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EQC backs grant to electrify Belle Haven child care center; staff seeks $100,000 BayREN award
Summary
The commission recommended accepting $100,000 from BayREN to advance electrification of the Belle Haven Child Development Center — a project estimated up to $900,000 that replaces HVAC, adds advanced filtration, converts gas appliances to electric and installs controls and lighting; staff said solar is installed and construction bidding is live.
Menlo Park staff presented an electrification project for the Bellevue (Belle Haven) Child Development Center and the Environmental Quality Commission voted to recommend accepting $100,000 from the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) decarbonization showcase program.
Rachel Launder summarized the project and funding at the June 17 meeting. She said design work with KPA Group was finalized in June 2026, building permits have been issued, and the city has put the construction work out to bid. "We have solar on the roof now," Launder said, noting the system awaits PG&E energization. The roughly $900,000 high-end estimate for the full project includes HVAC replacement for four classrooms, upgraded HVAC controls and duct insulation, exterior LED lighting, and swapping gas stoves for electric units.
Staff described prior steps already completed: water heaters were electrified in 2023 at no cost to the city; Menlo Park participated in BayREN's decarbonization showcase in 2025 and received technical assistance; Peninsula Clean Energy awarded $21,000 toward the project; and the city expects to pursue a California Energy Commission community electrification grant for remaining costs.
The staff memo asked the EQC to recommend acceptance of $100,000 from BayREN before the item proceeds to the City Council for final approval. Commissioner McKenna moved the recommendation and Commissioner Angel seconded; the commission took a roll-call vote and all present voted yes.
Staff said the construction timeline is targeted at about 45 days of active work and aims to finish this fall/winter, with scheduling and noise mitigation planned around childcare activities (nap times) and neighborhood notifications to residents. Staff also noted a grant requirement to showcase the project (tours and educational materials) as part of the BayREN program.
The commission’s recommendation will be included with the item scheduled for City Council consideration on July 14, 2026.
