Title
Approval of Services Agreement No. AGR23-43 with Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in the amount not to exceed $385,000.00, plus Applicable Gross Receipts Tax, for the Purpose of Community Water and Energy Conservation Outreach Services
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Services Agreement No. AGR23-43 with Pajarito Environmental Education Center in the amount not to exceed $385,000.00, plus applicable gross receipts tax, for the purpose of Community Water and Energy Conservation Outreach Services.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved on January 18, 2023 and recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) maintains a service provider to assist in water and energy conservation outreach efforts with the Los Alamos County school systems and the community. These efforts include interactive class presentations, such as the Monster Detective Collective Public Power Program, organizing an annual water festival, representation in various school-sponsored activities and participation in Earth Day activities. The services also include assistance in developing and executing outreach efforts aimed at educating and providing resources to homeowners and other DPU customers. Examples include hosted talks on relevant efficiency topics, such as solar panels and heat pumps, exploring the feasibility of supporting a rain barrel distribution program, and providing additional resources in assisting DPU customers in reaping the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act beginning in 2023.
Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) has provided excellent service to the DPU in these outreach efforts since 2016. We consistently receive praise from our constituents on PEEC's performance and their promotion of the DPU conservation program.
Alternatives
If the agreement is not approved some planned outreach efforts will not be performed this year.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
Funding for services provided under this contract will be from conservation funds that are budgeted annually.
Attachments
A - AGR23-43_PEEC