HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 009-01RESOLUTION NO. 009-0~
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD REQUESTING A PLAN OF ACTION BY THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO ADDRESS THE DISRUPTION
OF SERVICE AND INCREASED COSTS OF ELECTRICAL
POWER AFFECTING THE CITIZENS OF CALIFORNIA.
WHEREAS, California is currently facing unprecedented energy challenges and
severe electricity supply shortages; and
WHEREAS, the importance of immediate energy conservation efforts cannot be
overstated, and
WHEREAS, the City of Bakersfield has taken steps to reduce electricity use by 5%
and is committed to reducing its ongoing electricity use by 7%, and
WHEREAS, Bakersfield residents and businesses are urged to also reduce ongoing
electricity use by 7%, and
WHEREAS, conservation is only one step in solving California's energy crisis, and
WHEREAS, resolutions need to be found to provide a long-term, stable and realistic
approach to solving California's unprecedented energy crisis and to avoid such crises in
the future, and
WHEREAS, the state-wide energy crisis is of concern to all Californians, and
WHEREAS, without intervention by the Governor and State Legislature Californians
will face dramatic increases in power costs as well as adverse economic impacts from the
disruption of commerce caused by power outages and energy price spikes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Bakersfield
as follows:
The Council strongly supports actions by the Governor and Legislature which will
provide a plan of action by the State to address the disruption of service and increased
costs of electrical power affecting the citizens of California, including but not limited to:
Provide the Governor and State Legislature the authority to implement an inspection
program for electrical generation facilities, as called for in the Governor's State of
the State address, to assure a stable and functional energy market, including
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emergency powers to circumvent lengthy permitting procedures currently required
to build new and/or re-open existing energy plants quickly.
Provide for a review and reform of the Power Exchange bidding process so that the
last bid does not set the daily price. Current bid rules send the wrong price signals
and encourage price speculation and high energy costs. Such review could include
replacing the Exchange or eliminating it altogether.
Combine power plant siting and operating decisions within a single state authority
instead of between agencies (the California Energy Commission and the Public
Utilities Commission) for better coordination and planning of new power supplies for
California.
Allow power generators to enter into long term contracts for the purchase of power,
coming closer to a "market system," and avoiding the extreme price spikes currently
being experienced.
Streamline regulations to encourage self-generation at peak demand times and
coordinate down-times of differing energy producing plants to eliminate an excess
of energy plants going down at the same time.
Eliminate red tape in the siting of new electrical generation plants and other
electrical generation facilities as well as reduce unnecessary or redundant
environmental restrictions to the siting of new electrical generation facilities.
Encourage local support for power plants and transmission lines and their impacts
by allowing such facilities to serve local loads first.
Investigate the availability of energy resoumes from all power sources (fossil fuel,
hydroelectric, nuclear, geothermal, cogeneration, biomass, solar, and wind
generation) and encourage their use in the planning for new power supplies in
California.
Review strategies to limit the adverse impacts of power disruptions and increased
costs upon seniors and others with fixed or Iow incomes.
The Council directs that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Governor
of California.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by
the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on
.I~N :3 1_ 2001 , by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBER BENHAM, CARSON, COUCH, HANSON, MAGGARD, SALVAGGIO, SULLIVAN
COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER
APPROVED
By
JAN 3 1_ 2001
Mayor
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio (~Jferk of the
Council of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BART J. THILTGEN
City Attorney
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