Council reviews climate progress, considers $7.4M smart meter upgrade
Nelson City Council reviewed progress on its climate action plan and considered a $7.4 million smart meter upgrade for Nelson Hydro during two meetings held June 23, according to agendas published for the sessions. No decisions were recorded, as the minutes have not yet been released.
Committee of the Whole: Climate and Transportation
The Committee of the Whole reviewed a Climate Report Card detailing emissions reduction and energy efficiency achievements as part of the Nelson Next climate action plan. The session also included a discussion on a proposed traffic bylaw and delegations from the Nelson & Area Community Transportation Group and the Nelson Museum & Archives Gallery.
Special Council: Smart Meter Upgrade Proposal
Council considered a proposal to transition from automated meter reading (AMR) to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Nelson Hydro. The project would replace aging meters, improve outage detection, and enable real-time data for customers.
Key details from the agenda:
- A proposed $7.4 million capital budget for AMI implementation from 2027 to 2029.
- An application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the $3.1 million rural portion of the project.
- An estimated 2.3% rate increase over three years for rural ratepayers.
- Potential partnership with municipal utilities in Penticton, Summerland, and Grand Forks to reduce costs.
Council also reviewed the Annual Report and Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for the utility.
Coming Up
Council will meet again in a regular session on Tuesday, July 7. The agenda includes:
- Amendments to the Building Bylaw to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including energy step code and zero carbon requirements.
- Endorsement of two resolutions for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities regarding speculative real estate investment and algorithmic platform risks.
- A discussion on the lease term for The Cube 2.0.
- A variance request for 820 Victoria Street.
The meeting begins at [time not provided] and will be held at City Hall. The public can also attend virtually. Agendas are available on the city's website.