hrc 20200518-002D DRAFT Recommendation Universal Basic Electricity — original pdf

Backup

DRAFT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200518-002d: Universal Basic Electricity WHEREAS, inability to access electricity is a violation of an individuals human rights according to the 3rd, 14th, 22nd, 25th, and 28th Articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and, WHEREAS, Austin has previously been a leader in providing cheap electricity for its residents; and, WHEREAS, the stated purpose of Austin Energy is said to embrace the public utility model; and, WHEREAS, Austin Energy makes an average of $100 million in profits each year; and, WHEREAS, the elimination of a utility bill can have incredible impacts on working class residents; and, WHEREAS, Austin Energy customers are already stakeholders by participating in a $200 refundable deposit program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission for the City of Austin recommends the City Council of Austin direct Austin energy to restructure it’s payment schedule to fit the following: Expand Tier 1 to include up to 700 Kwh/Month at $0.00/Kwh with fee-exemption, and create a flat-fee of $10 for Tier 2 which should be from 700-1300 Kwh/Month at $0.01/Kwh.