Mayor Proposes Major Change in Water Rates

Mayor Dwight C. Jones included a major change in the city's water rate structure that encourages conservation in his FY2015 Biennial Fiscal Plan budget.

The Mayor’s proposal calls for a substantial reduction in the base rates -- from the current base rate total of $49.40 to $26.11-- as well as a move to charging for volumetric usage. This means that residents and businesses that use more water will pay more, also known as a conservation rate structure.

“Through this rate structure change, an estimated 50 percent of our residential households will see a decrease in their water and wastewater bills,” said Mayor Jones. “This action responds to the numerous voices, including mine, requesting a review of our structure and way to reduce the base charges.”

The Mayor told City Council "those who use large quantities of water...will need to be more creative in reducing their usage."

The Mayor also proposed an assistance program to provide an average $150 annual rebate on water and wastewater charges for qualified, low-income households.

Water conservation supports the Environment Focus Area of the RVAGreen Sustainability Plan. Conservation efforts also support reducing energy used for pumping, treatment, distribution, and the heating of hot water. The Department of Public Utilities is already a partner in the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, which encourages more efficient water use through efficient WaterSense-rated appliances, low-flow fixtures, and collecting rainwater for reuse. The Department of Public Utilities provides free weatherization kits to senior citizens with low-flow showerheads included, and every March, it publicizes and supports Fix a Leak Week, providing free leak detection kits.

Approved by City Council, the changes take effect July 1, 2013.

Natural Gas is Green!

The Department of Public Utilities' Energy Services division's DPU Energy Conservation Program concluded in the spring of 2012, benefitting 231 customers who received rebates on new purchases of high efficiency natural gas equipment and energy audits.

The Hopkins Road compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling facility began fueling operations for the Department of Publics Works refuse truck fleet in March 2011. During the first full fiscal year’s operation, the station displaced the equivalent of nearly 118,000 gallons of diesel fuel with clean burning natural gas. In terms of reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG), the city’s annual emissions of carbon dioxide were reduced by more than 350 tons!

Construction of the first public compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station between Washington D.C and Virginia Beach (the I-95 Golden Crescent) began in March 2012. Partnered by Clean Energy Fuels and Quarles Petroleum, it is ideally located at 211 Maury Street, Exit 73 off I-95. Its strategic importance will become even more apparent with the development of Virginia’s alternate fuel vehicle program, the conversions of other city fleet vehicles, and the ability to finally provide a CNG fueling means for other companies and individuals wishing to switch from gasoline or diesel to natural gas.

The significance of the technological advances that have resulted in the dramatic increases in shale gas reserves and supplies can’t be overstated.  Because of the resulting long-term forecasts of relatively flat natural gas prices, domestically abundant and secure, the three historical energy segments comprising the natural gas markets (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial/Power Generation), will now be joined by the largest of all, the transportation segment. 

The Blue Flame is Green

Natural gas is less expensive and “greener” energy source because less is lost during the delivery process. An energy source such as electricity may have higher efficiency ratings in your home, but you’re also paying for the energy lost getting it to you.

Electricity forecasters say the demand for power will increase by 18 percent over the next decade, but the sources of electricity will grow only by 8.5 percent. Nearly 50 percent of all electricity generated in North America comes from coal burning plants. As a result, increased electric demand will increase carbon emissions.

Weather disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and construction delays could leave you without power at times, so switching to gas appliances and heat could become a real security blanket in the near future. And you can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere!

As for water heaters, tankless natural gas hot water heaters are the latest trend. They take up less space in your home than a water storage tank and provide an endless supply of hot water, at the same time saving energy.

Storage tank-type water heaters raise and maintain the water temperature to the tank’s setting. Even if no hot water is used, the heater continues to operate to maintain the temperature. You’re heating and reheating the same water, even when you’re sleeping or away from home. Just keeping the water you’re not using hot could account for as much as 20 percent of your annual water heating costs!

Tankless water heaters heat water only as it is used. The compact design of the tankless water heater permits installation virtually anywhere in your home, indoors or outdoors.

Going tankless is also going green. They’re less likely to end up in the landfill because the lifespan of a tankless unit is 2-3 times longer than the average tank water heater with its lifespan of 8-10 years.

Virginia No. 1 for Green Building

Virginia Business reports that the U.S. Green Building Council based in Washington has listed the Commonwealth of Virginia as the No. 1 state for new eco-friendly buildings in 2012. Virginia had 170 projects encompassing 29.7 million square feet, certified as meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

The U.S. Green Building Council measures 3.71 feet of certified space per capita in its rankings.

One of the significant projects was the Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, the first winery on the East Coast to achieve LEED platinum certification. Richmond's green building efforts include the LEED silver certified Fire Station 17 on Semmes Avenue and the new elementary schools, Oak Grove-Bellemeade and Broad Rock.

Fire Station 17

Green Government Challenge

Photo provided by Steven R. Skinner APR

The Virginia Municipal League’s Green Government Challenge is a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of environmental policies and practical actions to reduce carbon emissions generated by local government and the community.

The challenge has 11 categories and 30 action items. Earning between 100-124 points out of a possible 200 earns certification as a Green Government. Scores of 125 points or higher earn silver, gold and platinum levels of certification. This year’s competition ended Sept. 10.

The city of Richmond first participated and became certified in 2009, won the silver in 2010, and the gold in 2011. This year, the city has been certified platinum. Joe Lerch (left), director of Environmental Policy for the Virginia Municipal League, presented the certification to Council President Kathy Graziano and Mayor Dwight C. Jones at the Dec. 10 City Council meeting.

Approvals for Solar and Vegetative Roofs Streamlined

Richmond City Council approved an ordinance that streamlines the permit review process for solar and vegetative roofs at its Nov. 26 meeting. The paper was co-sponsored by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Councilmen Chris Hilbert and Charles Samuels.

The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage the use of green roofs by processing building permit applications within 10 business days and associated plumbing, electrical and mechanical permit applications within five business days.

The ordinance is 2012-201-199.

Solar and vegetative roofs result in less electricity used in the building. Vegetative roofs absorb rainfall and decrease the amount of run-off from the building, which supports stormwater management efforts.

Join Richmond Tree Stewards

The Richmond Tree Steward organization educates and trains people who wish to volunteer to work with the city's trees.

During 2012, the Richmond Tree Stewards accomplished:

• Completion of a tree inventory for Battery Park and presentation of the information to the Friends of Battery Park for future planning.
• Stop sign pruning in the Fan District, ensuring each stop sign was visible to drivers.
• Watering approximately 200 newly planted trees in Byrd Park, Forest Hill Park, and Gillies Creek Park from May through September. Each tree was watered every two weeks unless there was at least an inch of rain during the previous week. Watering young trees is critical to their survival and good health.
• Developmental pruning of young street trees. This pruning technique is necessary in order for some urban trees to develop a stronger and safer branching structure.
• A planting project in Chimborozo Park that put approximately 200 trees in the ground. This project was lead by two tree stewards, supported by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. It was accomplished with the assistance of other volunteer groups.
• As of mid-October 2012, approximately 2,250 volunteer hours have been recorded for the year.

To join this growing organization, register for classes.