quorum concerns were raised. Staff will ensure quorum can be met.
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
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AgendaItem#7•
Adjournment
Committee Recommendation THAT the meeting be adjourned at 12:36 p.m. CARRIED
David Hahn, Chair
K. Elizabeth Savill, CAO
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012
Draft 12-05-02 minutes
Page 5 of 5
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AgendaItem#9•
Province proposes new path for financing energy, water conservation Published on Friday June 22, 2012 Toronto councillor Mike Layton said proposed changes to provincial legislation would allow municipalities to enter into agreements with individual property owners wishing to invest in changes to their home that would reduce energy or water consumption. COLIN McCONNEL/TORONTO STAR By Tyler HamiltonEnergy and Technology Columnist
Homeowners in Ontario could soon finance efficiency retrofits and solar panel installations through an additional charge on their property taxes, but only if the province makes good on regulatory changes it proposed last month. The amendments, which affect the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act, have to do with a financing tool used by municipalities called “local improvement charges.” If a sewer pipe is replaced, a sidewalk laid or a road repaved a town or city can spread part of the cost among affected property owners through a special charge added to their property tax bill. To date, such charges have been limited by law to neighbourhood improvement projects. But Toronto councillor Mike Layton said the proposed changes would allow municipalities to enter into agreements with individual property owners wishing to, for example, invest in changes to their home that would reduce energy or water consumption. “Your property itself can qualify for a local improvement charge,” said Layton, who is eager to see pilot projects launched in Toronto that would take advantage of this new municipal tool. “We’ve got to prove to people that this works.” It’s an important development, given that the McGuinty government seems to have dropped the ball on its conservation efforts. As Gord Miller, Ontario’s environmental commissioner, recently pointed out in an annual report, “the conservation promises of the Green Energy Act remain unfulfilled” and “some commitments appear to have been quietly abandoned.” Empowering municipalities may be one of the best ways to make up for lost time. The regulatory changes mean municipalities would be able to leverage their ability to raise cheap capital through bond issues, and then offer homeowners low-interest financing that can be paid back over 10 or 15 years through property taxes. If designed correctly, the energy or water savings that result will more than offset the monthly or annual payments. In the case of solar, revenues from clean electricity sold to the province under the feed-in-tariff program would more than cover the local improvement charge. An added bonus is that the local improvement charge is tied to the home, not the homeowner, so it doesn’t add to your personal debt load. One of the key champions of this model has been Sonja Persram, president of Sustainable Alternatives Consulting Inc. in Toronto (I wrote about her efforts last November). Persram has studied the approach closely over the past three years, working with groups such as the David Suzuki Foundation to build support among business leaders, labour groups and particularly Ontario municipalities. “There’s been a huge amount of interest from a broad spectrum of municipalities, at all levels,” said Persram, adding that she’s pleased to see the province taking action. Another big fan is Bill Johnston, former president of the Toronto Real Estate Board and current director with the Canadian Real Estate Association. “The program imposes no costs upon any level of government. In fact, it may provide a small return at the municipal level,” he said. “It will create employment, generating extra tax dollars at the provincial and federal levels. Furthermore, by improving indoor air quality, health care costs will be reduced.” Layton, anticipating that the amendments will be passed, sent a letter earlier this month to the city’s Economic Development Committee asking that it get the city manager to develop a pilot program and conduct an economic analysis in time for the committee’s October meeting. He envisions the program being tested in four Toronto districts, starting with a focus on energy efficiency retrofits and potentially expanding to water conservation and green energy projects, including solar and geothermal. “We’d basically pick a handful of communities where there’s interest, and give it a try,” said Layton. The challenge between now and then is to demonstrate to the rest of council that such a program wouldn’t come at a cost to the city. The benefits, however, are that it would contribute to environmental objectives and create economic activity and jobs for the city and surrounding region.
Media - Toronto Star - Province proposes new path for financing
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AgendaItem#9•
Another plus is that, by spurring energy and water conservation, pressure it taken off of city infrastructure. In other words, more efficient use of existing infrastructure will defer the big cost of future upgrades and expansions. “Once you present all the evidence, and maybe I’m naïve here, but I would think the majority of members of the executive committee would say it’s foolish to not approve this kind of strategy,” Layton said. This all assumes, of course, that the province follows through. Tyler Hamilton, author of Mad Like Tesla, writes weekly about green energy and clean technologies.
Media - Toronto Star - Province proposes new path for financing
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AgendaItem#10•
GREEN ENERGY TASK FORCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT To:
Chair and Members of the Green Energy Task Force
From:
Elizabeth Savill CAO
Date prepared:
August 3, 2012
Date of meeting:
September 5, 2012
Re:
Green Energy Task Force – 2012 Work Plan Update
Background Council of the County of Frontenac approved the work plan of the Green Energy Task Force (GETF) meeting of March 20, 2012. Comment Work Plan activities realized to date:
- Contribute to the development of a communications plan for the GETF including the strengthening of communications with all stakeholders, including County and Township Councils and community groups A communications plan for the County is under development. The Warden and staff have met with a communications professional to discuss elements of the plan relating directly to the GETF. Work is being done incrementally to date – a brochure on the GETF has been developed and the County’s monthly e-newsletter has featured information provided by the GETF.
- Continue working with County and Townships on Municipal Solar Installation Projects Solar installations placed by the County at both the Palace Road and Sydenham ambulance bases. The Township of Central Frontenac has installed rooftop panels at its Sharbot Lake station (see Solar Power Production). The Province has announced the FIT2.0 (see link provided under Other Business) County staff is sitting on the FIT2.0 Land Use Working Group which will be making recommendations and offering advice to the Minister of Energy “on alternat[ive] options related to ground-mounted solar PV projects on rural zoned lands with multiple primary uses in rural/agricultural zoned lands with abutting residential uses”.
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Report – 2012 Work Plan Update September 5, 2012
2012 Work Plan update
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AgendaItem#10•
- Continue work towards Economic Development of the Energy Sector in the Frontenacs The Chair and Rena Upitis met with the Director of the Limestone District School Board to discuss a possible partnership with Wintergreen Initiative Co-op to install PV panels on LDSB facilities The Chair and Deputy Warden Doyle met with Ernestown Windpark representatives to tour the project site and discuss partnership opportunities (April 23) The Chair and others met first with TREC representatives then with Ernestown representatives in Toronto to work on a joint venture (June 22) The Wintergreen Co-op Steering Committee (August 3) The Chair and others met with TREC and Horizon in Toronto to discuss the joint venture with Wintergreen Co-op (August 20)
- Continue to liaise with key groups - County’s SAC, New Energy Project, SWITCH, EcoPerth, TREK, 401 Energy, Wintergreen, LDSB/ESAC, etc SAC: linkages between the committees were drawn during County budget deliberations and continue as green energy and GHG issues arise. New Energy Project: its funding proposal was turned down putting this initiative on hold SWITCH: February 3 meeting dealing with the Passive House design (the Chair) TREC: see below 401 Energy Wintergreen: see below LDSB/ESAC: March 1 meeting (the Chair) OSEA: February 7 telephone meeting with Nicole Riesse
- Seek opportunities to gain insights into Green Energy through webinars, conferences, workshops, etc OSEA webinars: February 10; April 26 fixing municipal powers in RE projects; new FIT2.0 rules (the Chair) Cooperative Network for Community Power (CNCP): February 14; May 23; June 20 (the Chair) SWITCH: March 18-19 Green Profit Conference (the Chair, Deputy Warden) OPA webinar: April 13 (the Chair) TREC webinar: May 3 Community Corporate Partnerships (the Chair) Community Energy Network Retreat (Wintergreen): June 8-9 (the Chair, Vice Chair, Deputy Warden Doyle, Councillor Inglis)
- Energy Efficiencies - Research and advise County-level response to Green Energy Act Regulation 397/11; explore possible coordination between Townships and County, continue public promotion of energy conservation The report provided to Council in July (see Green Energy Act Compliance Update) The Frontenac CAOs have also met in August and discussed the requirements. Progress is being made and a joint effort is under discussion.
- Explore possibilities surrounding a Community Energy Plan and ways to approach initial phases The Chair has entered into discussions with Greg Allen, a returning resident of the region, who is interested in helping with the development of a concept for a community energy plan for the Frontenacs. A concept is anticipated before yearend.
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Report – 2012 Work Plan Update September 5, 2012
2012 Work Plan update
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- Continue to lobby Hydro One on behalf of the Frontenac Region in regards to grid capacity and connection issues Letter to Minister Major 2012 Calendar Events: SWITCH Conference* - attended/participated Wintergreen Renewable Energy Workshop - attended OSEA Community Power Conference* NOTE: This conference is not being held this year (*County funding requested) Financial Implications Provisions for Advisory Committee activities have been included in the 2012 budget.
Committee Recommendation THAT the Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee receive this 2012 Work Plan Update report for information only.
Green Energy Task Force Advisory Committee Report – 2012 Work Plan Update September 5, 2012
2012 Work Plan update
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AgendaItem#10•
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT To:
Warden and Council Members Council
From:
Elizabeth Savill CAO
Prepared by:
Kieran Williams Municipal Management Intern
Date prepared:
July 10, 2012
Date of meeting:
July 24, 2012
Re:
Administrative Services – Green Energy Act Compliance Update
Background Ontario Regulation 397/11 of the Green Energy Act, 2009 requires public agencies to prepare energy conservation and demand management plans. These plans are required to consist of two parts: 1) A summary of the public agency’s annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of its operations and, 2) a description of previous, current and proposed measures for conserving, managing and reducing the amount of energy consumed, as well as forecasts of the expected results of the measures currently used and proposed. Further to this requirement, on or before July 1, 2013, every public agency is required to submit to the Minister of Energy an “Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Template” that will detail the type and amount of energy used by all of the public agency’s operations. The Template submitted by July 1, 2013, must cover operations in 2011 and 2012, and is subsequently updated on an annual basis. The Template must also be made available of the public agency’s website and be held in printed form at the agency’s head office.
Comment County staff is reviewing the County’s obligations under O. Reg. 387/11, and are preparing a work plan for completing the Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emission Template ahead of the July 1, 2013 deadline. Initial tasks shall include compiling a database of the County’s operations and the past utility invoices that apply to each. Previous energy audit exercises have been completed by the County in recent years, and may feed into this process. Regulation 387/11 permits the joint completion of conservation and demand management plans by two or more public agencies. Collaboration between the County and the Townships in meeting the requirements of this regulation is therefore a possibility.
Administrative Report Administrative Services – Green Energy Act Compliance Update July 24, 2012
Green Energy Act Compliance Update
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Sustainability Implications This project supports the energy focus area adopted in Directions for Our Future, and directly relates to the Sustainable Actions 2011 project 3.24 – County-Wide Municipal Energy Conservation Plan. Financial Implications None at this time. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT the Council of the County of Frontenac receive this Administrative Services – Green Energy Act Compliance Update report for information only.
Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected County of Frontenac Sustainability Advisory Committee Green Energy Task Force Township of North Frontenac Township of Central Frontenac Township of South Frontenac Township of Frontenac Islands Ministry of Energy
Administrative Report Administrative Services – Green Energy Act Compliance Update July 24, 2012
Green Energy Act Compliance Update
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AgendaItem#10•
GREEN ENERGY TASK FORCE COMMITTEE REPORT To:
Chair and Members of the Green Energy Task Force
From:
Elizabeth Savill CAO
Prepared by:
Peter Young Community Planner
Date prepared:
July 31, 2012
Date of meeting:
September 5, 2012
Re:
Solar Power Production – Sydenham and Palace Road Ambulance Bases
Background At its July 21, 2010 meeting, County Council approved the County’s participation in a Countyled microFIT project initiative to install at least one roof-top MicroFIT project in each participating Township and one in the County. Construction began in late 2010 on a ground-mounted solar project at the new Sydenham Road ambulance base in South Frontenac, with completion in April 2011. A roof-mounted solar project was constructed in 2011 on the roof of the Palace Road ambulance base in Kingston. The contract for the Sydenham base was awarded to Isolara Solar Power with a bid of $79,689. The contract for the Palace Road base was awarded to Evergreen Power Ltd. with a bid of $58,950. The total cost for both projects was $138,639. Comment To the end of June 2012, the County has been paid $20,722 for the energy produced by these two projects, or approximately 15% of the total project cost. Combined, the projects have produced 32,100 kWh. Please note that all dollar amounts in this report exclude HST.
Green Energy Task Force Committee – Solar Power Production – Sydenham and Palace Road Ambulance Bases September 5, 2012 Page 1 of 2
Solar Power Production
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AgendaItem#10•
Month
Sydenham kWh
Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 2011 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 2012
Sydenham $
*1,995 1,663 1,678 1,980 1,582 1,511 1,050 938 542 12,939 751 885 1,340 1,618 1,823 1,702 8,119
Palace Rd kWh
*$1,281 $1,068 $1,077 $1,271 $1,016 $970 $674 $602 $348 $8,307 $482 $568 $860 $ 1,039 $1,171 $1,093 $5,212
*190 1,071 712 577 2,551 569 864 1,540 1,529 1,927 2,062 8,492
Palace Rd $
*$152 $859 $571 $463 $2,046 $457 $693 $1,235 $1,226 $1,546 $1,654 $6,811
Total monthly kWh 1,995 1,663 1,678 1,980 1,582 1,701 2,121 1,650 1,119 15,489 1,320 1,749 2,880 3,147 3,750 3,764 16,611
Total monthly $ $1,281 $1,068 $1,077 $1,271 $1,016 $970 $826 $1,461 $919 $9,889 $945 $1,025 $1,553 $2,274 $2,397 $2,638 $10,832
kWh to date
$ to date
1,995 3,659 5,336 7,317 8,898 10,599 12,720 14,370 15,489
$1,281 $2,349 $3,426 $4,697 $5,713 $6,683 $7,509 $8,970 $9,889
16,809 18,558 21,438 24,585 28,336 32,100
$10,834 $11,859 $13,412 $15,686 $18,083 $20,722
*Partial or combined month Note: All figures exclude HST
Solar Power Generated by County (monthly) kWh per month
2,500 2,000 1,500 Sydenham kWh
1,000
Palace Rd kWh
500
Jun-12
May-12
Apr-12
Mar-12
Feb-12
Jan-12
Dec-11
Nov-11
Oct-11
Sep-11
Aug-11
Jul-11
Jun-11
May-11
Apr-11
0
Committee Recommendation THAT the Green Energy Task Force Committee receive this Solar Power Production – Sydenham and Palace Road Ambulance Bases report for information only.
Green Energy Task Force Committee – Solar Power Production – Sydenham and Palace Road Ambulance Bases September 5, 2012 Page 2 of 2
Solar Power Production
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