Special Meeting of the Resource Management Commission November 17, 2020 Resource Management Commission to be held on November 17, 2020 at 2:30pm with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance by Monday, November 16, 2020 at noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Resource Management Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison, Jamie Mitchell, at (512) 694-1073 and Jamie.mitchell@austinenergy.com no later than noon, Monday, November 16, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Jamie.mitchell@austinenergy.com by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live T he 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 call (512) 322-6450 at least 48 hours before the meeting date. T TY users route through Relay T exas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission , please call Jamie Mitchell (512) 694-1073. Reunión del Resource Management Commission FECHA de la reunion: 17 de Noviembre 2020 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (16 de Noviembre antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 15-13 TO THE CITY CODE RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF ONSITE WATER REUSE SYSTEMS; AMENDING CHAPTER 2-13 TO THE CITY CODE RELATING TO VIOLATIONS SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION; CREATING AN OFFENSE; AND ESTABLISHING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. FINDINGS. 10 The City Council finds that: 1. Given the potential for severe and frequent drought conditions in Central Texas, it is essential that new water use policies to conserve water continue to be developed. 2. Water conservation efforts, including policies for responsible onsite water reuse systems, help maximize limited resources as population grows, while ensuring supply for critical public health and safety needs including adequate supplies necessary for emergency fire-fighting, fire suppression, and natural disaster or other emergency management or disaster response. 3. Proper maintenance of onsite water reuse systems is necessary for sanitation and to protect public health as the City’s standard means of treatment or disposal through the City’s wastewater treatment systems or storm sewers, as applicable, is not being used as the sole or primary means of treatment or disposal. 24 PART 2. City Code Chapter 15-13 is adopted to read as follows: ARTICLE 1. - REGULATION OF ONSITE WATER REUSE SYSTEMS. Division 1. - General Provisions. § 15-13-1 – APPLICABILITY. (A) This chapter applies to the installation and operation of Alternative Water Source systems on properties containing multi-family and non-residential buildings, where retail water service is provided by Austin Water or successor department. Page 1 of 37 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 (B) This chapter does not apply to Alternative Water Source systems: (1) (2) (3) (4) on properties where retail water service is provided by an entity other than Austin Water or successor department; on properties containing only one- or two-family dwellings which includes detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses); constructed for industrial process wastewater reuse regulated under Chapter 210 Subchapter E (Special Requirements for Use of Industrial Reclaimed Water) of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code; or constructed …
Resource Management Commission Review and Recommendation November 17, 2020 Health and Environment Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Austin Water December 10, 2020 COA Strategic Direction: Client: Katherine Jashinski, Teresa Lutes, Kevin Critendon Agenda Item Recommend approval of an ordinance to establish Chapter 15-13 of the Austin City Code and amend City Code Chapter 2-13 regarding treatment, monitoring, and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems to encourage the development of local, sustainable water supplies using alternative source waters in commercial buildings for non-potable uses. Amount and Source of Funding Funding for the administration of these code changes is included in Austin Water’s FY 2020-2021 Approved Operating Budget November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. November 17, 2020 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission November17, 2020 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission N/A Purchasing Language: N/A Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: The 2018 Austin Integrated Water Resources Plan – Water Forward – includes strategies that require adoption of ordinances and incentives that would encourage and eventually require development of local, sustainable water supplies using alternative source waters (including rainwater, stormwater, A/C condensate, foundation drain water and graywater) for large commercial buildings for non-potable uses. The proposed ordinance language establishes regulations for the treatment, monitoring, and reporting requirements for onsite water reuse systems. These regulations are based on the model local ordinance from the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems, which is supported by a risk- based public health framework that was developed by an expert panel of researchers, practitioners and public health officials. The proposed regulations are necessary to ensure the reuse systems are designed, operated and maintained in a manner that is protective of public health, thereby increasing their acceptance and adoption in new development. Along with these regulations, Austin Water is planning to administer a pilot onsite non- potable reuse incentive program. Grant awards are intended to help offset the installation costs of systems for development projects that voluntarily install and use onsite water reuse systems for non-potable water uses such as toilet flushing, cooling tower make-up water and irrigation. Through a proposed incentive program, projects that are able to offset at least 1,000,000 gallons of potable water each year will be eligible for $250,000 in grant funding and projects that are able to offset at …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6-4 TO THE CITY CODE RELATING TO WATER CONSERVATION, REGULATION OF COOLING TOWERS, PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES, AND THE ADDING OF NEW OFFENSES THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES; OR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES; AND AMENDING SECTION 15-9-241 RELATING TO EVAPORATIVE LOSS CREDIT ON WASTEWATER CHARGES FOR COOLING TOWERS. 10 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 11 PART 1. FINDINGS. 12 The City Council finds that: 1. Given the potential for severe and frequent drought conditions in Central Texas, it is essential that new water use policies to conserve water continue to be developed. 2. Water conservation efforts, including policies for responsible water conservation and regulations for cooling towers, help maximize limited resources as population grows while ensuring supply for critical public health and safety needs including adequate supplies necessary for emergency fire fighting, fire suppression, and natural disaster or other emergency management or disaster response. 3. As water is essential to public health and sanitation and the City’s water supply is the sole or primary water supply for over a million people, water conservation and drought condition measures that help assure the maintenance of a sufficient City water supply for the City’s customers are necessary to protect public health and for the purposes of sanitation. PART 2. City Code Section 6-4-2 (Definitions) is repealed and replaced with a new Section 6-4-2 to read as follows: 31 § 6-4-2 - DEFINITIONS. 32 Unless a different definition is expressly provided, in this chapter: Page 1 of 28 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 (1) ACTION OF THE UTILITY means an action taken by Austin Water pursuant to this chapter. (2) AQUATIC LIFE means a vertebrate organism dependent upon an aquatic environment to sustain its life. (3) AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM means any irrigation system connected to and being operated by a programmable controller, including a permanently or temporarily installed irrigation system. (4) AUSTIN WATER, AW, AWU, and the Utility mean the Austin Water Utility. (5) AUXILIARY WATER means a water supply …
Recommendation for Resource Management Commission Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: November 17, 2020 December 10, 2020 Austin Water SUBJECT Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) and City Code Section 15-9-241 (Utility Regulations) related to commercial and industrial cooling tower water efficiency performance standards, operations, registration, inspection and administrative requirements and penalties. Funding for the administration of these code changes is included in Austin Water’s FY 2020-2021 Approved Operating Budget AMOUNT AND SOURCE OF FUNDING N/A August 16, 2012, Ord. 20120816-004; May 5, 2016, Ord. 20160505-003 Kevin Critendon, 512-972-0191; Mark Jordan, 512-974-3901; November 17, 2020 - To be reviewed and Resource Management Commission November 17, 2020 – To be reviewed by Water and Wastewater Commission N/A Purchasing Language: Prior Council Action: For More Information: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: The 2018 Austin Integrated Water Resources Plan – Water Forward – recommended the adoption of ordinances that would increase water use efficiency by the commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) water use sectors, specifically including cooling towers. The proposed ordinance language would amend Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) by imposing administrative penalties of up to $500 for failure to submit required cooling tower registration and annual inspection reports to ensure towers are meeting all water efficiency standards and equipment requirements. Assessment of administrative penalties for this program would be consistent with the current assessment of penalties under the Commercial Irrigation System Evaluation and Commercial Car Wash Certification programs. The proposed ordinance also includes an offense for submitting a false report or tampering with readout and reporting devices. The proposed ordinance would also amend the inspection report requirements to include whether the tower is meeting additional water efficiency standards for drift eliminators and the addition of biocides to cooling tower recirculating water to prevent algae growth, thereby increasing water efficiency as well as protecting public health by preventing airborne bacteria. These measures are consistent with 1126.1 and E 403.5.2, respectively, of the 2015 Uniform Mechanical Code, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAMPO), Standard 189.1, International Green Construction Code, of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the 2020 Water Conservation Design Standards For State Buildings and Institutions of Higher Education Facilities, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Finally, the proposed ordinance would amend City Code Section15-9-241 (Utility Regulations) by providing that those who do not submit required …
Resource Management Commission 2021 Meeting Schedule The Resource Management Commission meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise determined by the Commission. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Shudde Fath Conference Room at Austin Energy HQ, Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Road. Changes to the above regarding date, time or location will be noted on meeting agendas. MEETING DATES January 19, 2021 February 16, 2021 March 9, 2021 April 20, 2021 May 18, 2021 June 22, 2021 July 20, 2021 August 17, 2021 September 21, 2021 October 19, 2021 November 16, 2021 CANCELLED DATES March 16, 2021* December 21, 2021* *Due to Spring Break **Due to no subsequent Council Meetings in 2021 / holiday week
RMC Monthly Report October 2020 FY21 Mark Jordan Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water s t i n U f o r e b m u N 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Residential Program Participation, FY21 YTD FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 353 249 253 200 16 19 13 0 23 7 Home Water Use Monitoring Device 54 31 20 3 Pressure Reduction Valve Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Rainwater Harvesting 121 122 26 11 RMC Monthly Report – October 2020, FY21 02 60 50 40 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 30 20 10 0 Commercial & Multifamily Program Participation, FY21 YTD FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 54 17 8 11 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 Commercial Audit Commercial Process Rebates Commercial Kitchen Rebates RMC Monthly Report – October 2020, FY21 03 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $ e v i t n e c n I $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Rebates and Incentives Budget, FY21 YTD FY21 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $- $65,000 $- $5,356.45 Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – October 2020, FY21 04 Helping Hands Outreach (H2O) Programs • G.O. REPAIR! – Austin Water partners with Neighborhood Housing and Community Development’s (NHCD) GO Repair! Program to provide grants of up to $15,000 per year to qualifying homeowners to make plumbing repairs, improve accessibility, and make other repairs to address substandard housing conditions that pose health and safety risks. • FREE WATER CONSERVATION TOOLS – Austin Water Conservation provides free water saving materials such as high efficiency aerators, showerheads, and soil moisture meters for residential Austin Water customers and multi-family facility residents. • PRIVATE WASTEWATER LATERAL REPAIR/REPLACEMENT –Austin Water funds the free replacement or repair of private wastewater laterals for eligible Austin Water Utility customers of a single-family home or duplex whose household income is 100% or less than the area Median Family Income (MFI). • RMC Monthly Report – October 2020, FY21 05 Water Waste Enforcement Activity, FY21 YTD Warnings and 311 Reports 322 234 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Oct Warnings 311 Reports Current Drought Response Stage: Conservation Stage RMC Monthly Report – October 2020, FY21 06 Water Waste Enforcement Activity, FY21 YTD Administrative Fines Residential Commercial Multi-Family Fines Issued: 6 s e i t r e p o r …
City of Austin - Program Benchmarking, Cost Effectiveness Testing, and Best Practices Recommendations of Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Programs November 13, 2020 Final Report Prepared for: Prepared by: ADM Associates, Inc. 3239 Ramos Circle Sacramento, CA 95827 Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................. ES-1 1 Natural Gas Utility Benchmark Research .......................................................... 1-1 Standard Benchmarking .................................................................................... 1-1 Key Findings and Recommendations from Utility Benchmarking Research ...... 1-9 2 Cost Effectiveness Review and Recommendations .......................................... 2-1 2.1 Cost Effectiveness Review ................................................................................ 2-1 2.2 Review of Tankless Water Heater Incentives and Invoice Costs ....................... 2-9 2.3 Research Findings and Recommendations ..................................................... 2-10 3 Recommendations for EM&V Best Practices ..................................................... 3-1 Impact Evaluation Best Practices ...................................................................... 3-1 Process Evaluation Best Practices .................................................................... 3-5 1.1 1.2 3.1 3.2 4 TGS Customer Survey Findings ........................................................................ 4-1 4.1 Residential Non-Participant Survey ................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Non-residential Non-Participant Survey ............................................................. 4-7 4.3 Key Findings and Recommendations from Customer Surveys ........................ 4-17 i List of Figures Figure 2-1 PACT/UCT Benefits Comparison ................................................................ 2-5 Figure 2-2 TRC Benefits Comparison .......................................................................... 2-5 Figure 3-1 Integration of EM&V Activities with Program Planning and Implementation 3-2 Figure 3-2 Flow Diagram for Impact Evaluation Activities ............................................ 3-4 Figure 4-1 Measures Installed ...................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 4-2 Interest in Home’s Energy Efficiency .......................................................... 4-5 Figure 4-3 Measures Installed ...................................................................................... 4-8 Figure 4-4 Interest in Home’s Energy Efficiency ........................................................ 4-11 ii List of Tables Table 1-1 Utilities Considered for Benchmarking ......................................................... 1-1 Table 2-1 TGS Outside Expert Cost Effectiveness Model Inputs ................................. 2-1 Table 2-2 ADM Cost Effectiveness Model Inputs ......................................................... 2-2 Table 2-3 TGS Consultant Cost Benefit Test Results .................................................. 2-3 Table 2-4 ADM Cost Benefit Test Results .................................................................... 2-3 Table 2-5 Side-by-side Comparison of PACT and TRC Benefits ................................. 2-4 Table 2-6 Program Costs Used by TGS Outside Expert .............................................. 2-6 Table 2-7 Program Costs Used by ADM ...................................................................... 2-6 Table 2-8 Comparison of Program Incremental Costs ................................................. 2-7 Table 2-9 Comparison of Measure Incremental Costs ................................................. 2-7 Table 2-10 Comparison of Measure Effective Useful Life ............................................ 2-9 Table 2-11 Utility Comparison of Tankless Water Heater Rebates ............................ 2-10 Table 4-1 Residence Type ........................................................................................... 4-1 Table 4-2 Home Ownership ......................................................................................... 4-2 Table 4-3 Space Heating Type ..................................................................................... 4-3 Table 4-4 Water Heater Fuel Type ............................................................................... 4-3 Table 4-5 Heating System Age .................................................................................... 4-3 Table 4-6 Thermostat Type .......................................................................................... 4-4 Table 4-7 Has Pool at Residence ................................................................................. 4-4 Table 4-8 Rebate Awareness ....................................................................................... 4-4 Table 4-9 …
t n u o C t c e o r P j 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 60 73 Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 11/12/2020 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 174 130 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation FY21 Paid and Verification Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation FY21 Paid and Verification 13 11 2 2 1 Project Pipeline Notes: 1. Figures includes all leads and applications, regardless of estimated rebate amount. 2. “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. 3. “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. 4. “FY21 Projects Paid” includes projects in which the check or payment has been distributed to the customer in FY21 5. In coordination with the customer and contractor, Austin Energy periodically removes leads and new applications that do not proceed to Installation. 6. Multifamily COVID-19 Note: Multifamily projects are allowed to proceed. Tenant approval will be obtained for all interior upgrades. Projects will proceed in phases to limit contractor time spent in tenant spaces. 7. Commercial & Small Business COVID-19 Note: The number of new projects received has decreased, but staff continue to process rebates payments. Inspections are proceeding with remote video software; limited in-person inspections occur when absolutely necessary. Program Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 11/12/2020 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$62k) Latest Enrollment Workflow # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Measures Planned Installation 1203275 Bent Tree Apartments* 10 98.3 231,788 $82,263 Installation 1203807 Huntington Meadows 1 56.3 206,305 $97,860 8405 BENT TREE RD 7000 DECKER LN 3600 GREYSTONE DR 1137 GUNTER ST 1930 W RUNDBERG LN 4700 N CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY SB 4701 STAGGERBRUSH RD 14233 The Lakes Blvd 1 4 8 7 Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1190789, 1198380, 1186819 Bridge …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201117-008 Seconded By: Commissioner Dielmann Date: November 17, 2020 Subject: Recommendation that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to identify funding options to provide for sufficient staff and other resources to fully enforce the Energy Code. Motioned By: Vice Chair White Recommendation: The Resource Management Commission has identified the lack of enforcement of the Energy Code, including the Solar Ready provision, as detrimental to affordability, energy conservation and efficiency, and the adoption of on-site renewable energy. As such, the Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to identify funding options to provide for sufficient staff and other resources to fully enforce the Energy Code. Vote: 7-0-3 For: Chair Harmon, Vice Chair White and Commissioners Blackburn, Brenneman, Chavarria, Dielmann, and Fralin. Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Smith and Commissioner Babyak Vacancies: 1 Attest: Jamie Mitchell, Staff Liaison
PROGRAM BENCHMARKING, COST EFFECTIVENESS TESTING, AND BEST PRACTICES RECOMMENDATIONS OF TEXAS GAS SERVICE (TGS) ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS PRESENTED BY ADM ASSOCIATES, INC. TO THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 1 PRESENTATION OUTLINE ADM Background Natural Gas Utility Benchmark Research Cost Effectiveness Review of 2018 TGS Programs Evaluation, Measurement, & Verification (EM&V) Best Practices TGS Customer Survey 2 ADM BACKGROUND ADM Associates, Inc. • Founded in 1979. • Longest-running energy evaluation firm in the United States still operating under its founding leadership. • Areas of expertise include: • Energy efficiency program evaluation; • Demand response program evaluation; • Process evaluation; and • Planning and regulatory support. 3 NATURAL GAS UTILITY BENCHMARK RESEARCH Overview • Natural gas utilities that were selected for the benchmarking study share common factors with TGS such as natural gas annual sales, customer demographics, conservation program tenure, regulatory guidelines, and similar climate zone. • Twelve utilities were contacted; a total of 6 utilities, including TGS, participated in the interview about their programs and current practices. • Five out of the six utilities are in the southwest or west coast regions. One of the six utilities is located on the east coast. • The utilities interviewed allowed for benchmarking of the most critical TGS Program attributes. 4 NATURAL GAS UTILITY BENCHMARK RESEARCH Program Attributes of Benchmark Utilities • Most utilities that were interviewed offer residential appliance, low- income weatherization, residential new construction, low-flow water- saving device, and commercial programs. • Several utilities offer mid-stream appliance programs, or mid-stream commercial food-service equipment programs. • Most utilities have a third-party program implementor for commercial sector programs, but not for residential sector. • Most utilities have strong trade ally networks. • Some of the natural gas utilities partner with the electric utility in the service territory to market programs and provide improved services and rebate offerings. 5 NATURAL GAS UTILITY BENCHMARK RESEARCH Research Findings • Partnership with Austin Energy continues to be beneficial when marketing and implementing the programs. Utilities interviewed noted that working with the electric utility in the same territory will provide customers with more rebate options and better services. • Having a third-party implementer is common among natural gas utilities, and third-party implementers help utilities with a range of activities including program implementation, data tracking, marketing, and engineering savings calculations. • Flexibility and simple processes in the rebate application process have helped utilities …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday November 17, 2020 The Resource Management Commission convened via videoconference on Tuesday November 17, 2020 in accordance with social distancing protocols necessitated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Commissioners in Attendance: Dana Harmon, Chair (District 9); Kaiba White, Vice Chair (District 2); Nakyshia Fralin (District 1); Lisa Chavarria (Mayor); Jonathan Blackburn (District 8); Leo Dielmann (District 7); Rebecca Brenneman (District 10); There is one vacancy (District 3). Commissioners Absent: Tom “Smitty” Smith (District 5); James Babyak (District 6); and Shane Johnson (District 4). CALL TO ORDER – Chair Harmon called the meeting to order at 2:50 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: (Item 3) Paul Robbins commented on the cost-effectiveness of natural gas energy efficiency programs and the suggested deletion of rebates for certain items. (Item 4) Paul Robbins continued his comments on Texas Gas Service’ energy efficiency programs and the need to expand RMC purview to include Texas Gas Service rates. Consent Items: APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the October 20, 2020 meeting. The motion to approve minutes of the October 20, 2020 meeting as amended was approved on Commissioner Dielmann motion, Commissioner Brenneman second. 6 ayes, 0 nays, 4 absent (Commissioner Fralin off the dais), 1 vacancy. STAFF REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on Austin Energy Weatherization Programs for Limited Income Customers. Terry Moore and Manual Garza of Austin Energy Customer Energy Solutions presented information on the Austin Energy Weatherization program, recent program updates, and performance metrics. Commissioner questions and answers from staff followed. 3. Presentation and Report from Office of Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs on Texas Gas Service Conservation/Energy Efficiency Program review for the program period of 2018. Rondella Hawkins, Officer, Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs for the City of Austin and Adam Thomas and John Vazquez with ADM Associates, Inc. presented the findings of their report on the Texas Gas Service Conservation and Energy Efficiency programs of Texas Gas Service. Page 1 of 2 4. Quarterly update from Texas Gas Service regarding energy efficiency programs. (not heard due to time constraints). NEW BUSINESS 5. (12/10) [Austin Water Utility] Recommend approval of an ordinance to establish Chapter 15-13 of the Austin City Code and amend City Code Chapter 2-13 regarding treatment, monitoring, and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems to encourage the development of local, sustainable water supplies using alternative source waters in commercial buildings for non-potable uses. The motion to approve item …
