2.2 ERMU DRAFT MINUTES 02-14-2017

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5.0 NEW BUSINESS 5.1 2017 Conservation Improvement Programs and Water Sense Rebates In 2017 Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU)will offer dozens of incentives to residential and commercial customers. Rebates will be provided to customers purchasing efficient electric and water equipment. Staff presented the updated ERMU Policy T.2 Conservation Improvement Programs that had been revised to reflect the programs currently being offered. Tom Sagstetter shared that in 2017 ERMU is required to spend a minimum of $386,000 on electric conservation programs with a total equivalent energy savings goal of over 3.8 million kWh. Tom stated that approximately 2.5 million kWh of that savings goal should be achieved from the customer side of the meter, with the remaining 1.3 million coming from the ERMU distribution side. Tom clarified that of the $386,000 that ERMU is required to spend, $192,000 is funded by Great River Energy(GRE) and the remaining amount by ERMU. As Minnesota Municipal Power Agency(MMPA) doesn't have a similar program,there was discussion on the pros and cons and how this would impact us once we migrate over to them as our wholesale power provider. The most significant changes occurred in the water utility with the addition of rebates for toilets, dishwashers, and water faucets. In 2017 the water conservation programs will have a separate rebate form for water savings equipment. Staff presented the new WaterSense® rebate application and stated that it would be included as an insert with the February billing. Tom noted that with the elimination of the third step irrigation water conservation program, the new water conservation program is geared towards benefiting more customers, and will be much easier to administer. The water utility budgeted $5,000 for water efficiency rebates. On the electric side there were no new programs added. Tom noted that the Electric Vehicle Charging Program (EV)had been changed from a load control program to a time of use rate design program. Tom shared that as we move towards MMPA as our wholesale power provider,we will be looking at transitioning some of our other load control programs as well. Tom indicated that we will also be scaling back on the marketing of the potentially affected programs. John Dietz had a question on the electric vehicle charging rebate. Staff responded. Al Nadeau made a motion to approve the revised ERMU Policy—T.2 Conservation Improvement Programs. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 5.2 2017 Vehicle Purchases and Retirements Approved in the 2017 budget was the purchase of three F250 pickup trucks; two in the Water Department and one in the Electric Department. Staff provided the mechanics vehicle evaluation forms for the trucks that had been deemed ready for retirement;two of the three units had accumulated enough points for replacement. Eric Volk shared that Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission January 10,2017 22