REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION November 15, 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. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. AGENDA Members: Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Sam Angoori 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 October 18, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding a quarterly update of the Water Conservation activities 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. Presentation by GTI Energy regarding an update on the H2@Scale Project at the University of Texas JJ Pickle Center by Brian Weeks, Sr. Director, Business 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 . Development and Michael Lewis, Research Scientist, University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics. 5. Discussion and possible action on the community feedback on Electric Ready and EV Ready code amendments, incentives, and next steps. (Sponsors: White, Davis, Johnson and Chavarria) …
RMC Monthly Report October 2022 FY23 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential Program Participation, FY23 YTD FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 253 227 153 300 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 200 100 0 163 122 117 69 72 66 45 31 20 22 3 15 8 31 1 Watering Timer Rebates Irrigation Audits Irrigation Upgrade Drought Survival Tools WaterWise Landscape Rainwater Harvesting + Rainscape 11 15 8 0 2 14 RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 02 Instant Savings Pilot, FY22 YTD Watering Timer s t i n U f o r e b m u N 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 942 788 570 531 330 437 107 Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept • Partnership with AE • $5 discount off Hose-end timers at local Home Depot • Participation in FY22 more than triple original forecast: 3,778 vs 1,000 RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 03 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Commercial and Multifamily Program Participation, FY23 YTD FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 54 11 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 Commercial Audit Bucks for Business Commercial Kitchen Rebates Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – October 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, FY23 YTD FY23 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $65,000 $11,209.96 $3,180.00 Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 05 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FY23 YTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 201 122 250 200 150 100 50 0 Oct Warnings 311 Reports October Drought Response Stage: Stage 1 RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 06 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, October 2022 2988 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 428 180 34 264 31 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 07 d e h c a e R n o i t a u p o P l 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Public Outreach Events, FY23 YTD 15 1 Oct Population Reached Community Events RMC Monthly Report – October 2022 25 20 15 10 5 0 s t …
Quarterly Update of Water Conservation Activities Single Family Residential Landscape Transformation Ordinance Water Conservation Division November 15, 2022 Water Forward Plan - Landscape Transformation Ordinance (D5) • From traditional landscaping to plants with reduced water needs • New single-family residential • Potential limits on turf and irrigation • Savings goal of 2,490 AF (2.2 MGD) by 2040 Public/stakeholder engagement Public and External Stakeholder Meetings • February, May, and June 2022 Speakup Austin • Survey (256 responses) Smaller External Stakeholder Group Meetings • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin • Irrigation professionals • Texas Nursery and Landscape Association / Turfgrass Producers of Texas • Central Texas Chapter of ASLA Transforming landscapes to save water Build with savings Set customers up for success Encourage alternative water • Topsoil mix shall be composed of 20 percent compost… (Standard Build with savings Enhanced Soil Inspections • A minimum of 6 inches of topsoil (ECM 1.4.7.B5) Specifications Manual 601S.3.A) • Water Savings: 10% reduction • Cost: • Environmental inspection cost could increase by $80. Mulch is currently required and inspected Build with savings Required residential plant list • ECM Appendix N – Commercial properties only • Grow Green Plant Guide could act as a model for plant list Build with savings Limit turf grass area • Up to 50% of landscape area; 2,250 sqft max • Water savings: 16% reduction or 4,350 gallons annually per home • Cost: • Possible $80 increase for enhanced inspection • Additional bed cost - $6 per sq ft - $8,700 average home Build with savings Limit irrigation area • Up to 50% of landscape area • Water savings: 35% reduction or 9,800 gallons annually per home • Cost: • Possible $71 increase for enhanced irrigation inspection performed by Austin Water Set customers up for success Better Irrigation Require pressure reduction devices (PRD) Require irrigation inspection (post- installation) Offer new home irrigation check-ups within 90 days Water Savings (gal/yr/home) 6,100 (22% savings) Cost $350-$500 + $71 increase in permit cost for Austin Water inspection 2,800 (10% savings) Austin Water inspection 1,400 (5% savings) Austin Water staff Encourage alternative water Required plumbing for laundry to landscape Incentivize builders to add rainwater harvesting • Available in all new homes • Incentivize building • Supply: 3,500 gal • Cost: <$1,000 homes with 500-gallon tanks/systems • Supply: 5,000 • Cost: No required costs …
Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program Update Jasmine King-Bush Energy Efficiency Program Manager Michael Paramo Energy Efficiency Program Supervisor Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Q3 Program Updates Program staffing • Michael Paramo – Program Supervisor • Alex Cepeda – Education & Outreach Specialist Program Partnerships • TGS met with Kevin Kluge and Jacob Johnson from Austin Water to explore collaboration opportunities. 2 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Program Highlights CLEAResult Direct Install • 13 Multi Family Properties • 1 restaurant • 91.2K therms saved YTD • 1.6MIL gallons of water saved YTD *savings reflects expected annual savings 3 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Highlights Outreach • Updated educational collateral to include both English and Spanish translations in an effort to maximize communication amongst residential customers. Water-Saving Kits • Drafted an E-Mail campaign to create awareness of water conservation kit availability amongst residential customers. 4 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Participation 5 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Low-Income/Free Equipment Program Due to increased demand to the program the LI/FE Program has suspended accepting applications for appliance replacements until January of 2023. 109 appliances were replaced throughout Central Texas prior to the depletion of program funds. *The orange circles on the graphic represent the concentrated areas in which appliance were installed throughout Austin. 6 Questions?
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Resolution Supporting Electric-Ready and EV-Ready Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “review and analyze the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy” and to“[a]dvise the city council regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, adopted by city Council on September 30, 2021, sets a goal for the entire Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and states that carbon “offsets should constitute no more than 10% of the baseline. This 10% should be reserved for sectors where emission reductions are cost-prohibitive or impossible to reduce with existing technology.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal to “achieve net-zero carbon for all new buildings” by 2030, states that “A net-zero operational carbon building is highly efficient and entirely powered by on- or off-site renewable energy.” and establishes a strategy to “Achieve goal milestones for net-zero carbon buildings through new building energy codes, amendments, and other methods.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes the strategy to “Adopt new energy and building codes that address future EV charging needs and enable a more equitable approach by simplifying the charging network and lowering barriers to entry for installing EV charging.” and WHEREAS, electrification of buildings and transportation, paired with renewable electricity production are highly effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis and outdoor and indoor air pollution, and WHEREAS, including proper wiring and electric service to accommodate future use of electric appliances in homes and electric vehicle charging at homes and businesses is more affordable than retrofitting buildings after they are built; and WHEREAS, studies show homes and buildings that are built electric ready provide the necessary electrical infrastructure at significantly reduced costs to the building owner; and WHEREAS, electric-ready provisions ensure that homes and apartments built with gas or propane can easily accommodate future electric appliances and such capabilities provide homeowners with greater flexibilities in appliance selections and protect homeowners from future costs, should they wish to utilize electric appliances; and WHEREAS, both the public comments during the process to adopt the 2021 Energy Conservation Code and during the recent public input process …
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON AUSTIN ENERGY PROPOSED REDUCTION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICE FEES Whereas, the City of Austin has operated energy-efficiency programs since 1982, and these programs have served all rate classes and building types; and Whereas, exemptions from the Energy Efficiency Services fee will render Austin Energy's energy-efficiency and solar programs less effective; and Whereas, Austin Energy proposes to create a new commercial rate class (PRI-2 HLF), and exempt this new rate class' customers from the Energy Efficiency Service fee; and Whereas, customers in this new rate class will benefit from Austin Energy's energy-efficiency and solar programs because of reduction in new capacity, power purchases, regulatory costs, and transmission costs; and Whereas, customers in this rate class will also benefit from reduced environmental effects caused by conventional power plants; and Whereas, some of the customers have participated in rebates in the past, or could participate in the future; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin advise City Council that if this new rate class is created, customers in this new rate class should be charged the Energy Efficiency Service fee.
$6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Customer Energy Solutions FY22 – Quarter 4 Report As of September 30, 2022 Quarterly Rebates by District and Outside of COA $3.7M $3.7M $4.4M $5.5M FY22Q1 1 FY22Q2 4 5 2 3 6 7 8 10 Outside COA FY22Q3 9 FY22Q4 DABI to provide graph. Reach out 3 work days days prior to due date. Solar PBI not included. Rebates paid may not align with AE Finance eCombs system as of September 30, 2022. Dollars are unaudited. Data is as of September 30, 2022 and is not a complete year. Energy Efficiency Services Residential Programs AE Weatherization (WAP) – Direct Install In Q1 of FY22, the Weatherization Assistance Program returned to performing final QC • inspections in the field with our third party vendors. This move will ensure that customers are receiving the highest quality of installations. • The Weatherization Assistance Program also launched the Medically Vulnerable Registry (MVR) AC (Air Conditioning) Pilot Program. This Pilot Program will provide CAP customers on the MVR with new or repaired AC units. Appliance Efficiency Program (AEP) FY22 Q1, The Appliance Efficiency Program is in the process of working on a new proposal and • processes for implementing an additional measure, Solar Screens, to the program. Target go live date is Spring of FY22. • The Appliance Efficiency Program is currently working on outreach material to target new potential contractors in the Austin Energy service area; to provide program eligibility, incentives, etc. Home Performance w/Energy Star (HPwES) 1 • The program team worked with Texas Gas Service in December to add them to FY22 the Limited Time Offer. Texas Gas Service joined the Limited Time Offer on 1/7/2022 with an $100 rebate for eligible Texas Gas Service customers. • To promote quality control, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program resumed Third Party QA /QC inspections in Q1. Instant Savings joined with Austin Water in Spring 2022 to run a pilot for hose-end timers, and SPUR – Instant Savings • it was a great success. In-store markdown participation for the water hose-end timers exceeded forecasts. We are planning to expand the offer to more stores Spring 2023, • The vendor field representative held three in-store events this quarter to bring awareness to Instant Savings, Power Partner and other EES programs. He was able to provide education on lighting (esp. Holiday lighting), the Power Partner Seasonal special …
H2@Scale “in Texas and Beyond” Proto-Hub + Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Brian Weeks, P.E. bweeks@gti.energy 281.235.7993 November 2022 DOE’s Hydrogen at Scale Vision Hydrogen can Fuel a Sustainable Energy Transition by enabling U.S. energy security, resiliency and decarbonize the energy sector • Hydrogen can be produced from diverse domestic resources for use in multiple sectors, or for export. • Hydrogen has the highest energy content by weight of all known fuels – 3X higher than gasoline - and is a critical feedstock for the entire chemicals industry, including liquid fuels. • Hydrogen and fuel cells can enable zero or near zero emissions in transportation, stationary or remote power, and portable power applications. • Hydrogen can be used as a “responsive load” on the grid to enable grid stability and gigawatt-hour energy storage, and increase utilization of power generators, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. • Hydrogen can enable innovations in domestic industries (such as steel manufacturing and energy storage) and in transportation (e.g. in vehicles, rail, aviation, and marine applications) and iron making. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h2scale H2@Scale relevant for Texas Texas ideal to lead H2 production for a sustainable energy system • Excellent resources of natural gas, solar and wind for RH2 • Largest H2 producer in the nation • Major industry leaders on Hydrogen Council have significant presence in Texas 3 Approach Show H2@Scale benefits 1. Demonstrate multiple RH2 generation options, co-located with vehicle fueling and a large base load consumer to enable cost-effective H2 energy solutions 2. Develop framework for actionable H2@Scale pilot plans in Texas, Port of Houston and Gulf Coast region, including energy storage 4 • 40 kg/d from 2 PEM electrolyzers in H70 & H35 SimpleFuel units: MHI, SoCalGas, TACC, TCEQ Demonstration activities at UT (Track 1) ~100% renewable H2 generation • 75 kg/d SMR: GTI, OneH2, ONE Gas, WM • RNG credits from landfill in Texas • Solar power and emulated wind power through UT CEM microgrid Large scale, industry H2 user • 100 kW fuel cell powering Texas Advanced Computing Center Vehicle refueling • Published SAE J2601-4 fueling of 7-10 Toyota Mirai’s (Gen 1) • Hydrogen powered drones 5 Port of Houston H2 Framework (Track 2) • Identify policy and regulatory barriers • Define use and implementation plans leveraging existing industry resources • Develop actionable plan for H2@Scale and FCEV rollout in region Partnering with other synergistic activities currently underway in Texas Image …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Resolution Supporting Electric-Ready and EV-Ready Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “review and analyze the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy” and to“[a]dvise the city council regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, adopted by city Council on September 30, 2021, sets a goal for the entire Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and states that carbon “offsets should constitute no more than 10% of the baseline. This 10% should be reserved for sectors where emission reductions are cost-prohibitive or impossible to reduce with existing technology.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal to “achieve net-zero carbon for all new buildings” by 2030, states that “A net-zero operational carbon building is highly efficient and entirely powered by on- or off-site renewable energy.” and establishes a strategy to “Achieve goal milestones for net-zero carbon buildings through new building energy codes, amendments, and other methods.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes the strategy to “Adopt new energy and building codes that address future EV charging needs and enable a more equitable approach by simplifying the charging network and lowering barriers to entry for installing EV charging.” and WHEREAS, electrification of buildings and transportation, paired with renewable electricity production are highly effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis and outdoor and indoor air pollution, and WHEREAS, including proper wiring and electric service to accommodate future use of electric appliances in homes and electric vehicle charging at homes and businesses is more affordable than retrofitting buildings after they are built; and WHEREAS, studies show homes and buildings that are built electric ready provide the necessary electrical infrastructure at significantly reduced costs to the building owner; and WHEREAS, electric-ready provisions ensure that homes and apartments built with gas or propane can easily accommodate future electric appliances and such capabilities provide homeowners with greater flexibilities in appliance selections and protect homeowners from future costs, should they wish to utilize electric appliances; and WHEREAS, both the public comments during the process to adopt the 2021 Energy Conservation Code and during the recent public input process …
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 10/06/2022 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 72 91 250 200 150 100 50 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 200 77 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification 8 3 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified Project Pipeline Notes: 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 s cope. 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 10/06/2022 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 Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Total # of Units Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Installation 1240491, 1263326 204.1 295,130 $245,248 Installation 1252104 24.7 140,916 $126,150 Installation 1252924 34.4 130,044 $71,274 Installation 1263649 55.2 187,790 $114,664 The Social Apartment s ROSEMON T AT OAK VALLEY Cherry Creek Duplexes SoCo/Circle S Apts 1817 E Oltorf St 2800 COLLINS CREEK DR 5510 Fernview Rd 7201 S Congress Ave Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1231787, 1231196, 1231197 Trove Eastside* 2201 Montopolis Dr 3 222.8 592,964 $237,298 Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1245134, 1263660 Chevy Chase Downs 2504 Huntwick Dr 3 331.2 726,667 $285,612 3 3 5 2 3 5 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1254736, 1255009 Coppertree Apartment s 2425 Cromwell Cir Paid 1251538 Trails at the Park 815 W SLAUGHTER LN 495.0 1,074,533 $281,931 57.1 195,046 $93,516 LED lighting, HVAC Tune-Up, Smart …
