Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Chris Walton
Department: Transportation
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE Interconnection Agreement for Customer-Owned Renewable Generation between Broward County and Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) for the new Lauderhill Transit Center in the City of Lauderhill; and to authorize the County Administrator to execute same.
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required to enter into agreements.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves a standard FPL agreement which will allow the excess solar energy generated by the solar arrays at the new Lauderhill Transit Center to be returned to the grid.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
January 28, 2020, Item No. 24
Summary Explanation/Background
THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
This item supports the Board’s Vision and Values of “Cooperatively delivering an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network” and “Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, and environmental protection.”
As background, on January 28, 2020, Item 24B, the Board approved the construction contract for the new transit center in the City of Lauderhill, BCT’s second largest transit center. Once completed, the new Lauderhill Transit Center is anticipated to be Broward County’s first “Net-Positive Building.” The project includes photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array, as well as electric vehicle chargers and electric transit bus charging stations for Broward County Transit (BCT).
Through this FPL Interconnection Agreement for Customer-Owned Renewable Generation a.k.a “Net-Metering” Agreement” allows for the reverse flow of the excess electrical power generated by the solar arrays during daylight hours through FPL meters and credit against the County’s FPL charges for power use at the Lauderhill Transit Center. As the facility will be generating power to their grid, FPL wants assurances regarding the maintenance conditions of the new equipment that will be generating the excess power. The FPL net-metering application fee was $400. The estimated annual costs savings (FPL bill credits) due to solar array at the facility range between $32,000 to $39,000 due to the estimated excess net generation of power. However, the actual cost savings will not be known until the facility is in full operation and total building energy usage is determined.
The Agreement has been reviewed as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. The Agreement requires the County, to the extent permitted by law, to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend FPL from all judgments, losses, damages, and claims relating to injury or death of any person or damage to property, fines and penalties, and costs and expenses arising out of or resulting from the operation of the County’s electrical system unless due to the negligent actions or inactions of FPL. The agreement imposes the same obligation on FPL with regard to FPL’s electrical system.
Source of Additional Information
Chris Walton, Director, Transportation Department, 954-357-8361.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The FPL net-metering application fee was $400. The estimated annual costs savings (FPL bill credits) due to solar array at the facility range between $32,000 to $39,000 due to the estimated excess net generation of power. However, the actual cost savings will not be known until the facility is in full operation.