Climate Challenge - Climate Challenge Participation Letter

Climate Challenge Participation Letter

DOE's Energy Partnerships for a Strong Economy

Climate Challenge Participation Accord
Between
United States Department of Energy
And
Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

The Climate Challenge Program is a joint, voluntary effort of the United States Department of Energy (`DOE') and the electric utility industry undertaken in pursuit of the President's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The framework of the Climate Challenge Program was established in the Climate Challenge Memorandum of Understanding, dated April 20, 1994 (`Climate Challenge MOU'), (see Attachment A to this Participation Accord).

This Participation Accord describes the actions that Berkeley Electric Cooperative and DOE have committed to undertake under the Climate Challenge Program. Berkeley Electric Cooperative's commitments include specific activities and efforts to reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions. DOE's commitments include specific actions designed to assist Berkeley Electric Cooperative in achieving its Climate Challenge Commitments.

I. Berkeley Electric Cooperative Commitments.

Demand-Side Management (DSM) Programs:

Berkeley Electric Cooperative will continue its present and on-going DSM programs which include high efficiency water heaters for residential customers; energy-efficient construction for new homes and energy-efficient measures for existing homes. As described in Attachment B, these programs are estimated to result in CO₂ emissions reduction of approximately 2000 metric tons in the year 2000 for a total of 10,100 metric tons of CO₂ for the 1995-2000 time period.

The H₂O Advantage water heater program is a demand-side management program through load control. The program was introduced to member/owners of the Cooperative in 1989. Since that time, more than 10,000 customers have agreed to participate in the program, which requires the installation of a large-capacity electric water heater with a modular timer attached that is programmed to turn the unit off during peak times in winter and in summer.

The Good Cents program is a demand-side management program through marketing. The program was introduced to member/owners of the Cooperative in 1987. Since that time, more than 3,000 customers have built a new home, renovated an existing home or purchased a manufactured home that meets the energy-efficient standards of the Good Cents program, which includes specific requirements for insulation; heat pump efficiency and sizing and duct sealing.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative will report to DOE annually on its activities and achievements under the Climate Challenge Program. Results achieved during each year shall be reported in a clear and understandable manner that is consistent with the guidelines adopted pursuant to Section 1605(b) of the Energy Policy Act and the Supplemental Guidance on Commitment Definitions and Reporting in Exhibit B of the Climate Challenge MOU. The first such report may include a description of the activities and achievements of Berkeley Electric Cooperative prior to its becoming a participant in the program, expressed on an annual basis to the extent possible.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative will confer with DOE no later than February 28, 1997 regarding Berkeley Electric Cooperative's participation in the climate Challenge Program. The purpose of such meetings will be to evaluate Berkeley Electric Cooperative's progress toward achieving its Climate Challenge commitments and possible adjustments to these commitments based on the availability of reasonable, cost-justified activities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Climate Challenge representative for Berkeley Electric Cooperative will be Penelope Hinson-Myers, CREC; c/o Berkeley Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 1234; Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461. Berkeley Electric Cooperative will notify DOE prior to or, in any event, no later than 30 days after any change in contact.

II. DOE Commitments.

DOE will perform the actions and fulfill the commitments set out in section III of the Climate Challenge MOU.

The Climate Challenge representative for DOE will be Mr. Larry Mansueti; 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-2588. DOE will notify Berkeley Electric Cooperative prior to, or in any event, no later than 30 days after any change in representative.

DOE will consider requests by Berkeley Electric Cooperative to intervene in proceedings of federal, state and local commissions and boards on issues pertinent to the Climate Challenge Program. Before DOE intervenes in regulatory and other proceedings pertaining to Berkeley Electric Cooperative for purposes of addressing Climate Challenge Program issues, it will provide notice to Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

To the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations and by the availability of funds, DOE will consider Berkeley Electric Cooperative's participation in Climate Challenge as a factor to be weighed positively in evaluating applications for financial and other assistance submitted to DOE in support of commitments made by Berkeley Electric Cooperative under this Participation Accord.

DOE agrees to provide public recognition to Berkeley Electric Cooperative for its Climate Challenge activities. DOE will, among other things, prepare an annual report summarizing results achieved under the Climate Challenge and highlighting any outstanding achievements or innovative approaches of Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

III. General Provisions.

Use of any DOE-developed materials by Berkeley Electric Cooperative will be governed by the provisions of section IV of the Climate Challenge MOU.

In addition to the foregoing provisions, DOE and Berkeley Electric Cooperative agree to act in accordance with the principles set out in section I of the Climate Challenge Program MOU and the general provisions set forth in subsections V.A, V.B., V.C, V.D, V.F. and V.G. of the Climate Challenge Program MOU, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Either party may withdraw from this Participation Accord or any of the activities under the Climate Challenge Program without penalty and without being subject to remedies at law or equity.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

_________________________
Hazel O'Leary
Secretary of Energy

BERKELEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

_________________________
E. E. Strickland, Jr.
President and CEO

Attachment:

Please send comments to:
Lawrence.Mansueti@hq.doe.gov