Council approves amendment with Our Energy for engineering work, microgrid study and infrastructure estimates

The Oroville City Council voted unanimously on April 1 to approve an amendment to the city’s agreement with Our Energy to provide engineering and feasibility services, including infrastructure cost estimates for the South Side annexation area, microgrid planning and evaluation of relocating a courtyard solar array.

Patrick (staff member) told the council the amendment will pay Our Energy to prepare an estimate of the capital infrastructure (streets, curb, gutter, sidewalk) for the South Side area to inform future grant applications and to look further into microgrid opportunities as PG&E offers funding rounds. Patrick also said the firm will help evaluate options for moving a portion of the courtyard solar array that currently encroaches on an access easement for a nearby veterans housing project.

Patrick noted PG&E had returned funds from a prior microgrid grant cycle. “PG&E gave us back all of our money,” Patrick said, explaining that because the city’s application was considered complete the utility returned the application funds and the city retained a small portion under its agreement with Our Energy.

The council moved, seconded and approved the amendment; the mayor called the roll and the motion passed unanimously.

The approved amendment does not itself obligate construction funding; it authorizes engineering and investigative work to support subsequent grant applications and project design.