SR 10-23-2018 8A
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: October 23, 2018
Agenda Item: 8.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Susan Cline, Director, Public Works, Office of Sustainability & the
Environment
Subject: Selection of Renewable Electricity Default Rate for Residential Customers
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council approve selection of the 100% renewable energy tier
option as the default product for Clean Power Alliance of Southern California residential
customers in Santa Monica.
Executive Summary
Santa Monica is embarking on a significant new approach to providing electricity to
residents and businesses in our community that has long been solely dictated by
Southern California Edison. The City having joined a regional “community choice
aggregation” alliance, residents and businesses will soon be offered additional choices
about the source and price of the electricity they use. As a member of the Clean Power
Alliance of Southern California (CPA), Santa Monica is required to select a default rate
option for electricity generated from renewable resources to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. The CPA is offering 100%, 50%, and 36% renewable energy rates as default
product tiers for residential customers. The “default rate” is simply the choice that will go
into effect unless the consumer makes a different choice.
The City must select one default tier, which will apply to all residential customers
starting in February 2019. At any time, customers will have the option to switch to a
different energy tier or opt out of the CPA program entirely and remain a customer of
Southern California Edison (SCE). Staff and the Task Force on the Environment
recommend that Council select the 100% default option for residents , because
decarbonizing the electricity supply is the most substantial action the City can take to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 100% rate would likely increase customer utility
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bills by an estimated 7% to 9% compared to Southern California Edison’s 34%
renewable energy base rate. Low-income qualified customers would be offered a
discount on their rates and experience no net increase in cost compared to SCE rates.
Background
Community Choice Aggregation allows jurisdictions to ‘aggregate’ the electrical demand
of their community and procure electricity on their behalf, ‘choosing’ where the
community sources its power from as an alternative to traditional investor-owned utility
(IOU) power procurement (Southern California Edison is the city’s IOU).
On January 13, 2015, Council directed staff to evaluate Community Choice Aggregation
(CCA) programs as a way to achieve community-wide reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions from electricity generation (Attachment A). Electricity use in Santa Monica
accounts for approximately 19% of total citywide greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing
emissions from electricity generation through a CCA program is a key measure to
reduce Santa Monica’s emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.
On December 12, 2017, Council voted to join Los Angeles Community Choice Energy,
since re-named the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California (Attachment B).
The Clean Power Alliance of Southern California (CPA) is a community choice
aggregation (CCA) program, established as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) of 31 local
governments in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the City of Santa Monica,
working together to bring clean energy choices to communities. Councilmember
McKeown was selected as Santa Monica’s Director to the CPA Board.
As a CCA, the CPA can purchase clean power and sell it to customers through
Southern California Edison (SCE), while SCE remains responsible for the delivery and
reliability of electricity, billing, and resolving electricity service issues. CCAs are
mechanisms to achieve a higher content of renewable energy, limit costs due to low
overhead and no shareholder obligation and invest in local energy programs and
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projects. SCE currently provides approximately 34% renewable energy as its base rate
product. CPA is offering 36%, 50%, and 100% renewable energy rate products.
Figure 1. How CCA/CPA Works
In June 2018, the CPA launched service to municipal and commercial customers in
unincorporated Los Angeles County and the cities of Rolling Hills Estates and South
Pasadena (Phases 1 and 2).
In February 2019, the CPA will phase in all residential customers in its service territory,
including Santa Monica (Phase 3), and in May 2019, CPA will phase in all remaining
non-residential customers in its service territory (Phase 4). Santa Monica has
approximately 48,000 residential customers (Phase 3) and 8,300 commercial customers
(Phase 4).
As part of completing Phase 3, staff seeks Council’s direction on which default rate to
select for Santa Monica’s residential customers.
Past Council Actions
1/13/2015 (Attachment A) Resolution to Participate in Community Choice
Aggregation Feasibility Study
12/12/2017 (Attachment B) Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
Establishing Community Choice Aggregation
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Through the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy
(LACCE) Joint Powers Authority Pursuant to the
Public Utilities Code
2/27/2018 (Attachment C) Selection of Default Phase 2 Renewable Electricity
Tiers & Rates for the Clean Power Alliance of
Southern California
Discussion
On August 16, 2018, the CPA Board of Directors (Board) adopted its rate structure in
advance of the 2019 launch of Phases 3 and 4 and adopted three rate tiers of
renewable content for customers: 36% renewable, 50% renewable, and 100%
renewable. Agencies must now select a default tier for each of their communities.
To achieve the greatest greenhouse gas emissions, staff recommends Council select
the 100% default tier for its residential customers. This could reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions by up to 19% (including non-residential electricity) and would result in a
potential 35% reduction of emissions below 1990 levels. Alternatively,
The 50% renewable energy communitywide would reduce total emissions by
approximately 10%, yielding a 27% reduction below 1990 levels (all things being
equal)
The 36% renewable energy communitywide would reduce total emissions by
approximately 1%, yielding effectively no reduction below 1990 levels (all things
being equal)
Under the 100% renewable rate, CPA staff estimate that regular customers would see a
7-9% bill increase while CARE customers would retain the same discount they would
have received under SCE’s 34% renewable base rate. The 36% and 50% renewable
options would offer slight discounts for regular residential customers compared to SCE’s
base rate.
The average residential monthly bill ranges from $55-81 per month (2016 data). Based
on this average, a 7 – 9% rate increase translates into an approximate $4-8 increase on
monthly utility bills, and $56-72 increase in annual utility bills. A breakdown of the
estimated difference on an average residential customer’s bill is below.
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Estimated Utility Bill Impact on 100% Renewable Energy
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Existing SCE Bill Total $81.78 $67.48 $64.50 $58.97 $55.85 $58.46 $65.96 $75.78 $66.50 $69.18 $64.59 $71.40 $800.43
CPA Bill
with 7%
increase
CPA Bill
Total* $87.50 $72.20 $69.01 $63.09 $59.76 $62.55 $70.57 $81.09 $71.15 $74.02 $69.11 $76.40 $856.47
Net
Difference $5.72 $4.72 $4.51 $4.13 $3.91 $4.09 $4.62 $5.30 $4.65 $4.84 $4.52 $5.00 $56.04
CPA Bill
with 9%
increase
CPA Bill
Total* $89.14 $73.55 $70.30 $64.27 $60.88 $63.72 $71.89 $82.60 $72.48 $75.41 $70.41 $77.82 $872.47
Net
Difference $7.36 $6.07 $5.80 $5.31 $5.03 $5.26 $5.94 $6.82 $5.98 $6.23 $5.81 $6.43 $72.04
*Includes CPA Generation and SCE Delivery
For low-income customers, SCE offers utility bill relief known as California Alternate
Rates for Energy (CARE) customers, which reduces bills by as much as 30%. The CPA
Board will maintain the same relief for CARE customers at the 36% and 50% renewable
rate, in addition to the discounted CPA rate. Under the 100% renewable rate, CARE
customers would retain the same discount they would have received under SCE’s 34%
renewable base rate.
It is important to note that all customers, residential and commercial, that believe the
price premium of the 100% renewable power option is an economic burden will have
new choices that roughly equal or actually reduce their current electricity costs.
The Board-adopted rate tier structures and estimated comparisons to SCE rates on a
total bill basis are shown in the table below.
2019 Rate Comparison (Estimated)
CPA Rate Option Non-CARE Cost Relative
to SCE Base Rate
(34% Renewable)
CARE Cost Relative
to SCE Base Rate
(34% Renewable)
36% Renewable 1%-2% overall bill discount 30% discount from CPA rate
50% Renewable 0%-1% overall bill discount 30% discount from CPA rate
100% Renewable 7%-9% overall bill premium 30% discount from SCE rate
retained (no net impact)
All customers will automatically be enrolled in the default rate option chosen by the City;
however, customers may opt down to a less renewable rate option or opt out of CPA
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service and stay with SCE. To opt out or down, customers can contact CPA customer
service at any time via online portal, email or phone to indicate their preference.
Alternatively, customers can opt back in or up at any time if they choose to do so.
In a letter to the CPA Board titled “100% Renewable Energy Default: The Clear Choice,”
Michelle Ellison, Alternate Director for the City of Ojai, points out that the default rate
that a city adopts is a critically important decision (Attachment D). She notes that “by
setting the default at 100% renewable, CPA will get much more participation at that
level than if the default were set at a lower tier. Likely only a small percentage of
customers will opt down, most will remain at 100%. Likewise, if the default were set at a
lower tier like 36% or 50%, that is mostly where most customers will remain. Despite
best intentions, few would opt up, not because the desire is not there, it is often just
because of inertia or the busyness of life.”
California recently passed legislation which targets 100% clean energy by 2045. By
selecting the 100% default, the City of Santa Monica has an opportunity to achieve that
goal 25 years ahead of schedule.
The October 2018 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report
paints a dire picture unless drastic changes are made in all aspects of society
(Attachment E). Choosing 100% renewable energy is the most significant action the City
and its citizens can take with the least amount of an inconvenience. It does not requ ire
purchasing new technology or changing infrastructure.
Task Force on the Environment
On August 20, 2018 the Task Force on the Environment unanimously approved the
recommendation that Council select the 100% default product and that staff make a
concerted effort to conduct outreach.
Community Outreach
Until now, there has been little public awareness of the significant changes that come
with community choice aggregation. Prior to and immediately after the shift from SCE
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electrical service to CPA service for residential customers, all customers will receive
four enrollment notices with their monthly utility bill (two pre-enrollment and two post-
enrollment) to inform them about CPA, the changes to their utility bills and their
enrollment options to ensure they can make informed consumer decisions.
In addition to this noticing, staff plans to work with the CPA, local environmental
organizations and other community networks such as Climate Action Santa Monica,
Sustainable Works, and Community Corporation of Santa Monica to conduct community
outreach and engagement via social media, the City blog and website, newsletters and
press releases. CPA has provided member cities with a communications and outreach
toolkit and may also support community presentations.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
An increase in electricity rates would result in a modest increase in revenue received
from the User Utility Tax. During the February 27, 2018 Council meeting, staff estimated
that municipal accounts on CPA service would see an increase in annual cost of
approximately $43,000 due to the City choosing 100% renewable power. Given the 7-
9% premium range estimated by CPA, the potential net increase in annual utilities could
reach approximately $51,000. The increases in utilities will be dispersed and absorbed
in various utility budgets across the City. At this time, no budget actions are necessary.
Prepared By: Garrett Wong, Senior Sustainability Analyst
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. January 13, 2015 Staff Report with Resolution of CCA Feasibility Study
B. December 12, 2017 Staff Report (Weblink)
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C. February 27, 2018 Staff Report (Weblink)
D. Clean Power Alliance board comments on renewable default - Michelle Ellison of
Ojai
E. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Press Release - October 2018
F. Written Comments
G. Powerpoint Presentation
City Council Report
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City Council Meeting: January 13, 2015
Agenda Item: 3-L
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Dean Kubani, Manager - Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Subject: Resolution to Participate in Community Choice Aggregation Feasibility
Study
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached resolution of participation
to study the feasibility of community choice aggregation
Executive Summary
The City of Santa Monica has been invited to participate in a feasibility stud y of a
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) energy program for the South Bay region. If
implemented the CCA could provide residential, commercial and institutional energy
customers in Santa Monica with options to purchase up to 100% renewable electricity at
competitive rates, helping the City to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction
targets. In order to participate in the feasibility study Council must adopt the attached
resolution. The resolution is non-binding and there is no cost to the City to participate in
this study.
Background
On February 26, 2013 Council adopted the 15x15 Climate Action Plan and established
additional community greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 30% reduction of
emissions below 1990 by the year 2030 and 80% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050.
Achieving these aggressive reduction targets will require a concerted effort across all
sectors of the community to shift to away from fossil fuel use in favor of renewable
sources of energy.
On May 27, 2014 Council voted to oppose California Assembly Bill 2145, which would
have modified the rules for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) that allow
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communities to use their collective buying power to purchase renewable power
contracts, using the existing electrical grid. AB 2145 would change CCAs in California
from "opt-out" systems and instead require individual residents to "opt-in," making it
much harder for cities such as Santa Monica to attain carbon emission goals. AB 2145
was placed in suspension in August 2014 and eventually died.
Discussion
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA ) enables local governments to procure or
develop power on behalf of municipal facilities, residents and businesses. CCA creates
a functional partnership between the municipality and existing utility, allowing local
communities to take control of the decision making about the sources of the electrical
power, with the utility continuing to provide the transmission of that power. CCA energy
programs were made possible in California by Assembly Bill 117 in 2002. Passage of
this bill resulted in the establishment of several CCA programs in the state in recent
years. The largest of these programs are Marin Clean Energy and Sonoma Clean
Power which provide 33%, 50% and 100% renewable power mixes to customers in
numerous cities within their jurisdictions. Both of these CCA programs are already
exceeding the state’s renewable portfolio standard and are doing so at lower prices to
customers than the existing utility rates. Currently no CCA program exists in Southern
California.
The South Bay Clean Power Working Group (South Bay Clean Power), an ad hoc
citizens group with members from Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach,
and Torrance is actively evaluating the possibility of creating a CCA for the South Bay
region. The stated goals for this program inc luding providing a secure energy supply at
stable and competitive prices to customers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by
stimulating and sustaining the development and use of renewable energy.
The first step in developing a CCA is to conduct a tech nical and financial feasibility
study, and determining the level of community support for such a program. South Bay
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Clean Power is coordinating an effort to identify sources of grant funding to conduct a
feasibility study for a South Bay area CCA and has asked Santa Monica to consider
adopting a non-binding resolution to participate in a feasibility study with other area
cities if such a study is ultimately funded. To date the cities of Hermosa Beach,
Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach have adopted resolutions. Several other South
Bay cities, including Torrance and Carson are considering adopting similar resolutions
to participate in the near future. The participating cities are not being asked to fund the
study.
At their November 17, 2014 meeting the Santa Monica Task Force on the Environment
discussed CCA and unanimously adopted the following motion:
The Task Force on the Environment recommends that City Council adopt a non-
binding resolution to join with other local cities to participate in a feasibility study
of Community Choice Aggregation.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of
adopting the attached resolution
Prepared by: Dean Kubani – Sustainability Manager
Approved: Forwarded to Council:
Dean Kubani
Sustainability Manager, Office of
Sustainability and the Environment
Rod Gould
City Manager
Attached: Resolution
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City Council Meeting: January 13, 2015 Santa Monica, California
RESOLUTION NUMBER _________ (CCS)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING
THE CITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A FEASIBILITY STUDY RELATED TO COMMUNITY
CHOICE AGGREGATION
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has demonstrated its commitment to an
environmentally sustainable future through its policy goals and actions, including energy
reduction, and clean energy programs ; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has identified Community Choice
Aggregation as a potential strategy to meet local clean energy goals and projected
greenhouse gas reduction targets; and
WHEREAS, Community Choice Aggregation is a mechanism by which local
governments assume responsibility for providing electrical power for residential and
commercial customers in their jurisdiction in partnership with Southern California
Edison; and
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WHEREAS, Community Choice Aggregation, if determined to be technically and
financially feas ible, could provide substantial environmental and economic benefits to all
residents and businesses in the South Bay of Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS, Community Choice Aggregation also provides the opportunity to
fund and implement a wide variety of energy-related programs of interest to the
community; and
WHEREAS, in addition to understanding the technical and financial feasibility of
Community Choice Aggregation, it is important to determine whether there is adequate
public support for Community Choice Aggregation; and
WHEREAS, determining technical and financial feasibility, as well as public
support, requires an analysis of energy load data from Southern California Edison and a
focused public education and outreach effort.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby directs staff to participate in the pre-
development and feasibility phase of Community Choice Aggregation (“CCA”) for the
City of Santa Monica. Beyond staff time, the City shall not be obligated to expend any
City funds, unless separately authorized by the City Council.
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SECTION 2. The City Manager is authorized to execute the appropriate
documents to allow the City and/or its technical consultants to request energy usage
load data from S outhern California Edison so that it may be analyzed as part of a CCA
technical feasibility study.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and
thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
MARSHA JONES MOUTRIE
City Attorney
Prepared remarks by Michelle Ellison, Alternate Director for Ojai on the Clean Power Alliance
board, at the October 4, 2018 board meeting.
100% Renewable Energy Default: The Clear Choice
I know many of our jurisdictions have made our renewable energy default selections by
now, but we still have time to reconsider those selections before the October 31st deadline. I’d
like to take the next few minutes to convey the importance of the default and the unique
opportunity before our communities to make immediate and substantial progress by setting the
default at 100%. As we were just talking about earlier in this board meeting, we chose the
name Clean Power Alliance, because promotion of clean power is central to our purpose.
Defaults are a big deal. We’d be mistaken to overlook this and not thoughtfully consider
the impacts. Behavioral studies demonstrate that a vast majority of people stick with the
default status. According to Cass Sunstein, a Harvard legal scholar and behavioral economist,
“The choice of the default rule may turn out to be the most important decision a private or
public institution makes”, and he emphasizes “the immense power of the default rule in
affecting social outcomes.” He pointed out that in Germany, just 12% of the population are
organ donors, while across the border in Austria, over 99% are organ donors. The defaults are
what make the difference. Sunstein goes on to point out that similarly, in Germany,1% of the
population is powered by green energy. However, in two specific counties, they use over 90%
green energy. Again, the defaults are what make the difference.i There are many other
examples of the power of defaults across society.
In our case, by setting the default at 100% renewable, we will get much more
participation at that level than if we set it at a lower tier. Likely only a small percentage of
customers will opt down, most will remain at 100%. Likewise, if we set the default at a lower
tier like 36% or 50%, that’s mostly what we’ll get. Despite our best intentions, fe w of us would
opt up, not because we don’t want to, it’s often just because of inertia or the busyness of life.
Industry studies reveal there is overwhelming public support for renewable energy, and
people are willing to pay more for it. Last month, there was a fascinating article in Vox which
referenced polling and focus groups commissioned by a trade group for utilities. The market
research showed that customers want cleaner energy and they want it now. ii
California recently passed legislation which targets 100% clean energy by 2045. Now,
consider this…the 100% default gives us an opportunity to achieve that goal 25 years ahead of
schedule! Simply by setting the default at 100%, as early as the middle of next year 2019 when
service begins, our communities will be powered by close to 100% renewable, a huge
improvement from the roughly 30% renewable mix that is standard today. I can’t think of a
more tangible, immediate, or easy way to make this kind of substantial leap forward. It’ll take
much more time, effort and expense for our communities to get there otherwise.
The projected cost difference for the 100% option is 7-9% more than Edison’s base
rate, but the renewable content is 66% more. I’d say that’s a very compelling return. And it’s a
small price to pay for the long-term benefits. While there’s a slight rate savings of 1-2% in the
lower two tiers, there’s far less renewable in those, so we must consider the costs of
externalities associated with more polluting emissions. Emissions are costly to our society and
need to be factored into our decision-making. Responsible, forward thinking reveals that the
perception of saving a buck or two in the short term is a dangerous illusion.
And what’s noteworthy is that we now have a provision allowing low -income customers
to participate in the 100% plan at no additional cost in those jurisdictions with a 100% default. I
know that had been a concern before, so I’m pleased to see it’s being addressed.
One other consideration, I’ve heard the objection, “We don’t want to force anything on
anyone.” Well, we aren’t. And this is not a rate hike. We are simply making a suggestion when
we set the default, and customers have the freedom and ability to choose another plan. So,
with the default, we’re either suggesting 36% or 50% or 100% for our communities. Why
wouldn’t we suggest 100%?
Southern California is a beacon. We are thought leaders that set a tone and influence
the culture of our country and the entire world. Many of you are elected leaders, or report to
elected officials, and with elections coming up, this is an opportunity for you to demonstrate
leadership on an issue of consequence, with overwhelming public support.
So far we have five of our member agencies at 100%, and others are considering it. It
would be fantastic to have more of you join us and help pave the way for a cleaner, healthier,
more sustainable tomorrow.
In closing, the default plans we select today will impact the amount of renewable energy
powering us into future. This is likely one of the biggest impact decisions many of us will ever
make. While we could change our defaults down the road, that would be more difficult than
setting it right from the get go. Thankfully, renewable energy is now readily available and
affordable, we just need to start choosing it.
Thank you.
Michelle Ellison, 414.915.4140, michelleleahy@hotmail.com
ihttps://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b19a/8bdd98943517a28f6871a546add144c80253.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_PsDSB4nwU
ii https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/9/14/17853884/utilities-renewable-energy-100-percent-public-
opinion
Other sources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-power-of-the-nudge-to-change-our-energy-future/
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/11/20/16678350/global-support-clean-energy
IPCC Secretariat
c/o WMO · 7 bis, Avenue de la Paix · C.P: 2300 · CH-1211 Geneva 2 · Switzerland
telephone +41 22 730 8208 / 54 / 84 · fax +41 22 730 8025 / 13 · email IPCC -Sec@wmo.int · www.ipcc.ch
2018/24/PR
IPCC PRESS RELEASE
8 October 2018
Summary for Policymakers of IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC approved by
governments
INCHEON, Republic of Korea, 8 Oct - Limiting global warming to 1.5ºC would require rapid, far-
reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment.
With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5ºC compared to
2ºC could go hand in hand with ensuring a more sustainable and equitable society, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said on Monday.
The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC was approved by the IPCC on Saturday in Incheon,
Republic of Korea. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change Conference in
Poland in December, when governments review the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change.
“With more than 6,000 scientific references cited and the dedicated contribution of thousands of
expert and government reviewers worldwide, this important report testifies to the breadth and policy
relevance of the IPCC,” said Hoesung Lee, Chair of the IPCC.
Ninety-one authors and review editors from 40 countries prepared the IPCC report in response to
an invitation from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) when it
adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The report’s full name is Global Warming of 1.5°C, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global
warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways,
in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable
development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
“One of the key messages that comes out very strongly from this report is that we are already
seeing the consequences of 1°C of global warming through more extreme weather, rising sea levels
and diminishing Arctic sea ice, among other changes,” said Panmao Zhai, Co-Chair of IPCC
Working Group I.
The report highlights a number of climate change impacts that could be avoided by limiting global
warming to 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC, or more. For instance, by 2100, global sea level rise would be
10 cm lower with global warming of 1.5°C compared with 2°C. The likelihood of an Arctic Ocean
free of sea ice in summer would be once per century with global warming of 1.5°C, compared with
at least once per decade with 2°C. Coral reefs would decline by 70-90 percent with global warming
of 1.5°C, whereas virtually all (> 99 percent) would be lost with 2ºC.
“Every extra bit of warming matters, especially since warming of 1.5ºC or higher increases the risk
associated with long-lasting or irreversible changes, such as the loss of some ecosystems,” said
Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II.
Limiting global warming would also give people and ecosystems more room to adapt and remain
below relevant risk thresholds, added Pörtner. The report also examines pathways available to limit
warming to 1.5ºC, what it would take to achieve them and what the consequences could be.
- 2 -
“The good news is that some of the kinds of actions that would be needed to limit global warming to
1.5ºC are already underway around the world, but they would need to accelerate,” said Valerie
Masson-Delmotte, Co-Chair of Working Group I.
The report finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require “rapid and far -reaching”
transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities. Global net human-caused
emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) would need to fall by about 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030,
reaching ‘net zero’ around 2050. This means that any remaining emissions would need to be
balanced by removing CO2 from the air.
“Limiting warming to 1.5ºC is possible within the laws of chemistry and physics but doing so would
require unprecedented changes,” said Jim Skea, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III.
Allowing the global temperature to temporarily exceed or ‘overshoot’ 1.5ºC would mean a greater
reliance on techniques that remove CO2 from the air to return global temperature to below 1.5ºC by
2100. The effectiveness of such techniques are unproven at large scale and some may carry
significant risks for sustainable development, the report notes.
“Limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared with 2°C would reduce challenging impacts on
ecosystems, human health and well-being, making it easier to achieve the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals,” said Priyardarshi Shukla, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III.
The decisions we make today are critical in ensuring a safe and sustainable world for everyone,
both now and in the future, said Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II.
“This report gives policymakers and practitioners the information they need to make decisions that
tackle climate change while considering local context and people’s needs. The next few years are
probably the most important in our history,” she said.
The IPCC is the leading world body f or assessing the science related to climate change, its impacts
and potential future risks, and possible response options.
The report was prepared under the scientific leadership of all three IPCC working groups. Working
Group I assesses the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II addresses
impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III deals with the mitigation of climate
change.
The Paris Agreement adopted by 195 nations at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC
in December 2015 included the aim of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate
change by “holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-
industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
levels.”
As part of the decision to adopt the Paris Agreement, the IPCC was invited to produce, in 2018, a
Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global
greenhouse gas emission pathways. The IPCC accepted the invitation, adding that the Special
Report would look at these issues in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat
of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Global Warming of 1.5ºC is the first in a series of Special Reports to be produced in the IPCC’s
Sixth Assessment Cycle. Next year the IPCC will release the Special Report on the Ocean and
Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land, which looks at how climate
change affects land use.
- 3 -
The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) presents the key findings of the Special Report, based on the
assessment of the available scientific, technical and socio-economic literature relevant to global warming
of 1.5°C.
The Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC (SR15) is
available at http://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/ or www.ipcc.ch.
Key statistics of the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC
91 authors from 44 citizenships and 40 countries of residence
- 14 Coordinating Lead Authors (CLAs)
- 60 Lead authors (LAs)
- 17 Review Editors (REs)
133 Contributing authors (CAs)
Over 6,000 cited references
A total of 42,001 expert and government review comments
(First Order Draft 12,895; Second Order Draft 25,476; Final Government Draft: 3,630)
For more information, contact:
IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Werani Zabula +41 79 108 3157 or Nina Peeva +41 79 516 7068
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram
Notes for editors
The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC , known as SR15, is being prepared in response to
an invitation from the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change in December 2015, when they reached the Paris Agreement, and
will inform the Talanoa Dialogue at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24). The Talanoa
Dialogue will take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress towards the long -
term goal of the Paris Agreement, and to inform the preparation of nationally determined
contributions. Details of the report, including the approved outline, can be found on the report page.
The report was prepared under the joint scientific leadership of all three IPCC Working Groups, with
support from the Working Group I Technical Support Unit.
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science
related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN
Environment) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers
with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future
risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information that they can use to
develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to
tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus g uaranteeing
objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers
what we know and don't know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where
- 4 -
there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where
further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are
drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC's Secretariat.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of
climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working
Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National
Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a
Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span
more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report
(AR6). At its 42nd Session in October 2015 it elected a new Bureau that would oversee the work on
this report and Special Reports to be produced in the assessment cycle. At its 43rd Session in April
2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
The Methodology Report to refine the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas
Inventories will be delivered in 2019. Besides Global Warming of 1.5ºC, the IPCC will finalize two
further special reports in 2019: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing
Climate and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification,
land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in
terrestrial ecosystems. The AR6 Synthesis Report will be finalized in the first half of 2022, following
the three working group contributions to AR6 in 2021.
For more information, including links to the IPCC reports, go to: www.ipcc.ch
1
Leah Kellen
From:Julie Engelman <juliesengelman@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, October 19, 2018 8:21 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:renewable energy
Please support 100% renewable energy for Santa monica. WE should be pproud to be climate change leaders!!!!
Julie Engelman 421 California Ave
Thank you!
Item 8-A
10/23/18
1 of 10
1
Leah Kellen
From:Eleni Petrow <epetrow@globalgreen.org>
Sent:Monday, October 22, 2018 11:16 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:William Bridge; Andrea Ostenso; Madisen Gittlin
Subject:100% Renewable Energy for Santa Monica
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing on behalf of Global Green to strongly encourage you to choose 100% renewable energy as the
default tier for all residential customers. This decision will advance Santa Monica's long legacy of leadership in
sustainability and empower residents with clean energy.
The Santa Monica City Staff report shows that residents have the choice to opt out of the default tier and choose
a 50% or 36% renewable energy supply mix through the Clean Power Alliance, which the report estimates will
still lower their rate up to 2%.
Also, lower income residents receiving the CARE rate will still receive the 30% discount through SCE and are
not expected to have any net impact on their bill with the 100% renewable energy default tier.
Choosing 100% renewable energy as our default tier is critical and an opportunity for Santa Monica to be a
leader in providing clean energy to our community.
Thank you and all the best,
Eleni
Eleni Petrow | Environmental Policy and Green Urbanism Associate
GLOBAL GREEN
WeWork
c/o GLOBAL GREEN
520 Broadway, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
tel: 310.581.2700 ext. 112
fax:310.581.2702
www.globalgreen.org
Item 8-A
10/23/18
2 of 10
1
Leah Kellen
From:Kathy Seal <kathyseal@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, October 19, 2018 9:13 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Please support 100% renewable energy
Thank you!
--
Kathy Seal
310-452-2769
Coauthor, Pressured Parents, Stressed-out Kids: Dealing With Competition While Raising a
Successful Child and Motivated Minds: Raising Children to Love Learning
Item 8-A
10/23/18
3 of 10
1
Leah Kellen
From:Kent Strumpell <kentstrum@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, October 20, 2018 12:37 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Garrett T. Wong
Subject:Item 8E, Clean Power, I support 100%
Dear Councilmembers,
Thank you and city staff for your long‐running efforts to bring a CCA program to our city. I am excited to see it begin
soon!
We have just installed a solar system on our home here which is now supplying all of the power for our household. We
made this significant investment because we want to be part of the solution addressing climate change. So we are
delighted that Santa Monica will be participating in the Clean Power Alliance, helping our city meet our goal of carbon
neutrality. We strongly support setting the default at 100%, which is consistent with our aggressive response to the
danger of global warming.
Thank you for all you do!
Kent Strumpell
1211 Michigan Ave.
Santa Monica
Item 8-A
10/23/18
4 of 10
1
Leah Kellen
From:Randy Ziglar <randyziglar@hotmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, October 20, 2018 2:05 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:10/23 Council Agenda Item 8A
Please vote in the affirmative for the staff recommended Clean Power Alliance (CPA). I am a 100% in favor for
100% renewable energy in Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Randy Ziglar
2046 14th St. #11
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 8-A
10/23/18
5 of 10
1
Leah Kellen
From:Danny Maier <d.maier555@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, October 22, 2018 3:52 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:10/23 Council Agenda Item 8A
Hello,
I am writing to you as a fellow earthling that is genuinely concerned with our planet and the current state it is in. We
need to act NOW to mitigate the effects of climate change and by adopting 100% renewable energy the city of Santa
Monica would ultimately be starting the slow process to combat this. Not only will this be great for Santa Monica, but
the entire world will be taking notice to see the city taking huge steps to combat climate change. I urge you again to
make this happen as Santa Monica is a city that is a leader in this world and by adopting 100% renewable energy other
cities will do so as well.
Thank you,
Danny Maier
Item 8-A
10/23/18
6 of 10
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Nikita Bahadur <nikita.bahadur1@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, October 22, 2018 8:29 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:10/23 Council Agenda Item 8A
To Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to support 100% renewable energy in Santa Monica. Please continue Santa Monica’s legacy as leaders of
sustainability by choosing 100% renewable energy for customers starting in 2019. I am a resident of Santa Monica
attending Santa Monica High School, and a member of Team Marine and the Santa Monica Climate Corps.
Thank you,
Nikita Bahadur
Item 8-A
10/23/18
7 of 10
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Sixtine Foucaut <sixtinefoucaut@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 11:28 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:10/23 Council Agenda Item 8A
Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Sixtine Foucaut, and I am a graduate of Santa Monica High School. I am currently a sophomore at Chapman
University, and have worked with Climate Action Santa Monica’s Climate Corps for the past two years. I am writing to
you because I would like to express my support for 100% renewable energy as our default choice as our city moves
forward with the Clean Power Alliance. As Santa Monica is one of Southern California’s most prized coastal cities, I
believe it is crucial to continue promoting sustainability to the maximum whenever possible, and striving towards 100%
renewable energy would be an ideal way to do so.
Looking forward to a more sustainable Santa Monica! Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sixtine Foucaut
Item 8-A
10/23/18
8 of 10
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Brodsky, Michael <mbrodsky@lmu.edu>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 11:52 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:I support 100% Renewable Energy 10/23 Council Agenda Item 8A
Dear City Council,
I support 100% renewable energy for Santa Monica!
Let's do our part to make Santa Monica healthy, clean and sustainable.
Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
Item 8-A
10/23/18
9 of 10
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Amy Southern <alynnesouthern@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 11:53 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:100% renewability for Santa Monica!!
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am Amy Southern and I have lived in Santa Monica for almost twelve years
now. Seeing how this beautiful city and bay has adapted to important issues
due to climate change such as sea level rise, warmer climate, ocean pollution,
and more, has inspired me to help heal it. There are lots of ways to become
sustainable and it’s very easy. From talking with and surveying residents for
the city of Santa Monica for 2 years now, I have seen that people are becoming
more aware and interested in changing their habits. From thinking about how
to transport yourself sustainably, to watching your shower time and switching
to LED lightbulbs, reducing your carbon footprint is simple and easy. Through
wonderful organizations put together by the city such as Climate Action Santa
Monica, it’s possible for anyone who wants to get involved and reduce their
carbon footprint to learn how. I know 100% renewability is possible for the
city of Santa Monica because I have seen proof that people of this community
are ready for it and willing to participate to make it happen. There are already
many ways the city has incorporated renewable energy into its architecture
such as solar panels for example. With Santa Monica making the switch to
100% renewable energy, we will be leading the way as a green community and
setting the example we want to see in future years to come.
Sincerely,
Amy Southern
Item 8-A
10/23/18
10 of 10
1
Vernice Hankins
From:robin park <robinxpark@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 1:07 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Please support 100% renewable energy
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I urge you to support 100% renewable energy when deciding upon the energy tier with the Clean Power
Alliance. Our city needs to continue its leadership position in California in combating climate change.
Thank you very much,
Robin Park
2901 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
--
Robin Park
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 4:08 PM
To:Ted Winterer; Gleam Davis; Pam OConnor; Sue Himmelrich; Terry O’Day;
Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Tony Vazquez
Cc:councilmtgitems; Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig; Anuj Gupta; Dean Kubani
Subject:FW: 10/23/2018 Council Agenda Item 8A
Council‐
Please see the email below regarding the proposed renewable energy default rate.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Katharine Dreyfuss [mailto:kitdreyfuss@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 3:53 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: 10/23/2018 Council Agenda Item 8A
Dear City Council members:
Please vote for the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offer to provide 100% renewable energy to Santa Monica
businesses and residents. We need to invest in a safe climate, healthy habitat, safe economy and resilient
community.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kit Dreyfuss
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Ferris Kawar <ferrisk2@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 5:01 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Public Comment on Clean Power Alliance - Item 8A
Dear Mayor Winterer and Councilmembers,
I am a resident of Ocean Park neighborhood and I work for Santa Monica College. I am wholly in favor of making 100%
renewable energy the default tier when the City switches to the CPA next year.
I grew up in San Mateo, CA which is one of the early adopters of community choice energy. They are not as green as
Santa Monica yet most of their residents still chose to remain with the 100% level of renewable energy in their
electricity mix.
I’m confident our residents and businesses will be happy to have the opportunity to receive 100% of their energy from
clean sources for a little bit more on their bill.
Thank you for your continued leadership on sustainability and showing the rest of the country that it can be done.
Best regards,
Ferris Kawar
2666 31st St, #7
Santa Monica, CA 90405
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Amy Sullivan <amyransullivan@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 5:12 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Vote 100% on CPA Energy default please!!
Hi Council,
Thanks for all the hard work you do! Just a quick note to voice my opinion that you should vote to make the
default 100% renewable energy. Most of us residents can afford the minimal increase, and many likely even
notice the change. What we cannot afford is missing out on any opportunities to maximize clean energy efforts!
Let's continue to be a leader and inspiration for our future, our children, and the environment.
Thank you,
Amy Sullivan
October 23, 2018
City of Santa Monica
Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Vo yager Wind:
Future CPA 21.6 MW Wind Power Project
Mojave, CA Re newable Electricity for
Re sidential Customers
0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000
Vehicle Fuel - Diesel
Building Natural Gas Use
Building Electricity Use
Vehicle Fuel - Gasoline
Santa Monica Emissions by Source (2015)
Climate Action
Sustainable Mobility:
Bike, Walk , Transit, etc.
Tr ansition to Electric
Ve hicles
Climate Action
100% Renewable
Electricity: Community
Choice Aggregation
Climate Action
Reduce Fossil Fuel
Use: Electrification &
Biogas
10/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
What is Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)?
Local governments ‘aggregate’ community electricity demand to buy and sell power on their
behalf. Clean Power Alliance purchases clean power and Southern California Edison delivers it.
310/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
What are the benefits?
Customer Benefits
•Increased options
•Competitive pricing
•Higher rate of renewable energy
•Same billing and SCE infrastructure
•Same reliability
410/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
Community Benefits
•Local control by local
governments & stakeholders
•Local economic development
oppor tunities
•Locally tailored incentives &
programs
•Greenhouse gas reductions
510/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
4 Years in the Making…
2015
•Januar y –Council adopts resolution to participate in feasibility study with South Bay Clean Power
2017
•April –LA County forms Los Angeles Community Choice Energy, now Clean Power Alliance (CPA)
•December –Council adopts resolution to become a member of CPA
2018
•Februar y –Council selects 100% renewable energy tier for municipal and commercial accounts
•August –CPA selects rate tiers (36%, 50%, 100%)
•October –Council to select default tier for residential customers
•November –CPA to finalize customer rates for tiers
2019
•Februar y 2019 –CPA residential ser vice begins
•Summer –CPA commercial ser vice begins
Clean Power Alliance is structured through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) made up of 32 public
agency members; including the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura and 30 Cities. Clean Power
Alliance will soon serve approximately 1 million customers across Southern California.
610/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
Clean Power Alliance Product Offerings
Discounts are estimates and are subject to final rate setting by Clean Power Alliance Board.
7
Tier Product Name Lean Power Clean Power 100% Green Power
Rate Impact Relative
to SCE 1-2% discount 0-1% discount
7-9% premium;
No net increase for
CARE customers
Total Emissions
Reduction Potential 1%10%19%
Emissions Reduction
Impact
(compared to 1990)
Effectively no reduction 27%35%
10/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
Average Monthly Bill Impact
8
$66.70 $66.04 $66.70 $71.37
$46.69 $46.23 $46.69 $46.69
$-
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
$60
$70
$80
SCE 34%
Renewable
CPA 36% Lean
Power
CPA 50% Clean
Power
CPA 100%
Green Power
Average Bill CARE Customer Bill •At 100% RE,
average customer
will see approx
$6/month increase
in SCE bill
•CARE (low-income
qualified)
customers will see
no increase in costs
10/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
Customer Options
1.Do nothing –receive 100% renewable energy
2.Opt down to a lower tier : 50% or 36%
3.Opt out and stay with SCE
4.Customers can opt down, opt up, opt out or opt
ba ck in at any time
910/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
10
St ar ting in December, CPA will send all
customers:
•4 notices via mail with information and
benefits of CPA
•Rate Comparison mailer which illustrates
the estimated electricity costs with CPA or
SCE for a typical small commercial
customer.
St aff and local par tners will also conduct
outreach through Seascape, blogs,
newsletters, OSE website, social media, and
in-person presentations.
Notice sent to Unincorporated LA County and South Pasadena
Customer Outreach
10/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
11
100% Communities (as of 10/19/18)
10/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |
Staff recommend that Council
Select 100% renewable energy as the default tier for
residential customers
Alternative Actions:
•Select 50% renewable energy as the default tier
•Select 36% renewable energy as the default tier
1510/29/2018City of Santa Monica | Public Works Department |