Falls Church Increases Energy and Climate Change Investments in New Budget

By Jeff Peterson

The final City budget approved by Council on Monday includes $30,000 more funding for energy investments beyond what was included in the proposed FY 2024 budget.

FCCAN had recommended increased funding in a letter to the City commenting on the proposed budget. FCCAN applauds the City for increasing its energy and climate change investments.

The increase comes from the contingency fund in the proposed budget and will include purchase of energy management software ($14,000). This investment will guide efforts to reduce City energy use and will generate energy and cost savings over many years. Another $16,000 investment will be used to increase the current City investment in renewable energy for City buildings and operations (but not schools).

In 2022, the City purchased certificates that allow it to claim that 25 percent of its electricity usage was attributable to renewable sources. The new investment of $16,000 is intended to increase that to 100 percent for 2023. FCCAN plans to advocate that these funds be used to purchase certificates that will motivate true additions of new renewable sources.

Although FCCAN had recommended additional, cost-effective energy investments in its letter, the increases in the final budget are a positive step. FCCAN will continue to advocate for expanded investments needed to meet the City’s climate change goals.