REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION May 20, 2025 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management 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 Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. Members: Charlotte Davis, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Trey Farmer GeNell Gary AGENDA Joseph Gerland Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Raphael Schwartz CALL MEETING TO ORDER Alison Silverstein Danielle Zigon Vacant 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 Resource Management Commission Meeting on April 15, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continuation of the Better Building Energy Efficiency Lending Program for Austin Energy with Velocity Credit Union, to increase the amount by $5,000,000 and to extend the term by five years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $14,400,000. Funding: $600,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. 3. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers program administration for Austin Energy with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $11,000,000. Funding: $1,250,000 is available in Operating Budget of Austin Energy. 4. Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing amendments to Austin Water’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 GoPurple pilot incentive program for alternative onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections for new commercial, mixed use and multi- 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 with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract for continuation of the Better Building Energy Efficiency Lending Program for Austin Energy with Velocity Credit Union, to increase the amount by $5,000,000 and to extend the term by five years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $14,400,000. Funding: $600,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $600,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with Chapter 2-9C of the City Code (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). No subcontracting opportunities were identified; therefore, no goals were established for this contract. Prior Council Action: April 7, 2011 - Council approved a contract for the energy efficiency lending program with Velocity Credit Union. 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. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 12, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission May 20, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract amendment will support Austin Energy’s (AE) Better Building Energy Efficient Lending Program. Currently, through this program, AE offers loans with low interest rates and a flexible credit score threshold for customers to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. The program is especially beneficial for low- to-moderate income customers and small businesses, making energy efficiency improvements more affordable. Additionally, the program supports several AE initiatives, including the Home Energy Savings Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and Small Business Program. By reducing upfront cost barriers, it helps building owners to complete comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades through AE’s other programs. Qualifying low-to-moderate income customers can take advantage of zero percent financing for a new air conditioning system when participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program was created through the United States Department of Energy’s Better Building Program, and supports AE’s goal of achieving and increasing energy efficiency savings and renewable energy use. City funds through the Customer Benefits Charge included on customers’ utility bill are used to reduce loan interest rates to promote participation and accessibility of the programs. The …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers program administration for Austin Energy with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $11,000,000. Funding: $1,250,000 is available in Operating Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $1,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Austin Energy is designating this purchase as a Critical Business Need in accordance with Senate Bill 7, as adopted by the City as Resolution No. 040610-02. MBE/WBE: Critical Business Need contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. 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. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 12, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission May 20, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is to support the Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers (SPUR) program for Austin Energy. The SPUR program includes a product called Instant Savings which provides price discounts to customers at point of purchase for high efficiency products, such as ENERGY STAR® clothes dryers and smart thermostats. The program also includes the recently launched Retail Coupon, which provides digital coupons that can be used for equipment such as heat pump water heaters. Instant Savings and the addition of the Retail Coupon allow participation in Austin Energy’s demand response programs, which is critical to meeting the goals set in the Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan to 2035. CLEAResult Consulting Inc. provides Austin Energy with a turnkey, cost-effective solution for managing the SPUR program across various retailers and manufacturers. The contractor also works with Austin Energy in the development of future program expansion, which will offer additional products and more opportunities for customers to participate in demand response programs. The customer validation feature for the Retail Coupon requires an interface to Austin Energy’s Energy Efficiency Collaborative Platform. Austin Energy declared a Critical Business Need to keep the current provider during migration of …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing amendments to Austin Water’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 GoPurple pilot incentive program for alternative onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections for new commercial, mixed use and multi-family developments in the total aggregate amount of $4,000,000, not to exceed $1,500,000 per project for affordable housing projects exempt from the GoPurple reuse requirements and not to exceed $500,000 per project for all other projects. Funding in the amount of $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading, on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading, on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 - City Council approved an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems, on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2022 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 29, 2022 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2023 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. March 7, 2024 - City Council voted to reauthorize …
Resource Management Commission Resolution on Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System WHEREAS, the City of Austin established its first District Energy and Cooling system plant in 2001; and WHEREAS, this system has now expanded to seven plants around Austin, and currently shifts about 28 MW during peak demand while providing air conditioning and refrigeration at a savings to at least 73 commercial customers; and WHEREAS, this system would not have been built without Austin Energy's support; and WHEREAS, the peak load reduction from the District Energy and Cooling System lowers Austin Energy’s wholesale electricity purchase costs for all Austin Energy customers; and WHEREAS, expansion of the District Energy and Cooling system is an important strategy to save more energy and reduce carbon emissions as the new Austin Energy generation plan is implemented; and WHEREAS, a transparent understanding of the District Energy and Cooling system’s financial health is necessary to evaluate continued public investment and long-term planning; WHEREAS, Austin Energy has not released detailed information and data relevant to the financial viability of the district chilling system and the timeline by which a sale or other alternatives for the system might proceed; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the City Council: 1) Commission an audit of Austin Energy's District Energy and Cooling system to identify the drivers of its financial underperformance, assess the cost- benefit of future expansion or divestment, and to suggest potential actions Austin Energy may take to ensure its long-term financial viability; 2) Direct Austin Energy to publicly share a strategic roadmap detailing the timeline, rationale, and evaluation criteria for any planned expansion or divestment of the District Energy and Cooling system and deliver a public status report no later than September 30, 2025.
GoPurple Program A m e n d m e n t f o r A f f o r d a b l e H o u s i n g P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Resource Management Commission May 20, 2025 GoPurple Program: Expanding Water Reuse Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 2 Exemptions to Code Requirements for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects A development is not required to connect to a reclaimed water line or use reclaimed water when the director of the Housing Department certifies the development is participating in a city, state, or federal program that requires: 1) A minimum of fifty percent on-site income-restricted dwelling units for 60% or lower median family income for rental units; or 2) A minimum of fifty percent on-site income-restricted dwelling units for 80% or lower median family income for ownership units. 3 Direction from Council on Incentives for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects ORDINANCE NO. 20240307-037 “The City Manager is further directed to explore the feasibility of a program to fully subsidize the cost of reclaimed connections, dual use plumbing, and on- site water reuse systems for affordable housing projects that are exempt from the requirements with the goal of implementing a program by April 1st, 2025. The funding should come from sources other than affordable housing programs.” 4 Proposing Increase in Program Cap to $1.5M for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects Incentive Eligible Costs Proposed Changes to Per Project Funding Onsite Water Reuse System Incentive (Existing Incentive) Covers the design and installation costs of a collection and treatment system and dual plumbing Increase the per project cap from $500,000 to $1,500,000 for exempt affordable housing projects Reclaimed Main Extension Cost Share (Existing Incentive) Covers the design and installation cost of public reclaimed water mains Maintain the current per project cap of $500,000 Dual Plumbing Rebate (Proposed Incentive) Covers the design and installation cost of dual plumbing in buildings for reclaimed water service Only exempt affordable housing projects would be eligible for up to $1,000,000 per project 5 Oversight and Management of Program Administration • Current City budget includes a reservation …
2024 Texas Gas Service (TGS) Rate Case Update & Gas Utility Policy Discussion Marija Norton| City Controller 2024 TGS Rate Case Timeline June 3: TGS filed application with the City of Austin (COA) and Railroad Commission (RRC) for New Rates to be effective July 8. TGS subsequently agreed to extend COA effective date of new rates to August 1. Settlement meeting. Settlement meeting. July 18: City Council suspended effective date of New Rates by 90 days. July 25: Aug. 6: Aug. 8: Discovery ends. Aug. 20: City testimony filed. Aug. 22: Settlement meeting. Aug. 27: Staff testimony filed. Aug. 29: COA Public Hearing on New Rates. Sept. 10: Rebuttal testimony filed. Sept. 19: Hearing. Sept. 26: Austin City Council denies TGS’ proposed rate increase. Oct. 30: COA deadline for final action on New Rates. Nov. 19: Commission decision. Dec. 5: Deadline for RRC action. 2 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 3 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 4 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 5 Gas Utility Customer Class Counts Customer Class Residential Commercial Industrial Public Authority Texas Gas Service Atmos Energy CenterPoint Energy SiEnergy 219,806 9,971 7 341 10,710 307 2 2,274 106 1,057 1 TOTAL 230,125 11,019 2,380 1,058 6 Gas Utility Service Area - TGS 7 Gas Utility Service Area – Atmos Energy 8 Gas Utility Service Area – CenterPoint Energy 9 Gas Utility Service Area - SiEnergy 10 Important Dates – Rate Cases Atmos Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in March 2025 Texas Gas Service – Settlement at Railroad Commission in November 2024 CenterPoint Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in June 2024 SiEnergy – Settlement approved by City Council in August 2023 Typically, we see full rate cases filed every 4-5 years. If a company has filed a GRIP (Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program), they must file a full rate case within 5 1/2 years. 11 Important Dates – Franchise Agreements Texas Gas Service CenterPoint Energy Expires May 14, 2028 Expires Dec. 24, 2037 Expires Oct. 15, 2026 Expires Feb. 22, 2035 Atmos Energy SiEnergy 12 Important Dates – GRIP Filings Texas Gas Service – • Filed 2/11/2025, with original effective date of 4/12/2025 • Council approved ordinance on 3/17/2025 extending the effective date by 45 days to 5/27/2025 • Increase of $3.36 per month for Residential, $12.88 per month for Commercial, $461.83 per month for Industrial, and $25.96 per month for Public Authority …
An update – Australian Solar & Remote Inspections Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 20 MAY 2025 Regarding - Feb 3, 2025 – Commissioners Sasaridis, Silverstein, Robbins introduce “Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program” – discussed proposed changes to policy, inspection, for both solar and batteries. Today – Providing some requested updates about solar inspections and Australian Solar Update – Australia Research I emailed 12 large Australian solar providers – got no responses. I called 9 Australian solar providers, and obtained the following information: Solarbright.com.au: • • When asked why he thought Australia’s solar adoption was so far ahead of the USA, he noted: Spoke with Nicholas • • • Incentives (did not say how much) High energy prices driving up demand Inspections are not mandatory – regulatory has relaxed over the years – large driver • I asked about costs, if $1 USD per watt was realistic, Nicholas said: • • That’s high, $0.50 USD per watt is common He sells 5 kW systems for ($3,500 AUD) $2,250 USD Solar Power Direct: • • When asked why he thought Australia’s solar adoption was so far ahead of the USA, he noted: Spoke with Adrian • • Electricity rates high, return on investment Incentives, 6.6 kW system would net $2k direct to the installer, some discount passed along to • • I asked about costs: • • • He thought $1 / W AUD ($0.64 / W USD) is realistic He would sell a 6.6 kW system for $3,520 USD He pays about $115 USD for a 450 W panel ($0.25 / W) Regarding Inspections: • Rely on the regulatory landscape for the components, with random inspections Update – Remote Inspections in Texas Utilities – two largest in TX Municipalities in TX Oncor CenterPoint Fort Worth – Ongoing now 15 other Texas cities implementing in the future A remote inspection standard exists! Considering for the future Remote Inspections happening now
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Stuart Reilly, Interim General Manager, Austin Energy DATE: May 15, 2025 SUBJECT: District Energy and Cooling System Review ____________ The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on Austin Energy’s District Energy and Cooling (DEC) system and inform you of an upcoming review of potential options for the system to grow and effectively meet new development needs in the future. The driver for this DEC system review is finding innovative ways to achieve the best environmental outcomes for our community and serve new customers. BACKGROUND The DEC system was established in FY 2001 to shift electric load off-peak and to provide an energy efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems in suitable areas. Instead of each building having a separate cooling system, DEC chills water at night and pumps this water through a network of underground pipes to cool large buildings. The DEC system is a valuable resource to the Austin community because it uses energy at night to chill water that is used for cooling during the heat of the day, which shifts energy usage to lower demand times and reduces the peak demand needs of Austin Energy. Fostering growth of the DEC system therefore reduces the need for additional summer peak generation needed to support customers. The DEC system operates in four districts, downtown, the Domain, ACC Highland, and Mueller, serving 73 customers under contract. It provides environmental benefits by being an alternative to individual air conditioning systems and is an attractive option for developers seeking to make the most of their buildable square footage, while receiving an efficient and reliable way to meet their cooling needs. With the rapid pace of growth in Austin, the DEC system is in need of expansion in order to meet customer needs or risk continued new development that is not capable of coming online to receive district cooling service. As such, Austin Energy has proposed looking at ways the system can grow and flourish, providing more environmental benefits, and more energy efficiency benefits, and continuing to reduce our summer peak demand needs – enhancing sustainability and affordability for all customers. PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 2 May 15, 2025 District Energy & Cooling System Review UPCOMING ASSESSMENT Following City Council feedback from last year, Austin Energy recognized …
2024 Texas Gas Service (TGS) Rate Case Update & Gas Utility Policy Discussion Marija Norton| City Controller 2024 TGS Rate Case Timeline June 3: TGS filed application with the City of Austin (COA) and Railroad Commission (RRC) for New Rates to be effective July 8. TGS subsequently agreed to extend COA effective date of new rates to August 1. Settlement meeting. Settlement meeting. July 18: City Council suspended effective date of New Rates by 90 days. July 25: Aug. 6: Aug. 8: Discovery ends. Aug. 20: City testimony filed. Aug. 22: Settlement meeting. Aug. 27: Staff testimony filed. Aug. 29: COA Public Hearing on New Rates. Sept. 10: Rebuttal testimony filed. Sept. 19: Hearing. Sept. 26: Austin City Council denies TGS’ proposed rate increase. Oct. 30: COA deadline for final action on New Rates. Nov. 19: Commission decision. Dec. 5: Deadline for RRC action. 2 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 3 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 4 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 5 Gas Utility Customer Class Counts Customer Class Residential Commercial Industrial Public Authority Texas Gas Service Atmos Energy CenterPoint Energy SiEnergy 219,806 9,971 7 341 10,710 307 2 2,274 106 TOTAL 230,125 11,019 2,380 303 1 1 305 6 Gas Utility Service Area - TGS 7 Gas Utility Service Area – Atmos Energy 8 Gas Utility Service Area – CenterPoint Energy 9 Gas Utility Service Area - SiEnergy 10 Important Dates – Rate Cases Atmos Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in March 2025 Texas Gas Service – Settlement at Railroad Commission in November 2024 CenterPoint Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in June 2024 SiEnergy – Settlement approved by City Council in August 2023 Typically, we see full rate cases filed every 4-5 years. If a company has filed a GRIP (Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program), they must file a full rate case within 5 1/2 years. 11 Important Dates – Franchise Agreements Texas Gas Service CenterPoint Energy Expires May 14, 2028 Expires Dec. 24, 2037 Expires Oct. 15, 2026 Expires Feb. 22, 2035 Atmos Energy SiEnergy 12 Important Dates – Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) Filings Texas Gas Service – • Filed 2/11/2025, with original effective date of 4/12/2025 • Council approved ordinance on 3/17/2025 extending the effective date by 45 days to 5/27/2025 • Increase of $3.36 per month for Residential, $12.88 per month for Commercial, $461.83 per month for Industrial, and $25.96 …
Austin Resource Management Commission Anthony Brown, Manager of Rates and Regulatory Bryan Weeks, Director of Engineering May 20, 2025 Natural Gas Serves Every Area of the Economy Source: Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, 2024 2 Third-largest Natural Gas Utility in Texas Committed to Texans • Serves 706,000 Texans • Available in 111 communities • Employs over 1,000 Texans • Economic impact of nearly $137M in 2024 • Charitable giving: $524,335 in 2024 We've delivered reliable, affordable natural gas to our customers since 1906 3 Cities in the Central-Gulf Service Area • Austin • Dripping Springs • Lakeway • Port Arthur • Bastrop Rural • Galveston • Lockhart • Port Neches • Bayou Vista • Georgetown • Luling • Rollingwood • Beaumont • Gonzales • Marble Falls • Shiner • Bee Cave • Groves • Mustang Ridge • Sunset Valley • Buda • Hutto • Nederland • Westlake Hills • Cedar Park • Jamaica Beach • Nixon • Yoakum • Cuero • Kyle • Pflugerville 4 Mission, Strategy and Core Values Mission – Why we exist We deliver natural gas for a better tomorrow Strategy – How we get there • Safe Operations • Capital Investments • Delivering Foundational Energy • Serving Customers • Engaged & High-performing Workforce Core Values – Our compass Safety: We are committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner. Ethics: We are accountable to the highest ethical standards and are committed to compliance. Inclusion & Diversity: We embrace an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages collaboration. Service: We provide exceptional service to our customers and support each other. Value: We create value for all stakeholders; our customers, employees, investor and communities. 5 Committed to Safety & Reliable Service • Work When Safe philosophy • Following guidelines set forth by state and federal agencies • Investing in damage prevention technology ▪ Line locating ▪ Leak detection • Reliable service ▪ No significant outages during Winter Storms Uri (2021), Elliott (2022), Mara (2023), Geri (2024) and Kingston (2025) despite frigid temperatures 6 Austin System Maps 7 Consumer Price Index (CPI) Inflation Rate 10.0 Austin, TX CPI Inflation Rate U.S. General Inflation Rate 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8 Labor Inflation Rate 10.0 U.S. Labor Inflation Rate Austin, TX Labor Inflation Rate 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 …
Gas Utility Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins March 25, 2025 Texas Gas Service: $342 Million, 63% Plant Cost Increase in Only 4 Years But 5% Increase in Customers in Only 4 Years Unlike Austin Energy and Austin Water, City Council Was Not Allowed in Decisions on Whether to Allocate This Money $185 Million in New Infrastructure in 4 Years $4 Million in Developer Construction Fees Only 2% Collected From Capital Recovery Fees ( aka Contribution to Aid in Construction) Central Texas Region Galveston Region Central Texas Region and Galveston Region Combined for Rates Over Austin’s Objections
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION April 15, 2025 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management 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 Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. AGENDA Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Joseph Gerland Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis CALL MEETING TO ORDER Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Vacant 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 Resource Management Commission Meeting on March 25, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Resource Management Commission. 3. Recommendation regarding an audit of the Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program. 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 with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com .
Resource Management Commission Resolution on Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System WHEREAS, the City of Austin established its first District Energy and Cooling system plant in 2005; and WHEREAS, this system has now expanded to six locations around Austin, and is forecast to save 30 MW of summer peak demand by 2027 while providing air conditioning and refrigeration at a savings to at least 73 commercial customers; and WHEREAS, this system would have not been built without Austin Energy's support; and WHEREAS, the peak load reduction from the District Energy and Cooling System lowers Austin Energy’s wholesale electricity purchase costs for all Austin Energy customers; and WHEREAS, expansion of the district chilling system is an important strategy to save more energy and reduce carbon emissions as the new Austin Energy generation plan is implemented; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has proposed sale of this system in the summer of 2024 because of the claim that it was not financially viable, which caused concern among its skilled workforce about the security of their jobs, which in turn puts the system at risk if these skilled employees take other jobs; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has not released detailed information and data relevant to the financial viability of the district chilling system and the timeline by which a sale or other alternatives for the system might proceed; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission: 1) ask the City Council to conduct an audit of Austin Energy's District Energy and Cooling system to determine when it will become profitable, and necessary steps that the City should take to ensure its financial viability; 2) ask Austin Energy to develop and share its plans, timing and rationale for the future expansion or sale of the District Energy and Cooling system; 3) request a public status report on the plans be made available in 4 months.
Resource Management Commission Resolution on Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System WHEREAS, the City of Austin established its first District Energy and Cooling system plant in 2005; and WHEREAS, this system has now expanded to six locations around Austin, and is forecast to save 30 MW of summer peak demand by 2027 while providing air conditioning and refrigeration at a savings to at least 73 commercial customers; and WHEREAS, this system would have not been built without Austin Energy's support; and WHEREAS, the peak load reduction from the District Energy and Cooling System lowers Austin Energy’s wholesale electricity purchase costs for all Austin Energy customers; and WHEREAS, expansion of the district chilling system is an important strategy to save more energy and reduce carbon emissions as the new Austin Energy generation plan is implemented; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has proposed sale of this system in the summer of 2024 because of the claim that it was not financially viable, which caused concern among its skilled workforce about the security of their jobs, which in turn puts the system at risk if these skilled employees take other jobs; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has not released detailed information and data relevant to the financial viability of the district chilling system and the timeline by which a sale or other alternatives for the system might proceed; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission: 1) ask the City Council to conduct an audit of Austin Energy's District Energy and Cooling system to determine when it will become profitable, and necessary steps that the City should take to ensure its financial viability; 2) ask Austin Energy to develop and share its plans, timing and rationale for the future expansion or sale of the District Energy and Cooling system; 3) request a public status report on the plans be made available in 4 months.
