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March 25, 2025

Agenda original pdf

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION March 25, 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 Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Vacant GeNell Gary Joseph Gerland Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer 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 Resource Management Commission Meeting on February 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of the sub-quorum meeting with AE staff regarding information request and future plans for District Cooling. 3. Presentation by Texas Gas Service regarding a quarterly update of the Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program by Christy Bell, Energy Efficiency Program Supervisor. 4. Discussion on natural gas utilities in Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommend changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. 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 .

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March 25, 2025

Customer Energy Solutions FY 25 Savings Report original pdf

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Energy Efficiency Services EES- Appliance Efficiency Program EES- Home Energy Savings - Rebate EES- AE Weatherization & CAP Weatherization - D.I. * EES- School Based Education * EES- Strategic Partnership Between Utilities & Retailers * EES- Multifamily Rebates EES- Multifamily WX-D.I.+ EES- Commercial Rebate EES- Small Business Energy Efficiency TOTAL Demand Response (DR) - Annual Incremental DR- Power Partner DR- Commercial Demand Response (frmly Load Coop) Demand Response (DR) TOTAL Green Building GB- Residential Ratings GB- Residential Energy Code GB- Multifamily Ratings GB- Multifamily Energy Code GB- Commercial Ratings GB- Commercial Energy Code Green Building TOTAL CES MW Savings Grand TOTAL Residential Totals Commercial Totals Non-Public - AE# Customer Energy Solutions FY25 YTD MW Savings Report As of January 2025 Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget MW Goal 2.60 0.90 0.44 0.30 1.75 0.65 1.00 6.00 2.00 15.64 MW Goal 6.40 2.00 8.40 MW Goal 0.35 1.48 1.34 4.41 4.60 1.71 13.89 MW To Date 0.59 0.11 0.42 0.09 0.46 1.49 0.36 0.50 0.33 4.35 MW To Date 3.33 3.33 MW To Date 0.14 0.41 0.78 2.89 1.41 0.67 6.29 Percentage 23% 12% 95% 29% 26% 229% 36% 8% 17% Percentage 52% 0% Percentage 39% 28% 58% 65% 31% 39% Customers Customers Customers Products Products Apartments Apartments Customers Customers Devices Customers Customers Customers Dwellings Dwellings 1,000 sf 1,000 sf Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Spent to Date 861 104 505 2,043 71,258 3,015 2,612 38 24 9,202 2,344 2,344 171 517 1,798 5,384 1,868 2,160 7,870 0 1,172.83 150.24 776.26 458.57 3,607.41 2,888.57 1,423.82 987.95 695.97 12,161.62 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,577,000 $ 350,000 $ 1,250,000 $ 900,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 2,250,000 $ 1,100,000 $ 13,327,000 Spent to Date $ 378,403 $ 207,994 $ 4,496,261 $ 100,863 $ 332,193 $ 1,052,847 $ 655,279 $ 338,502 $ 218,303 $ 7,780,645 0 0.00 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 3,600,000 $ 254,230 $ 254,230 159 568 2,080 3,012 4,166 2,194 12,179 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 $ - $ - MW Goal 37.93 MW To Date 13.97 Percentage Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget 19,416 24,340.61 $ 16,927,000 Spent to Date $ 8,034,875 15.87 14.06 7.39 13.75 47% 98% 83,430 11,210 11204.72 11513.97 $ $ 11,577,000 2,001,684 $ $ 7,478,070 3,350,000 Thermal Energy Storage TOTAL …

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March 25, 2025

Item 3- Texas Gas Service Quarterly Update original pdf

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Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program Overview Christy Bell – Supervisor, EE Programs Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Q4 2024 Program Highlights  Program sunset on December 31, 2024, Conservation Adjustment Clause tariffs were withdrawn, program surcharge removed from bills, and TGS will continue processing residential rebate requests through June 29, 2025 for work completed in 2024  Revisions made to TGS website to create awareness about program changes  After June 29, 2025, TGS will begin work determining a balance adjustment to return unused funds back to customers 2 Energy Efficiency Program 3 Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Direct Install Rebates:  Administered by  Sink Aerators  Low-Flow Showerheads  Pre-Rinse Spray Valves  Weather Stripping  Steam Traps  Dryer Smart Devices  Overhead Door Weather Stripping 4 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Program Highlights 5 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Outreach Campaigns  Austin Board of Realtors  Print ad ran 10/1-10/31  Community Impact Ads  Print ad ran 10/1-10/31  Digital ad ran 11/4-11/8  KUT/KUTX Radio Ads  Radio campaign ran 10/1-12/9 6 Energy Efficiency Program Education & Outreach Events  Dia de los Muertos - Nov. 1st  Mueller Farmers Market - Oct. 20th & Nov. 3rd  Community Connections Resource Fair - Oct. 26th  Texas Book Festival booth shared with Austin Energy - Nov. 16th & 17th 7 Questions?

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March 25, 2025

Item 5- Draft Recommendation on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program WHEREAS, streamlining Austin Energy’s Residential Solar program will reduce customers’ and installers’ cost and time necessary for solar and battery installation while reducing administrative overhead for Austin Energy (AE); and WHEREAS, given the reasonably expected large increase in AE load growth in the next few years, aggressively increasing energy efficiency measures, distributed energy resources, solar installations, and onsite energy-storage batteries are critical means to achieve the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and advance local resilience; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission makes the following recommendations to the Austin City Council to modify AE’s rooftop solar program. 1. Streamlining Administration a. AE shall eliminate the solar education course and quiz, replacing it with a digital information flyer and engaging <5-minute video integrated into the solar and battery installation application process that contains the most useful information, such as an explanation of Value of Solar, how much yearly energy production to expect per panel, explanation of kW vs kWh, and other basic information. b. AE shall not condition rebate approval upon the customer’s current electricity usage. AE should require the contractor to provide values for expected usage and production to the customer. AE may warn the applying customer if proposed arrays exceed a certain percentage of the customer’s present electricity usage, to help the customer understand that they may be buying more solar and/or battery equipment than they may need. c. AE shall not place additional requirements on the installation or parts used other than those required by NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2023. Exceptions: AE may require new components be purchased for the installation, and this requirement does not extend to the software configuration of said parts, I.e. export limits or grid operator control settings. 2. Consumer Protection a. AE shall specify a minimum set of 10-year warranty provisions (they must identify exactly what is included in the warranty) that every installer must offer to be eligible for the rebate list. Installers can offer other provisions beyond that minimum set. This is a consumer protection requirement which intends to eliminate the possibility of a security-blanket warranty, which may have loop-holes in the warranty. b. AE shall provide up-to-date interactive reference solar benchmark cost estimates for a few house types and roof scenarios to give customers a valid point of comparison …

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March 25, 2025

Item 5- Recommendation on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program- Redlined original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program WHEREAS, streamlining Austin Energy’s Residential Solar program will reduce customers’ and installers’ cost and time necessary for solar and battery installation while reducing administrative overhead for Austin Energy (AE); and WHEREAS, given the reasonably expected large increase in AE load growth in the next few years, aggressively increasing energy efficiency measures, distributed energy resources, solar installations, and onsite energy-storage batteries are critical means to achieve the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and advance local resilience; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission makes the following recommendations to the Austin City Council to modify AE’s rooftop solar program and initiate a battery incentive program.. 1. Streamlining Administration a. AE shall eliminate the solar education course and quiz, replacing it with a digital information flyer and materialengaging <5-minute video integrated into the solar and battery installation application process that contains the most useful information, such as an explanation of Value of Solar, how much yearly energy production to expect per panel, explanation of kW vs kWh, and other basic information. b. B. AE shall not condition rebate approval upon the customer’s current electricity usage. AE should require the contractor to provide values for expected usage and production to the customer. AE may warn the applying customer if proposed arrays exceed a certain percentage of the customer’s present electricity usage, to help the customer understand that they may be buying more solar and/or battery equipment than they may need,. 1. A. c. C. AE shall not place additional requirements on the installation or parts used other than those coveredrequired by normal inspectionNFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2023. Exceptions: AE may require new components be purchased for the installation, and this requirement does not extend to the software configuration of said parts, I.e. export limits or grid operator control settings. 2. 2. Consumer Protection A. a. AE shall specify a minimum set of 10-year warranty provisions (they must identify exactly what is included in the warranty) that every contractorinstaller must offer to be eligible for the rebate list. Installers can offer other provisions beyond that minimum set. This is a consumer protection requirement which intends to eliminate the possibility of a security-blanket warranty, which may have loop-holes in the warranty. b. B. AE shall provide up-to-date interactive reference solar and battery benchmark cost estimates …

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March 25, 2025

Item 4- Gas Utility Presentation original pdf

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Gas Utility Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins March 25, 2025 On February 13, 2025, the Resource Management Commission’s purview was expanded to advise City Council: Regarding recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority. Total Residential Gas Customers in Austin 2023: 230,870 Total Residential Austin Energy Customers in Austin 2023: 487,096 47% / Does Not Include Master-Metered Multifamily Units Census: Majority of Homeowners in Austin and Travis County Served by Gas Heat Majority of Renters in Austin and Travis County Served with Electric Heat Total Austin Gas Utility Revenue 2023: $204 million Total Residential Gas Utility Revenue 2023: $135 million 20% of Austin Energy’s 2023 Residential Revenue Carbon Footprint: 45% of Austin Energy Carbon Emissions TGS Service Territory Austin Atmos Service Territory Austin Reasons for High Cost of Texas Gas Service 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) Texas Gas Service Company, a Division of ONE Gas, Inc. (cid:18)(cid:39)(cid:94)(cid:4) ISOS RTCS TYE December 31, 202(cid:1007) Exhibit AL-1 Page 1 of 1 Central Texas Region Galveston Region Central Texas Region and Galveston Region Combined for Rates Over Austin’s Objections Central-Gulf Service Area Central-Gulf Service Area Rio Grande Valley Service Area Rio Grande Valley Service Area West-North Service Area West-North Service Area Gas Utility Regressive Rates in Texas The More You Use, the Less You Pay Per Unit of Energy • Discourages Energy Conservation • Punished Low-Income Ratepayers The More You Earn, the More You Burn From: Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020 for Southern U.S. U.S. Energy Information Administration A Main Reason for Regressive Rates is High Monthly Customer Charge But it is Common to Have Lower Monthly Charges at Other Utilities Examples of Gas Utilities With Low Customer Charges 2025 Cascade Natural Gas Oregon Cascade Natural Gas Washington Citizens Energy Group Indiana Colorado Springs Utilities Colorado CPS Energy Texas DTE Energy Michigan Eversource Eastern Massachusetts Gainesville Regional Utilities Florida Memphis Light, Gas & Water Tennessee Pacific Gas and Electric California Piedmont Natural Gas North Carolina Piedmont …

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March 25, 2025

Item 5- Presentation: Recommendation on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program original pdf

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A Resolution Summary Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 25 MARCH 2025 Recall… 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. Feb 18, 2025 – Tim Harvey presents Austin Energy perspective March 25, 2025 – Today – Presenting redlined version of “Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program” What’s new in the redlined resolution? 1) All battery-related language removed to avoid potential commissioner interest conflict. 2) Edited to address commissioner & Austin Energy feedback from last meeting (Feb 18) Commissioners’ Feedback – Feb 18 Meeting “Excellent Presentation” Commissioner Gary “Why there is such a high fail rate? Why is there online inspection in other cities?” Vice Chair Robbins “110% rule – is it updated on the website?” Commissioner Schwartz “As a person who used to install these systems, I appreciate the safety concerns that you brought to this. I think people make mistakes on [getting] excited about getting the system and overdoing it sometimes or making mistakes, and I think it's important to really understand it before you go and do it. We are talking about a very complicated device, and there's a whole bunch of moving parts there.” Commissioner Leucke “And so that really helped me see that, particularly as it relates to protecting consumers from unscrupulous vendors. That was giving me pause in, in the resolution about taking away things that, might actually be protecting consumers.” Commissioner Davis Defining the problem Electrification of work previously done by hydrocarbons. Why Residential Matters - Solar at the edge of the grid Relieves constraint https://www.rff.org/publications/explainers/renewables-101-integrating-renewables/ Constraint What Success Looks Like – Australia https://pv-map.apvi.org.au/historical#7/-37.064/146.569 Austin Greater Adelaide Population 0.98 M 1.4 M Solar Penetration 6.6 % ~35 % Solar Cost $3 / W $ 1 / W Austin, TX- 103 MW / 10 kW avg install = 10.3k homes 10.3k / 155 k = 6.6% Sources: https://austinenergy.com/about/company-profile/electric-system/power-plants https://www.infoplease.com/us/census/texas/austin/housing-statistics Solar Equipment Costs are Plummeting Year Cents/W Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q1 2024 Q3 2024 14.5 12.5 11 9.6 45% drop in <2 years! Source: BloombergNEF, NREL Solar as a Luxury Good Soft costs are high, material costs are low Cost increasing vicious cycle Legitimate installers have high overhead, so they must counter- position as the solution to bad actors, position solar as a luxury …

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March 25, 2025

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Feb. 18, 2025

Customer Energy Solutions FY 25 Savings Report original pdf

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Energy Efficiency Services EES- Appliance Efficiency Program EES- Home Energy Savings - Rebate EES- AE Weatherization & CAP Weatherization - D.I. * EES- School Based Education * EES- Strategic Partnership Between Utilities & Retailers * EES- Multifamily Rebates EES- Multifamily WX-D.I.+ EES- Commercial Rebate EES- Small Business Energy Efficiency TOTAL Demand Response (DR) - Annual Incremental DR- Power Partner DR- Commercial Demand Response (frmly Load Coop) Demand Response (DR) TOTAL Green Building GB- Residential Ratings GB- Residential Energy Code GB- Multifamily Ratings GB- Multifamily Energy Code GB- Commercial Ratings GB- Commercial Energy Code Green Building TOTAL CES MW Savings Grand TOTAL Residential Totals Commercial Totals Non-Public - AE# Customer Energy Solutions FY25 YTD MW Savings Report As of December 2025 Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget MW Goal 2.60 0.90 0.44 0.30 1.75 0.65 1.00 6.00 2.00 15.64 MW Goal 6.40 2.00 8.40 MW Goal 0.35 1.48 1.34 4.41 4.60 1.71 13.89 MW To Date 0.30 0.07 0.27 0.04 0.25 0.42 0.30 0.25 0.08 1.98 MW To Date 3.33 3.33 MW To Date 0.10 0.30 0.55 2.23 1.10 0.62 4.90 Percentage 12% 8% 61% 12% 14% 65% 30% 4% 4% Percentage 52% 0% Percentage 30% 20% 41% 51% 24% 36% Customers Customers Customers Products Products Apartments Apartments Customers Customers Devices Customers Customers Customers Dwellings Dwellings 1,000 sf 1,000 sf 426 64 333 844 28,619 1,908 1,937 14 11 5,537 2,344 2,344 131 376 1,007 4,285 1,451 2,049 5,799 0 591.27 96.07 499.84 587.86 1,947.32 1,404.37 1,182.68 483.38 134.53 6,927.32 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,577,000 $ 350,000 $ 1,250,000 $ 900,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 2,250,000 $ 1,100,000 $ 13,327,000 Spent to Date $ 202,331 $ 122,225 $ 2,897,421 $ 41,668 $ 210,016 $ 706,602 $ 508,183 $ 136,810 $ 55,728 $ 4,880,984 0 0.00 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 3,600,000 $ 254,230 $ 254,230 414 2,049 3,866 5,186 8,896 5,630 26,041 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 $ - $ - Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Spent to Date MW Goal 37.93 MW To Date 10.21 Percentage Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget 13,680 32,968.32 $ 16,927,000 Spent to Date $ 5,135,214 15.87 14.06 5.38 12.50 34% 89% 36,982 8,791 8772.41 23603.00 $ $ 11,577,000 2,000,618 $ $ 4,942,676 3,350,000 Thermal Energy Storage TOTAL …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Agenda original pdf

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION February 18, 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 Alison Silverstein Vacant Vacant GeNell Gary Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Raphael Schwartz Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer 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 Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on February 3, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Harris County in support of the Solar for All Program activities, for the term of March 27, 2025, through the grant period ending August 31, 2029, for a total agreement in the amount not to exceed $31,593,683. Funding in the amount of $31,593,683 is available starting in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund. 3. Recommend changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. (Sponsors: Sasaridis, Silverstein, and Robbins) 4. Discussion and recommend to City Council to commend Chair Louis Stone on his service to the Resource Management Commission. (Sponsors: Robbins and Silverstein) 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 . 5. …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 2- RCA- Solar For All original pdf

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..De Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Harris County in support of the Solar for All Program activities, for the term of March 27, 2025, through the grant period ending August 31, 2029, for a total agreement in the amount not to exceed $31,593,683. Funding in the amount of $31,593,683 is available starting in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $31,593,683 is available starting in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund. Prior Council Action: October 24, 2024- Council approved an ordinance to accept and appropriate grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and add three full-time equivalent grant positions to implement the Solar for All residential-serving community and residential rooftop solar program For More Information: Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy, (512)-322-6327; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512)- 482-5386; Amy Everhart, Local Government Issues Director (512) 322-6087. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. February 18, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: On December 17, 2024, Harris County received a subrecipient agreement from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for The Texas Solar for All Coalition. Harris County has asked for subrecipient acceptance during the next meetings of the Commissioners Court. Austin Energy as a Coalition Member and as a subrecipient, will be required to execute an interlocal agreement with Harris County to carry out the performance of this award. Subrecipient interlocal agreement is subject to applicable EPA regulatory and statutory provisions, all terms and conditions of the signed agreement for a five-year grant term. The objective of these funds is to accelerate community solar projects in the City of Austin over the next five years. Austin Energy plans to provide financial and technical assistance to low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy community solar and residential-serving distributed solar energy and storage projects. Solar projects receiving financial assistance from this federal funding may receive assistance for upgrades that maximize the benefits, such as energy efficiency improvements through existing Austin Energy weatherization programming. The expected outcomes include climate and air pollution benefits, equity and community benefits, and market transformation benefits. The intended beneficiaries include households in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The improvements …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 3- Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program Presentation original pdf

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A Resolution Summary Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 16 JANUARY 2025 Overview Who: RMC Commissioners – Dino Sasaridis, Paul Robbins, Alison Silverstein. What: A resolution to improve and streamline Austin Energy’s solar rebate program and inspections, inclusive of solar and batteries. Why: Historic load growth will put stress on generation and transmission. Solar has the lowest cost of electricity generation and will fill this need, and batteries are needed to make the solar deployable at night, and reduce congestion. Costs and bureaucracy both bottleneck solar and battery deployments at the edge of the grid (on homes). This resolution aims to reduce bureaucracy, costs, and realign incentives towards this goal. When: Now, for a vote by RMC, to be presented to City Council. More about the ‘Why’ Claim: Significant demand growth is coming to the Texas grid. Summer baseline load is ~60 GW. This is mostly driven by electrification of carbon-based fuel activities. This is a good thing, but it will stress the electric grid. Passenger vehicle electrification: adds 12 – 18 GW to base load, 129 GWh/day Electrification of long-haul trucking: adds 8 – 12 GW to base load, 86 GWh/day • • • Growth of AI: 50 GWh/day • Air conditioner use: proportional to peak summer temperature, increases peak load on grid -> drives unreliability • Heat pumps displacing gas furnaces Industrial Heat via graphite heating • • Atmospheric carbon removal As Austinites, we will feel these changes impact us as rate increases and instability. Claim: Solar and batteries are a robust solution to adding capacity, but work is needed to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the process, which will decrease cost and increase competition. The language in this resolution can open Austin up to being a renewable energy superpower, setting an example for other cities, and making a difference in Texas. Content of the Resolution 1. Streamlining Administration 2. Consumer Protection 3. Standard for New Inverters 4. Improvements in AE Solar and Battery Inspections 5. Encouragement of Onsite Eneryg-Storage Batteries 6. Survey of Solar Inverter Installations to Determine Grid Protection Capability 7. Implementation Schedule 1. Streamlining Administration Eliminate the solar education course and quiz, which are presently required to receive the $2,500 rebate. The course and quiz are friction that discourage folks from installing solar, because receiving the rebate is gated by the quiz. Replace these two items with a flyer. • 26 …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 3- Recommendation on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program WHEREAS, streamlining Austin Energy’s Residential Solar program will reduce customers’ and installers’ cost and time necessary for solar and battery installation while reducing administrative overhead for Austin Energy (AE); and WHEREAS, given the reasonably expected large increase in AE load growth in the next few years, aggressively increasing energy efficiency measures, distributed energy resources, solar installations, and onsite energy-storage batteries are critical means to achieve the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and advance local resilience; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission makes the following recommendations to the Austin City Council to modify AE’s rooftop solar program and initiate a battery incentive program. 1. Streamlining Administration A. AE shall eliminate the solar education course and quiz, replacing it with a digital information flyer and material integrated into the solar and battery installation application process that contains the most useful information, such as an explanation of Value of Solar, how much yearly energy production to expect per panel, explanation of kW vs kWh, and other basic information. B. AE shall not condition rebate approval upon the customer’s current electricity usage. AE should require the contractor to provide values for expected usage and production to the customer. AE may warn the applying customer if proposed arrays exceed a certain percentage of the customer’s present electricity usage, to help the customer understand that they may be buying more solar and/or battery equipment than they may need, C. AE shall not place additional requirements on the installation or parts used other than those covered by normal inspection. 2. Consumer Protection 1 A. AE shall specify a minimum set of 10-year warranty provisions that every contractor must offer to be eligible for the rebate list. Installers can offer other provisions beyond that minimum set. B. AE shall provide up-to-date interactive reference solar and battery benchmark cost estimates for a few house types and roof scenarios to give customers a valid point of comparison to evaluate solar contractors’ sales cost quotes. C. AE shall require 75% TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction) for 3 kW of the total proposed solar installation, but not for the entire array. AE may require the contractor to calculate the TSRF for the entire array and communicate that estimate to the customer with an explanation of what that means for estimated annual …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 4- Recommendation to City Council to Commend Chair Louis Stone original pdf

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Resource Management Commission Resolution Regarding Commendation of Chair Louis Stone WHEREAS, Louis Stone has served on the City of Austin’s Resource Management Commission for over 3 years, and served as Chair for two years; and WHEREAS, he has run these meetings very efficiently, steering the Commission through complicated and controversial issues with good humor; and WHEREAS, his background as a Certified Public Accountant has trained him to ask hard questions about the feasibility of the Commission’s proposals, often with the result of improving them; and WHEREAS, the issues of the Commission are multifaceted, sometimes complex, and have history attached that can be confusing for newly appointed members; and WHEREAS, Chair Stone’s term expires at the end of February 2025 unless he is reappointed; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission enthusiastically thank Commissioner Stone for his valuable contribution to our work and encourage him to apply to other Boards and Commissions that work towards the betterment of Austin.

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 5- Recommendation to Obtain Information on AE District Chilling System original pdf

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Resource Management Commission Resolution to Obtain Information on Austin Energy’s District Chilling System WHEREAS, in 2024, Austin Energy proposed to sell its district chilling system because it was not being operated profitably, and; WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission passed a Resolution at its July 16, 2024 meeting asking the Austin City Council to delay consideration of the proposal to sell its district chilling system until it was more thoroughly reviewed by stakeholders in the community (Recommendation No. 20240716-00); and WHEREAS, Austin Energy delayed, but never officially cancelled, the proposed consideration of sale; and WHEREAS, information relevant to this sale that could reveal why the district chilling system is not being operated profitably has not been made publicly available; and WHEREAS, this information would be key to revealing how Austin Energy can correct the district chilling system’s economic problems; and WHEREAS, this relevant information will need to be revealed to potential bidders in the private sector anyway if this sale is to take place; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission requests that the Austin City Council direct Austin Energy to provide public information relevant to the district chilling system’s profitability, including the financial information for each individual district chilling system customer: A) the annual consumption for the last 3 fiscal years; B) the annual revenue collected for the last 3 fiscal years; C) the annual revenue required for profitability; D) the year that sufficient revenues can begin to be collected based on contract language. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission requests this information be provided by April 1.

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 6- Staff Briefing Battery Program Launch Update including DERMS and VPP original pdf

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Solar-Coupled Battery Demand Response Richard Génecé Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions Tim Harvey Manager, Customer Renewable Solutions Lindsey McDougall Manager, Demand Response and Technical Services February 2025 © Austin Energy How a Virtual Power Plant Works Using a Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) Austin Energy Calls Event to DERMs Provider Based on the Market Provider Signals Customer Batteries through DERMS Austin Energy Passes Benefits to Battery Owner Customer Batteries Charge and Discharge 1 Solar System Austin Energy Avoids Costs on the Market 2 Virtual Power Plant Use Cases Austin Energy Load Zone Jan. 7, 2025: Day Ahead Market vs. Real Time Price $200.00 $180.00 $160.00 $140.00 $120.00 $100.00 $80.00 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00 $- 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 Day Ahead Market Real TimePrice 3 Virtual Power Plant Use Cases Austin Energy Load Zone Jan. 7, 2025: Day Ahead Market vs. Real Time Price Energy Arbitrage $200.00 $180.00 $160.00 $140.00 $120.00 $100.00 $80.00 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00 $- Charge Discharge 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 Day Ahead Market Real TimePrice 4 Virtual Power Plant Use Cases Austin Energy Load Zone Jan. 7, 2025: Day Ahead Market vs. Real Time Price Day Ahead / Real Time Hedging Austin Energy participates in the day ahead market to hedge against generation supply risk $200.00 $180.00 $160.00 $140.00 $120.00 $100.00 $80.00 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00 $- Generation supply shortfalls can send the market price up to $5,000. A VPP would allow us to mitigate the risk and reduce the need to hedge in the Day Ahead Market 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 Day Ahead Market Real TimePrice 5 Progress • SHINES lessons • Residential and commercial interconnection guidelines and design criteria • Permitting and inspections • Billing system updates • Vehicle to Home (V2H) • 15MW residential batteries installed Battery Adoption Current Efforts • Resilience Hubs planning with Parks & Recreation Dept. • Microgrid – Camp Mabry • Circulating battery recycling info readily available • Market benefit analysis and operation strategies • Edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) solution • Solar for All DERMs Virtual Power Plant (VPP) …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Item 7- Staff Briefing: Proposed Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program original pdf

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Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program Richard Génecé Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions Tim Harvey Manager, Customer Renewable Solutions Team February 2025 © Austin Energy Residential Rooftop Solar Program Timeline and Phases Solar Pioneers and Solar Explorers Municipal Solar Solar Education Shared Solar Pilot Solar in Schools GreenChoice Residential and Commercial Incentives Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Community Solar La Loma Community Solar Palmer Event Center Community Solar Green-e Certified Community Solar 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2010 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 Beyond Phase 1 • Stakeholder Engagement • Cultivate Early Adopters • Sow the Seeds for Local Solar Projects • Establish Best Practices • Foster Inclusivity Phase 2 Phase 3 • Broaden Community Engagement • Scale Engagement and Inclusivity • Prepare Interconnection Process for Increased Program Adoption • Leverage Benefits of Decentralized Solar Generation and Storage 2 Customer Renewable Solutions Objectives Safety Uphold local and national code, clarify areas of code that are unclear, inspect thoroughly and with consistency, and promote streamlined inspection process. Increase Adoption Equitably promote safe and streamlined adoption and utilization of renewables and dispatchable energy solutions on the distribution grid while maintaining power quality. Fair Rates Develop fair rates that identify and quantify value, appropriately compensate customers for contributions, are sustainable, and adjust with the market. Consumer Protection Integrate safety nets for customers through program design and education. Contractor Education Engage the contractor community to educate, promote safely installed systems, identify areas for potential improvement, and encourage best practices. Continual Improvement Improve program offerings focusing on customer education and satisfaction, consumer protection, safe installations, and balance of costs and benefits. 3 Summary Response to Proposed Resolution Exploring Implementation 3. Smart Inverters 5A. Battery – Virtual Power Plant 5B. Battery - Incentive Existing in Program 1B. Right Sizing Solar 2A. Warranty 2D. Energy Efficiency 4D. Remote Inspections - Failure Notes Concerns with Implementation Safety & Consumer Protection E. 20% exception F. Not to Exceed 10% 4. Remote Inspections A. Contractor Present B. Submission C. Commissioning Safety 4. Code Enforcement G. National Electric Code only H. Stamp for Battery I. Additional Equipment Checks Consumer Protection & Increase Adoption 1C. Additional Requirements 2B. Cost Estimates Consumer Protection 1A. Education Course & Quiz 2C. Total Solar Resource Fraction Fair Rates 5C. Battery - Additional Incentive for Participation 6. Smart Inverter - Replacement 4 Education Course and Quiz Proposed Resolution Information 1A. AE shall eliminate the solar education …

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Feb. 18, 2025

Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline Monthly Report original pdf

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Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 2/14/2025 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 145 51 t n u o C t c e o r P j 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 84 106 8 7 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified 1. Figures includes all leads and applications, regardless of estimated rebate amount. In coordination with the customer and contractor, Austin Energy periodically removes leads and new applications that do not proceed to Installation. a. “Pre-Approval in Progress” includes: 1) customer/contractor submitted leads; 2) applications in development but not yet submitted to Austin Energy; and 3) applications submitted to Austin Energy that are under review for eligibility and approval of project scope. b. “Approved: Installation and Verification” includes projects: 1) approved with installation underway; and 2) where installation is complete and final inspection and quality review are ongoing. c. Paid projects are listed on the preceding RMC summary table in this report. Project Pipeline Notes: 2. Pipeline Definitions Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 2/14/2025 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$72k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Measures Planned Paid 1303113 56.9 272,632 $126,140 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, MFIQ Supplemental Items Goodnight Commons The Lowell at Mueller 2022 E Slaughter Ln 1200 Broadmoor Dr 1270218, 1318840, 1318841 1301882 (paid), 1301882 (applicati on) Paid 69.7 408,189 $133,346 Installation West Koenig Flats 5608 Avenue F 35.7 165,346 Installation 1312972 Hunters Chase Apartments 128.5 625,426 $262,444 Installation 1324159 The Morgan 173.7 242,713 $199,895 Out of District $96,565 (paid), $25,870 (applicatio n) HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, Water Saving Devices, MFIQ Supplemental items Partial completion. Interrupted due to weather. HVAC Tune-up, Smart Thermostats, ECAD HVAC Tune-Ups, LED Lighting, Smart Thermostats, Water Savings Devices, ECAD Duct Remediation & Seal, Attic Insulation Installation 1327092 Agave at South Congress 625 E Stassney Ln 54.3 208,321 $138,852 Attic Insulation, HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, ECAD Installation 1320067, 1330404 Sage Hill Apartments Installation 1328775 Wildwood Apartments Installation 1329351 & 1331207 Hillside on Cannon 57.0 175,846 $142,412 …

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Feb. 18, 2025

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Recommendation No.20250218-004: Recommendation to Commend Chair Louis Stone original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250218-004 Recommendation to Commend Chair Louis Stone on his service to the Resource Management Commission WHEREAS, Louis Stone has served on the City of Austin’s Resource Management Commission for over 3 years, and served as Chair for two years; and WHEREAS, he has run these meetings very efficiently, steering the Commission through complicated and controversial issues with good humor; and WHEREAS, his background as a Certified Public Accountant has trained him to ask hard questions about the feasibility of the Commission’s proposals, often with the result of improving them; and WHEREAS, the issues of the Commission are multifaceted, sometimes complex, and have history attached that can be confusing for newly appointed members; and WHEREAS, Chair Stone’s term expires at the end of February 2025 unless he is reappointed; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission enthusiastically thank Commissioner Stone for his valuable contribution to our work and encourage him to apply to other Boards and Commissions that work towards the betterment of Austin. Date of Approval: February 18, 2025 Vote: 7-0 Motioned By: Vice Chair Robbins Seconded By: Commissioner Luecke For: Against: Abstentions: Off Dais: Absences: Vacancies: None None None Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Raphael Schwartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis Mayor’s Office; District 10

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