Q: What is an IRP?

A: An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a 20-year plan that helps a utility assess and plan for its energy needs. The goal of an IRP is to ensure the utility has a reliable, affordable, and sustainable supply of energy to meet the needs of its customers, while meeting policy goals and regulatory requirements.

An IRP typically includes a variety of strategies and technologies, including energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sources, and traditional energy sources. It also considers factors such as future energy demand, the cost of different energy sources, and environmental concerns.

Q: When was the last time the City developed an IRP and how often is it updated?

A: City Council approved VPU’s last IRP in 2023. An IRP is required to be updated every 5 years.

Q: Where can I find a copy of the City’s 2023 IRP?

A: The City’s 2023 IRP can be found on the City website at:

https://www.cityofvernon.org/government/public-utilities/integrated-resource-plan

Q: Who must submit an IRP?

A: All publicly-owned utilities (POUs) exceeding 700 GWh of annual load must submit an IRP.

Q: What must an IRP include?

A: IRPs must include the Utility’s plan for portfolio diversification, address energy storage and transportation electrification, outline plans to meet various policies and regulations, and facilitate stakeholder engagement.

Q: Who are considered stakeholders?

A: Stakeholders are City residents, business owners, prospective business owners and community members.

Q: How do you go about contacting the community? How do you promote stakeholder engagement?

A: The City’s Resource Management and Customer Service Teams have mailed out flyers, emailed business owners, attended several community outreach events, utilized the Chamber of Commerce to notify current and prospective business and property owners, presented at special commission meetings, and advertised through social media, the City’s website, and the City’s newsletter.

Q: How do you contact prospective businesses?

A: Prospective business owners were contacted through realtors and the Chamber of Commerce.

Q: What does Senate Bill 350 require?

A: SB 350 requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by the year 2030.

Q: What does Senate Bill 100 require?

A: SB 100 requires at least 60% of the City’s load be served by renewable energy by 2030. It also requires 100% of the City’s retail load be served by clean energy by 2045.

Q: What does Senate Bill 1020 require?

A: SB 1020 requires 90% of the City’s load be served by clean energy by 2035 and 95% of the City’s load be served by clean energy by 2040.

Q: A lot of Senate Bills have 2030 and 2045 deadlines. How will the City meet these requirements?

A: VPU’s Resource Management Team has procured the following contracts:

• Palo Verde contracted until 2030.
• Hoover Dam contracted until 2067.
• Astoria II contracted until 2036.
• Antelope DSR contracted until 2036.
• Puente Hills contracted until 2030.
• Daggett (online in 2024) contracted until 2044.
• Sapphire (online in 2027) contracted until 2047.

The Resource Management Team will continue to procure energy projects that will meet the State’s renewable requirements.

Q: Must all utilities comply with the Senate Bill 350, Senate Bill 100, and Senate Bill 1020?

A: All utilities, both publicly owned and privately owned, must comply with the senate bills mentioned above.

Q: With renewable energy’s cost on the rise, how do you plan to meet your “lowest rates by 2030” goal?

A: VPU is committed to providing reliable power at low, competitive rates to its customers. As such, the Resource Management Team has been very selective in acquiring renewable resources and battery projects that satisfy its RPS requirements and are among the lowest cost in Southern California. Partnering with other cities and through JPA’s, such as SCPPA, allow the City to obtain economy of scale. We will continue to strive towards our 2030 goal as it serves as a key pillar in our IRP preparation. The IRP production cost model will explore different options available and highlight the most cost effective options.

Q: If a business installs solar roof panels, does that help meet State requirements?

A: This will only reduce the City’s retail load. VPU will assess a standby cost to serve these customers in case the customer cannot produce enough energy with their rooftop solar. Unfortunately, a customer’s solar panels will not give the City credits to meet State requirements.

Q: Because the City sells power, do companies who install solar panels impose a conflict?

A: No, there is no conflict. Solar panels are a dual cost for the customer and VPU for the same energy capacity.

Q: Are there any solar limitations?

A: Yes, with NEMS, customers cannot produce more than 85% of their load.

Q: What is the Malburg Generating Station (MGS)?

A: MGS is the City’s natural gas powerplant. It is a combined-cycle generator that can support 70% of the City’s electric needs.

Q: What is the plan for MGS?

A: The City plans to operate MGS as long as feasibly possible—within its operational lifespan and continues to remain within the California regulations.

Q: Who is the Utility’s governing board?

A: VPU’s governing board is City Council.