Energy Efficiency Services - Commercial and Multifamily Enrollment Pipeline 8/1/2025 Program Code WFS Location Name Installation Address Council District Measures Multifamily 3-Installation SOUTH LAMAR VILLAGE 3505 S LAMAR BLVD LEASE Multifamily Income Qualified 3-Installation THE OAKS AT TECH RIDGE 14000 THE LAKES BLVD 12 Multifamily Income Qualified 3-Installation BRIDGE AT BALCONES 12215 HUNTERS CHASE DR S12 Multifamily Income Qualified 3-Installation High Point Village 2400 WICKERSHAM LN A UNIT 2 Multifamily Income Qualified 3-Installation TIMBERS APARTMENTS 1034 CLAYTON LN 1 5 7 6 3 4 Est. kWh Savings Est. $ Incentive 343,826 $115,950 Attic Insulation, Building Information, ECAD Incentive, Limited Time Bonus Offer, Lighting, Property Information, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, QC - Qualification, QC - Verification, Supplemental Measure, HVAC Tune-Up Limited Time Bonus Offer, Property Information, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat,QC - Qualification, Supplemental Measure,HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices 477,502 $197,716 Building Information, ECAD Incentive, Limited Time Bonus Offer, Lighting, Property Information, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, QC - Qualification, HVAC Tune-Up, Unit Information Attic Insulation, Building Information, ECAD Incentive, Limited Time Bonus Offer, Lighting, Property Information, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, QC - Qualification, QC - Verification, Supplemental Measure, HVAC Tune-Up Attic Insulation, Building Information, ECAD Incentive, Limited Time Bonus Offer, Lighting, Property Information, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, QC - Qualification, QC - Verification, Supplemental Measure, HVAC Tune-Up 344,389 $146,476 166,350 $126,824 131,615 $109,620 Rebate Fact Sheet - Energy Efficiency Services July 2025 Rebate Program Enrollment Customer or Property Property Address Year Built * Property Information Commercial Rebates 1340142 HEB 754 2400 S CONGRESS AVE AUSTIN, TX 78704 Total Number of Rentable Units N/A Building Total Square Feet 143385 Measure ** Rebates and Estimated Annual Savings Est. Kilowatt (kW) Reduction Est. Kilowatt- hours (kWh) Reduction Est. $/kW Rebate per Tenant Unit HVAC Lighting New Construction 23.8 525.3 32,160 2,618,765 $547 $232 Total Rebate $12,997 $121,687 Total *** 549.1 * Year built may not include major renovations ** Fact sheets include final inspection information, and some values may have changed since original proposal. *** Assumes 100% Occupancy 2,650,926 $134,684 $778 Energy Efficiency Rebates in Past 10-Years Date (Year) 2025 2025 HVAC Lighting New Construction Measure Rebate Amount $12,997 $69,298 Rebate Fact Sheet - Energy Efficiency Services July 2025 Rebate Program Enrollment Property Information Multifamily 1302240 Customer or Property THE MICHAEL AT PRESIDIO Property Address Year Built * Total Number of Rentable Units Building Total Square Feet 13535 LYNDHURST ST LEASE AUSTIN, TX 78717 2015 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION September 16, 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 Harry Kennard Martin Luecke 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 August 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the GoPurple pilot incentive program and issue incentives on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 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. 3. Discussion and recommendation on policy regarding Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Programs. 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 . STAFF BRIEFING 4. Staff Briefing on Austin Water’s quarterly report on Water Management Strategy Implementation for Q2, Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water. …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the GoPurple pilot incentive program and issue incentives on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Wate. 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. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250819-005 Recommendation on Texas Gas Service Conservation Proposal Pending Before the Railroad Commission of Texas WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has submitted a three-year energy conservation program proposal to the Railroad Commission of Texas for its Central-Gulf region; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for standby generators that consume, not save energy; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for gas ranges, which harm indoor air quality, while providing no proof that this appliance program saves energy or money; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed continuation of rebates for gas clothes dryers, tankless water heaters, and central furnaces, which do not pay back their investment in energy savings in Austin’s climate or in Residential settings; and WHEREAS, these proposed programs will cost ratepayers almost $5 million over the three-year proposal; and WHEREAS, TGS has not renewed its co-funding with Austin Energy for duct sealing and ceiling insulation, which have been shown to be some of the highest ROI energy savings programs; and WHEREAS, TGS has not, to date, fully complied with the legislative intent of the law granting the Railroad Commission of Texas the authority to regulate energy conservation programs run by gas utilities by: 1) failing to prove that all of its programs actually save energy; and 2) omitting program-specific energy and monetary savings in its filings; and WHEREAS, from about 1987 to about 1997 the City of Austin had an agreement with TGS to design and administer gas conservation programs, funded by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS is continuing a long-standing pattern of funding energy conservation programs that are not cost effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the City Council to ask its appropriate City staff to go on record with the Railroad Commission of Texas to oppose the current program proposals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission is on record asking that any future franchise negotiations include a requirement that the company’s energy conservation program planning and administration be subcontracted to the City of Austin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this recommendation be provided to the Market Oversight Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas in the most timely manner possible.
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT Resource Management Commission September 16, 2025 Second Quarter 2025, April - June August 2025 Contents 2 First Quarter Summary Notes Regarding Data Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Supply Project Updates Water Use and GPCD Second Quarter Summary The second quarter of the year (April – June) transitions from the drier winter to one of the wettest months of the year in May. Implementation efforts also transition to meet changing conditions and environments. Landscape water conservation expands for existing and new homes. Increased leak detection for small-diameter pipes. Additional reclaimed customers and usage, while approving onsite reuse permits for future development. Expanded public outreach with springtime messaging. Planning for the aquifer storage and recovery project continued, as well as an emergency implementation plan for indirect potable reuse. Water Conservation Updates Council approved Uniform Plumbing Code with 3 local amendments that implement the Water Forward 2018 Landscape Transformation strategy: • Irrigation pressure reduction components • Limitation of the size of automatic irrigation systems • Requirement of laundry to landscape plumbing Residential landscape rebates – 140% increase over 2024 year to date Staff completed water efficiency audits on 6 City of Austin facilities; immediate action at one facility lowered irrigation consumption by 88% and total use by 21% 4 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 5 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Other Residential Programs Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 5 4 3 2 1 0 6 Bucks for Business Other Commercial Programs Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Compliance Assessments Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities 3,200 3,180 3,160 3,140 3,120 3,100 3,080 3,060 3,040 3,020 7 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Landscape Irrigation Assessment Cooling Tower Assessment Vehicle Wash Assessment Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Strategy Milestones 2025 Milestones Commercial Incentives Progress Pilot an increased rebate for commercial water use audits. Identify opportunities for CII facility owners/managers to benefit from the My ATX Water alerts and information. Landscape transformation Coordinate with COA Development Services Department to …
GoPurple Program I n c e n t i v e s a n d C o s t S h a r i n g f o r W a t e r R e u s e P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Resource Management Commission September 16th, 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 Water Forward 2024 Strategies Utility-Side Water Loss Control • Production meter improvements • Expanded active leak detection programs • Additional analysis of smart meter data Customer Side Water Use Management • Expanded customer incentives for conservation • Use of smart meter data for customer-side leak identification, education, and outreach • Water use budgeting Native & Efficient Landscapes • New landscape ordinances & incentives • • Irrigation efficiency incentives Landscape conversion programs Non-Potable Reuse • Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Decentralized Reclaimed • Centralized Reclaimed Water Supply Storage Aquifer Storage and Recovery Decker Lake Off Channel Reservoir Potable Reuse Indirect Potable Reuse New Water Supplies Brackish Groundwater Desalination Strategies reliant on Colorado River and LCRA supplies 3 New Code Requirements for Large Development Projects Distance to reclaimed water main Code requirement ≤500 feet >500 feet Extend reclaimed water main for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Capture rainwater and condensate and treat for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/o incentives Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/ incentives $900-$4,400 $350-$4,000 $800-$7,100 $750-$6,000 Affordability Impact Study identified negative impact to housing costs from code requirements 4 Large Development Project GoPurple Pilot Incentives & Cost Sharing Type of Reuse Project Reclaimed water Rebate for Reclaimed Main Extension AW pays 50% of 251-500 feet or more up to $500K Onsite water N/A Rebate for Onsite Reuse Systems Expedited Building Permit Review Rebate N/A AW pays for 100% of voluntary installations up to $500K AW pays up to $36K for projects installing >250 feet of main AW pays up to $36K for projects installing onsite water reuse systems No Impact Fees for Non-potable Meters Developer pays fees for potable water meters …
Second Natural Gas Utility Policy Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins August 19, 2025 There Are Other Gas Utility Issues Besides High Rates 1. High Fuel Costs 2. Taxes & Fees 3. Low-Income Assistance 4. Greenwashing– Faulty Programs for Conservation & Renewable Natural Gas Three Reasons for High Fuel Prices 1. Rising Support Costs 2. Securitization 3. Gas Exports “Securitization” Winter Storm Uri Surcharge Legalized Piracy • $3.5 Billion Financed Over 16 Years • $1.11/MCF Surcharge • ≈ $38/Year/Residential Austin Customer • ≈ $608 Over 16-Year Payoff U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Competes on World Market Taxes & Fees • ≈ 3% for State Fees • 5% for City of Austin Franchise Fee • No Cap on Amount Low-Income Assistance 2024 Austin Energy – $20.1 Million Austin Water – $17.4 Million Austin Watershed Protection – $1.2 Million Total City of Austin Utilities – $38.7 Million (1.5% of Gross Revenue) Texas Gas Service – $200,000 (For Entire Central-Gulf Region) Gas Companies are Greenwashing Clean Energy Efficiency of the Direct Use of Natural Gas From Atmos RMC June Presentation y c n e i c i f f E y g r e n E Direct Use of Natural Gas Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation 100 MMBTUs Water Heater Efficiency Generation No Losses X 90 MMBTUs 90 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Water Heater Efficiency 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 48 MMBTUs ERCOT Electric Mix With Heat Pump Water Heater ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Heat Pump Water Heater 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 91 MMBTUs- 233 MMBTUs TGS gives rebates way in excess of the national average. Conservation Total Resource Benefit/Cost Test Total Lifetime Investment vs. Lifetime Monetary Savings = Gas Dryer With Moisture Sensor • Between $200 and $300 to save –– 50¢/Year (Gas-to-Gas change-out). • No other gas utilities give rebates for dryer stubs except One Gas. • Payback of 666 Years at Higher Rebate Level. Tankless Water Heaters • $4,150 to $5,050 for New Tankless Installation vs. $1,600- $1,850 for Tank Unit (2021 dollars). • Requires Regular Scale Cleaning • Claims of Increased Lifetime May Be Exaggerated • No Payback. In fact, it will cost $2,800 to $3,800 more over life. • Expensive • Scale Cleaning • Freeze Damage Efficient Furnaces Built for Northern Climates • …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION August 19, 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 CALL MEETING TO ORDER AGENDA Joseph Gerland Martin Luecke Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Danielle Zigon Vacant 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 July 15, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing issuance of rebates for multifamily and commercial customer energy efficiency measures by Austin Energy during Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the aggregate amounts of $3,830,000 for multifamily programs and $3,375,000 for commercial programs, for a total combined budget amount of $7,205,000. Funding: $7,205,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. 3. Recommend approval authorizing issuance of commercial and multifamily solar incentives during Fiscal Year 2025-2026, in an aggregated amount not to exceed $5,300,000 for customer-sited commercial solar installations and $2,000,000 for customer-sited multifamily installations, for a total combined budget amount of $7,300,000 to qualifying solar incentive projects. Funding: $7,300,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Energy Operating Budget. 4. Discussion and recommendation on changing city code that relates to allowable methods for board and commission communications. 5. Discussion and recommendation on policy regarding Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Programs. DISCUSSION 6. Presentation by Texas Gas Service regarding an update on the TGS application for a Statewide Energy Efficiency Program by Larry Graham, Manager, Local Government Relations, Texas Gas Service and Judy Hitchye, Managing Attorney, Texas Gas Service. 7. Discussion on natural gas utilities: fuel costs, low-income customer issues, environmental effects, clean-energy programs, and policy related issues related to them. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize issuance of rebates for multifamily and commercial customer energy efficiency measures by Austin Energy during Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the aggregate amounts of $3,830,000 for multifamily programs and $3,375,000 for commercial programs, for a total combined budget amount of $7,205,000. Funding: $7,205,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $7,205,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Prior Council Action: September 26, 2024 - Council approved issuance of rebates for commercial and multifamily customer energy efficiency measures during Fiscal Year 2024-2025. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Relations (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: August 11, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission August 19, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy’s energy efficiency rebate programs provide customer incentives to reduce energy demand and associated costs, benefiting all electric utility customers and the utility. Aggregate authority for the issuance of rebates has been requested and approved in FY2020 thru FY2025. This authorization will allow Austin Energy to continue to issue rebates to multifamily, commercial and small business customers during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for energy efficiency improvements in accordance with program guidelines and up to a combined amount of $7,205,000. The aggregate rebate approval request reflects our continued commitment to be responsive and flexible to customer needs by reducing the wait time needed to be reimbursed for energy efficiency upgrades. Multifamily customers receive an average of three upgrades per unit (e.g., smart thermostats, lighting, solar screens, HVAC tune-up, etc.), helping to reduce their energy costs. New construction incentives are also available for Multifamily properties pursuing passive building certification. This demonstration program will incentivize four to five affordable housing projects for predesign and post construction milestones. The aggregate approval ensures program continuity by assuring that contractors and property managers/owners will receive rebate funding promptly after work has been completed.
Posting Language ..Title Authorize issuance of commercial and multifamily solar incentives during Fiscal Year 2025-2026, in an aggregated amount not to exceed $5,300,000 for customer-sited commercial solar installations and $2,000,000 for customer- sited multifamily installations, for a total combined budget amount of $7,300,000 to qualifying solar incentive projects. Funding: $7,300,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Energy Operating Budget. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $7,300,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Prior Council Action: September 26, 2024 - Council approved issuance of rebates for commercial and multifamily customer energy efficiency measures during Fiscal Year 2024-2025. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Relations (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: August 11, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission August 19, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission Additional Backup Information: The purpose of the Austin Energy solar incentives is to expand adoption of customer-sited solar. The Performance-Based Incentive (PBI) solar program offers commercial customers payments based on the metered solar production of their approved PV system for the first 5 years of operation. The Austin Energy Solar Capacity-Based Incentive (CBI) Programs support solar installations via a one-time, upfront rebate payment. These programs advance the stated goals of expanding locally-sited solar, carbon reduction, and resiliency. The authorization of aggregate authority for the issuance of solar incentives will allow Austin Energy to continue to issue solar incentives to multifamily, commercial and small business customers during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY2026) for customer-sited solar installations in accordance with program guidelines and up to a combined amount of $7,300,000. This aggregate rebate approval request reflects our continued commitment to be responsive and flexible to customer needs. The process allows Austin Energy to approve projects for construction and avoid the one to two months of delay that would have otherwise occurred while moving through the RCA process.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250819-### Recommendation to Amend City Code to Use Both City and Personal Email Addresses for Board and Commission Members WHEREAS, members of the Resource Management Commission and other City boards and commissions are volunteers; WHEREAS, the City of Austin policy, based on city code, is that staff liaisons for City boards and commissions must use only commissioners’ official city email addresses; WHEREAS, many volunteer commission and board members rely extensively on personal email addresses and have missed communications from City liaisons, other city staff, and fellow commissioners; WHEREAS, making communicating with staff and fellow commissioners can make board and commission service more accessible and make commissioners more productive in serving the City of Austin; WHEREAS, many volunteer commissioners find managing multiple email accounts can be a significant burden on top of their family, employment, community, and other activities; WHEREAS, commissioners understand that all communications about board or commission business are subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, regardless of what communication channel – including city or personal email – the commissioner uses; WHEREAS, commissioners understand that official city email (BC) address should still be included on all official communications, but commissioners’ personal email addresses can be copied on those and other communications; WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission, in Recommendation 20250609-003, has asked the Austin City Council to amend the City Code to allow volunteers serving on City boards and commissions to use a combination of personal and city email accounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission joins the Electric Utility Commission in asking the City Council to change the city code to allow for communications to and from City of Austin volunteer board and commission members to go to both official city email addresses and personal email addresses. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Record of the Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250819-005 Recommendation on Texas Gas Service Conservation Proposal Pending Before the Railroad Commission of Texas WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has submitted a three-year energy conservation program proposal to the Railroad Commission of Texas for its Central-Gulf region; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for standby generators that consume, not save energy; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for gas ranges, which harm indoor air quality, while providing no proof that this appliance program saves energy or money; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed continuation of rebates for gas clothes dryers, tankless water heaters, and central furnaces, which do not pay back their investment in energy savings in Austin’s climate or in Residential settings; and WHEREAS, these proposed programs will cost ratepayers almost $5 million over the three-year proposal; and WHEREAS, TGS has not renewed its co-funding with Austin Energy for duct sealing and ceiling insulation, which have been shown to be some of the highest ROI energy savings programs; and WHEREAS, TGS has not, to date, fully complied with the legislative intent of the law granting the Railroad Commission of Texas the authority to regulate energy conservation programs run by gas utilities by: 1) failing to prove that all of its programs actually save energy; and 2) omitting program-specific energy and monetary savings in its filings; and WHEREAS, from about 1987 to about 1997 the City of Austin had an agreement with TGS to design and administer gas conservation programs, funded by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS is continuing a long-standing pattern of funding energy conservation programs that are not cost effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the City Council to ask its appropriate City staff to go on record with the Railroad Commission of Texas to oppose the current program proposals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission is on record asking that any future franchise negotiations include a requirement that the company’s energy conservation program planning and administration be subcontracted to the City of Austin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this recommendation be provided to the Market Oversight Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas in the most timely manner possible.
Second Natural Gas Utility Policy Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins August 19, 2025 There Are Other Gas Utility Issues Besides High Rates 1. High Fuel Costs 2. Taxes & Fees 3. Low-Income Assistance 4. Greenwashing– Faulty Programs for Conservation & Renewable Natural Gas Three Reasons for High Fuel Prices 1. Rising Support Costs 2. Securitization 3. Gas Exports “Securitization” Winter Storm Uri Surcharge Legalized Piracy • $3.5 Billion Financed Over 16 Years • $1.11/MCF Surcharge • ≈ $38/Year/Residential Austin Customer • ≈ $608 Over 16-Year Payoff U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Competes on World Market Taxes & Fees • ≈ 3% for State Fees • 5% for City of Austin Franchise Fee • No Cap on Amount Low-Income Assistance 2024 Austin Energy – $20.1 Million Austin Water – $17.4 Million Austin Watershed Protection – $1.2 Million Total City of Austin Utilities – $38.7 Million (1.5% of Gross Revenue) Texas Gas Service – $200,000 (For Entire Central-Gulf Region) Gas Companies are Greenwashing Clean Energy Efficiency of the Direct Use of Natural Gas From Atmos RMC June Presentation y c n e i c i f f E y g r e n E Direct Use of Natural Gas Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation 100 MMBTUs Water Heater Efficiency Generation No Losses X 90 MMBTUs 90 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Water Heater Efficiency 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 48 MMBTUs ERCOT Electric Mix With Heat Pump Water Heater ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Heat Pump Water Heater 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 91 MMBTUs- 233 MMBTUs TGS gives rebates way in excess of the national average. Conservation Total Resource Benefit/Cost Test Total Lifetime Investment vs. Lifetime Monetary Savings = Gas Dryer With Moisture Sensor • Between $200 and $300 to save –– 50¢/Year (Gas-to-Gas change-out). • No other gas utilities give rebates for dryer stubs except One Gas. • Payback of 666 Years at Higher Rebate Level. Tankless Water Heaters • $4,150 to $5,050 for New Tankless Installation vs. $1,600- $1,850 for Tank Unit (2021 dollars). • Requires Regular Scale Cleaning • Claims of Increased Lifetime May Be Exaggerated • No Payback. In fact, it will cost $2,800 to $3,800 more over life. • Expensive • Scale Cleaning • Freeze Damage Efficient Furnaces Built for Northern Climates • …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION July 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 Nici Huff, at Nici.Huff@austinenergy.com or 512-972-8621. 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 June 17, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of the Annual Internal Review of the Resource Management Commission for July 2024 through June 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding the 2025 Texas Gas Service rate case by Marija Norton, City Controller, Financial Services Department and Thomas Brocato, outside counsel, Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C. 4. Staff briefing on Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates by Hammad Chaudhry, Director, Energy Efficiency Services, Austin Energy. 5. Staff briefing on Home Energy Savings by Hammad Chaudhry, Director, Energy Efficiency Services, Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discuss and action to recommend creating a revolving fund for solar and energy efficiency investment on City properties. (Sponsors: Davis and Luecke) 7. Discussion on natural gas utilities: fuel costs, low-income customer issues, environmental effects, clean-energy programs, and policy related issues related to them. (Sponsors: Robbins and Davis) 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 at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nici Huff at Austin Energy, (512) 972-8621 or email Nici.Huff@austinenergy.com, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas …
Resource Management Commission Annual Review and Work Plan 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: A. Maintain an overview of all programs, studies and proposals concerning the efficient use of energy, alternate energy technologies, renewable energy resources, including solar and wind, and the conservation of energy, excluding the use of conventional coal, nuclear, natural gas, or petroleum technologies. B. Serve as a liaison with other city commissions, including the Electric Utility Commission. C. Receive citizen input on alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and on energy conservation. D. Review and analyze: 1. energy conservation technologies and renewable energy sources as to their short- term and long-term feasibility in the city; 2. energy conservation policies, alternate energy technologies, and renewable energy projects in other cities and states; 3. water conservation policies, alternate technologies, and water conservation 4. 5. projects in other cities and states; the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy; recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority (amendment effective February 24, 2025) E. Advise the City Council: 1. in developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy conservation. 2. as to available funding from private and public sources which are available to the city for alternate energy technologies and renewable energy, and for the conservation of energy; Item 2 Resource Management Commission Annual Review and Work Plan 2024-2025 3. on energy conservation, on alternate energy technologies, and on renewable 4. energy sources and report to City Council on the status of its activities at least annually; in developing and reviewing city plans and programs that encourage water conservation as it relates to water consumption from the tap to customer and within structures or building; and, 5. regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy. 6. regarding recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority (amendment effective February 24, 2025). F. Encourage: 1. 2. the conservation of energy, the use of alternate energy technologies and …
