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Page 10 of 21 <br /> <br />7. Please briefly describe the proposed program and the target population to benefit from the program. <br />(100 words or less) <br /> <br />Until the pandemic drove OWASA to significantly reduce our Fiscal Year 2021 budget to avoid a <br />rate increase, we had budgeted to fund down payments for four solar photovoltaic systems. In <br />order to reduce near-term expenses, we were required to indefinitely delay pursuit of the largest <br />of the four solar systems: The Cane Creek Reservoir system. Funding for this project will benefit all <br />residents of Orange County by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and showcasing the potential <br />for public-private partnerships for solar in our community. It will especially benefit OWASA <br />customers by reducing the utility’s annual electricity costs, keeping rates affordable. <br /> <br />8. Please choose the best description for the type of project: <br />☒ Infrastructure/Clean Tech: New <br />☐ Infrastructure/Clean Tech: Repair <br />☐ Infrastructure/Clean Tech: Replacement <br />☐ Communication/Education <br />☐ Natural Systems Management/Restoration <br />☐ Circular Economy/Waste reduction <br />☐ Analysis/Plan <br />☐ Other (Please describe): <br /> <br /> <br />9. Please choose the primary climate change mitigation focus for this project (select all that apply): <br />☐ Energy Efficiency <br />☒ Renewable Energy <br />☐ Beneficial Electrification <br />☐ Carbon Sequestration <br />☐ Other (Please describe): <br /> <br /> <br />10. Has your organization or have your collaborators/partners completed projects of this type in the <br />past? If so, what funds were used? <br />☒ Yes <br />☒ Funding used (Please describe): Innovative 25-year solar lease with our partner, Eagle <br />Solar and Light; Duke Energy solar rebate; OWASA ratepayers fees <br />☐ No <br /> <br />11. If this project is not selected for funding in this round, what other funding might be used to support <br />it within the next 5 years? <br />☐ Other capital or operational funds <br />☐ None. This is a unique opportunity. <br />☒ Unknown (please describe below): <br /> <br />OWASA’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget is going to be stressed because we delayed capital projects in the <br />FY21 budget to achieve a 0% rate increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of the 5% <br />increase that was originally planned. OWASA was able to move forward with three other solar PV <br />DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F2DEF91-DA4B-449D-8062-2F5319D9C9CC