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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 11392 CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK June 2, 2020 The Honorable City Council Palo Alto, California Interviews of Candidates for Utilities Advisory Commission On Monday, April 20, 2020, City Council voted to interview the following applicants for the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC). The four applicants to be interviewed are as follows: 10-minute interviews 1. Phil Metz 1:00 P.M. 2. Lauren Segal (Incumbent) 1:10 P.M. 3. Claude Ezran 1:20 P.M. 4. Lisa Forssell (Incumbent) 1:30 P.M. There are two open positions (Forssell and Segal) with three-year terms ending May 31, 2023. Copies of all applications can be viewed online here. Some applications may be redacted at the request of the applicant. A full set of non-redacted applications will be provided to Council Members directly. Background 2.23.010 Utilities Advisory Commission There is created a Utilities Advisory Commission composed of seven members who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the city council, but who shall not be council members, officers or employees of the city. Each member of the commission shall be a utility customer or the authorized representative of a utility customer. Six members of the commission shall at all times be residents of the city. (Ord. 5047 § 1 (part), 2009: Ord. 4027 § 1 (part), 1991) Department Head: Beth Minor, City Clerk Page 2 701-32 Utilities Advisory Commission Applications Spring 2020 Recruitment Applicants Utilities Advisory Commission (Two Positions): 1.Claude Ezran 2.Lisa Forssell (Incumbent) 3.Phil Metz 4.Lauren Segal (Incumbent) 8WLOLWLHV$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQ Personal Information ±1RWH7KH8$&UHJXODUO\PHHWVWKHILUVW:HGQHVGD\RIWKHPRQWKDWSP Name: Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Are you a Palo Alto Resident? __ Yes __ No Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? __ Yes __ No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?__ Yes __ No California state law requires appointed board and commission members to file a detailed disclosure of their financial interests, Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700. Do you RU\RXUVSRXVHhave an investment in, or do you RU\RXUVSRXVHserve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to; 1) engage in business with the City, 2) provide products or services for City projects, or 3) be affected by decisions of the board or commission you are applying for? __ Yes __ No Excluding your principal residence, do you RU\RXUVSRXVHown real property in Palo Alto?__ Yes __ No How did you Oearn about the vacancy on the Utilities Advisory Commission? __ Community Group __ Email from City Clerk __ Palo Alto Weekly __ Daily Post __ City Website __ Flyer Other: ______________________________________________________________________________ List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, or professional registration: FKDUDFWHUV Page 1 Utility Advisory Commission 1MFBTFFNBJMBMMDPNQMFUFEBQQMJDBUJPOTUP+FTTJDB#SFUUMF!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSHPS$JUZ$MFSL!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSH $JUZ$MFSLhT0GGJDF Claude Ezran 770 Seale Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 248-570 650-248-5706 claude@ezran.com From a friend on the HRC • Director of Marketing for Oorja Fuel Cells, a clean energy company(2015-2016). • Member of the Board of Directors of Cable Co-op (1992-1998). Subscribers-owned cable TV company serving Palo Alto households. Very similar to a publicly owned utility. • MBA, Harvard Business School. • MSEE, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (France). Claude Ezran Employment Present or Last Employer: Occupation: Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: FKDUDFWHUV 1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and of specific interest to you, and why? FKDUDFWHUV Page 2 Utility Advisory Commission Oorja Fuel Cells Director of Marketing. I am now retired • Human Relations Commission, including vice-chair and chair:2008-2014. • Participated in a community workshop for the update of CPAU's Strategic Plan: 2017 • Founder, Palo Alto World Music Day: 2009-Present. • Member of the Board of Directors, Palo Alto Recreation Foundation(PARF): 2010-Present. • Graduate of the Palo Alto Citizen Police Academy: 2019 • Member of the Community Advisory Group to the Police Chief: 2010-2012 • Member of Steering Committee for Measure A (school parcel tax): 2005 • Treasurer of the PTA Council: 2004-2007. • Member of the Board of Directors, Cable Co-op: 1992-1998. Three examples regarding my life-long keen interest in energy and utility issues: Director of Marketing for Oorja Fuel Cells (2015-2016). Oorja is a clean energy company that manufactures power systems based on direct methanol fuel cells. These systems significantly reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions in a wide variety of applications such as wireless telecommunications and materials handling. Member of the Board of Directors of Cable Co-op (1992-1998) Cable Co-op was a cable TV company serving 28,000 households around Palo Alto. It was owned by its subscribers. In many ways its mission and its functioning were very similar to those of a publicly owned utility. MSEE, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (France). My engineering School was partially funded by EDF (Électricité de France), a state-owned utility which is one of the largest utilities in the world. I studied electricity generation and distribution in great detail and visited many different types of power generation plants. Claude Ezran 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting you can view an archiveGYLGHRIURPWKH0LGSHQ0HGLD&HQWHU:LINK. FKDUDFWHUV 3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this? FKDUDFWHUV Page 3 Utility Advisory Commission I am, for instance, very interested in the plans for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and how that could improve conservation of water and energy, as well as provide customers with information they are currently lacking to better manage their consumption. Given likely water shortages in the future due to climate change, I am interested in the use of recycled water and also water purification. I visited both the Regional Water Quality Control Plant and the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center. Resiliency is another important issue for the Commission that I am very interested in. We need to look at what can be done to decrease the frequency and duration of power outages by looking at all the factors that impact reliability: equipment quality, equipment placement, redundancies,risk management, human factors, etc. I am also concerned by the vulnerabilities highlighted by the major power outage of 2010 that was caused by a small plane crash in East Palo Alto. We also obviously need to have operating plans for future major crises such as the current coronavirus pandemic. • Continue the focus on: clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the services provided by the City, and improving sustainability. • Continue to improve recycling rates, but also focus also on reducing waste in the first place. I am particularly thinking about food waste, especially from restaurants. • Address the long term negative effect that progress toward our Zero-Waste objectives will have on refuse collection fees, maybe through a new financial reserve to be established and also improved efficiencies in the collection system. • Secure long-term green electric, gas, and water supplies at competitive rates in order to better moderate the rise in utility rates. • Energy conservation programs, green building codes, etc. • Smart meters to improve conservation of water and energy. • Improved reliability and resiliency of the electric grid. Look at the entire chain of factors that impact them. Claude Ezran 4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. FKDUDFWHUV The Utilities Strategic Plan LINK The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan LINK The Gas Utility Long-term Plan LINK Urban Water Management Plan LINK Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Plan LINK Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website California Government Code Section 6254.21 states, in part, “No state or local agency shall post the home address or telephone number of any elected or appointed official on the Internet without first obtaining the written permission of that individual.” This consent form will not be redacted and will be attached to the Application and posted to the City’s website. The full code can be read here: LINK Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. OR I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website. I am providing the following alternate information and request that they use the following contact information instead. Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Page 4 Utility Advisory Commission 3/30/2020 I read these documents and will definitely spend more time on them if selected for the position. I participated in a community workshop for the update of the Strategic Plan, in 2017. I do, also, closely follow the news about the City utilities, mostly through the Palo Alto Weekly. Claude Ezran 8WLOLWLHV$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQ Personal Information ±1RWH7KH8$&UHJXODUO\PHHWVWKHILUVW:HGQHVGD\RIWKHPRQWKDWSP Name: Address: Cell Phone: __ Home / __ Office Phone: E-mail: Are you a Palo Alto Resident? __ Yes __ No Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? __ Yes __ No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for? __ Yes __ No California state law requires appointed board and commission members to file a detailed disclosure of their financial interests, Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700. Do you RU\RXUVSRXVHhave an investment in, or do you RU\RXUVSRXVHserve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to; 1) engage in business with the City, 2) provide products or services for City projects, or 3) be affected by decisions of the board or commission you are applying for? __ Yes __ No Excluding your principal residence, do you RU\RXUVSRXVHown real property in Palo Alto? __ Yes __ No How did you Oearn about the vacancy on the Utilities Advisory Commission? __ Community Group __ Email from City Clerk __ Palo Alto Weekly __ Daily Post __ City Website __ Flyer Other: ______________________________________________________________________________ List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, or professional registration: FKDUDFWHUV Page 1 Utility Advisory Commission 1MFBTFFNBJMBMMDPNQMFUFEBQQMJDBUJPOTUP+FTTJDB#SFUUMF!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSHPS$JUZ$MFSL!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSH $JUZ$MFSLhT0GGJDF Lisa Forssell current service Four years on the Utilities Advisory Commission. Currently serve as Vice Chair. Budget subcommittee 2017, 2018, and 2020. MS, School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Science, Stanford University, 2015. Masters project: "Electric Vehicle Charging from a Utility Perspective." MBA, Stanford University, 2015. Coursework included energy law, economics of oil & gas, carbon accounting and climate change policy. BS and MS, Computer Science, Stanford, 1994. Lisa Forssell Employment Present or Last Employer: Occupation: Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: FKDUDFWHUV 1.What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and of specific interest to you, and why? FKDUDFWHUV Page 2 Utility Advisory Commission Apple Producer (design studio) My family and I enjoy the Great Race For Saving Water and Earth Day celebration every year. Over the years I have attended numerous City of Palo Alto workshops, including sessions on solar installation, gray water, S/CAP, net-zero-energy housing, and climate change. I have served on the Walter Hays PTA exec board and will serve on the Duveneck PTA in 2020-21. I find it deeply rewarding to serve on the UAC. The Utility is in a position to combat climate change by lowering the City's carbon footprint, while, simultaneously, CPAU has to respond to the effects of climate change. Our natural gas utility faces significant business challenges as the city electrifies to meet its S/CAP goals. Meanwhile, global warming is affecting the availability of both our hydroelectric power and our water supply from the SFPUC / Hetch Hetchy system. CPAU faces important decisions in the years ahead as, for example, we decide whether to renew our hydroelectric power contracts, which expire in 2024. The electric utility industry as a whole is changing rapidly. Electric vehicles are causing a significant change in the timing and profile of electric load, while demand from other uses is decreasing. On the supply side, renewable energy sources such as solar power have completely changed how the California grid operates. I am motivated by the unique challenges of providing safe, reliable, and affordable utility services while also taking steps to make them environmentally sustainable. Lisa Forssell 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting you can view an archiveGYLGHRIURPWKH0LGSHQ0HGLD&HQWHU: LINK. FKDUDFWHUV 3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this? FKDUDFWHUV Page 3 Utility Advisory Commission The UAC recently recommended a policy change to the Electric Supply Portfolio Carbon Neutral Plan. A key component of implementing the S/CAP is our carbon neutral electric supply. The methods of determining carbon neutrality when Carbon Neutral Plan was adopted, in 2013, are no longer the best available. Carbon accounting matters; we want to make sure the City is having an impact with our policies, not simply greenwashing. The policy change the UAC has recommended does not have a large immediate effect on our supply portfolio, but it will ensure that future decisions are made in the appropriate context and have the desired impact. The UAC also heard an issue about whether the utility should allow residential customers to pay for undergrounding of transformer upgrades in districts that were undergrounded in the 1970’s . Affected residents offered public comment at the two UAC meetings where we considered this. This issue interested me because we had to weigh the interests of a small group of deeply concerned customers against the interests of all the other utility customers, who were not present at the UAC meeting, but whose rates would be impacted by the potential policy change. In addition, we had to weigh the safety concerns of CPAU utility workers against the aesthetic and safety concerns of the upset customers. In addition to our ongoing activities, I would like the UAC to propose a policy change for how the city accounts for Greenhouse Gas emissions from leaked natural gas. Recent science has shown that fugitive natural gas is a much larger problem than previously thought, and accounting for this could have important implications for how Palo Alto implements programs to reach our aggressive “80 by 20” S/CAP goals. I am currently working on a Colleagues Memo with my fellow commissioner Lauren Segal. We have met with staff to make sure we understand how natural gas is currently accounted for. We will soon propose a discussion of it on a UAC agenda. One of the many reasons I hope to be reappointed is to see this proposal through. I would also like to see the UAC continue to encourage policies that promote electric vehicle adoption by making charging more accessible for 3 key customer segments: • Multi-family residential customers • Businesses (workplace charging during the day is especially beneficial to the grid) • Public locations in the City There are programs in place already but I would like to see the City do more. Lisa Forssell 4.Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. FKDUDFWHUV The Utilities Strategic Plan LINK The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan LINK The Gas Utility Long-term Plan LINK Urban Water Management Plan LINK Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Plan LINK Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website California Government Code Section 6254.21 states, in part, “No state or local agency shall post the home address or telephone number of any elected or appointed official on the Internet without first obtaining the written permission of that individual.” This consent form will not be redacted and will be attached to the Application and posted to the City’s website. The full code can be read here: LINK Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. OR I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website. I am providing the following alternate information and request that they use the following contact information instead. Address: Cell Phone: __ Home / __ Office Phone: E-mail: Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Page 4 Utility Advisory Commission I served on the UAC when we recommended adopting the 2018 Strategic Plan. I served on the UAC when the Gas Utility Long-term Plan was included as an informational item. The Long-term Electric Acquisition Plan, Urban Water Management Plan, and Energy Efficiency Plans were heard before I joined the UAC, but I am familiar with the Electric Supply Portfolio, the Water Utility, and CPAU's Energy Efficiency strategies. 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 415-310-5422 669-283-5355 Lisa.forssell@paloalto-uac.org Lisa Forssell 8WLOLWLHV$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQ Personal Information ±1RWH7KH8$&UHJXODUO\PHHWVWKHILUVW:HGQHVGD\RIWKHPRQWKDWSP Name: Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Are you a Palo Alto Resident? __ Yes __ No Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? __ Yes __ No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?__ Yes __ No California state law requires appointed board and commission members to file a detailed disclosure of their financial interests, Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700. Do you RU\RXUVSRXVHhave an investment in, or do you RU\RXUVSRXVHserve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to; 1) engage in business with the City, 2) provide products or services for City projects, or 3) be affected by decisions of the board or commission you are applying for? __ Yes __ No Excluding your principal residence, do you RU\RXUVSRXVHown real property in Palo Alto?__ Yes __ No How did you Oearn about the vacancy on the Utilities Advisory Commission? __ Community Group __ Email from City Clerk __ Palo Alto Weekly __ Daily Post __ City Website __ Flyer Other: ______________________________________________________________________________ List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, or professional registration: FKDUDFWHUV Page 1 Utility Advisory Commission 1MFBTFFNBJMBMMDPNQMFUFEBQQMJDBUJPOTUP+FTTJDB#SFUUMF!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSHPS$JUZ$MFSL!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSH $JUZ$MFSLhT0GGJDF Phil Metz ✔ ✔✔ Education: • PhD in physics • MBA in marketing Experience: • 10+ years of R&D in energy efficiency and renewable energy, including electric heat pumps, cool / green roofs, solar, and community energy systems • 16 years consulting for energy-related businesses, including electric utilities • 6 years as energy business development executive • 6 years as sustainability / climate change consultant and researcher, including as Research Fellow at Project Drawdown • 2 years as Palo Alto emergency services volunteer, both as BPC and as CERT Phil Metz Employment Present or Last Employer: Occupation: Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: FKDUDFWHUV 1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and of specific interest to you, and why? FKDUDFWHUV Page 2 Utility Advisory Commission Project Drawdown Research Fellow My top volunteer focus since 2017 has been climate change: From 2019-2020 I was a Research Fellow at Project Drawdown, geared to helping the world reach “Drawdown” of atmospheric greenhouse gases. In my current work on science-based economics, I have volunteered to help the International Society of Biophysical Economics (ISBPE) communicate and “operationalize” biophysical economics to better drive climate change public policy and corporate decision-making. In Palo Alto I am an emergency services volunteer (ESV), trained as both a block preparedness coordinator (BPC) and as a community emergency response team (CERT) volunteer. I am proud to have led a team of ESVs and other neighbors to conduct our neighborhood’s first ever block party! This provided great value for social cohesion – few neighbors knew each other beforehand – and also for emergency preparedness. For CPAU, I have participated in 2 Utility Resilience Workshops. In 2018 I volunteered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Jose to help recent immigrants build the skills they need to obtain jobs in the US. Since 2018, I have volunteered with social justice organization Bend the Arc. The UAC focus compatible with my experience and of specific interest to me is to develop and implement an integrated strategy for simultaneously: • Mitigating climate change • Increasing resilience to energy supply disruption, and • Enhancing Palo Alto’s emergency response. Currently, CPAU’s #1 tool for reducing GHG emissions is RECS of various flavors. And RECs, scrupulously managed, can play a role in reducing GHGs. But, RECS (and non-local renewables) contribute little to Palo Alto’s resilience vs. energy supply disruption. The 2019 wildfires and PG&E’s response show us just how vulnerable the City is to an electricity supply disruption, due to natural or human causes. This threat overshadowed the Utilities Resilience Workshop #2 in November, 2019. And as an Emergency Services Volunteer, I understand that emergency utility supplies, especially electricity and water, will be critical to making the City habitable as we work to survive an earthquake or other major disaster. But today, as an ESV I would have no way to refrigerate life-saving medicines, or to provide fresh water for neighbors. This gap would make our neighborhood uninhabitable, creating misery and danger for us, and burden those that we would turn to for help. I believe that the most effective way to close these gaps is a unified strategy that integrates our long-term goal of reducing GHGs, while simultaneously addressing supply resilience and habitability during a natural disaster. Phil Metz 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting you can view an archiveGYLGHRIURPWKH0LGSHQ0HGLD&HQWHU:LINK. FKDUDFWHUV 3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this? FKDUDFWHUV Page 3 Utility Advisory Commission The issues of climate change mitigation and resilience to energy supply disruption have been touched on in recent Commission meetings. Discussion on City-wide emergency response has been limited. I am very interested in these issues so critical to our security and survival because, until now these issues have been treated as separate challenges – to our detriment: For example, Commission meetings have noted the intermittency of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, but not how to compensate for it, or how local renewables can help. PG&E shutoffs were a hot topic in 2019, but we are still vulnerable. The initiative for gas-free buildings may reduce GHG emissions (if the grid is highly renewable), but may reduce resilience vs. an electricity supply disruption. Likewise, the Sunshares photovoltaics (PV) and EV group buy programs contribute to carbon neutrality (and I have both a PV system and an EV), but currently are not tied into the broader strategy: Most PV systems cease operation when the grid is down; they are useless in an emergency or electricity supply disruption. Commercial EVs obtain energy from the grid, and can store 70+ kWh of energy, but cannot return that energy to the grid during a supply disruption or emergency. I would like to help the Commission and CPAU to address climate change, resilience, and emergency response holistically for the benefit of all. Aren’t these opportunities that we should capture? I would like to help the UAC develop and implement an integrated and unified strategy to: • Enhance climate change mitigation • Improve resilience vs. energy / water supply disruption • Ensure a minimum level of habitability during an emergency so that residents can shelter in place in their own neighborhoods for an extended period. Some specifics: The #1 thing we can do to mitigate climate change is “negawatts” – dramatically increase energy efficiency. That will also stretch resources in a supply disruption or emergency. And could Palo Alto become a “laboratory” for local climate change innovation by harnessing local distributed energy resources (DER), such as PV electricity and EV storage, to reduce our GHG footprint? Electricity supply resilience is a difficult challenge: With a single grid interconnect – through PG&E – Palo Alto is deeply vulnerable to disruption. One solution would be to add a second interconnect, so that we are not vulnerable to a single point failure. And CPAU dispatch of enhanced local resources could provide grid support in an emergency. Perhaps, too, there are opportunities to partner with Stanford, with its innovative energy system. In an earthquake or other emergency, even minimal local energy production could stabilize our neighborhoods by enabling residents to shelter in place, and not leave. I propose the goal that 1 house in 10 (proportionately for other buildings) have the energy to power a refrigerator, water pump, and emergency communications. Let’s also explore partnering with Tesla to pilot approaches for using EVs in supply disruptions or natural emergencies. Phil Metz 4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. FKDUDFWHUV The Utilities Strategic Plan LINK The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan LINK The Gas Utility Long-term Plan LINK Urban Water Management Plan LINK Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Plan LINK Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website California Government Code Section 6254.21 states, in part, “No state or local agency shall post the home address or telephone number of any elected or appointed official on the Internet without first obtaining the written permission of that individual.” This consent form will not be redacted and will be attached to the Application and posted to the City’s website. The full code can be read here: LINK Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. OR I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website. I am providing the following alternate information and request that they use the following contact information instead. Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Page 4 Utility Advisory Commission March 13, 2020 I have reviewed the Utilities Strategic Plan, the Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan, and other documents, such as the FY 2019 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Rate Proposal, in connection with my participation in two City of Palo Alto Utilities Advisory Commission Resilience Workshops. 650-494-6588 philmetz@gmail.com Phil Metz 8WLOLWLHV$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQ Personal Information ±1RWH7KH8$&UHJXODUO\PHHWVWKHILUVW:HGQHVGD\RIWKHPRQWKDWSP Name: Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Are you a Palo Alto Resident? __ Yes __ No Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members? __ Yes __ No Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?__ Yes __ No California state law requires appointed board and commission members to file a detailed disclosure of their financial interests, Fair Political Practices Commission, Conflict of Interest, Form 700. Do you RU\RXUVSRXVHhave an investment in, or do you RU\RXUVSRXVHserve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto which you believe is likely to; 1) engage in business with the City, 2) provide products or services for City projects, or 3) be affected by decisions of the board or commission you are applying for? __ Yes __ No Excluding your principal residence, do you RU\RXUVSRXVHown real property in Palo Alto?__ Yes __ No How did you Oearn about the vacancy on the Utilities Advisory Commission? __ Community Group __ Email from City Clerk __ Palo Alto Weekly __ Daily Post __ City Website __ Flyer Other: ______________________________________________________________________________ List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, or professional registration: FKDUDFWHUV Page 1 Utility Advisory Commission 1MFBTFFNBJMBMMDPNQMFUFEBQQMJDBUJPOTUP+FTTJDB#SFUUMF!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSHPS$JUZ$MFSL!$JUZPG1BMP"MUPPSH $JUZ$MFSLhT0GGJDF Lauren Segal Currently serving on the UAC See attached. Lauren Segal Employment Present or Last Employer: Occupation: Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: FKDUDFWHUV 1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and of specific interest to you, and why? FKDUDFWHUV Page 2 Utility Advisory Commission Phoenix Technologies LTD General Counsel • Currently serving as a commissioner on the UAC (since 2017). • Founding member and Advisory Committee member of the Women General Counsel Network (WGCN). WGCN is a volunteer-run professional organization founded 10 years ago to connect women in the most senior in-house counsel roles and to provide training, support and mentoring. It started with 5 women general counsel in the Bay Area and now has over 1000 members across the US and even internationally. • High school student association for 4 years, serving 2 years on the Executive Committee. • Girl Scout leader for 6 years. • Elementary school Parliamentarian to the PTA for 2 years. • Site Council for 2 years. • Co-chair Communications Committee for Measure A (round 1), the district parcel tax, and provided a wide variety of support, including canvassing and driving voters to the polls. These efforts taught me how smart, interested and civic-minded our community can be and I believe that same passion can be garnered to keep Palo Alto at the cutting edge of environmental action as we continue to prepare for climate change. • Co-managed a club soccer team. See attached. Lauren Segal 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting you can view an archiveGYLGHRIURPWKH0LGSHQ0HGLD&HQWHU:LINK. FKDUDFWHUV 3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this? FKDUDFWHUV Page 3 Utility Advisory Commission See attached. See attached. Lauren Segal 4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection. FKDUDFWHUV The Utilities Strategic Plan LINK The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan LINK The Gas Utility Long-term Plan LINK Urban Water Management Plan LINK Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Plan LINK Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website California Government Code Section 6254.21 states, in part, “No state or local agency shall post the home address or telephone number of any elected or appointed official on the Internet without first obtaining the written permission of that individual.” This consent form will not be redacted and will be attached to the Application and posted to the City’s website. The full code can be read here: LINK Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. OR I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website. I am providing the following alternate information and request that they use the following contact information instead. Address: Cell Phone: __Home / __Office Phone: E-mail: Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Page 4 Utility Advisory Commission _____________________3/24/2020 As a member of the UAC these past 3 years, we have had discussions about the Utilities Strategic Plan and The Gas Utility Long-term Plan. The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan, The Urban Water Management Plan and the Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Gas Energy Efficiency Plan predate my time on the UAC. Of course, we have discussed these issues as they relate to other Utilities planning. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 13A-202 Palo Alto, CA 94301 laurengagesegal@paloalto-uac.org Lauren Segal List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses or professional registration. I currently am honored to sit on the UAC and these past three years as a commissioner have provided the best training for continuing to serve in that capacity. I also have found that my legal training and, in particular, my ten years as a general counsel for consumer-focused companies in a wide range of businesses (coupons, education and software), have been invaluable in helping me consider and evaluate matters that come before the UAC from a variety of perspectives. Participating in community outreach programs such as Earth Day and the EV Ride & Drive Event, the Home Electrification Expo and Resiliency workshops, to name a few, has provided great practical insights into the preferences and concerns of Utilities customers. Similarly, meetings with the Utilities staff have expanded my understanding of a variety of issues facing California, the Utilities and our citizens. Finally, the on-the-job accounting training I have received in order to be an effective general counsel gives me the tools I need to effectively support the Utilities’ budgeting process and understand the economic impact of various rate increases and reserves planning. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: x Currently serving as a commissioner on the UAC (since 2017). x Founding member and Advisory Committee member of the Women General Counsel Network (WGCN). WGCN is a volunteer-run professional organization founded 10 years ago to connect women in the most senior in-house counsel roles and to provide training, support and mentoring. It started with 5 women general counsel in the Bay Area and now has over 1000 members across the US and even internationally. x High school student association for 4 years, serving 2 years on the Executive Committee. x Girl Scout leader for 6 years. x Elementary school Parliamentarian to the PTA for 2 years. x Site Council for 2 years. x Co-chair Communications Committee for Measure A (round 1), the district parcel tax, and provided a wide variety of support, including canvassing and driving voters to the polls. These efforts taught me how smart, interested and civic-minded our community can be and I believe that same passion can be garnered to keep Palo Alto at the cutting edge of environmental action as we continue to prepare for climate change. x Co-managed a club soccer team. 1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and of specific interest to you, and why? I have been honored to serve as a commissioner to the UAC these past three years. Many of the issues and programs the UAC has considered remain in process and I would love to have the opportunity to continue to work on them, engage the community, and provide guidance to the City Council. The skills I have drawn upon in my professional capacity to provide good legal support to companies align with the skills needed to be a successful UAC commissioner. Generally, both roles benefit from someone who is a good listener and detail-oriented, while also able to see the big picture and accommodate diverging views. Some recent examples of where I used my legal experience in my commissioner capacity include when I met with staff and provided feedback for the contract with Valley Water (formerly Santa Clara Valley Water District). Some of those recommendations were included in the final agreement. As a company lawyer I have reviewed hundreds of press releases and customer communications. I was able to draw on this expertise to provide feedback to the Utilities’ communications team for the 2019 rate change brochure delivered to all customers, resulting in a final brochure that was easier to read and more precise. Some of the upcoming items that interest me include: Updating the S/CAP. I am proud of the UAC’s leadership on environmental issues and would like to continue to contribute my legal expertise and personal energy towards this end. Palo Alto has been a leader in environmental responsibility. Since the last S/CAP was adopted, we know a lot more about greenhouse gas emissions and how they impact the environment. At the same time, California and Palo Alto have made significant changes in our electricity portfolio. The environmental and economic impacts related to our clean energy programs need to be reevaluated in this new paradigm, while still keeping the lights on and maintaining rates lower than the rates in similar communities. For example, the UAC recently recommend that the Utilities account for GHG emissions on an hourly basis, rather than annually. I hope to continue to be part of that conversation and to expand the discussion to include additional sources of GHG emissions from natural gas usage. AMI. I worked for 9 years at a database software company that sells enterprise ERP systems. As the Utilities implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and finalizes the CIS rollout, I hope to bring my experience to those projects. Smart meters and AMI, generally, have the potential to be transformative for the City. I hope to help provide guidance on what issues we should be considering before and during the contracting process and ensuing implementation for the most beneficial and cost-effective results. Hydroelectricity. The City will be analyzing whether to renew its large hydroelectric contract with the Western Area Power Administration. I believe my experience from decades of practicing law would bring analytical skills to delve into the details (such as what happens in a drought year and whether the lower priority of power versus other uses still makes it a good resource) and to evaluate costs and benefits relative to other options, our S/CAP goals, and California climate legislation. Community Outreach. I have seen the passion and brainpower residents bring to decisions relating to the Utilities and our efforts to be global climate citizens while also being cost sensitive. I have been honored to be a part of those discussions and I hope to continue to have a chance to continue the dialogue (and advise on the appropriate actions arising from those discussions) with another term on the UAC. 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting you can view an archived video from the Midpen Media Center : LINK. As a child in California, I remember the first time I heard about a drought. We put bricks in our toilet tanks and competed for the shortest showers. It spawned in me an interest in water conservation and water recycling that has stayed with me throughout my life. Thankfully, our ability to plan for drought and conserve has expanded since my childhood. I have been very interested in the recent discussions about recycled water and our agreement with Valley Water and very much enjoyed the time I spent with the Utilities staff discussing the agreement and our water resiliency efforts. Water interests me both because of its importance and also its complexity. Like so many residents, I think the different water reuse opportunities the City has been considering are exciting and innovative. For example, the possibility of expanding our use of recycled water and dumping less wastewater into the bay may provide multiple benefits: help assure our long-term water needs will be met; protect the Bay; and provide more water independence (from SFPUC). I also appreciate how the Palo Alto tree canopy is integrally tied to our water resources. As we recently discussed during a UAC meeting, when planning for drought we also need to explore ways to maintain the canopy. I very much appreciate the community interest in our water resources displayed last year at the public meeting about the Northwest County Recycled Water Strategic Plan and look forward to continuing conversations with the community and, ideally, receive detailed feedback about the economic and behavioral tradeoffs customers prioritize. It is this community participation that energizes me to want to help to find safe, reliable and cost-effective solutions to our water resiliency challenges. 3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this? I would like to see the UAC consider ways to expand community engagement. I see lack of widespread engagement as a barrier to effective programs in a variety of ways. For example, as we prepare for climate change impacts on the City and the greater community, it will be increasingly important to hear from customers about what projects and programs are most important to them and what costs and/or inconveniences they are more willing to endure. While safety and reliability must be paramount, there will be choices to make and the more customer feedback about preferences and priorities the better. I commend staff for their efforts to hold multiple community resiliency workshops. I hope to spend more time evaluating the feedback from these workshops and also to expand the community participation in future resiliency discussions. Similarly, I would welcome a discussion on the different success rates (and how success is measured) of different community outreach programs the Utilities have implemented in the past and an opportunity to consider additional ways to engage with our customers. Additionally, I would like to work with the Utilities to understand how customers face hurdles with other City departments and outside providers such as contractors, while trying to achieve utilities-related goals. For example, the permitting process for customers who are interested in electrifying their property, whether residential or commercial, has been a large barrier to implementation. It can be expensive, unpredictable, and time-consuming (adding to project costs). Educating customers about the benefits of electrification, or mandating it in the case of new construction, runs the risk of being self-defeating if we do not work with the City to support the public goals, including putting into place the appropriate processes and infrastructure necessary to enable the program. Finally, as I write this application while sheltering at home, I wanted to acknowledge what great work the Utilities have been doing keeping all of their services running smoothly in this difficult time. Stay safe.