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Speakers urge Menlo Park to back electrification pilots and probe Recology rate disparities
Summary
A Menlo Spark representative described a Berkeley pilot that electrified five apartment units on a single 200-amp panel and recommended renter protections; another resident urged the Council to address apparent inequities between multifamily and single-family Recology rates.
Menlo Park — During public comment at the Dec. 9 City Council meeting, Brian Schmidt of Menlo Spark reported on a demonstration conversion in Berkeley that electrified five apartment units on a single 200-amp panel, saying the change enabled air conditioning "for the first time" and arguing electrification can be feasible and affordable.
Schmidt described the pilot as proof that "electrification is a feasible and not an expensive process," and urged the City to consider programs and renter-protection measures that would prevent landlords from raising rents after upgrades.
Another resident, Peter Lenhardt, asked the Council to examine apparent inequities in Recology charges, saying multifamily rates have increased "well over 100%" in the last five years and citing an example where "single-family units are paying About $250" for comparable service while "a Menlo Park single-family residence is only paying around $73." City staff said the city is undergoing a rate-study process and encouraged the commenter to follow up with the City Clerk for additional information.
Context and follow-up: Councilmembers did not take policy action at the meeting but directed staff to note the comments. City staff said there will be more information as the city progresses through the rate-study process; residents were advised to contact the City Clerk for direct follow-up.
