Item:
Title
Approve Committing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebates and Incentive Funding Toward Projects that Further the County's Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goals
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 13, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to commit energy efficiency and renewable energy rebates and incentive funding toward the County's renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals. These rebates are received due to prior expenses by the County in efforts to achieve energy efficiency goals. By committing these funds, any future incentives received would be used for further energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet electrification projects as outlined in the Renewable Energy Plan, but that are not already part of a capital project. The total current incentive payment is $62,505.
The County is currently implementing several projects to decrease energy use and increase renewable energy in County facilities and fleets, per the Renewable Energy Plan and High-Performance Building Policy. Durham County is eligible for several types of incentives and rebates related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet electrification projects, and local governments are now eligible for tax incentives called "elective payment" for installing solar panels and geothermal systems, as well as purchasing electric vehicles and charging stations. Additionally, the County is eligible for rebates for building high efficiency buildings.
The amount of incentive funding received each year will vary significantly based on what projects were completed the year before and what incentives exist. The Sustainability Team will make recommendations on how to prioritize investing the funds. Committed Funds are board directed, earmarked for the intended purpose, and can only be changed by a board action. If the Board chooses to move forward with more substantial funding for Sustainability in the future, a distinct Fun...
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