Item 6- RCA: Professional Dues and Memberships — original pdf

Backup

..De Posting Language ..Title Authorize expenditures for annual renewals of professional dues and memberships in national and state associations and organizations related to the electric utility industry, in an amount not to exceed $460,000. Funding is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: February 29, 2024- City Council approved expenditures for annual renewals of professional dues and memberships in national and state associations and organizations related to the electric utility industry. For More Information: Tammy Cooper, Deputy General Manager, Regulatory, Communications, Compliance, & Legal Services (512) 505-3901 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The following list identifies and describes professional membership organizations of which Austin Energy is a member. The list includes dues amounts for 2025. 1. Large Public Power Council (LPPC): an amount not to exceed $176,037 LPPC members are focused on providing reliable and affordable electricity for the customers and communities they serve across the country. LPPC consists of 25 of the nation’s largest public power systems, including Austin Energy, City Public Service Energy and Lower Colorado River Authority. LPPC provides forums where public power electric utility professionals exchange information and best practices. LPPC has several committees, task forces, and working groups that address a wide range of issues including federal legislation, environmental rules and regulations, tax implications, cyber security, emerging trends, and electric and energy policy and regulation. LPPC hires professional consultants in each of these areas to assist the organization and its individual members. 2. American Public Power Association (APPA): an amount not to exceed $144,812 APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 93,000 people they employ. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. APPA provides an array of services to assist Austin Energy in fulfilling its mission to safely provide clean, affordable, and reliable service. APPA provides detailed analyses of federal legislation related to the electric utility industry, and a full array of advocacy, education, and information services and programs. APPA also coordinates disaster recovery efforts. 3. Texas Public Power Association (TPPA): an amount not to exceed $130,000 TPPA is the state trade association representing the interests of 72 public power providers located throughout Texas. TPPA is a central vehicle through which members can extend their influence on policy matters affecting the public power industry. TPPA provides forums for the transfer of information, technology, and training in the public power arena. TPPA provides service to the members by facilitating cooperation among the member systems, assisting in the solution of mutual problems, promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences, providing spokespersons for the Association concerning state and national issues, and operating a resource center for research and technical assistance and promoting a general understanding of public power.