OCEAN CITY — The Mayor and Council this week approved two resolutions related to energy efficiency in order to qualify for a $32,000 Smart Energy Community grant from the Maryland Energy Administration.
Ocean City became eligible for the Smart Energy Community grant, but had to first pass at least two of three resolutions relating to energy efficiency in order to actually securing the $32,000. The first resolution pertained to the town’s energy efficiency goals and its commitment to reduce energy efficiency at its municipal facilities by 15 percent with five years.
The second resolution under consideration on Tuesday would have to show the town of Ocean City’s commitment to investing in sustainable energy with the stated goal of having 20 percent of the town’s energy consumption coming from renewable sources by the year 2022. After some debate, the Mayor and Council passed both resolutions after receiving assurances the goals were attainable.
Councilman Tony Deluca, who chairs the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or the so-called “Green Team,” told his colleagues passing the resolutions was required for eligibility for the $32,000 Smart Energy Community grant, but there was no penalty if the goals stated in the two resolutions were not met.
“We have to pass two of the three of these resolutions to become eligible for the grant,” he said. “If we don’t adhere to the goals down the road, no money needs to be returned. It’s really a no brainer because essentially there is no risk.”
City Engineer Terry McGean told the Mayor and Council the town was already on the fast track to achieve many of the stated goals in the two resolutions and meeting the deadlines was not anticipated as a problem.
“This first resolution requires us to reduce our energy consumption by 15 percent in five years, and achieving that goal will not be an issue,” he said. “This applies to city facilities and not private facilities.”
The second resolution commits the town to an attempt to convert to at least 20 percent of renewable energy by 2022 and could be a little more difficult. McGean said the town has been exploring solar energy options, but thus far they have been cost prohibitive.
“In negotiations with solar companies, one of the obstacles for government to do this on their own is they can’t take advantage of the tax credits,” he said. “We’re looking at different options, It doesn’t require us to do it on our own. We can purchase solar generated from another source.
McGean again stated there is no penalty for accepting the grant and not reaching the goals.
“We don’t have to reach the goal now,” he said. “We just have to commit to trying to reach the goal.”