BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Electric Readiness and EV-Ready WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approve the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which commits the city to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75% by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for code amendments, incentives and education to enable electrification of buildings; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for codes that address future EV charging needs; and WHEREAS, the majority of the public comments submitted during the 2021 Austin Energy Conservation Code adoption process were supporting adoption of Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code amendments; and WHEREAS, it is more affordable to do electric wiring and install and appropriately sized electric panel at the time of construction than to retrofit buildings later; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Resource Management Commission supports adoption of Electric Readiness and EV-Ready amendments to the Austin Energy Conservation Code as soon as possible. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The Commission supports staff plans to conduct stakeholder meetings starting no later than January 17, 2021 and recommends that the Austin City Council request regular updates on this work. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Distributed Community Solar WHEREAS, on June 17, 2020, the Resource Management Commission passed Resolution 20200617-003, supporting distributed community solar and recommending criteria for evaluating proposals; and WHEREAS, in October 2020, Austin Energy issued a request for proposals for solar energy produced on the local distribution grid; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy did not select any distributed solar proposals to execute; and WHEREAS, the majority of local rooftop solar potential in Austin is not utilized; and WHEREAS, local solar development creates good paying local jobs; and WHEREAS, community solar allows for equitable access to clean energy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Resource Management Commission establishes the Distributed Community Solar Working Group. The working group will collaborate with staff and return to the full Commission with recommendations for the best path forward, next steps and a timeline for implementation. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Pilot Proposal Austin, TX Resource Management Commission January 18, 2022 Overview Purpose of Pilot CenterPoint Energy proposes to introduce targeted program offerings that will deliver cost- effective energy savings, promote awareness of energy conservation, and provide customers in Austin Texas with opportunities to reduce natural gas usage in their homes and businesses. • Specific Objectives affordability of energy; • Reduce end-use natural gas consumption to conserve resources and improve • Provide environmental benefits by influencing the use of energy efficient equipment and technology that reduces carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases; and • Promote energy-conscious attitudes and behaviors that support energy conservation and sustainability 2 Overview Pilot Development The Pilot is designed with a “Quick-Start” approach and offers programs that can be implemented with minimal budget and complexity while still providing cost-effective energy-savings opportunities to customers. • Factors Evaluated in Pilot Design Identify programs best suited for a small-scale pilot Develop measure level energy savings Develop cost projections Evaluate cost-effectiveness Determine the most effective marketing and delivery channels • Proposed Program Offerings Prescriptive Equipment Rebates DIY Home Conservation Improvement Products Commercial Direct Install Equipment • • • • • • • • 3 Overview Pilot Plan Summary • Projections Budget: $20,114 Annual Energy Savings: 9,488 Ccf Net Economic Benefits: $29,148 • Implementation Period • Eleven-month pilot (February 2022 – December 2022) • Funding • • • • The Company seeks to recover program costs concurrently with implementation of the pilot through a ratepayer funded mechanism. 4 High Efficiency Equipment Rebates Description The High-Efficiency Equipment Rebates program is designed to promote energy-efficient retrofits by offering incentives to customers for the purchase and installation of new high- efficiency natural gas equipment. • Eligible Equipment Equipment Efficiency Customer Rebate Natural Gas Force Air Furnace 95% AFUE or Higher Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater .87 UEF or Higher Natural Gas Storage Tank Water Heater .70 UEF or Higher Smart Thermostat ENERGY STAR Qualified $600 $350 $100 $50 • Program Projections Budget: $10,500 • • • • Annual Energy Savings: 2,213 Ccf Net Economic Benefits: $9,701 Participating Customers: 35 5 Home Conservation Improvement Products Description CenterPoint Energy’s Home Conservation Improvement Products program will provide free water and energy saving equipment to residential customers. • Eligible Equipment Low-Flow Showerheads Low-Flow Kitchen Faucet Aerators Low-Flow Bathroom Faucet Aerators • Program Projections Budget: $2,989 Annual Energy Savings: 890 Ccf Net Economic Benefits: $3,164 …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $268,960 to the Mothers’ Milk Bank @ Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5925 Dillard Circle, Unit A, Austin TX 78752, in District 4. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: Mothers’ Milk Bank @ Austin Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 656 410 269 223 366,962 $361,010 $268,960 74.5% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements Mothers’ Milk Bank @ Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save babies’ lives by providing prescribed donor human milk. The proposed solar system would cover 101% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. This solar project will generate an estimated 366,962 kWh per year and, according to US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 172 US tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 345,311 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 257 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,580 trees or 191 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 392,149 vehicle miles or 33.9 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $141,750 to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF), hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 4417 Westlake Drive, Building B, Austin, TX 78746, in District 10. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: MSDF Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements 315 450 141.75 117.65 195,472 $267,908 $141,750 53% The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation works to transform the lives of children living in urban poverty through improved education, health, and family economic stability. The proposed solar system would cover 23% of the anticipated annual energy needs of this new building. According to the US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 92 US tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 117 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 136 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 1,380 trees or 102 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 209,754 vehicle miles or 18.2 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $80,190 to Saint Edwards University, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 3001 S Congress Ave OPS, Austin TX 78704, in District 3. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: Saint Edwards University Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 198 405 80 67 113,494 $119,197 $80,190 67% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements Saint Edwards University is a private university for graduate and undergraduate programs. The proposed solar system would cover 40% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. This solar project will generate an estimated 113,494 kWh per year and, according to US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 53 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 68 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 79 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 795 trees or 58.9 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 120,837 vehicle miles or 10.5 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $252,780 to Westminster Manor, Inc, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 4232 Bull Creek Road, Austin, TX 78731, in District 10. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: Westminster Manor – 4232 Bull Creek Road Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 766 330 253 210 364,155 $492,921 $252,780 51% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements Westminster Manor, Inc, is an assisted living facility for seniors. The proposed solar system would cover 12% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. This solar project will generate an estimated 364,155 kWh per year and, according to US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 171 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 218 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 255 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,565 trees or 190 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 389,869 vehicle miles or 33.7 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $273,240 to the YMCA of Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin, TX 78727, in District 6. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: YMCA of Austin - 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin, TX 78727 Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 828 330 273 227 391,903 $508,226 $273,240 54% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements The YMCA of Austin provides recreational facilities and classes. The proposed solar system would cover 27% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. This solar project will generate an estimated 391,903 kWh per year and, according to US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 184 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 235 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 274 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,760 trees or 205 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 419,508 vehicle miles or 36.3 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $190,080 to Westminster Manor, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 4300 Bull Creek Road, Austin, TX 78731, in District 10. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: Westminster Manor – Carlisle Building Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 576 330 190.80 157.766 274,014 $370,656 $190,080 51% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements Westminster Manor, Inc, is an assisted living facility for seniors. The proposed solar system would cover 7% of the anticipated annual energy needs of this new building. According to the US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 128 US tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 164 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 192 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 1,920 trees or 142 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 291,832 vehicle miles or 25.3 cars from Austin roadways. 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 meter installations).” In …
..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $231,990 to the YMCA of Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724, in District 1. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: YMCA of Austin - 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724 Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 703 330 231.99 192.552 322,462 $429,182 $231,990 54% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements The YMCA of Austin provides recreational facilities and classes. The proposed solar system would cover 64% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. According to US Energy Information Administration and based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 152 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 193 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 226 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,280 trees or 169 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 346,550 vehicle miles or 30 cars from Austin roadways. 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 …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION January 18, 2022 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 (Note: Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by videoconference.) REVISED AGENDA Members: Jonathan Blackburn, Chair (District 8) Kaiba White, Vice Chair (District 2) Charlotte Davis (District 1) Sam Angoori (District 3) Shane Johnson (District 4) Tom “Smitty” Smith (District 5) Louis Stone (District 6) Kelly Davis (District 7) Dana Harmon (District 9) Rebecca Brenneman (District 10) Lisa Chavarria (Mayor) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/rmc CALL MEETING TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker must be present and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the November 16, 2021 Meeting of the Resource Management Commission. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type 2. (2/17) [ Austin Energy] Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $268,960 to the Mothers’ Milk Bank @ Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5925 Dillard Circle, Unit A, Austin TX 78752, in District 4. 3. (2/17) [ Austin Energy] Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $141,750 to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF), hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 4417 Westlake Drive, Building B, Austin, TX 78746, in District 10. 4. (2/17) [ Austin Energy] Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $80,190 to Saint Edwards University, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 3001 S Congress Ave OPS, Austin TX 78704, in District 3. 5. (2/17) [ Austin Energy] Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $252,780 to Westminster Manor, Inc, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the 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 at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission , please call Natasha Goodwin (512) 322-6505. installation of solar …
DRAFT RESOLUTION 1: New Chemical Avoidance Point System Whereas Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors; and Whereas many building materials are made of, or coated with, toxic chemicals, whose harm can be magnified in modern energy-efficient buildings with less ventilation; and Whereas many of these chemicals have dangerous qualities, as they can be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, developmental and reproductive toxins, asthmagens and respiratory sensitizers, endocrine disrupting chemicals, acutely toxic, and aquatically toxic; and Whereas since many of these more toxic building products are less expensive, people with less income are more likely to be adversely affected by exposure to them, including apartment tenants, and entry- level tract-home buyers; and Whereas Austin seeks to lead by example to persuade other local and state governments and programs around the country to avoid harmful chemicals in buildings; Then Be It Resolved that the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin recommend to the Austin City Council that: Austin Energy Green Building should revise its Residential Single Family and Multifamily rating system to establish minimum prerequisites for chemical avoidance in buildings as a condition for participation. This will include avoidance of various materials when cost-effective alternatives are available for PVC, PFCs (the Teflon® chemical family), antimicrobials, and other toxic chemicals on the “Red List” chemicals listed by the International Living Future Institute. And Be It Further Resolved that a stakeholders process should be created to seek input from the greater community, including environmentalists, tenant advocates, professionals in the building industry, and interested members of the Resource Management Commission; and Be It Further Resolved that this enhanced building rating system be placed into action at the beginning of calendar year 2023. ===== DRAFT RESOLUTION 2: New Chemical Avoidance Point System Whereas Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors; and Whereas many building materials are made of, or coated with, toxic chemicals, whose harm can be magnified in modern energy-efficient buildings with less ventilation; and Whereas many of these chemicals have dangerous qualities, as they can be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, developmental and reproductive toxins, asthmagens and respiratory sensitizers, endocrine disrupting chemicals, acutely toxic, and aquatically toxic; and Whereas since many of these more toxic building products are less expensive, people with less income are more likely to be adversely affected by exposure to them, including apartment tenants, and entry- level tract-home buyers; and Whereas Austin seeks to lead by example …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION November 16, 2021 6:30 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 (Note: Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by videoconference.) AGENDA Members: Jonathan Blackburn, Chair (District 8) Kaiba White, Vice Chair (District 2) Sam Angoori (District 3) Shane Johnson (District 4) Tom “Smitty” Smith (District 5) Louis Stone (District 6) Kelly Davis (District 7) Dana Harmon (District 9) Rebecca Brenneman (District 10) Lisa Chavarria (Mayor) Vacancy (District 1) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/rmc CALL MEETING TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker must be present and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the August 17, 2021 Meeting of the Resource Management 2. Approve minutes of the September 21, 2021 Meeting of the Resource Management Commission. Commission. STAFF REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS 3. Generation Portfolio Announcement Briefing. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS 4. Briefing from Arushi Frank of the ERCOT Innovation Caucus on demand response technologies and opportunities. (Sponsors: Blackburn; Chavarria) 5. Discussion and possible action regarding forming a Fayette Power Plant Resource Plan Working Group jointly with the EUC. (Sponsors: Blackburn; Chavarria) 6. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution on the Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs. (Sponsors: Stone; Harmon) 7. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution on the establishment of a community benefit charge for Texas Gas Service. (Sponsors: Stone; Harmon) T he 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 at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. T T Y users route through Relay T exas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission , please call Natasha Goodwin (512) 322-6505. OTHER BUSINESS 8. Discussion and possible recommendation to Council on CenterPoint Energy Resources Corporation proposed Energy Efficiency Rate Tariff (Rate Schedule EE- Austin). 9. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2022 Resource Management Commission Meeting Schedule. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 10. Discuss potential future agenda items. ADJOURN T he 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 …
RMC Monthly Report October 2021 FY22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water s t i n U f o r e b m u N 400 300 200 100 0 Residential Program Participation, FYTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 253 200 153 163 119 122 12 15 8 2 29 20 31 7 17 13 11 15 0 11 Watering Timer Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Rainwater Harvesting WaterWise Landscape + Rainscape RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 02 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 60 50 40 30 20 0 Commercial & Multifamily Program Participation, FYTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 54 10 8 11 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 Commercial Audit Commercial Process Rebates Commercial Kitchen Rebates Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 03 $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, FYTD FY22 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $65,000 $- $- $12,604.98 Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 04 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FYTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 104 45 Oct Warnings 311 Reports Current Drought Response Stage: Conservation Stage RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 05 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, October 3086 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 230 182 25 235 57 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 06 Total Public Outreach Activity, FYTD Populations Reached FY21 FY22 Number of Events FY21 FY22 3 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 0 0 0 1,560 0 0 0 Community Events School Presentations Community Events School Presentations RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 07 Total Social Media Activity, FYTD Oct s n o i t c a r e t n I f o r e b m u N 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Facebook Twitter Monthly activity by platform Instagram RMC Monthly Report – October 2021 08 Reclaimed Water Usage G M 1,800.00 1,600.00 1,400.00 1,200.00 1,000.00 800.00 600.00 400.00 200.00 0.00 Quarter IV Quarter III Quarter II Quarter I FY16 429.05 336.04 …
Draft Resolution/Recommendation for November 16, 2021 RMC Whereas the Austin City Council unanimously approved the 2030 Austin Energy Generation Plan in March of 2020, which commits Austin Energy to a zero-carbon goal by 2035; Whereas a key strategy of the 2030 Plan, as well as previous plans such as the 2014 and 2017 Generation Plans, was to commit Austin Energy to cease the burning of coal at the portion of the Fayette Coal Plant owned by Austin Energy by the end of 2022: Whereas Austin Energy has been working on negotiating a solution with the Lower Colorado River Authority, which co-own the plant for several years; Whereas Austin Energy, after consulting with City Council, officially announced on November 1st, 2021 that it had been unable to reach a reasonable and beneficial agreement with LCRA on how to assure retirement of either one unit at Fayette, or a virtual retirement of the approximately 600 MWs of coal owned by Austin Energy by the end of 2022; Whereas emissions of carbon dioxide from the Fayette Power Plant account for approximately 80% of the emissions controlled by Austin Energy and there is no way to meet the goals of the Austin Energy 2030 Resource Plan without ending our use of coal; Whereas on November 8th, the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) voted to form its own Fayette Power Plant Resource plan working group, with an option to collaborate with the RMC if it forms a similar working group; Therefore, Resolved, the Resource Management Commission forms a Fayette Power Plant Resource Plan Working Group that will collaborate with Austin Energy and the Electric Utility Commission to explore options for reducing and ending our use of coal as soon as possible, including, but not limited to: Continued negotiations with the LCRA to either shut down a unit at Fayette, or virtually shut down the equivalent amount of coal-fired power plants through running the unit less by the end of 2022, or another date in the near future, such as 2023 or 2024; Expanded use of REACH to bid into the market at a higher price, and therefore reduce the use of coal; Expansion of zero-carbon resources such as solar and storage at or near the Fayette plant to help in the transition away from coal sooner. Resolved, the RMC working group can meet in person or virtually with members of the EUC to discuss these options, …
DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF TEXAS GAS SERVICE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS WHEREAS, energy-efficiency programs should be designed to save energy at less than the cost of purchasing it; and WHEREAS, with the exception of the low-income weatherization program, all of Austin Energy’s 18 other energy-efficiency programs are cost effective, with a positive economic Benefit/Cost ratio for Total Resource Cost; and WHEREAS, several of the energy-efficiency incentive programs operated by Texas Gas Service are not cost effective, resulting in imprudent expenditures billed to Residential ratepayers in Central Texas of as much as $1.9 million a year, or about $8 a year per customer; and WHEREAS, the flat-rate Conservation Adjustment Clause that is currently funding the Texas Gas Service energy-efficiency programs is regressive. This regressive rate has a detrimental impact on the poor and discourages energy conservation compared to fees imposed on the volume of gas consumed; and WHEREAS, a rate to fund conservation programs that is renewed every year rather than every three years is likely to be more sensitive to market changes and necessary program adjustments; THEN BE IT RESOLVED, that the Resource Management Commission make the following recommendations to the Austin City Council. 1. No energy-efficiency incentive program run by Texas Gas Service should have a Benefit/Cost ratio for Total Resource Cost lower than 1.0 unless the programs are designated specifically for low-income customers or are pilot programs lasting no longer than one year. Cost effectiveness tests will be conducted by the staff that Austin Energy designates to conduct cost-effectiveness for its own energy efficiency programs, with reimbursement from Texas Gas Service for City staff time. Programs that currently fail this Benefit/Cost benchmark include incentives in both existing and new Residential buildings for high-efficiency central furnaces, tankless water heaters, and gas clothes dryers that replace gas clothes dryers. 2. Beginning in 2021, the Texas Gas Service Conservation Adjustment Clause should be funded by a one-year tariff instead of a three-year tariff. 3. Beginning in 2021, the Texas Gas Service Conservation Adjustment Clause should be funded by a surcharge on each unit of gas sold and not as a flat regressive monthly fee. 4. Beginning in 2022, Texas Gas Service should make the cost of all of its individual incentives transparent to the greatest extent possible while still protecting customer privacy.
DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT CHARGE FOR TEXAS GAS SERVICE WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service and the other gas utilities that serve Austin have no effective plan for use of low-carbon fuel; and WHEREAS, many types of biogenic gas such derived from landfills and composting are not cost-effective compared to current gas prices for utility use, and serve as a diversion to pursue other gas alternatives; and WHEREAS, Research & Development are necessary to create “solar fuel” alternatives derived from wind and solar energy; and WHEREAS, there are gas utilities currently making R&D investments in low-carbon alternatives; and WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service and the other gas utilities that serve Austin are not spending the amounts of money necessary to assist a substantial number of low- income customers with their bills; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy and Austin Water spend substantial amounts of money to provide equity in utility costs; and WHEREAS, equity in utility costs is one on the City of Austin’s core community values, and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has a Community Benefit Charge that includes clean energy funding as well as low-income assistance; THEN BE IT RESOLVED, that the Resource Management Commission make the following recommendations to the Austin City Council. 1. The City of Austin, as Texas Gas Service’s primary regulator within the city limits, establish a Community Benefit Charge for the gas company that funds cost- effective energy-efficiency programs, R&D for solar fuels; and customer assistance to income-qualified low-income customers. 2. Some of the money saved by elimination of funding for Residential energy- efficiency programs that are not cost effective be used to fund this Community Benefit Charge; and a similar Charge for Commercial and Industrial customers be established. 3. The City of Austin should begin the process of establishing a Community Benefit Charge for its customers of the other gas utilities that serve the Austin city limits, as well as identifying appropriate programs that will be funded in their service areas. 4. The City’s Office of Sustainability or Austin Energy’s Technology office will direct the expenditure of solar fuel R&D funds collected though this Charge. 5. Texas Gas Service will coordinate with the managers of Austin Energy’s Customer Assistance Program to reduce administrative costs and duplication of efforts for its bill assistance program. 6. The Community Benefit Charge will be funded by a one-year tariff that is annually approved by City Council.
