[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6387032,"mediaKeyId","2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7","parentId",2117271,"title","Burbank council approves shift from net‑energy metering to time‑of‑use ‘net billing’ for new solar customers","audioSeconds",538,"startMs",12008000,"endMs",12546000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7&start=12008&end=12546","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7/thumbnail_12008000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6387032/Burbank/Los-Angeles-County/California/Burbank-council-approves-shift-from-netenergy-metering-to-timeofuse-net-billing-for-new-solar-customers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387032-618e5abb5bed69020e1ab960e37b0a73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182846&Signature=Bxt1FwTRdjmK8MqQxYkYaFDFC~zanXg-k3AMHa2I87iIml6wOfSdzDr3OQgGQ7BsPhqRWf6MEyouySw4qdsR-6-tUoSw9aqu4ceZARv3pqkkh5qbD6WCmUZ0DxTAkTZ49xrfPXJ3jzfrOsCmOnB5yW6ulKmRHRSmt8DgJ4J2LvKwJQbNiEUCyhZPdKCEUdVY8eC6fFSAmo81IB9ou~EITBoUjakEpQp-U8fi4jhmrfHW~9SksUZKQVCtgGypitIailWWC5He9UrxKNdTpYFk~4BWYiLoHtImzmEv-4WldVlkFzQcyKzLi-SFtlzCQ1lDAepxEdbenvrWS0xz9zJyRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Burbank CA","date","2025-01-15T08:25:19Z","article","Burbank City Council voted Jan. 14 to replace the city’s long‑standing net energy metering (NEM 1.0) program with a new solar net‑billing structure for customers who install systems after the new program’s launch.

The change shifts the compensation method for exported rooftop solar from a full‑retail kilowatt‑hour credit to a dollar‑based payment tied to the utility’s avoided cost of energy (ACOE), with time‑of‑use (TOU) periods that vary by season and hour. Burbank Water and Power (BWP) staff said existing, interconnected solar systems will be grandfathered into the current NEM rules for up to 20 years unless the owner expands the system or transfers the interconnection (for example, a property sale); new interconnections after the program launch will be enrolled in the net‑billing structure.

Why it matters: The decision is intended to align compensation with BWP’s actual avoided generation costs and to encourage self‑consumption, system sizing for future electrification (BWP will allow up to 150% of a customer’s prior 12‑month use in many cases) and adoption of battery storage. Staff presented a modeled payback difference — roughly six years under the old structure versus about ten under the proposed structure for typical systems using the numbers shown in the staff slide deck — and stressed that the avoided‑cost methodology will be reviewed as market conditions change.

Key elements of the new program
- Compensation: Exports will be paid at an avoided cost of energy made up of an avoided generation component (time varying) plus a renewable attribute (the staff presentation used a 1¢/kWh renewable attribute in examples). Examples on staff slides showed export compensation in a range below full retail (the staff slides used sample values in the 5.96¢–10.86¢ range for avoided generation in different periods plus the renewable attribute).

- Time‑of‑use rates: The new design uses TOU periods so that exported energy is credited more during high‑value peak hours (for example, late afternoon summer peaks) and less in off‑peak hours. BWP said the rate structure also encourages customers to pair solar with battery storage so they can discharge during peak hours.

- Grandfathering and treatment of changes: Existing systems interconnected under NEM 1.0 will be grandfathered for up to 20 years unless they make changes that trigger a new interconnection agreement — adding panels above like‑for‑like maintenance is not intended to trigger re‑enrollment. Staff said they will evaluate reasonable exceptions for life events, transfers and maintenance on a case‑by‑case basis and recommended that the general manager retain authority to make administrative adjustments to the ACOE methodology as market prices change.

- Construction and process improvements: The program also includes streamlined interconnection steps for small systems (under 10 kW in BWP’s proposal) and raises the maximum size for large commercial systems from 1 MW to 5 MW, while allowing a system oversize up to 150% of prior annual usage to support electrification.

Council debate and public comment
Public commenters and council members asked about the effect on payback times, the clarity of communications to customers who already invested in rooftop solar, whether the change would depress future installations and whether the city should offer incentives for battery storage or solar to smooth the transition. BWP staff said the avoided cost figures are based on current market curves and will be revisited; they also said they plan an outreach campaign and an incentive for batteries later in the year to help shorten payback periods.

Council action
A motion to approve the transition to the solar net‑billing program, adopt the methodology for determining the avoided cost of energy, and vest the BWP general manager with administrative authority to update the methodology passed on a unanimous roll call vote after an amendment clarifying interconnection exceptions and the update schedule.

Next steps
Staff will return with implementation details including launch timing (staff projected realistic implementation in late 2025 or early 2026 to allow needed system upgrades), finalize the ACOE methodology consistent with the city’s rate‑making process, and prepare public Q&A materials and contractor outreach so installers understand the new program rules.

Ending: The council’s vote ends Burbank’s 30‑year net‑metering status for new solar interconnections and launches a TOU‑based net‑billing design intended to reflect modern wholesale and renewable markets while preserving existing customers’ expectations for a transition period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Burbank City Council Meeting - January 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a new solar net‑billing program designed to compensate exported solar energy at the utility’s avoided cost of energy and to grandfather existing systems for a period; the change introduces time‑of‑use pricing and larger allowable system sizes for new installations.","taxTitle","Burbank, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",4528,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6387037,"Council, Housing Authority approve amendments to Burbank Housing Corporation loan agreements to preserve and expand affordable housing",832,7111000,7943000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7&start=7111&end=7943","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7/thumbnail_7111000.jpg","/articles/6387037/Burbank/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-Housing-Authority-approve-amendments-to-Burbank-Housing-Corporation-loan-agreements-to-preserve-and-expand-affordable-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387037-4c7d8d5eb7e7b535e4016fd8b70657b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182846&Signature=hIvjBlsFRFS60sZUPtgvONFwOGcdiiwZttVNSa3k~WxS2NEJWCcTx3g-9LCn17ekgCM1MTSyOTH7YmQpQK2xgHIAIvNxMzONsnd6m7WDxiGHiGd1HGSZJaPtOZbiNa4n7vj0NLnRQHsOlC2YpKL3VH5SOCAh0quYc3tDVo9vWi9RbN9q9F0sn2ZMx22RYw4LF2JduUkl7XvYuMiHUZOq~p~tErI1YfcEAc9jG4x2G2mPLRMaIY2gJxxm6E9HzOnFPeAwU3SWudnB5eABM1m9tiTkfy2WDVd1epAP7rO4ZJ9aredewUIfHoM2F597IRL0HmIZyRSE6p2StMFPFCwSug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burbank City Council and the Housing Authority voted on Jan. 14 to approve phase 1 of an amended and restated master loan agreement (MLA) with the nonprofit Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC), revising loan and affordability terms to help the nonprofit pursue new financing for preservation and development of affordable housing.

The deal, presented by Maribel Leland, housing manager for the city’s Community Development Department, resets interest at 0% on specified authority and city promissory notes, forgives certain accrued interest to improve BHC’s balance sheet and extends minimum affordability covenants so units remain affordable for at least 55 years. Staff emphasized this is “Phase 1” of a multi‑phase process that will return to the council for additional technical decisions.

Nut graf: Why it matters — the city has long used locally restricted funds and note agreements to support BHC’s portfolio of more than 45 rehabilitated buildings. Changes are intended to allow BHC to leverage state and private financing (including tax credits) without the existing cross‑collateralized loan structure preventing new projects.

Key points and council debate
- What changed: Staff said the amendment would reset the principal balances of notes to the original principal, set interest at 0% going forward, and forgive a portion of the authority note principal at a rate of one‑fifty‑fifth per year so long as BHC remains in compliance with affordability covenants. City HOME program notes will be reduced to their required 15‑year HOME terms; other city and authority notes are proposed to be extended and tied to an affordability term of no less than 55 years.

- Fairness and risk: City staff and the city attorney noted the trade‑off: subordinating some debt or forgiving interest increases the risk if foreclosure were to occur, but staff framed the city’s priority as preserving, maintaining and expanding affordable housing rather than protecting note repayment streams.

- Specific properties: Staff noted a parallel project proposal for three Fairview properties. Those properties would be treated differently in Phase 1 (deferred balances) to facilitate a specific planned tax‑credit development, but the MLA requires that if those properties do not leave the MLA within five years they will be folded into the general MLA amendments.

Council action and vote
Council member Mullins moved and Vice Mayor Takahashi seconded the resolutions. The Housing Authority and the City Council each adopted corresponding resolutions approving the Phase 1 MLA and related amended loan documents. The roll calls were recorded as unanimous: Council Member Anthony — yes; Council Member Mullins — yes; Council Member Rosati — yes; Vice Mayor Takahashi — yes; Mayor Perez — yes.

Context and next steps
BHC leaders told council they want to pursue larger projects in Burbank and that clearing accrued interest from the books makes it possible to apply for tax credits and other layered financing. Both city staff and BHC representatives said additional MLA phases would return to council for review, covering details such as long‑term funding for BHC activity centers and other portfolio adjustments.

Ending: Council approved the changes as a policy decision aimed at preserving long‑term affordability and positioning BHC to seek new financing. Staff and BHC said they will return with more detailed follow‑ups and additional phases for council review.","After study sessions, the council and housing authority approved Phase 1 of a revised master loan agreement that reshapes loan terms to help Burbank Housing Corporation secure financing and preserve long‑term affordability.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6387041,"Burbank officials describe multi‑department wildfire response as residents press council to block rent hikes",1061,599000,1660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7&start=599&end=1660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117271-02fa6067a756daf59b9bfbd0d2fbb4e7/thumbnail_599000.jpg","/articles/6387041/Burbank/Los-Angeles-County/California/Burbank-officials-describe-multidepartment-wildfire-response-as-residents-press-council-to-block-rent-hikes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387041-3b846f8479f8bf0f81c7a0a0ac48a474/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182846&Signature=C~6OkGVFzOcVthSCzGT3aD16aF-L-U8XPGlEs8kZOqavh0Taa9hTxR0Brvb4D11zxMtP5FG550hhzZb-mhK3eiVLL6K~N6l~3CBgMsO15gQ43on9ix~F~70IQbJ6Th6CN48HdDY8gjt4hDyZ7p2EZncKwsDeVnktVGjP1ijPYwY2Q3BLElpm50sWxSTST-W7JMzhMwNkLYcP0LGihY3zIIo-22Jlx1clo0anT2axXgajfH~i~-UBIlJNri3j2vdPtAW9l5EZlUSaxLAsEzUE6-LYGWgfgEjD3bifHLkz4c368Frzxrp6RVBG8GyKDfaZ8DnP-ODulzMGE1I3qwNUmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Burbank officials told the City Council on Jan. 14 that city departments maintained emergency operations through a major wind event and subsequent regional wildfires even as residents and tenant organizers demanded local action to block post‑fire rental price increases.

At a briefing before public comment, Fire Chief Danny Alvarez said the department increased staffing and helped the region while handling far more calls than normal. \"Beginning last Tuesday morning ... the fire department responded to 181 calls for service in the 24 hour period from Tuesday morning at 9 AM to Wednesday morning at 9 AM. And for perspective, in a 24 hour period, we usually average 32 calls,\" Chief Alvarez said. He also told council the city’s Emergency Operations Center had been activated and that Burbank had not been placed under evacuation orders.

Why it matters: Residents said the regional destruction and displacement will put severe pressure on Burbank’s rental market. Dozens of speakers during the meeting’s long public‑comment period urged the council to impose a temporary rent freeze and an emergency moratorium on no‑fault evictions to prevent what they described as immediate price gouging of units made scarce by the fires.

What officials reported
- Fire response: Chief Alvarez credited interdepartmental coordination and mutual‑aid efforts. He said the city increased engine staffing and added a rapid response patrol; the department also supported strike teams elsewhere in Los Angeles County. He warned the community of continued \"red flag\" conditions and urged residents to sign up for Alert Burbank.

- Power and water: Mandeep Samra, general manager of Burbank Water and Power (BWP), said crews worked around the clock to restore service after the winds. He reported four utility poles in Burbank broke in the event and were replaced by Sunday. He said BWP recorded a high volume of calls to 311 (the transcript referenced \"998 calls\" to 311) and that most outage reports had been resolved; staff said a small number remained open. Samra also stressed that Burbank’s water supply remained safe to drink during the storms, saying, \"the water in Burbank continues to be safe to drink and does not need to be boiled.\" He noted that public water systems are designed for structure fire protection, not to supply the kinds of flows used against wildfires.

- Emergency communications: Jonathan Jones, the city’s public information officer, described the city’s information hubs (readyburbank.org and the red‑flag updates page) and encouraged residents to sign up for Alert Burbank. City staff also said two interpreters (Spanish and Armenian) were made available for public comment.

Public concerns and city response
Dozens of speakers — tenants, tenants‑rights organizers and community groups — pressed for immediate local protections after sharing examples of rapid online rent increases and eviction threats in the days after the fires. Speakers documented spreadsheets of hundreds of listings they described as “price gouging” and asked the council to enact an emergency rent freeze and moratorium on no‑fault evictions.

City Attorney (title used in public report) responded with legal context: the office pointed to existing state anti‑gouging law (Penal Code section 396), explained the 10% price‑cap that applies for vacant housing in statewide anti‑gouging enforcement, and described SB 1482 (the state tenant protection act) protections for occupied units (the attorney referenced the state cap at roughly 8.9% for the year). The city attorney said the city has a newly funded Housing Enforcement Unit and is prepared to investigate complaints, and urged residents to submit evidence to the city so staff can follow up. The clerk published a housing enforcement intake phone number (818‑238‑5180) on the record and the city attorney noted coordination with the district attorney and other enforcement agencies.

What the council did at the meeting
Council members and staff declined to adopt an immediate local rent freeze at the Jan. 14 meeting. Councilors and the city attorney described existing enforcement resources and encouraged residents to report specific listings and notices so the city can follow up. The council did discuss potential urgency actions later in the meeting (the city attorney noted emergency agenda additions require a two‑thirds or four‑fifths finding). Council members also directed staff to continue public outreach and to coordinate with county and nonprofit resources for shelter and recovery assistance.

Context and next steps
Speakers said price gouging and illegal rent increases were already being tracked by tenant groups and county partners. The city attorney said the city would look into allegations; the enforcement unit said prior enforcement efforts had resulted in compliance when formal warnings were issued. Council members asked for follow‑up reports from staff on housing and relief options and for contact information so displaced residents and local employees can be identified and referred to temporary housing resources.

Ending note: City officials reiterated that Burbank itself had no evacuation orders at the time of the meeting and urged residents to use the city’s emergency notification systems and official web pages for verified donation sites, shelter information and volunteer sign‑ups.","Fire, utilities and city staff described a multi‑agency response to January wind‑driven fires while residents urged an emergency rent freeze and eviction moratorium as displaced people drive demand and online rental listings surge.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Burbank council approves shift from net‑energy metering to time‑of‑use ‘net billing’ for new solar customers

Council, Housing Authority approve amendments to Burbank Housing Corporation loan agreements to preserve and expand affordable housing

Burbank officials describe multi‑department wildfire response as residents press council to block rent hikes