20250609-006: Hiring New Austin Energy General Manager — original pdf

Recommendation

ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250609-006 Date: June 9, 2025 Subject: Hiring New Austin Energy General Manager Motioned By: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair Seconded By: Commissioner Dave Tuttle, Chair Recommendation Establish decarbonization experience criteria for candidates and host public forum for finalists. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Electric Utility Commission recommends that the following be included in the hiring process for the next Austin Energy general manager: 1. Establishment of clear criteria for experience that align with the decarbonization goals of Austin Energy, as established by the City Council. 2. One or more hybrid format public forums for a short list (3-5) of finalists for the position that are open to the public and recorded. Attendees should have the opportunity to ask a question of the candidates. Rationale: The general manager of Austin Energy needs to be prepared for more than just operating an electric utility. Austin Energy is different from many utilities because it is publicly owned. And it is different even from many publicly owned utilities because of the priorities of the Austin community and the Austin City Council. The Austin City Council has repeatedly adopted plans that envision the phasing out of fossil fuels at the utility. Doing so will require several changes in programs, operations and policies at the utility. The next general manager must be someone who embraces this challenge and is eager to find solutions to difficult problems. The Austin Energy general manager must be comfortable with responding to the public in a productive way in times of crisis and as a regular course of business. The Austin Energy general manager at times becomes the most visible face of the city government. Engaging the public in a way that builds trust is essential. Participating in at least one public forum prior to being hired is one way to get a taste of how a candidate will approach responding to the public. Vote: 7-0-3 1 of 2 For: Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Cesar Benavides; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Cyrus Reed Against: None Abstentions: Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Chris Gillett; Commissioner Chris Kirksey Absent: Commissioner Joshua Rhodes Attest: Nici Huff Nici Huff, Staff Liaison 2 of 2