Austin Electric Utility Commission Budget and Audit Workgroup Purpose: To review Austin energy financial documents including budgets, expenditures, audits, and to develop recommendations to the EUC and City Council. Meeting Schedule: The workgroup will establish meeting times in conjunction with scheduled meetings of the Electric Utility Commission Discussion Items and Recommendations: June 2022 1. To ensure that City Council receives a broad cross-section of input from residential customers, Austin Energy should conduct a customer poll prior to the EUC and City Council review of rate changes proposed by the Independent Hearing Officer. 2. Recommend that AE rate review Include consideration of the underlying rationale for the budget deficit. The rate review should include an examination of expenses associated with system growth and the proper assignment of those expenses. 3. The EUC should receive a presentation from AE and have an opportunity to provide input and a recommendation to City Council on several proposed tariffs that are not being fully considered as part of the rate review, including the proposed EES tariff, budget and make-up of the programs related to consumer energy solutions, including residential and commercial solar, demand response and energy efficiency programs, the Community Solar Assessment tariff, and the Green Choice tariff. EUC has a role in ensuring that the EES and Community Solar Assessment and Green Choice tariff and resulting budget and programs support the demand reduction, energy efficiency and solar and renewable goals approved in the 2030 Resource Plan. 4. That the EUC and City Council should timely receive AE recommendations on residential customer equity programs to ensure that funding is available to maintain low-income discounts, fee waivers, and for low-income weatherization. Unspent funds collected for weatherization assistance should be budgeted and spent during the 2022-2023 budget cycle. 5. That EUC 2022 Agendas include regular updates from the Independent Consumer Advocate.
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interest for the Circuit 811 Transmission Electric Line upgrade project from Justin Lane Substation to McNeil Lane Substation for the public use of providing reliable, safe electricity service, which require acquisition of real property rights consisting of an Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement consisting of approximately 0.028 of an acre (1,233 square feet), and a Temporary Construction Easement consisting of approximately 0.187 of an acre (8,131 sq.ft) being a portion of Lots 10 through 16, Block A, North Gate Addition, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, according to the plat recorded in Plat Cabinet 3, Page 196, Plat Records Travis County, Texas and being a part of that called 0.555 acres, which is part of the said lots 10 through 16, Block A, of the said subdivision, as described to R&K Investments, A Texas General Partnership in that certain Warranty Deed with Vendor’s Lien as recorded in Volume 12132, page 2123, Real Property Records of Travis County Texas for the Austin Energy Transmission Circuit 811 JL-MC 138kV upgrade project, currently appraised at $98,410 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioner’s award. The owner of the needed property is R&K Investments, A Texas General Partnership. The property is located at 7544 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752. The general route of the project is along the east side of North Lamar from HWY 183 to the McNeil Substation. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $98,410 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Prior Council Action: For More Information: Thomas Pierpoint, VP Electric Service Delivery, (512) 972-9507; Pamela England, Manager, Public Involvement & Real Estate Services, (512) 322-6442. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission on June 13, 2022. Additional Backup Information: The project includes upgrade of the 4.0 mile transmission line with bundled 795 ACSS Drake conductor rated for 3000 amps, and to reinsulate the line and make-ready for ultimate operation at 138kV. The project will provide redundancy and increase reliability. The downtown service area could be seriously jeopardized if one of Austin Energy’s four autotransformers fails and is unavailable for an extended period of time while a replacement unit is being secured. In that …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Electric Utility Commission Recommendation No. 20220613-07a Budget & Audit Workgroup June 13, 2022 Budget & Audit Workgroup Date: Subject: Motioned: Kay Trostle Seconded: Makenna Jonker Recommendation: To ensure the Independent Hearing Examiner and the City Council are able to consider the broad cross section of input from residential customer forms received by Austin Energy, the Electric Utility Commission recommends that Austin Energy present to the Independent Hearing Examiner as part of the formal hearing process, all feedback forms received. Vote: For: Chair Marty Hopkins, Vice Chair Dave Tuttle, Commissioners Marshall Bowen, Makenna Jonker, Cyrus Reed, Cary Ferchill, and Kay Trostle 7-0 Against: None Abstentions: Commissioner Randy Chapman Absences: Commissioners Funkhauser and Hadden Vacancies: One Attest: Robin Otto, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Electric Utility Commission Recommendation No. 20220613-07b Budget & Audit Workgroup June 13, 2022 Budget & Audit Workgroup Date: Subject: Motioned: Marshall Bowen Seconded: Chair Marty Hopkins Recommendation: City Council should review the contribution in aid of construction policy and Austin Energy should present a presentation to the Electric Utility Commission regarding the contribution in aid of construction policy for the Electric Utility Commission’s consideration. Vote: For: Chair Marty Hopkins, Vice Chair Dave Tuttle, Commissioners Marshall 6-0 Bowen, Cyrus Reed, Cary Ferchill, and Kay Trostle Against: None Abstentions: Commissioners Randy Chapman and Makenna Jonker Absences: Commissioners Funkhauser and Hadden Vacancies: One Attest: Robin Otto, Staff Liaison
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 13, 2022 The Electric Utility Commission convened a hybrid meeting on Monday, June 13, 2022 in accordance with social distancing protocols necessitated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Commissioners in Attendance (In-person): Marty Hopkins, Chair (District 4), Marshall Bowen (District 6); Randy Chapman (District 7); Makenna Jonker (District 1); Cyrus Reed (District 9) Commissioners in Attendance (Virtual): Cary Ferchill (Mayor); Kay Trostle (District 8), Dave Tuttle, Vice Chair (District 10) Commissioners Absent: Erik Funkhauser (District 2), Karen Hadden (District 5), CALL TO ORDER – Chair Hopkins called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: Dale Bulla - spoke on various topics such as storage, electrification, curbside charging, and solar on rooftops. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the May 9, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Electric Utility Commission. There was a change requested and they will be taken up at the July meeting for action. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type 2. Motion (Chapman) to recommend Items 2-5; seconded (Reed); passed on a vote of 8-0, with Commissioners Funkhauser and Hadden absent. (7/28) [AE- Tract 1] Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interest for the Circuit 811 Transmission Electric Line upgrade project from Justin Lane Substation to McNeil Lane Substation for the public use of providing reliable, safe electricity service, which require acquisition of real property rights consisting of an Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement consisting of approximately 0.028 of an acre (1,233 square feet), and a Temporary Construction Easement consisting of approximately 0.187 of an acre (8,131 sq.ft) being a portion of Lots 10 through 16, Block A, North Gate Addition, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, according to the plat recorded in Plat Cabinet 3, Page 196, Plat Records Travis County, Texas and being a part of that called 0.555 acres, which is part of the said lots 10 through 16, Block A, of the said subdivision, as described to R&K Investments, A Texas General Partnership in that certain Warranty Deed with Vendor’s Lien as recorded in Volume 12132, page 2123, Real Property Records of Travis County Texas for the Austin Energy Transmission Circuit 811 JL-MC 138kV upgrade project, currently appraised at $98,410 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioner’s award. The …
Electric Utility Commission May 9, 2022 6:00 PM Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin TX 78723 Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Marty Hopkins, Chair (Vela) Dave Tuttle, Vice Chair (Alter) Marshall Bowen (Kelly) Randy Chapman (Pool) Cary Ferchill (Mayor) Erik Funkhouser (Fuentes) Karen Hadden (Kitchen) Makenna Jonker (Harper-Madison) Cyrus Reed (Tovo) Kay Trostle (Ellis) Joli Cardenas (Renteria) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/euc Reading and Action on Consent Agenda: Items 2-7 may be acted upon by one motion. No separate discussion or action on any of the items is necessary unless desired by a Commissioner. CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker must be present and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Approve minutes of the April 11, 2022 meeting. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type 2. (6/9) [Purchasing]; Authorize additional revenue to a contract with Austin Metal & Iron Co LP to continue providing reclamation services, for an additional revenue amount of $450,000 for a revised total estimated revenue amount of $800,000. 3. (6/9) [Purchasing]; Authorize an amendment to an existing contract with GC3 Specialty Chemicals Inc, to provide bulk aqueous ammonia, to increase in the amount of $111,200 and to extend the term by four months, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $654,000. 4. (6/16) [Purchasing]; Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Practicing Perfection Institute to provide performance improvement consulting services for a term of two years in an amount not to exceed $574,000. 5. (6/16) [Capital Contracting Office]; Authorize negotiation and execution of a professional services agreement with the following two staff recommended firms (or other qualified respondents) for Request for Qualifications Solicitation No. CLMP323: Intertek USA Inc., dba Intertek AIM and Metallurgical Engineering Services, for testing, inspection and engineering analysis services for the 2022 Inspection and …
Item 11 EUC Report re Council Action May 09, 2022 Items below recommended by EUC April 11; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 2. (4/21) [Austin Energy]; Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Riverbend Church for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 4214 N Capital of Texas Highway Austin, TX 78746, in an amount not to exceed $217,800. 3. (4/21) [Real Estate]; Authorize negotiation and execution of an eighth amendment to lease agreement with David B. Edelman, for approximately 8,000 square feet of warehouse and office space for Austin Energy’s (“AE”) Meter shop, located at 4122 Todd Lane, Austin, Travis County, Texas, for a term of 24-months with two additional 1-year options to extend, in an amount not to exceed $535,520. 4. (5/5) [Austin Energy]; Authorize reimbursement of costs to Waller Creek Owner, LLC., for the heat exchanger skids to interconnect the Waller Building to the Austin Energy (AE) downtown District Cooling System in an amount not to exceed $1,619,816. 5. (5/5) [Purchasing]; Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Crown Texas Inc., or one of the other qualified offerors to Request For Proposals RFP 1100 DTB3010, to provide prefabricated substation control houses, for a term of 5 years in an amount not to exceed $10,00,000. 1
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Authorize additional revenue to a contract with Austin Metal & Iron Co LP to continue providing reclamation services, for an additional revenue amount of $450,000 for a revised total estimated revenue amount of $800,000. (Note: This contract is exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9C Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established). ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Critical Business Need. Prior Council Action: Fiscal Note Revenue will be allocated to the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Sandy Brandt, at 512-974-2938 or Sandy.Brandt@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 9, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract provides reclamation services for Austin Energy, which was previously performed by staff at its Justin Lane site. The structures at the Justin Lane site were substandard and presented potential unsafe conditions for employees and the public due to lead in the pipes, asbestos, lack of climate control or full ventilation, and infestations of vermin and various insects. Reclamation services include disposing of creosote wood utility poles per environmental regulations; removing scrap metal, used parts, and trash; and clearing Austin Energy’s Reclamation building of waste and surplus materials. ..Strategic Outcome(s) Strategic Outcome(s): Safety. Item 3 Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract with GC3 Specialty Chemicals Inc. to provide bulk aqueous ammonia, to increase the amount by $111,200 and to extend the term by four months, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $654,000. (Note: This contract was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2- 9D Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. For the goods required for this contract, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established). ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $111,200 is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: May 10, 2018 – Council approved the original contract, item 32, on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Troxclair absent. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Julia Finn, at 512-322-6060 or Julia.Finn@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 9, 2022 - To be reviewed by the Electric …
Electric Utility Commission April 11, 2022 6:00 PM Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin TX 78723 Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Marty Hopkins, Chair (Casar) Dave Tuttle, Vice Chair (Alter) Marshall Bowen (Kelly) Randy Chapman (Pool) Cary Ferchill (Adler) Erik Funkhouser (Fuentes) Karen Hadden (Kitchen) Makenna Jonker (Harper-Madison) Cyrus Reed (Tovo) Kay Trostle (Ellis) Joli Cardenas (Renteria) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/euc Reading and Action on Consent Agenda: Items 2-6 may be acted upon by one motion. No separate discussion or action on any of the items is necessary unless desired by a Commissioner. CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker must be present and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Approve minutes of the March 21, 2022 meeting. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type 2. (4/21) [Austin Energy]; Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Riverbend Church for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 4214 N Capital of Texas Highway Austin, TX 78746, in an amount not to exceed $217,800. 3. (4/21) [Real Estate]; Authorize negotiation and execution of an eighth amendment to lease agreement with David B. Edelman, for approximately 8,000 square feet of warehouse and office space for Austin Energy’s (“AE”) Meter shop, located at 4122 Todd Lane, Austin, Travis County, Texas, for a term of 24-months with two additional 1-year options to extend, in an amount not to exceed $535,520. 4. (5/5) [Austin Energy]; Authorize reimbursement of costs to Waller Creek Owner, LLC., for the heat exchanger skids to interconnect the Waller Building to the Austin Energy (AE) downtown District Cooling System in an amount not to exceed $1,619,816. 5. (5/5) [Purchasing]; Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Crown Texas Inc., or one of the other qualified offerors to Request For Proposals RFP …
Item 11 Backup April 2022 Recommendations from Electric Utility Commission on Retirement of Austin Energy’s Portion of the Fayette Power Project Members of the EUC met with members of the RMC, the public and representatives of upper management of Austin Energy regarding the Fayette Coal-fired power plant and its future operations. While certain matters could not be fully discussed given a non- disclosure agreement and ongoing negotiations, we believe there is a path forward to continue to meet the parameters of the 2030 Resource Management Plan adopted by City Council. We provide the following direction to City Council on fulfilling that plan: 1. Recommend Austin Energy explore every avenue available to achieve closure of Austin Energy’s portion of Fayette as quickly as possible. 2. Recommend that Austin Energy continue to utilize strategies to lower carbon emissions from its portfolio of resources to continue to meet the goals of the 2030 resource plan. 3. Recommend that Austin Energy continue to issue annual RFPs for all renewable resources and evaluate the results of the RFP for up to 200 MWs of storage that was recently issued. As part of its RFP process, the EUC recommends that Austin Energy seek geographic diversity of resources and explore dispatchable renewable emerging technologies such as geothermal energy that will enhance our portfolio and move us closer to the zero-carbon goal. The EUC requests that a presentation be made once results from the latest storage and renewable resources RFPs are available. 4. Recommend that Austin Energy seek input from city council on annual budgets and expenses that come to the Fayette Management Committee to avoid making any long- term investments in the plant. 5. Include the costs of decommissioning as part of the upcoming cost of service study and upcoming rate case. 6. Evaluate the plant’s current emissions and compliance with current and proposed environmental regulations, as well as current and likely future monitoring and other compliance costs at Fayette due to: • ELG (Effluent Limitation Guidelines) • CCR (Coal Combustion Residuals) • Regional Haze (SO2 - PM stuff) • MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) • Ozone • “Good Neighbor” Plan (Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) NOX Ozone Season Group 3 Trading Program) • Other Federal Regulations as appropriate. The EUC asks AE to prepare an analysis and presentation related to these current environmental performance, compliance measures and costs, including expected future compliance issues.
Item 14 EUC Report re Council Action April 11, 2022 Items below recommended by EUC February 14; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 2. (3/24) [Purchasing] Authorize award of a contract with Control Panels USA Inc, to provide installation and upgrade of controls and automation systems, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,500,000. 3. (3/24) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to a contract with Bermex, Inc. for continued manual meter reading services, to increase the amount by $15,427,110 and to extend the term by four years, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $32,927,110. 4. (3/24) [Purchasing – Multi-Departmental; AE's requested authorization is $95,000.] Authorize an amendment to a contract with L.J. Power, Inc. d/b/a L.J. Power Generators for continued generator maintenance, purchase, and repair services, to increase the amount by $1,105,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,084,000. 5. (3/24) [Purchasing – Multi-Departmental; AE’s portion approximately $258K] Authorize an amendment to a contract with Assurance Software Inc. d/b/a Castellan Solutions Inc. or Castellan Solutions for continued disaster planning and disruption prevention software and services, to increase the amount by $9,200,000 and to extend the term by five years, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $9,496,000. Items below recommended by EUC March 21; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 6. (4/7) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to a contract with Brace Integrated Services Inc. for continued insulation and heat trace services, to increase the amount by $2,751,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $8,253,000. 7. (4/7) [Austin Energy] (T2) Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of real property rights consisting of a Temporary Construction Easement containing approximately 1,606 square feet of land, being a part of Lot A-3, a Resubdivision of Lot A-1 of the Resubdivision of Lot A, Tempo North, a subdivision, according to the plat recorded in Volume 18, Page 83, in Travis County, Texas, and being a portion of the property located at 7543 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, for the public purpose of improving the safety and reliability of Austin Energy Transmission Circuit 811 located along the east side of North Lamar from HW183 to the McNeil Substation. 8. (4/7) [Austin Energy] (T3) Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of real property rights consisting of …
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Riverbend Church for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 4214 N Capital of Texas Highway Austin, TX 78746, in an amount not to exceed $217,800. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Prior Council Action: Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021- 2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 11, 2022– To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. April 19, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s), detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system size, cost, proposed incentive, and environmental benefits.: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) 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 Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of cars on Austin roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added 217.8 180.774 295,728 $394,218 $217,800 55% 139 177 207 316,911 27.4 2,085 154 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator Riverbend Church’s mission is to serve the bruised, battered, broken and bored through their religious services. They offer modern, contemporary, and traditional style services and host a variety of community groups to support their members. This solar system will offset 61% of the Customer’s historic annual energy usage. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind-the meter installations).” In order to meet these goals, Austin Energy has funded the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) …
