Item 3- Draft Recommendation Local Solar + Storage Working Group — original pdf

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Resource Management Commission Recommendation To Improve Local Solar + Storage Working Group WHEREAS, Austin Energy has operated rooftop solar incentive programs for its customers since 2004; and WHEREAS, rooftop solar has grown in significance to the point that it is now a major part of Austin’s new generation plan; and WHEREAS, permitting processing and inspection delays raise costs, discourage installation, and are a barrier to achieving Austin’s solar goals; WHEREAS, the City’s Resource Management Commission and Electric Utility Commission have established a joint working group to find ways to reduce permitting and inspection delays to lower the cost to consumers for installing solar energy and battery storage; and WHEREAS, this working group will be more effective with expertise and participation from relevant City Departments that interface with solar and battery permitting, inspection, and installation of this equipment; BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that City Council pass a resolution supporting the Solar + Storage Working Group and direct the City Manager to identify and direct the responsible personnel at Austin Energy, Austin Development Services, Austin Technology Services, and other relevant City department to participate in the Working Group and work with their respective managers to implement recommendations as appropriate.