REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION May 21, 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 GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer 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 Alison Silverstein Vacant Vacant 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of capacity-based incentives to Individuals Directed to Excellence and Achievement (IDEA) Public Schools for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 700 Showplace Lane, 9504 N IH 35 SVRD SB, 1901 E Wells Branch Parkway, 1438 E Yager Lane, 1701 Vargas Road, 5816 Wilcab Road, and 1700 E Slaughter Lane, in an amount not to exceed $924,858. 3. Approve a recommendation to amend the Resource Management Commission bylaws to include review of and advising on all matters related to natural gas companies that serve customers within the City of Austin, including franchise agreements, rates, and conservation programs. 4. Approve a recommendation in support of certain Environmental Investment Plan recommendations approved by the Joint Sustainability Committee. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION May 21, 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. REVISED AGENDA GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer 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 Alison Silverstein Vacant Vacant 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of capacity-based incentives to Individuals Directed to Excellence and Achievement (IDEA) Public Schools for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 700 Showplace Lane, 9504 N IH 35 SVRD SB, 1901 E Wells Branch Parkway, 1438 E Yager Lane, 1701 Vargas Road, 5816 Wilcab Road, and 1700 E Slaughter Lane, in an amount not to exceed $924,858. 3. Approve a recommendation to amend the Resource Management Commission bylaws to include review of and advising on all matters related to natural gas companies that serve customers within the City of Austin, including franchise agreements, rates, and conservation programs. 4. Approve a recommendation in support of certain Environmental Investment Plan recommendations approved by the Joint Sustainability Committee. 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, …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of capacity-based incentives to Individuals Directed to Excellence and Achievement (IDEA) Public Schools for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 700 Showplace Lane, 9504 N IH 35 SVRD SB, 1901 E Wells Branch Parkway, 1438 E Yager Lane, 1701 Vargas Road, 5816 Wilcab Road, and 1700 E Slaughter Lane, in an amount not to exceed $924,858. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $924,858 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 13, 2024 –Recommended by the Electric Utility Commission on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy. May 21, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue these capacity-based incentives (CBI) to the Customer for the installation of solar electric systems at their facilities to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the combined system sizes, costs, proposed incentives, and environmental benefits: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) 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 1,028 853 1,521,102 $1,952,478 $924,858 47% 680 761 1065 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 1,577,727 147 10,200 720 IDEA Public Schools is a not‐for‐profit charter school serving grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The table below shows the estimated percentage of the building’s historic energy consumption offset by the proposed solar systems. Proposed Solar Projects Site Address Incentive Rate System Cost Austin Energy Incentive Generation kWh/yr System Size kW DC System Size kW AC Energy Offset 700 Showplace Ln Austin, TX, 78753 9504 N IH 35 SVRD SB Austin, TX, 78753 1901 E Wells Branch Pkwy Pflugerville, TX, 78660 1438 E Yager Ln Austin, TX, 78753 1701 …
Proposed Resource Management Commission Bylaw Changes BYLAWS OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the commission is to: (A) Maintain an overview of all programs, studies and proposals concerning the efficient use of energy, alternate energy technologies, renewable energy resources, including solar and wind, and the conservation of energy, excluding the use of conventional coal, nuclear, natural gas, or petroleum technologies. (B) Serve as a liaison with other city commissions and commissions, including the Electric Utility Commission. (C) Receive public input on alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and on energy conservation. (D) Review and analyze: (1) energy conservation technologies and renewable energy sources as to their short-term and long-term feasibility in the city; (2) energy conservation policies, alternate energy technologies, and renewable energy projects in other cities and states; (3) water conservation policies, alternate technologies, and water conservation projects in other cities and states; and (4) the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy. (5) issues concerning natural gas utilities in Austin, including fair and equitable rates and bills, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, environmental issues related to utility system operation, assistance to low-income customers, progress on the City of Austin’s Climate Equity Plan, and franchise negotiations. (E) Advise the city council: (1) in the developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy conservation. (2) as to available funding from private and public sources which are available to the city for alternate energy technologies and renewable energy, and for the conservation of energy; (3) on energy conservation, on alternate energy technologies, and on renewable energy sources and report to city council on the status of its activities at least annually; (4) in developing and reviewing city plans and programs that encourage water conservation as it relates to water consumption from the tap to customer and within structures or building; and (5) regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy; (6) natural gas utility matters, including: fair and equitable rates and bills that minimize consumer costs, cost-effective energy efficiency programs; cost-effective renewable energy programs; research and development of new technologies for energy efficiency and renewable energy; programs that reduce the burden on …
Resolution WHEREAS, in July of 2023, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution asking for the Austin City Council to expand its purview to advise Council on issues concerning gas utilities operating in the city, including gas company rate cases, gas company franchises; and gas-related environmental or consumer issues; and WHEREAS, no proposed amendments for the Commission’s bylaws were forwarded for the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee to consider; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission forward the attached bylaw amendments to the Council Audit and Finance Committee for review.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20240430-002: Environmental Investment Plan Funding Needs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. List of Funding Needs Cross-Sector Funding Needs ......................................................................................................................... 2 Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives ............................................................ 2 Austin Civilian Conservation Corps .............................................................................................. 3 Energy and Water Conservation Funding Needs .......................................................................................... 4 Expand Austin Energy’s energy efficiency programs ................................................................... 4 Expand Austin Energy’s demand response programs ................................................................. 5 Invest in battery energy storage.................................................................................................. 5 Utility-owned or contracted rooftop solar .................................................................................. 6 Shut down/retire AE’s portion of Fayette coal plant .................................................................. 7 Air sealing task force and training program ................................................................................ 8 Passive House incentive program ................................................................................................ 8 10. Decarbonizing municipal buildings .............................................................................................. 9 11. Water leak detection programs................................................................................................... 9 12. Improve rebates for residential and commercial landscape conversions ................................. 10 Consumption & Waste Reduction Funding Needs...................................................................................... 11 13. Circular economy & waste reduction programs ........................................................................ 11 14. Low-carbon concrete fund ........................................................................................................ 12 15. Pro-climate, pro-health foods ................................................................................................... 12 16. Sustainable purchasing and carbon accounting ........................................................................ 13 17. City-owned composting facility ................................................................................................. 13 1 Natural Systems Funding Needs ................................................................................................................. 14 18. Preservation of existing agricultural land .................................................................................. 14 19. Revolving loan fund for Working Farms Fund pilot ................................................................... 15 20. Energy and water dashboard for city facilities .......................................................................... 15 21. Comprehensive public tree inventory for the city of Austin ..................................................... 16 Transportation and Land Use Funding Needs ............................................................................................. 17 22. Austin Resource Recovery Fleet Electrification ......................................................................... 17 23. Austin Resource Recovery Transfer Station .............................................................................. 17 24. Expand All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network, Urban Trails, Sidewalks, and Shared Mobility 18 25. Extend Pickup Service Zones ..................................................................................................... 20 26. Downtown High-Frequency Circulator ...................................................................................... 21 27. Neighborhood E-Circulators ...................................................................................................... 22 28. Heat Resilience Infrastructure ................................................................................................... 23 29. CityLeap ATX Plan: convert travel lanes on arterial roads to protected bike or bus lanes ....... 24 30. Establish a city-owned all-electric carshare service .................................................................. 25 31. Low-cost, accessible charging stations at City of Austin owned facilities ................................. 26 32. Install charging stations at multi-family homes with priority in low and moderate income communities ....................................................................................................................................... 27 33. E-mobility solutions pilot program ............................................................................................ 28 Cross-Sector Funding Needs 1. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives Details: 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. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a user-friendly website …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Recommendation No. 2024XXX-XXX DRAFT Resolution on Joint Sustainability Committee Environmental Investment Plan Recommendations WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation No. 20240430-002 outlines various investments needed to achieve the many aggressive goals of the City’s Climate Equity Plan and other City environmental plans; and WHEREAS, several of these investment recommendations concern alternative energy technologies, renewable energy, and energy and water conservation; and WHEREAS, additional investments in energy efficiency, demand response, local solar, batteries and coal retirement are needed to meet the carbon-free by 2035 goal in the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, decarbonizing city buildings and improving water conservation will also yield greenhouse gas reductions and other co-benefits and aligns with the Water Forward plan, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Resource Management Commission recommends that the City Council pursue funding opportunities for the following programs as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee for the City’s Environmental Investment Plan: 1. Expand Austin Energy’s energy efficiency programs More investment is needed to improve building envelopes and air sealing and install efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling and hot water production, as well as LED lighting and other energy efficiency appliances. Increase funding for existing energy efficiency programs and conduct additional community outreach to inform the community about available local, state and federal incentives. 2. Expand Austin Energy’s demand response programs Expand price-based demand response programs, including to the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, and extend to additional devices and appliances such as electric hot water heaters, home energy management systems, commercial and residential battery storage, electric vehicle smart chargers, and smart meters. 3. Invest in battery energy storage Battery storage is an important part of a decarbonized grid. Austin Energy must invest in utility scale and distributed battery storage to enable retirement of its fossil fuel power plants, flatten the demand curve and avoid local electric grid price spikes that increase bills. 4. Utility-owned or contracted rooftop solar Austin Energy needs a considerable expansion of local solar to meet energy needs and keep bills affordable. Land is expensive, so rooftop solar is the best locally available clean renewable energy source. Consider designing a program whereby Austin Energy invests directly in customers’ rooftop solar and owns the installation for a set period of time. 5. Shut down/retire AE’s portion …
Resource Management Commission 2nd Quarter Report FY24 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential, Multifamily and Commercial Program Participation RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 Regulated Compliance Program Activity % Compliant % Non-Compliant 14.1% 16.4% 85.9% 83.6% 34.8% 65.2% C O M M E R C I A L F A C I L I T Y I R R I G A T I O N A S S E S S M E N T S C O M M E R C I A L V E H I C L E W A S H F A C I L I T Y E F F I C I E N C Y A S S E S S M E N T C O O L I N G T O W E R E F F I C I E N C Y A S S E S S M E N T S RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Conservation Public Outreach Events RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 My ATX Water Meter (AMI) Installations, FY24 YTD 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Quarterly Installations Overall Installations RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 Multi-Year Daily Treated Pumpage D G M , e g a s U 190 170 150 130 110 90 70 50 n.............................. a J b............................ e F r.............................. a M 2011 (Dry) 2015 (Wet) 2023 2024 RMC Quarterly Report – Q2, Fiscal Year 2024 Lakes Buchanan and Travis Total Combined Storage Projections City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Drought Response Stage Triggers: Conservation Stage: Above 1.4 MAF Stage I: 1.4 MAF Stage II: 900,000 AF Stage III: 750,000 AF Stage IV: 600,000 AF Emergency Response Stage V: Catastrophic event including prolonged drought Highland Lakes Storage summary as of May 10, 2024 Combined lake storage: 970,265 acre-feet Combined reservoir total: 49% RMC Monthly Report – Q2 Fiscal Year 2024 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water
A review of Austin Energy solar & battery deployment policies, with improvements identified Part 1: The impact of “Value of Solar” on Solar and Battery deployment and use D. SASARIDIS 21 MAY 2024 Content • Problem Statement • Goal • Definitions and Concepts • Value of Solar • Batteries • Solutions Problem Statement Given the importance of swiftly deploying solar and batteries, at scale, in the mission to slow climate change, as is consistent with the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan : Let’s review Austin Energy policy for effectiveness in encouraging deployment and use of these technologies. Goal of this presentation The goal of this presentation, today – is to introduce this work, achieve a common understanding through questions, allow for self study, and allow for challenges to the assumptions and conclusions. Climate Change & The Importance of Solar and batteries Though the applications which lead to CO2 emissions vary widely - ~75% of emissions can be turned off by the availability of carbon-free energy. Source: https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-by-sector Solar and batteries are the fundamental building blocks of a carbon-free energy present. Solar without batteries More solar power is available than is needed during the day, not enough at night. Note: Solar power data from PVWatts, demand is representative. Plot for illustration purposes. Charge Discharge Solar less than demand? Batteries don’t get used (simplifying a bit). Charge Discharge Excess daytime solar? Batteries charge, then discharge. Charge Charge Discharge Discharge Charge Discharge Key point: The answer to too much mid-day solar is not less solar, it’s more batteries! With enough solar, charge from yesterday gets used in the morning. Definition: Value of Solar Let U be the power measured by the utility meter. Let S be the power measured by the solar meter. Let T be the total power, used by the home, including from the solar panels on this house, and the grid, T = U + S. U is also the net power used by the home, i.e. if U = 0, this is a “net zero” home that is powered by solar panels only. Note that the utility knows U and S, and must add them together to get T, the total power used by that home. Austin Energy uses Value of Solar, and charges the customer for T, using the tier-based rate structure, and pays the customer for S, at a fixed rate of about 9.91 …
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.
A review of Austin Energy solar & battery deployment policies, with improvements identified Part 1: The impact of “Value of Solar” on Solar and Battery deployment and use D. SASARIDIS 21 MAY 2024 Content • Problem Statement • Goal • Definitions and Concepts • Value of Solar • Batteries • What’s Next Problem Statement Given the importance of swiftly deploying solar and batteries, at scale, in the mission to slow climate change, as is consistent with the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan : Let’s review Austin Energy policy for effectiveness in meeting these goals. Key question of Part 1: Is Value of Solar, as a policy, consistent with these goals? The goal of this presentation, today – is to introduce this work, achieve a common understanding through questions, allow for self study, and allow for challenges to the assumptions and conclusions. Climate Change & The Importance of Solar and batteries Though the applications which lead to CO2 emissions vary widely - ~75% of emissions can be turned off by the availability of carbon-free energy. Source: https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-by-sector Solar and batteries are the fundamental building blocks of a carbon-free energy present. Solar without batteries More solar power is available than is needed during the day, not enough at night. Note: Solar power data from PVWatts, demand is representative. Plot for illustration purposes. Charge Discharge Solar less than demand? Batteries don’t get used (simplifying a bit). Charge Discharge Excess daytime solar? Batteries charge, then discharge. Charge Charge Discharge Discharge Charge Discharge Key point: The answer to too much mid-day solar is not less solar, it’s more batteries! With enough solar, charge from yesterday gets used in the morning. Definition: Value of Solar Let U be the power measured by the utility meter. Let S be the power measured by the solar meter. Let T be the total power, used by the home, including from the solar panels on this house, and the grid, T = U + S. U is also the net power used by the home, i.e. if U = 0, this is a “net zero” home that is powered by solar panels only. Note that the utility knows U and S, and must add them together to get T, the total power used by that home. Austin Energy uses Value of Solar, and charges the customer for T, using the tier-based rate structure, and pays the customer …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240521-003 Resolution to Amend the Resource Management Commission Bylaws WHEREAS, in July of 2023, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution asking for the Austin City Council to expand its purview to advise Council on issues concerning gas utilities operating in the city, including gas company rate cases, gas company franchises; and gas-related environmental or consumer issues; and WHEREAS, no proposed amendments for the Commission’s bylaws were forwarded for the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee to consider; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission forward the attached bylaw amendments to the Council Audit and Finance Committee for review. Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Vote: 8-0 For: Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Absences: Commissioner GeNell Gary Vacancies: District 2 and Mayor’s Office Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison Proposed Resource Management Commission Bylaw Changes BYLAWS OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the commission is to: (A) Maintain an overview of all programs, studies and proposals concerning the efficient use of energy, alternate energy technologies, renewable energy resources, including solar and wind, and the conservation of energy, excluding the use of conventional coal, nuclear, natural gas, or petroleum technologies. (B) Serve as a liaison with other city commissions and commissions, including the Electric Utility Commission. (C) Receive public input on alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and on energy conservation. (D) Review and analyze: (1) energy conservation technologies and renewable energy sources as to their short-term and long-term feasibility in the city; (2) energy conservation policies, alternate energy technologies, and renewable energy projects in other cities and states; (3) water conservation policies, alternate technologies, and water conservation projects in other cities and states; and (4) the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy. (5) issues concerning natural gas utilities in Austin, including fair and equitable rates and bills, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, environmental issues related to utility system operation, assistance to low-income customers, progress on the City of Austin’s Climate Equity Plan, and franchise negotiations. (E) Advise the city council: (1) in the developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240521-004 Resolution on the Joint Sustainability Committee Environmental Investment Plan Recommendations WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation No. 20240430-002 outlines various investments needed to achieve the many aggressive goals of the City’s Climate Equity Plan and other City environmental plans; and WHEREAS, several of these investment recommendations concern alternative energy technologies, renewable energy, and energy and water conservation; and WHEREAS, additional investments in energy efficiency, demand response, local solar, batteries and coal retirement are needed to meet the carbon-free by 2035 goal in the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, decarbonizing city buildings and improving water conservation will also yield greenhouse gas reductions and other co-benefits and aligns with the Water Forward plan, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Resource Management Commission recommends that the City Council pursue funding opportunities for the following programs as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee for the City’s Environmental Investment Plan: 1. Expand Austin Energy’s energy efficiency programs More investment is needed to improve building envelopes, attic insulation, air sealing, and install efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling and hot water production, as well as LED lighting and other energy efficiency appliances. Increase funding for existing energy efficiency programs and conduct additional community outreach to inform the community about available local, state, and federal incentives. 2. Expand Austin Energy’s demand response programs Expand price-based demand response programs, including to the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, and extend to additional devices and appliances such as electric hot water heaters, home energy management systems, commercial and residential battery storage, electric vehicle smart chargers, and smart meters. 3. Invest in battery energy storage Battery storage is an important part of a decarbonized grid. Austin Energy must invest in utility scale and distributed battery storage to enable retirement of its fossil fuel power plants, flatten the demand curve, and avoid local electric grid price spikes that increase bills. 4. Utility-owned or contracted rooftop solar Austin Energy needs a considerable expansion of local solar to meet energy needs and keep bills affordable. Land is expensive, so rooftop solar is the best locally available clean renewable energy source. Consider designing a program whereby Austin Energy invests directly in customers’ rooftop solar and owns the installation for a set period of time. 5. Shut …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240521-005 Resolution to Repurpose GreenChoice Revenues and Increase Dispatchable Renewable Energy 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 advises Council to 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; and THEN BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that Council direct Austin Energy to secure future contracts from wind and solar projects that have associated storage projects which help make renewables more dispatchable. Vote: 7-1 For: Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Against: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Absences: Commissioner GeNell Gary Vacancies: District 2 and Mayor’s Office Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 21, 2024 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 21, 2024 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Louis Stone called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission meeting of April 16, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 6-0 vote with Commissioners Farmer and Johnson off the dais, Commissioner Gary absent, and two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of capacity-based incentives to Individuals Directed to Excellence and Achievement (IDEA) Public Schools for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 700 Showplace Lane, 9504 N IH 35 SVRD SB, 1901 E Wells Branch Parkway, 1438 E Yager Lane, 1701 Vargas Road, 5816 Wilcab Road, and 1700 E Slaughter Lane, in an amount not to exceed $924,858. The motion to approve a recommendation approving the issuance of capacity-based incentives to Individuals Directed to Excellence and Achievement (IDEA) Public Schools failed to pass on Commissioner Davis’s motion, Commissioner Scaffidi’s second on a 2-1-4 vote with Chair Stone voting against, Vice Chair Robbins, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Commissioners Johnson, Sasaridis, and Silverstein abstaining, Commissioner Farmer off the dais, Commissioner Gary absent, and two vacancies. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing and process update on the Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan by Lisa Martin, Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. The briefing was presented by Lisa Martin, Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to amend the Resource Management Commission bylaws to include review of and advising on all matters related to natural gas companies that serve customers within the City of Austin, including franchise agreements, rates, and conservation programs. The motion to approve a recommendation amending the Resource Management Commission bylaws to include review of and …
