THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board’s value of encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection, and the associated goal to seek funding for, implement policies and pursue projects promoting, the use of alternative energies and sustainable practices. The Agreement provides for collaboration between Broward County and FPL in the installation of voluntary solar energy projects (Projects) and signage within the Parks and Recreation Division (Parks) throughout the County, with FPL assuming the full cost of project design, permitting, construction, and maintenance. This partnership will further the County’s efforts to advance solar energy as a prominent renewable energy strategy as part of County operations and throughout the community. The partnership will support FPL’s efforts to increase public participation in solar technology through voluntary community-based solar partnerships. The Projects will serve Park Purposes, required by Section 8.13 of the Broward County Charter, by providing shade structures and features such as integrated tables and USB chargers for the convenience and enjoyment of Parks' patrons in the pursuit of outdoor recreational activities.
With an initial investment in five 100-kilowatt demonstration projects, FPL initiated a new program designed to support community-based solar projects throughout the south Florida service area. The program is intended to spur individual investments in similar community-based solar projects. Based on the County’s regional leadership on diverse climate and energy initiatives, and as a regional provider of services, Broward County was identified as uniquely positioned to serve as an agency partner in this initial pilot program.
This partnership will provide for installation of solar trees, a solar canopy, and signage at FPL’s sole cost and expense. The partnership will also provide the County with annual compensation of $25 per kilowatt hour of installed solar capacity of the solar canopy, as well as the transfer to the County of renewable energy credits associated with the Projects.
The Projects will be located in several Parks properties across the County, as identified in Exhibit C of the Agreement, to spread awareness about alternative energy. Solar trees will be installed in Tradewinds Park and C.B. Smith Park; a solar canopy will be installed over the outdoor exercise facility at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park. Any additional Projects are subject to future negotiations and amendment to the Agreement. The specific placement of the Projects and any pertinent signage will be determined in coordination with County staff pursuant to the approved plans. Project design will maintain compliance with ADA requirements.
FPL will maintain and operate the equipment for the initial term of 20 years and up to two additional five-year terms. Energy produced by the Projects will be returned directly to the power grid that is owned, maintained, and operated by FPL.
This partnership implements one of the priority solar pilot projects identified in the Broward County Renewable Energy Action Plan approved by the Board on October 28, 2014 (Item No. 57), supports the County’s commitment to a 20% renewable energy goal adopted on February, 4, 2014 (Item No. 5), and supports the regional goal to achieve, by 2050, an 82% reduction in regional greenhouse gas emissions as compared to 2003 emissions. This collaboration also complements current activities with the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the Florida Go Solar project and the recent designation of the region as a Climate Action Champion by the White House, designed to support the County’s achievement of a 2% per year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
This Agreement is FPL’s standard form agreement as amended during negotiations. Significant departures from the County’s standard form agreement include: an extended term of 30 years, including an initial 20-year term and two additional five-year terms; consent to placement of a regulated electrical generation facility on County property; County’s responsibility for the unamortized value of the installed equipment in the event the County were to unreasonably interfere with the project to a point of default; no provision for termination for convenience by the County; compensation may be prorated for partial annual payment; and the term formally commences at the time the first Project is installed and able to generate electricity. It is estimated to require four to five months to complete construction of the first Project.
The Agreement has been reviewed as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. Insurance provisions were negotiated and approved by Broward County’s Risk Management Division.
Upon receipt of FPL's executed signature page, it will be included with Additional Material and the Monday Night Memo. |