Item 3 - Electric Power Research Institute — original pdf

Backup

Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the membership agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute to add an additional $120,000 for research programs for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $1,320,000. Funding: $360,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 25-2301 ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding: $360,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Prior Council Action: December 14, 2023 - Council authorized negotiation and execution of a membership agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute for research programs. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues 512-322-6087; Matthew Russell, Chief Technology Officer 512-322 6382. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This amendment will provide additional funding to support supplemental projects related to scope development of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), electric vehicle adoption, and field crew safety associated with lifting manhole covers. Through this continued membership agreement with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Austin Energy partners with other utilities to provide funding to EPRI for collaborative research in the following areas of emerging technology: electric transportation and infrastructure, energy storage and distributed generation, distributed energy resource integration, and grid planning and operational technologies. Research results are used to support Austin Energy’s efforts to achieve its Council-mandated strategic goals. Membership in EPRI provides a cost-effective way for utilities to pool resources and participate in research projects that add value to their present and future operations. EPRI was established in 1973 as an independent, non-profit center for public interest energy and environmental research. EPRI brings together member organizations, scientists and engineers, and other leading experts to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power. These solutions span nearly every area of power generation, delivery, and use, including health, safety, and the environment. EPRI’s members represent over 90 percent of the electricity generation in the United States, including several large municipal power utilities. Without this additional funding, Austin Energy would need to delay or cancel necessary research projects. Item 3