REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION March 19, 2024 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: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Melissa Carugati Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chelsey Scaffidi Alison Silverstein 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 20, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. 3. Approve a recommendation regarding the creation of a pilot program of multifamily supportive housing projects and assist with the Passive House certification. 4. Approve a recommendation on repurposing the GreenChoice Program and increasing 5. Approve a budget recommendation to conduct outreach and engagement for City of 6. Approve a recommendation regarding the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and dispatchable renewable energy. Austin sustainability incentives. Climate Protection Plan to 2035. 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 BRIEFINGS 7. Staff briefing …
..Title Posting Language Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Prior Council Action: Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $119,899 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 18, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. March 19, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue these capacity-based incentives (CBI) to the Customer for the installation of solar electric systems at their facilities to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the combined system sizes, costs, proposed incentives, and environmental benefits.: Solar Systems Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in tons Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in pounds Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) in pounds 133 111 173,366 $243,980 $119,988 49% 77 87 121 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of Cars on Austin Roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator 179,072 15.5 1,155 83.3 The City of Sunset Valley is a city within Travis County, and within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Austin, Texas. The city of Austin, Texas surrounds the City of Sunset Valley on all sides. The systems are to be installed on the police department and the public works department buildings, offsetting 112% and 108% of the buildings’ historic consumption, respectively. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind- the …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Agenda: April 18, 2024 Sponsor: MPT Pool, District 7 Co-Sponsors: RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Equity Plan includes a goal of reaching net- zero GHG emissions by 2040 and a goal of achieving net-zero carbon for new buildings and reducing emissions by 25% for existing buildings by 2040; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, passive houses are the world's most energy-efficient standard and are designed so that most of the air exchange with the exterior is done by controlled ventilation through a heat exchanger to minimize heat loss; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, passive building design can help keep a building cool in hot and humid climates through several strategies including shading, insulation, ventilation, orientation, and shape; and WHEREAS, passive house design saves significantly on heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings, and over 25% compared to average new builds which help reduce energy costs and create a smaller carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, in 2009, Vancouver took an important first step toward their goal of becoming the greenest city in the world, as the first jurisdiction in North America to go beyond green building codes and use architecture itself through passive design to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs); and WHEREAS, starting in 2024, the City of Boston adopted a set of sustainability standards that required every new multifamily building to meet passive building requirements, WHEREAS, in the past years New York City, Chicago, and several states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have also instituted passive building requirements; and WHEREAS, although no southern state or city has adopted passive building standards to date, a study …
Agenda: April 18, 2024 Sponsor: CM Pool, District 7 Co-Sponsors: Projects Subject: Adoption of a Passive House Challenge Program for Affordable Housing RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, sustainable building practices contribute significantly to energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term affordability; and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 1 of 3 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS, innovative programs such as the Passive House Design Challenge, as demonstrated by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, have successfully incentivized and promoted the construction of energy-efficient and affordable housing units within Massachusetts; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF AUSTIN: The City Council directs the City Manager to explore the cost and benefits of a passive house pilot program that includes the following potential goals: 1. Study the potential for a pilot program: Convene a group of subject matter experts and community advocates working with utility professionals in the Green Building space to study the potential for a pilot program which includes comparing the established program in Massachusetts to the Austin climate, as well as modifications that may need to be made to have a potentially successful pilot in Austin. 2. Program Details: a. Affordable housing projects that certify with PHIUS may be eligible for financial incentives based on budgetary approval and availability. Projects may be required to share construction cost data, both hard and soft, and post-occupancy energy data. 3. Reporting and Evaluation: If implemented as a pilot, the appropriate city department shall provide regular reports to the …
Resource Management Commission Resolution to Repurpose GreenChoice Revenues and Increase Dispatchable Renewable Energy DRAFT WHEREAS, the City of Austin aspires to run its municipal electric utility, Austin Energy, completely with carbon-free electricity by 2035; and WHEREAS, a grid based largely on carbon-free energy cannot be realistically accomplished in Texas without energy storage or dispatchable renewable energy sources; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has done very little to date to adopt energy storage or dispatchable energy into its future plans; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice, a program originally designed to enhance adoption of renewable energy by charging customers a different rate, is no longer necessary to increase Austin’s use of renewable energy; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice, when properly operating, collects about $7 million in increased revenues that can be repurposed to help transition Austin Energy to a completely carbon-free utility; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice funds can be leveraged with other funding in the public and private sector to magnify its spending power; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the Austin City Council to repurpose revenues from Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program, leveraging the program’s revenue with grants and investments from other governments and non-profits, public and private electric utilities, and the private sector to fund energy storage and dispatchable renewables; and AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Commission recommend that Council direct Austin Energy to explore other strategies and funding sources as well as GreenChoice revenues in furtherance of the goal of adding more renewable dispatchability to its system.
Resource Management Commission RECOMMENDATION 20240319-XX Date: Subject: March 19, 2024 FY 2025 Budget Recommendations Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. Additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. The Resource Management Commission recommends that $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000). b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission DRAFT Resolution 20240319-XX on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts and community members and met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
Austin Climate Equity Plan Phillip Duran, Sr Climate Analyst March 2024 1 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview • How the Climate Equity Plan was developed • What’s in the Plan • Where we are now 2 3 Why lead with Equity in Climate? • Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate hazards Experience climate shocks on top of existing economic stressors • Have less resources to bounce back from event Suffer long-term impacts to mental and physical health • • Plan Development Process Diverse participation • • Community ownership approach • Mandatory Equity training Joint Sustainability Committee Steering Committee Climate and Environment Leadership Team Transportation Electrification Transportation and Land Use Sustainable Buildings Food and Product Consumption Natural Systems Staff + Stakeholder Advisory Groups 5 Community Climate Ambassadors 2020-2021 Cohort • 50% African American/Black • 25% Latino/Hispanic • 8% Asian • 8% Pacific Islander • 8% Two or more races • Over 50% under 24 years old • Over 75% female Participating Stakeholder Organizations 7 What’s in the Plan? 8 Climate Equity Plan Overview Adopted by City Council in September 2021 Net-zero by 2040 5 Sections - Sustainable Buildings - Transportation Electrification - Transportation and Land Use - Food and Product Consumption - Natural Systems 17 Goals – To be accomplished by 2030 to keep on track 75 Strategies - Progress in next 5 years Equity Throughout, particularly in Strategies • • • Prioritize incentives + target communications towards low-income & communities of color Just transition to green jobs for new industries & technology Prioritize health & other benefits 9 Climate Equity Plan Summary 17 Goals What needs to be accomplished by 2030 to keep us on track 75 Strategies What should be implemented in the next 5 years to make progress 10 Austin is a National Leader in Climate Action • Austin is 1 of 4 Major US Cities (+ Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco) that have adopted the most aggressive GHG Reduction goal — Net Zero by 2040. • Austin is 1 of 5 Major US Cities (+ DC, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle) that have put equity at the center of their climate initiatives. • The Austin Energy Goal of 100% Carbon Free electricity generation by 2035 is in the top echelon of utility goals in the US, very few are more aggressive. • Austin community-wide GHG emissions decreased 25% since 2011 (15.1 MMT in …
Agenda Item for the RMC Mee�ng DATE: March 19, 2024 By Commissioner Caruga� Sponsors: Paul Robbins, Alison Silverstein U�lity Rebate and Incen�ve Website Page for the City of Aus�n: Discuss with All city u�li�es that have incen�ves/rebates to be placed on 1 city website. This includes gas, water, and electricity. If there could be 1 page that included ALL of the incen�ve programs provided by all city u�li�es on 1 main page at a high level so the ci�zens could be more aware of all the programs we incen�vize. From that main web page each u�lity could have links to their individual program that includes more detail. As of now, each u�lity has scatered websites with incen�ves in places ci�zens are not aware of and the websites are litered with so much informa�on its hard to read. Start at high level, then break each incen�ve down. The ques�on is who at the city can produce this one page and link to all other u�li�es?
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution 20240319-XX on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent …
EUC Resource Planning Working Group Recommendations for the “Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035” Clean and Carbon-Free Energy for an Affordable and Livable Austin Presentation to the Resource Management Commission March 19, 2024 Alison Silverstein & Paul Robbins, RMC members 1 AE initial resource generation plan update process • Technology readiness assessment (readiness, affordability, local use to reduce congestion, high availability, dispatchability) Scenario modeling (including risks re extreme weather, local congestion and regulatory changes) • Balance goals of environmental sustainability, reliability, affordability & cost stability, with • • carbon-free mix by 2035 Initial recommendations Looked at a variety of supply and demand technologies plus new and upgraded transmission 2 AE resource generation plan “key take-aways” generation scenario modeling risk • Only one technology satisfies all criteria – hydrogen-capable natural gas-fired • No one technology can solve all our resource needs • All technologies that meet the readiness criteria (in green) were included in the • Only portfolios w/o high %s of solar or storage overcome extreme weather • Only portfolios incl hydrogen-capable combined cycle meet affordability goal and enable more renewables • Only portfolios w/ local supply overcome local congestion problems • Do more demand response, EE, DER (mostly Evs?), transmission • Move away from MW to GHG reduction to improve overall impact and effectiveness. 3 EUC-RMC Working Group recommends AE meet demand w/ renewables, demand response, energy efficiency, existing nuclear & batteries Local Solar Storage Coal & Nuclear Gas Generation Year 2027 Energy Efficiency Demand Response Renewable Energy 75 MW 65% 2030 200 MW 76% 10% Winter & 18% Summer Peak Reduction 15% Winter & 23% Summer Peak Reduction 20% Winter & 28% Summer Peak Reduction Retire Fayette ASAP & use REACH to limit use as much as allowed; No additional Nuclear No additional Nuclear Reduce emissions by 33% using REACH. No new gas generation Reduce emissions by 66% using REACH. No new gas generation 350 MW, with at least 150 MW behind- the-meter 150 MW, with at least 100 MW located in the Austin Energy load zone 500 MW, with at least 200 MW behind- the-mete 400 MW, with at least 200 MW located in the Austin Energy load zone 700 MW, with at least 250 MW behind- the-meter 500 MW, with at least 300 MW located in the AE load zone - at least 100 MW of long-duration storage Greenhouse Gas Reduction between …
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 03/01/2024 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 145 Project Pipeline Notes: 2. Pipeline Definitions 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 44 108 8 15 26 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified 1. Figures includes all leads and applications, regardless of estimated rebate amount. In coordination with the customer and contractor, Austin Energy periodically removes leads and new applications that do not proceed to Installation. a. “Pre-Approval in Progress” includes: 1) customer/contractor submitted leads; 2) applications in development but not yet submitted to Austin Energy; and 3) applications submitted to Austin Energy that are under review for eligibility and approval of project scope. b. “Approved: Installation and Verification” includes projects: 1) approved with installation underway; and 2) where installation is complete and final inspection and quality review are ongoing. c. Paid projects are listed on the preceding RMC summary table in this report. Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 03/01/2024 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$74k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Installation Lincoln Oaks 263.3 766,330 $257,806 11700 Metric Blvd 1266038, 1279735, 1292608, 1292617 Measures Planned Phase 1 (Complete): Water Saving Devices, Phase 2 (In Progress): LED Lighting, Plenum Remediation & Seal, HVAC Tune-Up, Smart Thermostats Total # of Units 296 Installation 1277574 Buckingham Place Duplexes 743 YARSA BLVD Installation 1301882 West Koenig Flats 5608 Avenue F 34.2 159,495 $74,700 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats 166 39.0 185,377 $109,200 HVAC Tune-up, Smart Thermostats 210 Installation 1299361 79.6 286,993 $151,432 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, LED Lighting Multifamily Installation 1281017 Multifamily Installation 1275428 305.4 669,612 $279,173 Low-E windows, Smart Thermostats, HVAC replacement 99.9 349,027 $213,038 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, LED Lighting Multifamily Installation 1299445 San Marin Apartments 4025 DUVAL RD 65.8 58410.710 0 $126,813 Attic Insulation Multifamily Installation 1301185 Elan East 59.0 327,616 $121,687 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, Water Saving Devices, ECAD …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-003 Resolution Passive House Design Challenge WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Equity Plan includes a goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 and a goal of achieving net-zero carbon for new buildings and reducing emissions by 25% for existing buildings by 2040; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, passive houses are the world's most energy-efficient standard and are designed so that most of the air exchange with the exterior is done by controlled ventilation through a heat exchanger to minimize heat loss; and WHEREAS, passive building design can help keep a building cool in hot and humid climates through several strategies including shading, insulation, ventilation, orientation, and shape; and WHEREAS, passive house design saves significantly on heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings, and over 25% compared to average new builds which help reduce energy costs and create a smaller carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, in 2009, Vancouver took an important first step toward their goal of becoming the greenest city in the world, as the first jurisdiction in North America to go beyond green building codes and use architecture itself through passive design to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs); and WHEREAS, starting in 2024, the City of Boston adopted a set of sustainability standards that required every new multifamily building to meet passive building requirements, WHEREAS, in the past years New York City, Chicago, and several states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have also instituted passive building requirements; and WHEREAS, although no southern state or city has adopted passive building standards to date, a study performed by Science Direct showed that passive building strategies in warm humid climates can achieve substantial energy and cost savings over standard building techniques; and WHEREAS, sustainable …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-005 Resolution on Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households; and WHEREAS, additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that a minimum of $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape, and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000). b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Carugati; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Vote: 8-0 For: Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Vacancies: Mayor Absences: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-006 Resolution on Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net- zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas- burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, …
GreenChoice Repurposing Proposal Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins March 19, 2024 • Started in 2001 to Allow Customers to Virtually Buy 100% Green Power • Currently 0.75¢/kwh More/ About 6% Increase in Total Bill • 984 Million Kwh Sold in 2022 / 7% of Total Austin Energy Consumption • About $7.4 Million in 2022 Additional Revenue • About 28,000 – 5% – of 2022 Customer Base In Austin, Renewable Energy has Increased from Almost Nothing in 2000 to Half Of Electric Supply in 2023 And It is Projected to Hit About 80% by 2035. Why Should We Ask Customers to Pay More for What the Utility Is Doing Anyway? But All the Renewable Energy in the World Will Not Allow It To Be ”Dispatchable” – To be Used When It Is Needed Denmark is world leader in use of intermittent renewable energy. Only 31% of its electricity is dispatchable. How do they do it? Leveraging Funds • 20% from Austin Energy • 20% from Storage Company Balance from: • Grants (Federal, State, Non-profit) • Other Utility/Government Partners • Private Investors Arbitrage Example: 1.5¢ Overnight Power 50¢ Peak Demand 5 PM Perhaps New GreenChoice Program Can Deliver A “Dividend” to Subscribers Austin Energy Defends Current Program 1. Allows customers to purchase 100% wind 2. Customer Satisfaction Survey showe participants were happy with the program 3. Program is not making money at this time because of flawed structure Answers 1. There is no country in the world running on anything close to 100% intermittent wind or solar energy. 2. No survey has been conducted asking GreenChoice participants if they want dispatchable renewable energy. 3. GreenChoice revenue shortfall is being corrected and phased in.
Austin Climate Equity Plan Phillip Duran, Sr Climate Analyst March 2024 1 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview • How the Climate Equity Plan was developed • What’s in the Plan • Where we are now 2 3 Why lead with Equity in Climate? • Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate hazards Experience climate shocks on top of existing economic stressors • Have less resources to bounce back from event Suffer long-term impacts to mental and physical health • • Plan Development Process Diverse participation • • Community ownership approach • Mandatory Equity training Joint Sustainability Committee Steering Committee Climate and Environment Leadership Team Transportation Electrification Transportation and Land Use Sustainable Buildings Food and Product Consumption Natural Systems Staff + Stakeholder Advisory Groups 5 Community Climate Ambassadors 2020-2021 Cohort • 50% African American/Black • 25% Latino/Hispanic • 8% Asian • 8% Pacific Islander • 8% Two or more races • Over 50% under 24 years old • Over 75% female Participating Stakeholder Organizations 7 What’s in the Plan? 8 Climate Equity Plan Overview Adopted by City Council in September 2021 Net-zero by 2040 5 Sections - Sustainable Buildings - Transportation Electrification - Transportation and Land Use - Food and Product Consumption - Natural Systems 17 Goals – To be accomplished by 2030 to keep on track 75 Strategies - Progress in next 5 years Equity Throughout, particularly in Strategies • • • Prioritize incentives + target communications towards low-income & communities of color Just transition to green jobs for new industries & technology Prioritize health & other benefits 9 Climate Equity Plan Summary 17 Goals What needs to be accomplished by 2030 to keep us on track 75 Strategies What should be implemented in the next 5 years to make progress 10 Austin is a National Leader in Climate Action • Austin is 1 of 4 Major US Cities (+ Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco) that have adopted the most aggressive GHG Reduction goal — Net Zero by 2040. • Austin is 1 of 5 Major US Cities (+ DC, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle) that have put equity at the center of their climate initiatives. • The Austin Energy Goal of 100% Carbon Free electricity generation by 2035 is in the top echelon of utility goals in the US, very few are more aggressive. • Austin community-wide GHG emissions decreased 25% since 2011 (15.1 MMT in …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-006 Resolution on Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net- zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas- burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, …
