Item 11 Electric Utility Commission Draft Orientation and Training Agenda date/time tbd Welcoming Comments/ Introductions • AE Management and Organization o Mission: Balance of Affordability, Reliability, and Sustainability o AE’s role in the City structure o Regulatory requirements o Budget, Finances, Rates • ERCOT and Energy Delivery o Texas grid transmission system and constraints o Design and Operation of the Distribution System (+ tour of ECC) o Buying and Selling Energy into the market (+ EMO Tour) Risk management and hedging • Climate Protection Commitment o AE Generation Portfolio – owned assets and PPAs o Energy Efficiency Programs • Customer Service o City Billing o 311 o Customer Assistance Programs
EUC Report re Council Action May 13, 2024 Item 16 Item below recommended by EUC March 18; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (April 4) 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. Item below recommended by EUC April 15; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (April 18) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electronic visitor management system with Force 5, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $700,000. (April 18) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for Doble testing equipment and related services with Doble Engineering Company, for up to five years, for a total contract amount not to exceed $586,500. (April 18) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of two contracts for circuit breakers with Siemens Energy Inc. and KBS Electrical Distributors Inc., each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $37,000,000, divided between the contractors. (April 18) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued supply of indoor arc-resistant switchgear with Powell Electrical Systems Inc., to increase the amount by $5,000,000 and to extend the term by one year for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $27,000,000. (April 18) Recommend authorizing execution of two contracts for air switches with Royal Switchgear Manufacturing Co. and Morpac Industries Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $8,500,000. (April 18) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued broadcast messaging text notifications with KUBRA Arizona, Inc., to increase the amount by $600,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,980,767. (May 2) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of three contracts for gas turbine repair and maintenance with ProEnergy Services LLC; Transcanada Turbines, Inc.; and Wood Group Pratt & Whitney Industrial Turbine Services LLC, each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $60,000,000, divided among the contractors. (May 2) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of amendments to two contracts for continued customer care and billing system hosting and services with Oracle America, Inc., to extend the term by three years and increase …
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Authorize execution of a contract for padmount switchgears with Priester-Mell & Nicholson Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $24,000,000. [Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and 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 $1,600,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 1100 MEA1047REBID for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on December 4, 2023, and closed on January 23, 2024. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bid received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=139786 . 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: May 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide Austin Energy (AE) with gas-insulated padmount switchgears, which are used in underground electrical infrastructure for large industrial and commercial customers and residential subdivisions. Switchgears control and protect power transformers and distribution circuits in the event of an electrical fault. They can instantaneously isolate the connected equipment from the electrical fault to avoid damage and allow the equipment to quickly come back online once the fault is cleared, thereby reducing outage time. AE maintains warehouse stock of padmount switchgears to ensure immediate issue to construction crews on an as-needed basis. The recommended contractor is local and is the current switchgear provider. Without this contract AE would not be able to support upcoming projects in a timely manner. Item 3 Posting Language ..Title Authorize execution of a contract for shoebox style luminaires and poles with Techline Inc., for up to five years for a total contract …
Item 15 Resource Generation Plan Update Engagement Lynda Rife Rifeline Goals Serve as a neutral party to: • Create a common understanding of Austin Energy's mission of safely delivering clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service • Ensure that Austin Energy hears from diverse voices whose values are reflected in the mission of reliability, stainability and affordability. • Create a common understanding of energy options and technology and its subsequent costs and benefits. • Develop an informed consent process regarding the mix of solutions appropriate to support a growing customer base in the changing energy market in a responsive and responsible way. Process 1. Gather feedback from the Electric Utility Commission and provide monthly updates 2. Develop a series of stakeholder workshops • Invitation to Organizations that represent different perspectives. • Provide information and options. • Table discussions and report outs • Provide recommendations to update the Austin Energy Generation Plan 3. Report to Council via the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee Workshops Invited Participants: • 5 - 7 representing sustainability: environmental advocates, clean energy practitioners, etc. • 5 - 7 representing reliability: hospitals, nursing homes, manufacturing, grocery stores • 5 - 7 representing affordability: housing advocates, nonprofits, small business • 5 – 7 representing demographics and geography: students, senior citizens, impacted communities Meetings will be open to the public. Agendas June Workshop – June 7, 2024 11:30-1:30 • Electricity 101 • Austin Energy’s mission and definitions - current status • Building a Generation Plan July Workshop: • Energy options, including technology readiness assessments, costs, benefits, and risks August Workshop: • Focus on the modeling, balancing priorities September Workshop: • Review the new plan
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 13, 2024 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dave Tuttle, Chair; Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Jonathon Blackburn, Randy Chapman, Mick Long, Cyrus Reed, Joshua Rhodes Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ayo Akande, Raul Alvarez, César Benavides PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Allison Silverstein spoke about the Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan and asked if there would be a response to or opportunity for Austin Energy to meet about the Resource Generation Plan Working Group’s recommendations. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of April 15, 2024, were approved as amended on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner White’s second on a 10-0 vote one vacancy. The minutes will be amended to add the organizations and groups that the EUC recommended to be included in the Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS The motion to approve recommendation 2, 4-8 was approved on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner Rhode’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendation 3 was approved on Commissioner Alvarez’s motion, Commissioner Blackburn’s second on a 10-0 vote with and one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendation 9 was approved on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Rhodes’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendation 10 was approved on Commissioner Alvarez’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. 2. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for padmount switchgears with Priester- Mell & Nicholson Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $24,000,000. 3. Recommend authorizing of a contract for shoebox style luminaires and poles, with Techline Inc for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,705,000. 4. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued high call volume answering services with CX360, Inc., for an increase in the amount of $450,000 and extend the term by two years, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $1,666,000. 5. Recommend authorizing …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION APRIL 15, 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 Ayo Akande Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Mick Long Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes 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 March 18, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of three contracts for gas turbine repair and maintenance with ProEnergy Services LLC; Transcanada Turbines, Inc.; and Wood Group Pratt & Whitney Industrial Turbine Services LLC, each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $60,000,000, divided among the contractors. 4. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of amendments to two contracts for continued customer care and billing system hosting, maintenance, and support with Oracle America, Inc., to extend the term by three years and increase the amount by $33,400,000, for revised total contract amounts not to exceed $48,005,332. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued customer care and billing system licenses and support with Oracle America, Inc., to increase the amount by $6,750,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $38,962,083. 6. Recommend approving an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 as it relates to utility customers with certain medical vulnerabilities. 7. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Electric Utility Commission. …
EUC Report re Council Action April 15, 2024 Item 11 Item below recommended by EUC March 18; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (3/21) 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. (3/21) 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. (3/21) 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. (4/4) 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.
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road #4, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $70,125.91 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Prior Council Action: November 30, 2023-Council approved a 5-year performance-based incentive for the Starwood Capital Group, LLC. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 15, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this 5-year performance-based (PBI) to the Customer for the installation of a solar electric system to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system size, cost, proposed incentive, and environmental benefits: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) *Does not include panel and inverter cost Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in tons Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in pounds Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) in pounds 135,509 $101,548.35 $70,125.91 69% 92 76 61 68 95 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of Cars on Austin Roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile 141,862 12.3 915 66 *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with a core focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure and oil & gas. The Firm and its affiliates maintain 16 offices in seven countries around the world, and currently have approximately 4,500 employees. Since its inception in 1991, Starwood Capital Group has raised over $70 billion of capital, and currently has over $120 billion of assets under management. For these projects, Starwood Capital Group has already procured panels and inverters, so those costs are not represented in the “Total System Cost” above. The proposed solar …
Item 8 Resource Generation Plan Update Engagement Lynda Rife Rifeline Goals Serve as a neutral party to: • Create a common understanding of Austin Energy's mission of safely delivering clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service as defined in the mission statement. • Ensure that Austin Energy hears from diverse voices whose values are reflected in the mission of reliability, stainability and affordability. • Create a common understanding of energy options and technology and its subsequent costs and benefits. • Develop an informed consent process regarding the mix of solutions appropriate for Austin Energy to meet its mission in both a responsive and responsible way to support a growing customer base in the changing energy market to update the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan. Process 1. Gather feedback from the Electric Utility Commission and keep them informed of the process. 2. Develop a series of stakeholder workshops or charrettes (approx. 3). a. Invitation to Organizations that represent different perspectives. b. Provide information and options. c. Table discussions and report outs d. Provide a recommendation to update the Austin Energy Generation Plan 3. Report to the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee as needed.
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 15, 2024 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dave Tuttle, Chair; Jonathon Blackburn, Randy Chapman, Mick Long, Cyrus Reed, Joshua Rhodes Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Ayo Akande, Raul Alvarez, César Benavides PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on March 18, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of March 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Blackburn’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a 10-0 vote one vacancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS The motion to approve recommendation 2 was approved on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Tuttle’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendation 3 was approved on Commissioner Blackburn’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a 8-1-1 vote with Commissioner White voting against, Commissioner Reed abstaining and one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendations 4-5 was approved on Commissioner Tuttle’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. The motion to approve recommendation 6 was approved on Commissioner Rhodes’s motion, Commissioner White’s second on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy. 2. Recommend approving issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of three contracts for gas turbine repair and maintenance with ProEnergy Services LLC; Transcanada Turbines, Inc.; and Wood Group Pratt & Whitney Industrial Turbine Services LLC, each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $60,000,000, divided among the contractors. 4. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of amendments to two contracts for continued customer care and billing system hosting, maintenance, and support with Oracle America, Inc., to extend the term by three years and increase the amount by $33,400,000, for revised total contract amounts not to exceed $48,005,332. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued customer care and billing system licenses and support with Oracle America, Inc., to increase the …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MARCH 18, 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 Regular meeting on February 12, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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 5, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $700,000. 7. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for Doble testing equipment and related services with Doble Engineering Company, for up to five years, for a total contract amount not to exceed $586,500. 8. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution …
Electric Utility Commission RECOMMENDATION 20240318-12 Date: March 18, 2024 Subject: Austin Energy Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: 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 to 15%, 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 investments in Fayette.
Item 13 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 …
