Item 2- UT Energy Research — original pdf

Backup

Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued energy-related research services for Austin Energy with The University of Texas at Austin, to increase the amount by $300,000 and to extend the term by three years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $874,000. Funding: $300,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $300,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE/WBE: This contract was awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9C (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program), which was in place when the contract was awarded. For the services required, no subcontracting goals were established. Prior Council Action: May 10, 2018 – Council approved a contract for energy-related research services with The University of Texas at Austin. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 14, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This amendment will allow for continued research into the financial, sustainability, reliability, and customer impacts of energy technologies. Austin Energy works with The University of Texas at Austin to explore new areas of advanced grid technologies, distributed generation, and energy efficiency through research that analyzes system costs and performance to assess the energetic, economic and environmental tradeoffs of different fuel and technology options. It also covers building energy modeling, including the impact of devices such as solar panels, storage, electric vehicles; energy storage in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market; analysis of value stacking; business case development for technologies and processes; and other emerging technologies. An amendment to the contract will allow for additional time and funding authority for continued research Item 2while the City works to secure and negotiate an interlocal agreement with The University of Texas at Austin for various City needs. If the proposed amendment is not approved, Austin Energy will not receive access to critical research findings which may lead to increased lead times for projects essential to advancing Austin Energy’s technology.