Austin Energy Low Income Customer Advocates January 15, 2014 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Meeting Objectives 1. Introduce Austin Council Resolution No. 20131107-052 and meeting process 2. Discuss group structure and protocols 3. Brainstorm best ideas relative to the resolution 4. Confirm meeting dates and next steps Agenda 11:00 AM Gathering and Sign-In 11:10 AM Welcome and Opening Comments Kerry Overton 11:20 AM Introductions, Objectives, Agenda, Ground Rules, Group Structure Robena Jackson 11:55 AM Best Ideas Stakeholder Group 12:25 PM Wrap-Up and Next Steps 12:30 PM Adjourn Thank you for your participation today.
1 Austin Energy Low Income Consumer Advocates Resolution 20131107-052 Meeting #1 January 15, 2014 Attendees: Kathy Stark (Austin Tenants’ Council), Mark Widoff (Gray Panthers), Gloria Cueva (Caritas), Michelle Akers (HACA), Angel Ramirez (VFW), Ruby Roa (COC), Kathleen Hopkins (ABC), Vanessa Sarria (CAN), Randy Chapman (TLSC), Barbara Grove (Austin Interfaith), Carol Biedrzycki (Texas ROSE), Bob Batlan (Austin Interfaith), Linda Perez (MOWAM), Tonda Owens (Travis County), Pat Macy (St. Austin), Lanetta Cooper (TLSC), Barbara Rush (Morrison), Shannon Halley (Tovo), Kerry Overton (AE), J.J. Gutierrez (AE), Ronnie Mendoza (AE), Robena Jackson (Facilitator) , Elaine Kelly-Diaz (AE), Lisa Tamez (AE), Melissa Davis (AE), Lori Kirchgatter (AE), Sandra Castillo (AE), Jessica Twining (AE), Irene Nemitsas (AE) • Welcome/Opening Remarks o Kerry Overton, Deputy General Manager, Austin Energy, welcomed all attendees and introduced Robena Jackson, meeting facilitator o Mr. Overton reviewed Resolution 20131107-052 and stated that the group has been ordered to develop a comprehensive program to address the resolution o Ms. Jackson verified all groups represented: Austin Interfaith, Texas Rose, Meals on Wheels and More, Travis County, St. Austin Catholic Church, Texas Legal Services, Austin Tenants Council, Caritas, Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Ladies of Charity, Any Baby Can, Community Advancement Network (CAN), Gray Panthers o Question raised: Ms. Biedrzycki inquired about Resolution 20131212-081 – concerning administrative hearing process and customer information communication procedures Ms. Jackson responded for purposes of these meetings attendees are to concentrate on discussing/providing recommendations for resolution 20131107-52 Resolution 20131212-081 was put on hold/parking lot for group to review at the close of the meeting o Ms. Jackson reviewed her role as facilitator: Acts as neutral moderator Not content expert Helps move meetings forward and stay on task Ensure lines of communication remain open o Ms. Jackson established ground rules for meetings: Listen Speak one at a time Stay concise and to the point • Any items that may be out of scope will be tabled/put on the parking lot Stay focused at task on hand Silence phones All attendees agreed to rules • Meeting Structure o Ms. Jackson proposed meeting structure moving forward, Recommending establishment of two groups: Stakeholders and Working Group Stakeholders • Will meet along with Working Group 2 or 3 times during total 5 meeting process, though they can choose to come to all 5 …
RESOLUTION NO. 20131107-052 WHEREAS, Austin Energy has residential customers with high past-due balances, many of whom are low-income customers; and WHEREAS, a large number of residential customers are at risk of having their utilities disconnected or have already received service disconnections; and WHEREAS, the loss of critical utilities threatens health and safety, and once utilities are disconnected a family may be unable to maintain housing; and WHEREAS, the City should ensure that, at a minimum, low-income households are provided the resources to maintain critical utility services; and WHEREAS, such resources should include strategies and protections against termination for the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, critically ill, or households with young children; and WHEREAS, one strategy some utilities use to prevent terminations is an arrearage management plan; and WHEREAS, evidence suggests that arrearage management plans have a positive impact on utility revenues; and WHEREAS, the City has a fiscal and legal obligation to ensure that the utility collects payment for utility service; and WHEREAS, deferred payment arrangements that are reasonable, realistic, and tailored to each customer's financial circumstances would also provide protection against disconnection; and WHEREAS, customers experiencing high utility bills, including excessive water usage, should be provided information about usage reduction strategies including options for participation in energy efficiency rebate and low-income weatherization programs, as well as water conservation rebates and education; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager is directed to work with the Discount Steering Committee and other consumer advocates to develop revised rules for deferred payment plans and service disconnections; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the City Manager work with the Discount Steering Committee and consumer advocates to develop an arrearage management plan, taking into consideration best practices from other cities, and including strategies for incentivizing customers for honoring payment agreements; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the City Manager work with this group to develop appropriate customer service practices for providing information to customers entering into deferred payment plans about resources available to customers through Austin Energy or the Austin Water Utility, including eligibility for customer assistance programs, participation in energy efficiency rebate and/or low income weatherization, and education on usage management strategies; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Manager provide the recommendations of the Discount Steering Committee and consumer advocates to the Electric Utility Commission, the Resource Management Commission, and the Water …
