Oct
26
2009
I am currently in the process of working with local high-speed Internet providers and the Office of Cable Communications to develop a “Project Share” program to help low-income residents receive access to affordable high-speed Internet service. For example and to use Comcast as an example, I want to explore the possibility of soliciting from customers a small voluntary donation that can be used to help those who are unable to obtain Internet access. I have previously written about how Internet access is a potential gateway relative to education, job opportunities, training, networking and economic growth.
I will request the Department of Information Technology via a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) during this year’s budget to report back to Council next year on the implementation of this new program.
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Oct
20
2009
The City Council’s Energy and Technology Committee (ETC) will meet on Wednesday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss Seattle City Light’s proposed budget, rate adjustment process, and revenue requirements. The meeting will be the first of three final meetings on the rate process and its components. Jorge Carrasco, City Light Superintendent, will brief the Committee, along with other City Light officers and Council’s central staff. In addition the ETC will hold special meetings Wednesday, November 4th at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. I am encouraging the public attend the meetings and voice their opinion.
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Oct
04
2009
During the budget process of 2009, my ETC committee developed a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) which directed Seattle City Light to explore policies and procedures meant to encourage and accommodate the use of plug-in electric vehicles in Seattle (EVs). Given the overlapping policy issues of building an electric vehicle infrastructure, theses efforts are being handled jointly by our Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) and City Light.
EVs are coming to Seattle. We currently have 150 EVs registered in our city which are mostly the “neighborhood electric vehicles” that are not permitted to exceed 35 MPH. As the technology continues to emerge, the number of EVs on our streets and highways will grow.
On September 30, 2009 at our Energy and Technology Committee meeting, I requested the Interim Director of OSE, Michael Mann to present the response to the Council’s SLI. Following is language from OSE and City Light’s SLI response which describes steps to ensure that our city is prepared for electric passenger vehicles in the fall of 2010. I think you will find it interesting.
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Oct
02
2009
Proposal includes a rate Increase and increase in spending for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
SEATTLE –On Oct. 2, 2009, the City Council will review a budget summary proposed by Mayor Greg Nickels and presented by Superintendent Jorge Carrasco. The City Council received the budget information on Sept. 28, 2009.
Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee has expressed his disappointment in the Mayor’s proposal. “Throughout all city departments, we have asked department heads to reduce their costs and increase efficiencies,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. “We have asked employees to assist in this process including personal sacrifices such as work furloughs. Throughout the year, we have delivered several policy directives to City Light with the expectation that they would conduct business in the same way.”
Harrell added that on April 1, 2009, the Utility indicated they had reduced capital expenditures by $43 million and O&M expenses by $21 million. These expenses were reduced with the goal of not jeopardizing the safety and reliability of the existing system.
“I am disappointed that the utility has proposed an overall 3.5 percent increase relative to the adopted 2009 budget and a one percent increase in the previously endorsed 2010 budget. This includes increases in their O&M costs and CIP spending. Changes will be made,” confirmed Harrell.
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Sep
28
2009
I presented legislation today, 9/28/09, at Full Council to improve the City’s response to information and service requests from the public. The Council approved Council Bill 116638, lifting a budget proviso restricting expenditures in the 2009 budget for a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) System. A CRM System is a central management system for recording, assigning, tracking, and reporting of customer service requests from the public. It will improve the City’s customer service system in receiving constituents’ requests, expedite assignment to the appropriate city personnel, and allow the constituent to track the progress of the request and ensure that the request was completed.
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Sep
15
2009
In reviewing City Light’s rates, my goal was to engage citizens and organizations, who would review, question, push back and advocate for different customer groups when responding to the Mayor’s request for a rate review. I wanted it to range from people who advocate for the poor, elderly and customers with limited income, and extend it to the largest commercial customers. I wanted to hear from those who use power simply for personal consumption and those who rely on large amounts of power for their business. I therefore asked several individuals to serve as Council appointees and similarly, the Mayor did as well. Continue Reading »