K. Daley provided the committee an overview of the guiding principles and the summary report of the Phase 1 of the Kitchener Utilities Clean Energy Transition Strategy set for an upcoming Council meeting.
Phase 1 (2023) - Build relationships and understanding through relational engagement
Phase 2 (2024) - Determine the way forward together through option assessment
Phase 3 (2025) - Build consensus on the implementation plan to 2030 and beyond
A review of the engagement that took place in Phase 1 was provided which included: customers and public, stakeholders, committees, Council and staff.
Some of the common themes that came up through the engagement were cost and affordability, reliability, change, KU as a business, information, education and awareness, trust and responsibility.
K. Daley presented the four guiding principles below along with intention statements and objectives:
1. Make responsible, accountable and financially rewarding business decisions
2. Serve customers as an affordable and reliable partner in the energy transition
3. Contribute to a thriving community
4. Plan for multiple energy future with flexibility and focus.
The full report may be posted publicly as early as November 24th but it could be later.
The floor was opened for clarifying questions and general discussion took place and K. Daley collected feedback.
K. Charlesworth questioned how much of the utility profits get returned to the City? K. Daley advised as a whole all the funds are received by the City but it varies in amount a bit year by year based on the functioning of the reserve fund, but it's on the order of about $15 to $17 million per year.