Item 2- Briefing Solar Permitting — original pdf

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Solar Program Improvements For Resource Management Commission 7/21/2026 © Austin Energy Richard Génecé | VP, Customer Energy Solutions Agenda Culture of Continuous Improvement High-Level Goals Stakeholder Engagement Successful Progress Made Programmatic and Systematic Solutions Austin Energy Commitments 2 Culture of Continuous Improvement Continuously improving the customer experience is foundational to our culture • Austin Energy is committed to improving processes • Goal: Align on desired outcomes, and highlight meaningful progress 3 High-Level Goals Increase local solar and battery capacity quickly Make it easier to do business with Austin Energy by enhancing customer experience Maintain Safety Strengthen Communication 4 Stakeholder Engagement Austin Energy Customer Renewable Solutions (CRS) engages stakeholders in a variety of ways • Regular internal and external stakeholder meetings • Transparent communication on changes and initiatives • Collaborative problem solving • Continuous process refinement with focus on safety and integrity • Concierge-style contractor support to identify and resolve issues 5 Successful Progress Made Austin Energy has made significant progress improving processes • Mapped processes and documented workflows • Reduced redundancy and bottlenecks • Improved timelines across multiple stages • Scaled inspection staffing to match fluctuating demand • • Improved shutdown scheduling from months → days Implemented electrical plan review to prevent rework and late-stage delays • Completed cost-of-service analysis and fee alignment for all solar reviews and inspections 6 Programmatic and Systematic Solutions Monthly tailored contractor trainings hosted online for easy access Created clearer website and application process Solar@AustinEnergy.com – Dedicated mailbox for all solar-related questions Improved cross-functional collaboration Incentive applications reviewed by subject matter expert 7 Austin Energy Remains Committed To: Pragmatic, meaningful improvements Strong partnerships with stakeholders Modernizing Processes Supporting the solar industry and a cleaner energy future 8 ©Austin Energy. All rights reserved. Austin Energy and the Austin Energy logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Austin Energy, the electric department of the City of Austin, Texas. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.