TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
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Executive |
Lisa Maher, Deputy Director |
425.556.2427 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
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Executive |
Jenny Lybeck |
Sustainability Manager |
TITLE:
title
Energy Smart Eastside Program Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Redmond and the Eastside cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Mercer Island have worked over the past year and a half to develop and launch a heat pump program to accelerate residential electrification. The program includes multiple tracks, with a focus on low and moderate-income homes earning between 50%-80% AMI. Staff will provide an overview of the 2023 program achievements and review priorities for 2024 and beyond.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, Housing Action Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
PES Work Plan
• Other Key Facts:
Energy Smart Eastside (ESE) includes three tracks: Boost, Fuel Switch, and a distributor incentive combined with education.
o ESE Boost program <https://www.energysmarteastside.org/> provides 100% cost coverage heat pump installations for low-income single-family residents earning between <50%-80% AMI. The Boost pilot program launched in April 2023, and the first cohort of 25 homes across the five cities are finalizing installation. All six of Redmond’s cohort participants installed their heat pumps in December. Lessons learned from the first cohort will inform program updates as ESE prepares to launch a new cohort in Q1 of 2024. Staff will bring a full update on ESE during Q2.
o Fuel Switching Incentive: ESE launched a new marketing campaign called Make the Switch <https://www.energysmarteastside.org/maketheswitch> to drive program participation. The ESE Fuel Switching program provides an additional market-rate incentive of $1,500 for middle-income residents (80%-150% AMI) who switch from gas, oil, or wood as a primary heat source. Community members can receive up to $6,400 off the purchase of a new heat pump when ESE incentives are stacked with federal tax credits and utility incentives. After the campaign, the staff will evaluate campaign metrics and opportunities to increase participation.
o Distributor Incentive: All community members are eligible for a $500 Mitsubishi rebate and free educational resources.
The Eastside cities of Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Mercer Island formalized their collaboration in January 2023 with the Eastside Climate Partnership Interlocal Agreement. The agreement allows the partners to share resources for the Energy Smart Eastside Heat Pump program, including staff capacity and future programs supporting joint climate and clean energy goals.
OUTCOMES:
A key strategy to reduce emissions from buildings is to transition to all-electric systems.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Ongoing
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Direct outreach in partnership with Hopelink, tabling, social media, Focus, enewsletter, workshops, webinars, contractor outreach, etc.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$550,000 - CIP
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
CIP - High Performing Buildings
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
CIP
Grants
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Energy Smart Eastside Overview
Attachment B: Energy Smart Eastside Visuals