RMC Monthly Report July 2022 FY22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 300 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 200 100 253 200 171 153 163 122 119 89 108 69 66 61 13 15 11 8 + Rainscape 29 31 27 20 15 12 18 8 0 Watering Timer Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Drought Survival Tools WaterWise Landscape Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 02 Instant Savings Pilot, FY22 YTD Watering Timer 942 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 570 531 330 73 Feb Mar Apr May June • Partnership with AE • $5 discount off Hose-end timers at local Home Depot • Participation more than double original forecast: 2,446 vs 1,000 RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 03 60 50 40 30 20 0 Commercial and Multifamily Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 54 10 8 11 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 Commercial Audit Commercial Process Rebates Commercial Kitchen Rebates Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 04 $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, FY22 YTD FY22 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $65,000 $63,373.16 $1,007.50 $- Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 05 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FY22 YTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 504 343 186 147 119 45 97 53 38 4 2 3 1 3 0 76 61 66 81 12 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Warnings 311 Reports July’s Drought Response Stage: Stage 1 RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 06 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, July 2022 3237 377 181 32 256 44 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 07 d e h c a e R n o i t a u p o P l 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Public Outreach Events, FY22 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION August 16, 2022 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. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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: Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Sam Angoori AGENDA Shane Johnson Paul Robbins Louis Stone Dana Harmon Rebecca Brenneman Lisa Chavarria Vacant 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 Regular Meeting on June 21, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding a quarterly update of the Water Conservation Program by Kevin Kluge, Environmental Conservation Division Manager of Austin Water. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Texas Gas Service regarding a quarterly update of the Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program by Jasmine King-Bush, Energy Efficiency Program Manager. 4. Discussion regarding Austin Energy Rate Changes for Residential Rate Structure, Value of Solar, and Energy Efficiency Services. (Sponsors: Robbins; White) 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. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs. (Sponsors: Robbins, White, Brenneman, and Stone) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
Water Conservation Update Kevin Kluge | August 16, 2022 Agenda Water Supply Outlook Stage 1 Drought Program Updates • Landscape Transformation - Water Forward Plan • Austin Energy Partnerships • GoRepair! Plumbing Statewide Drought Levels Statewide Drought Levels NOAA 3-Month Outlook Highland Lake Inflows Historical Reservoir Storage Reservoir Storage Projections Drought Stage Triggers: Stage 1: 1.4 Million Acre Feet (MAF) Stage 2: 0.9 MAF Stage 3: 0.6 MAF Stage 1 Drought Current Drought Activities • Media messages • Focused outreach for irrigation audits • Staff patrols and 311 responses • Signs and coasters Program Updates Landscape Transformation Transitioning new single-family residential landscapes Ordinances and incentives Stages • Spring: public & stakeholder input • Summer: develop recommendations • Fall – present to public, stakeholders Austin Energy Partnerships Instant Savings Pilot • Water hose timers • 5 Home Depots • 2,446 timers (Feb – July) • Rebates – 15 • Future potential? All-Star Kits • Kits go out to 7,000 sixth graders and their families • Includes a low-flow showerhead, kitchen aerator, and info. GO REPAIR! Plumbing Program Types of repairs include New program with Housing & Planning Dept. Since January • Plumbing repairs for 20 homes • Average $8,100 per home • Bath/shower (12) • Bathroom sink (9) • Clothes washer (1) • Kitchen sink (6) • Sewer lines (4) • Toilet (11) • Water heater (5) • Water line (1) QUESTIONS? Kevin Kluge Water Conservation Division Manager City of Austin | Austin Water 512-972-0400 kevin.kluge@austintexas.gov
Item 3 Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program Update Jasmine King-Bush Energy Efficiency Program Manager Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Q2 Program Updates Collaborated with Austin Energy to participate in the 93rd Annual ABC Kite Fest. The teams shared efficiency program information and created awareness of immediate actions that can be taken to save energy and money. 2 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Program Highlights CLEAResult 6 customers serviced 37.5k Therms saved 930k Gallons of water saved *savings reflects expected annual savings 3 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Highlights Behavioral Education Incorporated efficiency education and tips into the monthly publication of “Pipeline” to increase audience reach. Water-Saving Kits 263 water savings kits have been distributed to qualifying customers through June. 4 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Participation – Through June 2022 5 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Low-Income/Free Equipment Program Highlights 30 families assisted 43 appliances replaced 2022 Goal – identify new referral sources, strengthen existing referral relationships Contractor reimbursement rates adjusted to remain competitive with local area rates 6 Questions?
Proposed Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas the programs are expected to save natural gas at the same or less cost than purchasing it; and Whereas some of the Residential programs are failing to achieve this economic goal, with a cost to Central Texas ratepayers of almost $2 million a year; and Whereas the programs are also expected to help the environment by preventing fossil fuel use, but are failing to effectively achieve this with rebates for certain Residential appliances; and Whereas the City Council may adjust TGS's energy conservation program funding mechanism and structure on an annual basis before November 30 of each year; and Whereas the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the Austin City Council make the following modifications to the Texas Gas Service conservation program for the budget year 2023 and thereafter: 1. The exclusion of rebates for natural gas equipment in new construction, as incentivizing natural gas use in new construction is not currently compatible with the City’s Climate Equity Plan targeting net zero carbon by 2040, including the focus area of Sustainable Buildings. Specifically, the plan has the following goal by 2030, which is incompatible with encouraging fossil fuel combustion in new construction: “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30% “ (https://www.austintexas.gov/page/austin-climate- equity-plan) 2. The elimination of rebates in existing Residential buildings for clothes washers, central furnaces, and tankless water heaters; 3. Encouragement for Texas Gas Service to seek cooperation with and co-funding from local water utilities for gas conservation programs focused on water-saving technologies such as low-flow showerheads, aerators, and commercial dish rinsers. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that City Council ask Texas Gas Service to repurpose money saved from these new policies to fund a pilot program for an income-verified discount for low-income customers and Research & Development of renewable energy that can be used in place of conventional natural gas.
Resource Management Commission Proposed Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas, the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which strengthens the city’s climate goal to “net zero carbon by 2040” and includes a focus area of Sustainable Buildings with goal that by 2030, “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30%; and Whereas, the TGS energy conservation programs are also expected to help achieve the goals of the Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts and to support the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution on June 20, 2017 that put a focus on reducing actual use of natural gas on site, calling for “at least 4.5% site natural gas savings” over 5 years, starting in 2018; and Whereas, incentives to install natural gas appliances in situations where there isn’t already an existing natural gas appliance, such as for new construction or replacing an electric appliance with a natural gas appliance, increase, instead of decrease, actual use of natural gas on site; and Whereas, Texas Gas has continued using a large portion of its energy conservation budget to provide incentives to install natural gas appliance where none previously existed, thus increasing use of on-site natural gas; Whereas, research by the Rock Mountain Institute and other organizations shows that gas stoves are a large source of toxic air pollution that can make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air and that low-income households are most likely to suffer from this harmful pollution; and Whereas, incentives that increase the use of natural gas appliances are not compatible with the Austin Climate Equity Plan or public health; and Whereas, on January 24, 2022, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution that recommended against CenterPoint Energy incentives for natural gas appliances in new construction, as well as incentives for central furnaces and water heaters; and Whereas, the TGS conservation program tariff that governs the program was adopted in December 2021 and is on a 3-year cycle, ending December of 2024. However Austin City Council may take action to amend …
Customer Energy Solutions FY22 – Quarter 3 Report As of June 30, 2022 Quarterly Rebates by District and Outside of COA $4.9M $4.4M $3.7M $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $- Q1 Q2 Q3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Outside COA Solar PBI not included. Rebates paid may not align with AE Finance eCombs system as of June 30, 2022. Dollars are unaudited. Data is as of June 30, 2022 and is not a complete year. Energy Efficiency Services Residential Programs AE Weatherization (WAP) – Direct Install In Q3 of FY22, the Weatherization Assistance Program launched a new contract for six vendors • to provide weatherization services to low-to-moderate income customers. This new contract includes yearly price adjustments and additional energy efficiency certification requirements of the vendors. The new contract was launched on May 1st, 2022. • With the new contract, EES launched a new configuration in EECP that allows the vendors to access their work orders, create change orders, and calculate invoices. This new configuration reduces the workload for vendors and internal EES staff. • The program has received approval for the addition of Solar Screens as a single measure. Projected go-live date is Q1 of FY23. • The smart thermostats rebate level has received a $5 increase from $25 to $30. • The program will be updating its communication materials to include the addition of Solar Screens and rebate levels. Appliance Efficiency Program (AEP) Home Performance w/Energy Star (HPwES) 1 SPUR All-Stars • The program was awarded the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award in Energy Efficiency Program Delivery. • The program held its semi-annual contractor meeting on June 24, 2022. The meeting was a succuss and was the first in-person contractor meeting since the start of the pandemic. • The program team is in the process of establishing the FY23 Limited Time Offer that will start in either October or November of 2022. • The program resumed work on the held new program configuration and handbook. The changes will include but not be limited to increased rebate level for some measures, new measure options, clarifications to processes and procedures, and a consolidated general handbook and technical handbook. The goal is to roll out the handbook and configuration in early FY23. Instant Savings • • The vendor held four instore events this quarter to bring awareness to Instant …
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 7/6/2022 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 250 200 150 100 50 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 197 80 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Project Pipeline Notes: 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 78 85 19 12 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. 2. Multifamily COVID-19 Note: Multifamily projects are allowed to proceed. 3. Pipeline Definitions 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. Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 7/6/2022 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$66k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment( s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Latest Workflow Enrollment( s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimate d kW savings Estimate d kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Estimated $ Incentive Measures Planned Measures Planned Total # of Units Total # of Units Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Installation 1231787, 1231196, 1231197 Trove Eastside* 2201 Montopolis Dr 3 216.0 593,241 $281,549 Installation 1245134, 1263660 Chevy Chase Downs 2504 Huntwick Dr 332.3 732,428 $273,762 Installation 1240491, 1263326 The Social Apartments 1817 E Oltorf St 204.1 295,130 $245,248 Installation 1254736, 1255009 Coppertree Apartments 2425 Cromwell Cir 329.5 853,125 $240,742 All phases: Plenum Remediation, Attic Insulation, Lighting, Smart Thermostats, HVAC Tune-Up, Advanced Power Strips. Phase 1: Bldgs 1-5 (Paid); Phase 2: Bldgs 6-10 (Paid); Phase 3: Bldgs 11-15 Phase 1 (Complete): Attic Insulation, Lighting, Plenum …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20220816-005 Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas, the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which strengthens the city’s climate goal to “net zero carbon by 2040” and includes a focus area of Sustainable Buildings with goal that by 2030, “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30%; and Whereas, the TGS energy conservation programs are also expected to help achieve the goals of the Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts and to support the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution on June 20, 2017 that put a focus on reducing actual use of natural gas on site, calling for “at least 4.5% site natural gas savings” over 5 years, starting in 2018; and Whereas, incentives to install natural gas appliances in situations where there isn’t already an existing natural gas appliance, such as for new construction or replacing an electric appliance with a natural gas appliance, increase, instead of decrease, actual use of natural gas on site; and Whereas, Texas Gas has continued using a large portion of its energy conservation budget to provide incentives to install natural gas appliance where none previously existed, thus increasing use of on-site natural gas; Whereas, research by the Rocky Mountain Institute and other organizations shows that gas stoves are a large source of toxic air pollution that can make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air and that low- income households are most likely to suffer from this harmful pollution; and Whereas, incentives that increase the use of natural gas appliances are not compatible with the Austin Climate Equity Plan or public health; and Whereas, on January 24, 2022, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution that recommended against CenterPoint Energy incentives for natural gas appliances in new construction, as well as incentives for central furnaces and water heaters; and Whereas, the TGS conservation program tariff that governs the program was adopted in December 2021 and is on a 3-year cycle, ending December of 2024. However, Austin City Council …
