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Council approves restart of microgrid application work; staff clarifies prior reimbursement
Summary
Council approved a new task order to continue work on a PG&E-administered microgrid grant application. Staff said an earlier $25,000 reimbursement was received but largely covered prior consultant work; the new task order funds a tranche-2 application focused on the Oroville Airport.
The Oroville City Council on Oct. 21 approved a new agreement to resume consultant work on a PG&E-administered microgrid grant application. Council discussion focused on what the city had spent and what remains to be reimbursed from prior efforts.
Council members asked whether the earlier $25,000 reimbursement from PG&E was received and how it had been used. Staff responded that the city did receive the $25,000 reimbursement for the prior application cycle; most of those funds were paid to the consultant, Our Energy, to develop the initial application, which ultimately was not awarded. The council was told the original contract expired and the new task requires a fresh agreement rather than a simple extension; staff clarified they are not asking for additional new money beyond completing the prior scope but do need to authorize the new task order so the consultant can prepare tranche-2 work.
Council members also noted that the initial microgrid analysis had at times focused on downtown or Southside infrastructure but that prior cost estimates for area-wide Southside electrification were substantially higher than early projections. Staff said the Southside concept remains an aspiration but the immediate application (tranche 2) will target the Oroville Airport.
Council asked whether the city could expect reimbursement again if the application is unsuccessful. Staff said the consultant commits to producing a completed application and the city will pay for a completed application; reimbursement is dependent on the grant program rules and prior reimbursement was received for the earlier completed submission. The motion to approve the new agreement and task order passed unanimously.
Council directed staff to continue coordination with the consultant, to document prior reimbursements and expenditures, and to report progress back to council.
