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- Item 2- RCA iTOA Maintenance
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Recommendation 20240318-13 on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Electric Utility Commission Resolution 20240318-13 on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts and community members and met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the …
Recommendation 20240318-12 on the FY 24-25 Budget — original pdf
Electric Utility Commission RECOMMENDATION 20240318-12 Date: March 18, 2024 Subject: Budget Recommendations on the Austin Energy FY 2025 Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Chapman Seconded By: Commissioner Reed Recommendations on the FY 24-25 Budget Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Low-Income Bill Discounts: Low-income residents are struggling with the lack of affordability in Austin and Austin Energy has increased customer bills three times in the past year and a half. Utility bill discounts are one of the limited tools that the City of Austin has available to address affordability. Austin Energy customers pay a dedicated Customer Assistance Program fee for this purpose. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that: a. The default bill discount for customers eligible for the Customer Assistance Program be increased, as it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and b. All bill discounts for lower-income residents be paid from the Customer Assistance Program fund, including bill discounts for low-income Community Solar subscribers. 2. Transmission Improvements: Improvements to Austin Energy’s transmission system are essential for mitigating local congestion that increases costs to the utility and customers and for enabling the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Austin Energy commissioned a study that identified five recommended types of transmission upgrades. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that these recommended upgrades be implemented as quickly as possible and that sufficient funding be allocated to this need to ensure that that of funds is not a source of delay. 3. Fayette Coal Plant: Austin Energy and the Austin City Council have established that shutting down Austin Energy’s portion of the Fayette coal plant is a top priority. Investing in an asset that the utility is actively trying to shut down is not a prudent use of ratepayer or utility funds. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that the budget not include any capital investments in Fayette. Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba White, Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Randy Chapman; Commissioner Mick Long; Commissioner Cyrus Reed Vote: For: 7-0-1 Against: None Off Dais: None Absences: None Abstentions: Commissioner Cesar Benavides Vacancies: District 1; District 6; District 8 Attest: Robin Otto, Staff Liaison
Approved Minutes — original pdf
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 18, 2024 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dave Tuttle, Chair; Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Jonathon Blackburn, Cesar Benavides, Randy Chapman, Mick Long, Cyrus Reed Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Raul Alvarez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There was 1 speaker under general communications. Scott Johnson spoke about a lawnmower rebate program. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on February 12, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of February 12, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Blackburn’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS The motion to approve recommendations 3, 4, 6-11 were approved on Commissioner White’s motion, Commissioner Blackburn’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendation 2 was approved on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner White’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendation 5 was approved on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. 2. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for demand response program support and consulting services with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,300,000. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a revenue contract for reclamation services with Austin Metal & Iron Co LP, for up to five years for a total estimated revenue amount of $5,000,000. 4. Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, Texas, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for mobile medical surveillance and related services with Capitol Medical Services, LLC, for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $500,000. 6. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electronic visitor management system with Force …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 12, 2024 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Robin Otto, at Robin.Otto@austinenergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Mick Long Cyrus Reed Vacant Vacant Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Special Called meeting on January 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an underground feasibility and overhead distribution resilience study with Burns & McDonnel Engineering Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,725,000. 4. Recommend authorizing an amendment to the 2023 Chilled Water Construction in the Right-of- Way Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity construction contract with DeNucci Constructors to increase the amount by $6,250,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $31,250,000. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a multi-term cooperative contract to provide rental of industrial equipment with United Rentals (North America) Inc, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $4,500,000. 6. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for Splunk cyber security software products and services, with GTS Technology Solutions, Inc., for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000. 7. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services with Alpha Paving Industries, LLC to provide a New Austin Energy Pole Yard at St. Elmo Service Center in the amount of $312,470, plus a …
Item 17 Resource Generation Plan Working Group Report of Recommendations — original pdf
Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group February 1, 2024 Process In December 2022, Austin City Council Resolution 20221201-040 directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission to update the “Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 (2030 Plan),” adopted by the Austin City Council in December of 2020. The 2030 Plan committed Austin Energy to continue safely delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy sufficient to meet customer demands while pursuing the City of Austin's climate protection and sustainability goals. In August 2023, the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) created the Resource Planning Working Group (Working Group) to provide leadership and guidance to Austin Energy and the Austin City Council on technical and market issues to meet environmental, efficiency and affordability goals established by the Austin City Council. The 16-member Working Group1 included members of the EUC, members of the Resource Management Commission and several others who represented different elements of the Austin community. Members brought expertise on a variety of energy topics to this effort. The working met on 14 occasions between September 2023 and January 2024. The Working Group created a website for meeting notes, presentations, and materials. The Working Group examined the initial presentation by Austin Energy, the 11 resource portfolios modeled by Austin Energy, technology assessments from Austin Energy, staff responses to questions from the Working Group, and the results of four additional resource portfolios constructed by the Working Group and modeled by Austin Energy. Austin Energy presented those four additional scenarios on January 10, 2024. In addition, the Working Group received information and presentations on many of the technologies and issues relevant to the Plan, including batteries with various energy storage durations, hydrogen technology, geothermal energy, energy efficiency and demand response, renewable resources, the Fayette coal plant, transmission, regulatory changes, and new funding resources and tax incentives available under the federal Inflation Reduction Act. A Changing Landscape As Austin Energy has noted, many market conditions, opportunities and challenges have changed since the 2030 Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council in 2020. 1 One of the 16 working group members had to leave in early January because of a new job. Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group 1 First, the costs of electricity have risen. Austin increased electricity base rates in 2022, particularly for residential customers, and has increased the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) rate three times since the …
Item 18 Quarterly Financial Report — original pdf
Item 18 Austin Energy Quarterly Financial Report 1st Quarter FY 2024 (October-December) Stephanie Koudelka Austin Energy Director of Finance February 2024 © Austin Energy Agenda Executive Summary Financial Health Budget to Actual Financial Statements Market and Industry Analyses Quarterly Financial Report 2 Austin Energy Quarterly Financial Report Executive Summary 3 Executive Summary $382M Operating Revenue with transfers 9% under budget due to lower ERCOT market prices offset by base revenue and interest earned. Operating Expense with transfers $(425M) 8% under budget primarily due to lower power supply market prices in the first quarter. Austin Energy is in partial compliance with its financial policies. Debt and Operating policies are compliant. Cash and reserves total $459m vs policy minimum of $569m. The Power Supply Adjustment under recovery is $64m as of December 2023. This information contains unaudited and forecasted data that is subject to change. See link for FY22 audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: http://finance.austintexas.gov/web/controller/annual_comprehensive_financial_report/annual_comprehensive_financial_report_2022.pdf 4 Austin Energy Quarterly Financial Report Financial Health 5 Financial Health S&P Bond Rating AA- Excessive Deficient Liquidity Coverage Efficiency Leverage Days Cash on Hand Minimum > 150 Days Debt Service Coverage Ratio Operating Margin Debt to Capitalization Minimum > 2.5 Minimum > 10% Minimum < 50% Actual 112 Days Actual 2.3 Actual 3% Actual 55% This information contains unaudited and forecasted data that is subject to change. See link for FY22 audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: http://finance.austintexas.gov/web/controller/annual_comprehensive_financial_report/annual_comprehensive_financial_report_2022.pdf 6 Austin Energy Quarterly Financial Report Budget to Actual 7 Budget to Actual - Fund Summary Fiscal Year Through December 31, 2023 Millions of $ Actual Budget % Difference Favorable (Unfavorable) Operating Revenues Operating Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Interest Revenue Debt Service Income (Loss) Before Transfers Administrative Support General Fund Economic Development CTM Fund Other City Transfers Internal Transfers / CIP Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues $374 319 55 7 (42) 20 (9) (29) (2) (2) (1) (20) ($43) $412 356 56 6 (43) 19 (9) (29) (2) (2) (1) (20) ($44) ($38) 37 (1) 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 $1 (9%) 10% (2%) 17% (2%) 5% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% (2%) This information contains unaudited and forecasted data that is subject to change. See link for FY22 audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: http://finance.austintexas.gov/web/controller/annual_comprehensive_financial_report/annual_comprehensive_financial_report_2022.pdf 8 Budget to Actual - Revenue Fiscal Year Through December 31, 2023 s n o i l l i m $ 200 150 100 50 0 Base Power Supply Regulatory …
Item 19 Quarterly Operations Report — original pdf
Item 19 Austin Energy FY2024 Q1 Operations Update Lisa Martin Deputy General Manager & Chief Operating Officer February 2024 © Austin Energy 1 Agenda Executive Summary Environmental Performance Reliability Performance Grid Resilience Strategic Goal Quarterly Operations Update 2 Executive Summary Renewable production on-target For the quarter, 40% aggregate renewable production as a percentage of load Carbon-free production on-target • For the quarter, 70% carbon-free generation as a percentage of load • On a rolling 12-month basis, 71% carbon-free generation as a percentage of load Generators availability is stable Resources at FPP and STP demonstrated 100% availability; SHEC had a planned outage for scheduled maintenance Reliability performance trend is stabilizing Performance metrics continue to show slightly better outage duration and frequency compared to previous quarters 3 Austin Energy Operations Update Environmental Performance 4 Carbon-Free Generation as a Percentage of Load Monthly Data 70% 5 Carbon-Free Generation as a Percentage of Load Rolling 12-Month Average Data 71% 6 Austin Energy Operations Update Reliability Performance 7 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Operations EV Charging Operations Updates • Austin Energy actively engaged ChargePoint and Smart Charge America to perform reactive and preventative maintenance • Implementing an updated rate of $0.09/kWh • Phasing out the former subscription plan Network Health as of 2/7/24 1.50% 13.90% 84.60% Available Faulted Unreachable Faulted: WiFi or cellular issue detected at the time of report Unreachable: WiFi or cellular issue detected with the station within the last 24 hours 8 Generator Commercial Availability Generation Resource Sand Hill Combined Cycle Fayette Power Project South Texas Project Commercial Availability Summer Target % 95 97 100 Commercial Availability Actual % Q1 FY24 Avg 53 99 100 9 Net Generation and Load Analysis FY2024 Q1 Power Generation Cost by Fuel Type Consumption vs. Generation (MWh) *Costs include fuel for generation, fuel transportation, renewable Power Purchases Agreements Historical System Peak Demand in Q1 (MW) Power Generation as Percent of Consumption Renewable Natural Gas Coal Nuclear 10 Distribution System Reliability CAIDI – Customer Average Interruption Duration Index Average time to restore service 79.3 82.27 85.26 83.42 78.39 76.88 77.32 75.22 91.31 96.62 94.61 99.40 79.17 120 80 40 0 SAIDI – System Average Interruption Duration Index Total duration of interruptions for the average customer 57.89 60.88 61.39 63.40 62.71 64.58 67.27 67.68 81.27 86.12 83.97 82.12 57.00 FY21 Q2 FY21 Q3 FY21 Q4 FY22 Q1 FY22 Q2 FY22 Q3 FY22 Q4 FY23 Q1 FY23 Q2 FY23 Q3 …
Item 22 Council Action Report — original pdf
EUC Report re Council Action February 12, 2024 Item 22 Item below recommended by EUC January 22; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (2/1) Recommend authorizing execution of two contracts for batteries, battery banks and battery testing services with Direct Current Preventive Maintenance LLC d/b/a DCPM and Exponential Power Inc. each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $3,500,000 divided between the contractors. Item below not recommended by EUC January 22; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (2/1) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of two contracts for tree growth regulator services with Edko LLC and T&S Growth Solutions, LLC, each for up to three years for total contract amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors.
Items 2-16 Draft RCAs — original pdf
Item 2 ..Title P osting Language Authorize execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. [Note: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 5.90% MBE and 1.63% WBE participation]. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC989A for these goods and services. The solicitation issued on October 9, 2023, and closed on November 9, 2023. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. 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. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The North MoPac area is experiencing rapid growth with taller, denser developments that have utilized the substation capacity in this service area. The new Kramer Lane Substation will provide the substation capacity necessary to reliably serve new developments, and it will strengthen the distribution system in this part of the service area. This item includes one allowance. The allowance of $10,000 will be used to address traffic control plans. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction contract or specifications for a certain item(s) of work when details are not determined at the time of bidding. Due to the potential for unknown conditions, a 10% contingency has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The contract allows 150 calendar days for completion of this project. This project is located within zip code 78758 (District 7), which is inside the Austin city limits and Austin …
Item 17 Presentation — original pdf
Item 17 EUC Resource Planning Working Group Recommendations for the “Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035” Clean and Carbon-Free Energy for an Affordable and Livable Austin Presentation to the Electric Utility Commission February 12, 2024 Cyrus Reed, Chair, EUC Resource Plan WG Kaiba White, Vice-Chair, EUC Resource Plan WG 1 Overview 1. Working Group Members & Process 2. Setting the Context for Recommendations a. City climate goal - net zero by 2040, w/ most reductions by 2030 b. High ERCOT prices and obligations c. Price separation d. e. f. Green hydrogen not ready Federal money available Local air pollution should be avoided 3. Our Preferred Resource Mix a. Demand Reduction First b. No Coal ASAP c. Reduced Gas (REACH), retire by 2035 d. e. f. g. Affordability Goal Future Studies & Process Solar and Renewables Expanded Storage EVs 4. 2 EUC Resource Planning Working Group Members EUC WG consisted of 16 Members: 5 from EUC, 4 from RMC and 7 additional Cyrus Reed Electric Utility Commission Christian Fogerty Sunrise Austin Kaiba White Electric Utility Commission Micalah Spenrath residential customer Dave Tuttle Electric Utility Commission Autumn Gallardo Foundation Communities Randy Chapman Electric Utility Commission Al Braden residential customer Mick Long Electric Utility Commission Rodrigo Leal Joint Sustainability Committee Alison Silverstein Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins Resource Management Commission GeNell Gary Resource Management Commission Melissa Caragati Resource Management Commission Jim Stanway Samsung Marian Sanchez PODER 3 EUC Workgroup Process ● WG analyzed 11 Austin Energy scenarios, 4 additional scenarios, separate presentations from associations and vendors, and made many requests for information from Austin Energy ● Presentations, resources, meeting notes and final recommendations and individual statements are posted here: https://austineucresourceplanningwg.org/ ● WG met 14 times between September 2023 to January 2024 and released recommendations on February 1st of Austin ● Final Product Released on Feb 1, 2024 endorsed by 14 of 16 members. ○ One member - Melissa Caragati - recused herself as she left the RMC to take a job with the City ○ One member - Jim Stanway - while supporting most of the recommendations offered a ○ dissenting opinion Two other members - Mick Long and Randy Chapman - signed the recommendations and also offered additional comments 4 Federal Funding Can Help City of Austin and AE Meet Climate Goals Two Federal Bills, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) …
Item 17 Revised Resource Generation Plan Working Group Report of Recommendations — original pdf
Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group February 1, 2024 Process In December 2022, Austin City Council Resolution 20221201-040 directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission to update the “Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 (2030 Plan),” adopted by the Austin City Council in December of 2020. The 2030 Plan committed Austin Energy to continue safely delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy sufficient to meet customer demands while pursuing the City of Austin's climate protection and sustainability goals. In August 2023, the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) created the Resource Planning Working Group (Working Group) to provide leadership and guidance to Austin Energy and the Austin City Council on technical and market issues to meet environmental, efficiency and affordability goals established by the Austin City Council. The 16-member Working Group1 included members of the EUC, members of the Resource Management Commission and several others who represented different elements of the Austin community. Members brought expertise on a variety of energy topics to this effort. The working met on 14 occasions between September 2023 and January 2024. The Working Group created a website for meeting notes, presentations, and materials. The Working Group examined the initial presentation by Austin Energy, the 11 resource portfolios modeled by Austin Energy, technology assessments from Austin Energy, staff responses to questions from the Working Group, and the results of four additional resource portfolios constructed by the Working Group and modeled by Austin Energy. Austin Energy presented those four additional scenarios on January 10, 2024. In addition, the Working Group received information and presentations on many of the technologies and issues relevant to the Plan, including batteries with various energy storage durations, hydrogen technology, geothermal energy, energy efficiency and demand response, renewable resources, the Fayette coal plant, transmission, regulatory changes, and new funding resources and tax incentives available under the federal Inflation Reduction Act. A Changing Landscape As Austin Energy has noted, many market conditions, opportunities and challenges have changed since the 2030 Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council in 2020. 1 One of the 16 working group members had to leave in early January because of a new job. Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group 1 First, the costs of electricity have risen. Austin increased electricity base rates in 2022, particularly for residential customers, and has increased the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) rate three times since the …
Revised Item 17 — original pdf
EUC Resource Planning Working Group Recommendations for the “Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035” Clean and Carbon-Free Energy for an Affordable and Livable Austin Presentation to the Electric Utility Commission February 12, 2024 Cyrus Reed, Chair, EUC Resource Plan WG Kaiba White, Vice-Chair, EUC Resource Plan WG 1 Overview 1. Working Group Members & Process 2. Setting the Context for Recommendations a. City climate goal - net zero by 2040, w/ most reductions by 2030 Federal money available Fayette current usage and emissions Local air pollution should be avoided b. c. d. 3. Our Preferred Resource Mix a. Demand Reduction First b. No Coal ASAP c. Reduced Gas (REACH), retire by 2035 d. e. f. Solar and Renewables Expanded Storage EVs and DERMS 4. Affordability Goal 5. Future Studies & Process 2 EUC Resource Planning Working Group Members EUC WG consisted of 16 Members: 5 from EUC, 4 from RMC and 7 additional Cyrus Reed Electric Utility Commission Christian Fogerty Sunrise Austin Kaiba White Electric Utility Commission Micalah Spenrath residential customer Dave Tuttle Electric Utility Commission Autumn Gallardo Foundation Communities Randy Chapman Electric Utility Commission Al Braden residential customer Mick Long Electric Utility Commission Rodrigo Leal Joint Sustainability Committee Alison Silverstein Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins Resource Management Commission GeNell Gary Resource Management Commission Melissa Caragati Resource Management Commission Jim Stanway Samsung Marian Sanchez PODER 3 EUC Workgroup Process ● WG analyzed 11 Austin Energy scenarios, 4 additional scenarios, separate presentations from associations and vendors, and made many requests for information from Austin Energy ● Presentations, resources, meeting notes and final recommendations and individual statements are posted here: https://austineucresourceplanningwg.org/ ● WG met 14 times between September 2023 to January 2024 and released recommendations on February 1st of Austin ● Final Product Released on Feb 1, 2024 endorsed by 14 of 16 members. ○ One member - Melissa Caragati - recused herself as she left the RMC to take a job with the City ○ One member - Jim Stanway - while supporting most of the recommendations offered a ○ dissenting opinion Two other members - Mick Long and Randy Chapman - signed the recommendations and also offered additional comments 4 Federal Funding Can Help City of Austin and AE Meet Climate Goals Two Federal Bills, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offer significant funding: ● Weatherization: $174 million (TDHCA) …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 12, 2024 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dave Tuttle, Chair; Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Cesar Benavides, Randy Chapman, Mick Long, Cyrus Reed Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Raul Alvarez, Jonathon Blackburn PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were 4 speakers under general communications. Craig Nazor and Al Braden spoke about items 17 and 21. Dale Bulla spoke about the resource generation plan. Raphael Schwarz spoke about the resource generation plan, the location of the potential gas plant and impacts to the community. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Special Called Meeting on January 22, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Special Called Electric Utility Commission meeting of January 22, 2024, were approved as amended on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on an 8-0 vote and three vacancies. The minutes were amended to change the number of EUC members on the Resource Generation Plan Working Group from 4 to 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS The motion to approve recommendations 3, 4, 6-8, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16 were approved on Commissioner White’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a (8-0) vote and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendations 2, 12 and 14 were approved on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner Tuttle’s second on a (8-0) vote and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendations 5 and 9 were approved on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on a (7-0-1) vote with Commissioner White abstaining and three vacancies. 2. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an underground feasibility and overhead distribution resilience study with Burns & McDonnel Engineering Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,725,000. 4. Recommend authorizing an amendment to the 2023 Chilled Water Construction in the Right-of-Way Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity construction contract with DeNucci Constructors to increase the amount by $6,250,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $31,250,000. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and …
Agenda — original pdf
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION JANUARY 22, 2024 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Robin Otto, at Robin.Otto@austinenergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Mick Long Cyrus Reed Kay Trostle Vacant Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular meeting on November 13, DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of two contracts for tree growth regulator services with Edko LLC and T&S Growth Solutions, LLC, each for up to three years for total contract amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. 3. Recommend authorizing execution of two contracts for batteries, battery banks and battery testing services with Direct Current Preventive Maintenance LLC d/b/a DCPM and Exponential Power Inc. each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $3,500,000 divided between the contractors. 4. Approve the creation of a Budget & Audit working group to provide recommendations on the FY 24/25 Austin Energy budget to the Commission. (Sponsors: Chapman, Trostle) 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Abbe Ramanan, Clean Energy Group, regarding green hydrogen. 6. Discussion on hydrogen technology by Michael Hoffman, Austin Energy Environmental Services Manager; Michael Webber, University of Texas; Patrick Drupp, Sierra Club; Joseph Benoit, PSM; and moderated by Dana Harmon. 7. Discussion of the Resource Generation Plan Working Group’s draft recommendations. 8. Discussion of report regarding City Council action on items previously reviewed by the EUC. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned …
Item 2-3 Draft RCAs — original pdf
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of two contracts for tree growth regulator services with Edko LLC and T&S Growth Solutions, LLC, each for up to three years for total contract amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. [Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9C (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities, therefore, no subcontracting goals were established]. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $1,388,889 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) 1100 DCM3019 for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 22, 2023, and closed on June 13, 2023. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. 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. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 13, 2023– To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contracts will provide Austin Energy with tree growth regulator services around utility lines and within electrical system easements, rights-of-way, substation facilities, and generating plants. Managing vegetation around energized utility lines is critical to ensuring the public’s safety. Tree growth regulators are increasingly being integrated into programs across the United States to change the way trees are cared for under power lines, around the power lines, and along right-of-ways. Tree growth regulators can also extend prune cycles on given circuits which can promote safety, which results in fewer opportunities for an incident to occur on circuits as well keeping trees out of power lines. The contractors will apply herbicides to manage and suppress vegetation growth in accordance with public safety, environmental, aesthetic and animal care requirements. The contractors will also notify and discuss with property owners any …
Item 5 Presentation by Abbe Ramanan, Clean Energy Group, on green hydrogen — original pdf
Green Hydrogen: Costs, Availability, and Risks 1 January 22, 2024 www.cleanegroup.org Item 5 Abbe Ramanan Affordable, reliable, clean energy for all. 2 www.cleanegroup.org Hydrogen Information & Public Education Raising awareness of the health and environmental impacts of hydrogen production and use. 3 www.cleanegroup.org/initiatives/hydrogen © Clean Energy Group Types of Hydrogen Generation – the “Rainbow” e v i s n e t n i n o b r a C e e r f n o b r a C Grey Hydrogen Hydrogen produced from natural gas via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR), without carbon capture. 95% of hydrogen produced today is grey hydrogen. Blue Hydrogen Hydrogen produced from natural gas via SMR, but with carbon capture deployed during the process to capture production-related carbon emissions. Turquoise Hydrogen Hydrogen produced by splitting natural gas into methane, hydrogen, and solid carbon black. Gold or Orange Hydrogen Produced by pumping a mix of CO2 and microbes into depleted oil wells, paired with carbon capture. Green Hydrogen Hydrogen produced via a process called electrolysis, in which an electric current is run through water to separate the hydrogen and oxygen molecules. If that electricity comes from renewable energy, the hydrogen is considered green. There are no carbon emissions associated with this process . 4 Pink Hydrogen Hydrogen produced via electrolysis, but the electrolyzer is powered by nuclear energy. White Hydrogen Naturally occurring hydrogen found in underground deposits. Why Defining Green Hydrogen is Important • Green hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and more recently, gold/orange hydrogen, are often conflated under the umbrella term “clean hydrogen.” • However, only green hydrogen produced via renewable-powered electrolysis is truly carbon-free. • This definition is even more important now because of recently released draft guidance by the Treasury for the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. • 45V is a tiered incentive based on CO2-equivalent emissions. Carbon-free hydrogen is eligible for a $3.00/kgH2 credit. • To be eligible for the highest tier of the 45V credit, hydrogen projects must demonstrate: – Temporal matching: every hour of electrolytic production is matched by an hour of 5 renewable energy production using Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs). – Additionality: hydrogen production must be powered by new renewable energy resources, built within three years of the hydrogen facility, not existing ones. – Localized production: renewable energy resources must be located within the same region as the hydrogen production facility. Availability of Green Hydrogen • Without …
Item 7 Backup_EUC Working Group Portfolios — original pdf
Item 7 Resource Generation Plan Update EUC Working Group Portfolios January 10, 2024 © Austin Energy EUC Working Group Portfolios Production Cost Modeling Key Results S. Babu Chakka Manager, Energy Market Analysis & Resource Planning 2 Portfolio A_2035 (Meet Load with Clean Energy, DR, EE & Batteries) EE DR Local Solar Batteries 5% Summer Peak Reduction by 2027 150 MW by 2027 Renewable Goals 65% by 2027 500 MW with 200 MW behind the meter by 2030 700 MW with 250 MW behind the meter by 2035 4 Hr: 100 MW Local +25 MW Nonlocal Co- located by 2027 200 MW = 100 MW Local + 100 MW Nonlocal Co-located by 2035 8 Hr: 100 MW Local +50 MW Nonlocal Co- located by 2027 200 MW = 100 MW Local + 100 MW Nonlocal Co-located by 2035 100 Hr: 10 MW Local by 2027 50 MW Local by 2030 100 MW Local by 2035 Convention Gen FPP retire in 2030 Natural Gas Plants retire in 2035 No Change to STP 10% Summer Peak Reduction by 2030 500 MW by 2035 70% by 2030 14% Summer Peak Reduction by 2035 80% by 2035 Note: • • • • • Energy Efficiency assumed existing programs and scaled to get the required the summer peak reduction 8 Hour Batteries were assumed for 4 to 12 Hour range 100 Hour Batteries were assumed instead of 72 Hour duration The technologies and the quantities of the options were modeled as per the request, but the feasibility and potential of these programs require detailed market research and market study. Decker GTs were retired in 2027 in Austin Energy portfolios where in these portfolios they are retired as per NG plants retirement timeline 3 Portfolio A_2030 (Meet Load with Clean Energy, DR, EE & Batteries) EE DR Local Solar Batteries 5% Summer Peak Reduction by 2027 150 MW by 2027 Renewable Goals 65% by 2027 350 MW with 150 MW behind the meter by 2027 500 MW with 200 MW behind the meter by 2030 4 Hr: 100 MW Local +25 MW Nonlocal Co- located by 2027 200 MW = 100 MW Local + 100 MW Nonlocal Co-located by 2030 8 Hr: 100 MW Local +50 MW Nonlocal Co- located by 2027 200 MW = 100 MW Local + 100 MW Nonlocal Co-located by 2030 Convention Gen FPP retire in 2030 Natural Gas Plants retire in 2030 …
Item 8 Council Action Report — original pdf
EUC Report re Council Action January 22, 2024 Item 8 Items below recommended by EUC November 13; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (11/30) Authorize negotiation and execution of two contracts for pole inspection and remediation services with Osmose Utilities Services Inc. d/b/a Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., and Constellation Energy Corporation d/b/a Constellation Energy Generation, LLC, each for up to six years, for a total amount not to exceed $12,000,000, divided between the contractors. (11/30) Authorize execution of a contract for hauling services for heavy electric utility equipment with H. Brown, Inc., for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,000,000. (11/30) Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for one-time preventive generator maintenance with Grid Solutions (US) LLC, in an amount not to exceed $1,650,000. (11/30) Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for forklift and boom services with MEI Rigging & Crating LLC, for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,300,000. (11/30) Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued service of the UPLAN network management and modeling software, support, and subscription services with LCG Consulting, to increase the amount by $520,000 and to extend the term by two years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $2,479,667. (11/30) Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for situational awareness and operational awareness visualization software maintenance, upgrades, and related services with Primate Technologies, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,330,000. (11/30) Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Public Storage Orangeco Inc. for the installation of solar electric systems on 20 of its facilities in the Austin Energy service territory, in an amount not to exceed $388,776 and approve issuance of a five-year performance-based incentive to Public Storage Orangeco Inc., in a total amount not to exceed $1,024,185.28. (11/30) Approve issuance of a five-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC for the installation of solar electric systems on its facilities located at 8310 North Capital of Texas Highway Southbound 2, Austin, Texas 78759 and 5707 Southwest Parkway 1, Austin, Texas 78735, in an amount not to exceed $770,089. (11/30) Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Westminster Presbyterian for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 3208 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78703, in …