COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

November 30, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 13, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Application for Technical Assistance from the California Energy Commission’s Energy Partnership Program to Evaluate and Construct a Cogeneration Plant at the San Mateo Medical Center

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution:

1.

authorizing the Director of Public Works to submit an application and other documents as may be necessary for technical assistance from the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Energy Partnership Program (Program); and

2.

committing to seek funding if a cogeneration plant is recommended to be constructed to serve the San Mateo Medical Center.

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact rather than temporary relief of immediate gain.

Your Board’s adoption of the proposed resolution could result in cost savings and a net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions associated with providing electrical energy and hot water to the San Mateo Medical Center.

Background

Previous Board Action

Authorized:

1)

the construction of a cogeneration plant at the Maguire Correctional Facility (Facility) to reduce energy costs associated with maintaining the Facility; and

2)

the County’s participation in the Sustainable Silicon Valley Initiative and committed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

History

Substantial savings are realized for 24 hour a day 7 day a week facilities like the San Mateo Medical Center (Medical Center), by installing cogeneration that generates electricity and uses the waste heat from the electrical generation to heat and provide hot water for the facility. This net reduction in energy can also reduce the net amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.

Discussion

We have prepared an application to the CEC for technical assistance to study the feasibility of a cogeneration project at the Medical Center. The CEC requires the local agency to adopt a resolution that demonstrates the agency’s commitment to implement cogeneration programs that are determined to be cost effective.

We are recommending that your Board adopt such a resolution and also authorize the Director of Public Works to submit all documents and reports as may be necessary in conjunction with the request for technical assistance.

The Chief Executive Officer o the Medical Center concurs with our recommendation.

A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact to the General Fund or any other fund administered by your Board at this time, as the CEC program will finance the cost of the study (not to exceed $10,000). However, the proposed resolution commits the County to seek funding to construct a cogeneration project at the Medical Center if CEC technical advisors recommend a cogeneration plant. Funding can be a combination of sources including grants, low-interest loans, energy cost reduction incentives as well as County funds.