RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 18, 2025 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 18, 2025 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Vice Chair Paul Robbins called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Raphael Swartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner GeNell Gary. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL N/A APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on February 3, 2025. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission special called meeting of February 3, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Commissioner Farmer’s second on an 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Chair Stone and Commissioner Sasaridis absent, and two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Harris County in support of the Solar for All Program activities, for the term of March 27, 2025, through the grant period ending August 31, 2029, for a total agreement in the amount not to exceed $31,593,683. Funding in the amount of $31,593,683 is available starting in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund. The motion to recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Harris County in support of the Solar for All Program activities, was approved on Silverstein’s motion, Commissioner Davis’s second on an 7-0 vote, with Chair Stone and Commissioner Sasaridis absent and two vacancies. 3. Recommend changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 18, 2025 The Commission did not take any action on this item. This item will be taken up at the March meeting. 4. Discussion and recommend to City Council to commend Chair Louis Stone on his service to the Resource Management Commission. The motion to recommend to City Council to commend Chair Louis Stone on his service to the Resource Management Commission, was approved on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Luecke’s second on an 7-0 vote, with Chair Stone and Commissioner Sasaridis absent and two vacancies. 5. Discussion and recommend obtaining additional information on Austin Energy’s District Chilling …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION February 3, 2025 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 GeNell Gary Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Charlotte Davis Dino Sasaridis Trey Farmer Chelsey Scaffidi 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 Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Vacant 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on November 19, 2024 and approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on December 3, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. 3. Discussion regarding changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 .
Recommendation Against Merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission WHEREAS, a proposal has been made to merge the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to create a Resource Recovery and Management Commission; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Resource Management Commission is to advise the City Council in developing and reviewing city plans and policies concerning the efficient use of energy including alternative and renewable energy technologies and on energy and water conservation; and WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission is supported by Austin Energy staff resources and regularly engages with Austin Energy, Austin Water and Texas Gas on issues under its purview; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is to advise the City Council on solid waste management policies and resources, and to promote an economical and environmentally safe system of waste reduction, recovery and disposal; and WHEREAS, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is supported by Austin Resource Recovery staff; and WHEREAS, the overlap between the Resource Management Commission and Zero Waste Advisory Commission is narrow in scope, and a merged Resource Recovery and Management Commission would require both City staff and Commissioners to engage on an expansive array of issues unrelated to their primary areas of expertise and day-to-day responsibility; and WHEREAS, the two commissions may effectively coordinate on the few areas of overlap by sharing information, appointing members to serve on any applicable working groups and considering joint resolutions; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission.
A Resolution Summary Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 16 JANUARY 2025 Overview Who: RMC Commissioners – Dino Sasaridis, Paul Robbins, Alison Silverstein. What: A resolution to improve and streamline Austin Energy’s solar rebate program and inspections, inclusive of solar and batteries. Why: Historic load growth will put stress on generation and transmission. Solar has the lowest cost of electricity generation and will fill this need, and batteries are needed to make the solar deployable at night, and reduce congestion. Costs and bureaucracy both bottleneck solar and battery deployments at the edge of the grid (on homes). This resolution aims to reduce bureaucracy, costs, and realign incentives towards this goal. When: Now, for a vote by RMC, to be presented to City Council. More about the ‘Why’ Claim: Significant demand growth is coming to the Texas grid. Summer baseline load is ~60 GW. This is mostly driven by electrification of carbon-based fuel activities. This is a good thing, but it will stress the electric grid. Passenger vehicle electrification: adds 12 – 18 GW to base load, 129 GWh/day Electrification of long-haul trucking: adds 8 – 12 GW to base load, 86 GWh/day • • • Growth of AI: 50 GWh/day • Air conditioner use: proportional to peak summer temperature, increases peak load on grid -> drives unreliability • Heat pumps displacing gas furnaces Industrial Heat via graphite heating • • Atmospheric carbon removal As Austinites, we will feel these changes impact us as rate increases and instability. Claim: Solar and batteries are a robust solution to adding capacity, but work is needed to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the process, which will decrease cost and increase competition. The language in this resolution can open Austin up to being a renewable energy superpower, setting an example for other cities, and making a difference in Texas. Content of the Resolution 1. Streamlining Administration 2. Consumer Protection 3. Standard for New Inverters 4. Improvements in AE Solar and Battery Inspections 5. Encouragement of Onsite Eneryg-Storage Batteries 6. Survey of Solar Inverter Installations to Determine Grid Protection Capability 7. Implementation Schedule 1. Streamlining Administration Eliminate the solar education course and quiz, which are presently required to receive the $2,500 rebate. The course and quiz are friction that discourage folks from installing solar, because receiving the rebate is gated by the quiz. Replace these two items with a flyer. • 26 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program WHEREAS, streamlining Austin Energy’s Residential Solar program will reduce customers’ and installers’ cost and time necessary for solar and battery installation while reducing administrative overhead for Austin Energy (AE); and WHEREAS, given the reasonably expected large increase in AE load growth in the next few years, aggressively increasing energy efficiency measures, distributed energy resources, solar installations, and onsite energy-storage batteries are critical means to achieve the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and advance local resilience; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission makes the following recommendations to the Austin City Council to modify AE’s rooftop solar program and initiate a battery incentive program. 1. Streamlining Administration A. AE shall eliminate the solar education course and quiz, replacing it with a digital information flyer and material integrated into the solar and battery installation application process that contains the most useful information, such as an explanation of Value of Solar, how much yearly energy production to expect per panel, explanation of kW vs kWh, and other basic information. B. AE shall not condition rebate approval upon the customer’s current electricity usage. AE should require the contractor to provide values for expected usage and production to the customer. AE may warn the applying customer if proposed arrays exceed a certain percentage of the customer’s present electricity usage, to help the customer understand that they may be buying more solar and/or battery equipment than they may need, C. AE shall not place additional requirements on the installation or parts used other than those covered by normal inspection. 2. Consumer Protection 1 A. AE shall specify a minimum set of 10-year warranty provisions that every contractor must offer to be eligible for the rebate list. Installers can offer other provisions beyond that minimum set. B. AE shall provide up-to-date interactive reference solar and battery benchmark cost estimates for a few house types and roof scenarios to give customers a valid point of comparison to evaluate solar contractors’ sales cost quotes. C. AE shall require 75% TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction) for 3 kW of the total proposed solar installation, but not for the entire array. AE may require the contractor to calculate the TSRF for the entire array and communicate that estimate to the customer with an explanation of what that means for estimated annual …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250203-002 Recommendation Against Merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission WHEREAS, a proposal has been made to merge the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to create a Resource Recovery and Management Commission; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Resource Management Commission is to advise the City Council in developing and reviewing city plans and policies concerning the efficient use of energy including alternative and renewable energy technologies and on energy and water conservation; and WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission is supported by Austin Energy staff resources and regularly engages with Austin Energy, Austin Water and Texas Gas on issues under its purview; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is to advise the City Council on solid waste management policies and resources, and to promote an economical and environmentally safe system of waste reduction, recovery, and disposal; and WHEREAS, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is supported by Austin Resource Recovery staff; and WHEREAS, the overlap between the Resource Management Commission and Zero Waste Advisory Commission is narrow in scope, and a merged Resource Recovery and Management Commission would require both City staff and Commissioners to engage on an expansive array of issues unrelated to their primary areas of expertise and day-to-day responsibility; and WHEREAS, the two commissions may effectively coordinate on the few areas of overlap by sharing information, appointing members to serve on any applicable working groups and considering joint resolutions; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Date of Approval: February 3, 2025 Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Raphael Schwartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein 7-0 None None None Vote: For: Against: Abstentions: Off Dais: Absences: Vacancies: Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary Mayor’s Office; District 10
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Louis Stone called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in Attendance: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Board Members/Commissioners Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Raphael Swartz. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL N/A APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on November 19, 2024 and approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on December 3, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission meeting of November 19, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Davis’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission special called meeting of December 3, 2024 was approved with amendments on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Silverstein second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. The motion to recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, was approved on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Luecke ’s second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 3. Discussion regarding changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. The commission discussed Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Virtual Power Plants- Silverstein • Commissioner Terms- Robbins • Heat Pump Water Heaters- Robbins • Green Building Program and Energy Rebates- Robbins • Energy Star and Loan Program- Robbins (April) • Request the final version of the Gen Plan- Silverstein • Solar for All- Davis ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m. The meeting minutes were approved at the February 18, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Commissioner Farmer’s second on an 7-0 vote, with Chair Stone and Commissioner Sasaridis absent and two vacancies.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVISED SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Louis Stone called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in Attendance: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Board Members/Commissioners Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Raphael Swartz. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL N/A APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on November 19, 2024 and approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on December 3, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission meeting of November 19, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Davis’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission special called meeting of December 3, 2024 was approved with amendments on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Silverstein second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. The motion to recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, was approved on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Luecke ’s second on an 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Farmer and Gary absent and two vacancies. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 3. Discussion regarding changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. The commission discussed Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Virtual Power Plants- Silverstein • Commissioner Terms- Robbins • Heat Pump Water Heaters- Robbins • Green Building Program and Energy Rebates- Robbins • Energy Star and Loan Program- Robbins (April) • Request the final version of the Gen Plan- Silverstein • Solar for All- Davis ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m. The meeting minutes were approved at the February 18, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Commissioner Farmer’s second on an 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Chair Stone and Commissioner Sasaridis absent, and two vacancies.
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 1/7/2025 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily t n u o C t c e o r P j 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 76 112 9 9 Pre-Approval in Progress 4 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. 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 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 1/7/2025 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$72k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Measures Planned Paid 1303113 Goodnight Commons Paid 1270218, 1318840, 1318841 The Lowell at Mueller 2022 E Slaughter Ln 1200 Broadmoor Dr Installation 1301882 West Koenig Flats 5608 Avenue F 56.9 272,632 $126,140 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, MFIQ Supplemental Items 69.7 408,189 $133,346 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, Water Saving Devices, MFIQ Supplemental items 39.0 185,377 $109,200 HVAC Tune-up, Smart Thermostats 210 Installation 1312972 Hunters Chase Apartments 128.5 625,426 $262,444 Installation 1324159 The Morgan 173.7 242,713 $199,895 Out of District Installation 1327092 Agave at South Congress 625 E Stassney Ln 54.3 208,321 $138,852 Attic Insulation, HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, ECAD Installation 1320067, 1330404 Sage Hill Apartments 57.0 175,846 $142,412 Multifamily Paid 1302392 Elle West 75.1 217,506 $150,989 Multifamily Paid 1304166 Northshore 61.4 238,749 $113,856 HVAC Tune-Ups Multifamily Paid 1300529 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION January 21, 2025 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 Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi CALL MEETING TO ORDER Raphael Schwartz 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on November 19, 2024 and approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Special Called Meeting on December 3, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and recommend against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion regarding changes to Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program, with inclusion of energy storage batteries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 .
Recommendation Against Merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission WHEREAS, a proposal has been made to merge the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to create a Resource Recovery and Management Commission; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Resource Management Commission is to advise the City Council in developing and reviewing city plans and policies concerning the efficient use of energy including alternative and renewable energy technologies and on energy and water conservation; and WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission is supported by Austin Energy staff resources and regularly engages with Austin Energy, Austin Water and Texas Gas on issues under its purview; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is to advise the City Council on solid waste management policies and resources, and to promote an economical and environmentally safe system of waste reduction, recovery and disposal; and WHEREAS, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is supported by Austin Resource Recovery staff; and WHEREAS, the overlap between the Resource Management Commission and Zero Waste Advisory Commission is narrow in scope, and a merged Resource Recovery and Management Commission would require both City staff and Commissioners to engage on an expansive array of issues unrelated to their primary areas of expertise and day-to-day responsibility; and WHEREAS, the two commissions may effectively coordinate on the few areas of overlap by sharing information, appointing members to serve on any applicable working groups and considering joint resolutions; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends against merging the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission.
A Resolution Summary Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 16 JANUARY 2025 Overview Who: RMC Commissioners – Dino Sasaridis, Paul Robbins, Alison Silverstein. What: A resolution to improve and streamline Austin Energy’s solar rebate program and inspections, inclusive of solar and batteries. Why: Historic load growth will put stress on generation and transmission. Solar has the lowest cost of electricity generation and will fill this need, and batteries are needed to make the solar deployable at night, and reduce congestion. Costs and bureaucracy both bottleneck solar and battery deployments at the edge of the grid (on homes). This resolution aims to reduce bureaucracy, costs, and realign incentives towards this goal. When: Now, for a vote by RMC, to be presented to City Council. More about the ‘Why’ Claim: Significant demand growth is coming to the Texas grid. Summer baseline load is ~60 GW. This is mostly driven by electrification of carbon-based fuel activities. This is a good thing, but it will stress the electric grid. Passenger vehicle electrification: adds 12 – 18 GW to base load, 129 GWh/day Electrification of long-haul trucking: adds 8 – 12 GW to base load, 86 GWh/day • • • Growth of AI: 50 GWh/day • Air conditioner use: proportional to peak summer temperature, increases peak load on grid -> drives unreliability • Heat pumps displacing gas furnaces Industrial Heat via graphite heating • • Atmospheric carbon removal As Austinites, we will feel these changes impact us as rate increases and instability. Claim: Solar and batteries are a robust solution to adding capacity, but work is needed to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the process, which will decrease cost and increase competition. The language in this resolution can open Austin up to being a renewable energy superpower, setting an example for other cities, and making a difference in Texas. Content of the Resolution 1. Streamlining Administration 2. Consumer Protection 3. Standard for New Inverters 4. Improvements in AE Solar and Battery Inspections 5. Encouragement of Onsite Eneryg-Storage Batteries 6. Survey of Solar Inverter Installations to Determine Grid Protection Capability 7. Implementation Schedule 1. Streamlining Administration Eliminate the solar education course and quiz, which are presently required to receive the $2,500 rebate. The course and quiz are friction that discourage folks from installing solar, because receiving the rebate is gated by the quiz. Replace these two items with a flyer. • 26 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program WHEREAS, streamlining Austin Energy’s Residential Solar program will reduce customers’ and installers’ cost and time necessary for solar and battery installation while reducing administrative overhead for Austin Energy (AE); and WHEREAS, given the reasonably expected large increase in AE load growth in the next few years, aggressively increasing energy efficiency measures, distributed energy resources, solar installations, and onsite energy-storage batteries are critical means to achieve the Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan and advance local resilience; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission makes the following recommendations to the Austin City Council to modify AE’s rooftop solar program and initiate a battery incentive program. 1. Streamlining Administration A. AE shall eliminate the solar education course and quiz, replacing it with a digital information flyer and material integrated into the solar and battery installation application process that contains the most useful information, such as an explanation of Value of Solar, how much yearly energy production to expect per panel, explanation of kW vs kWh, and other basic information. B. AE shall not condition rebate approval upon the customer’s current electricity usage. AE should require the contractor to provide values for expected usage and production to the customer. AE may warn the applying customer if proposed arrays exceed a certain percentage of the customer’s present electricity usage, to help the customer understand that they may be buying more solar and/or battery equipment than they may need, C. AE shall not place additional requirements on the installation or parts used other than those covered by normal inspection. 2. Consumer Protection 1 A. AE shall specify a minimum set of 10-year warranty provisions that every contractor must offer to be eligible for the rebate list. Installers can offer other provisions beyond that minimum set. B. AE shall provide up-to-date interactive reference solar and battery benchmark cost estimates for a few house types and roof scenarios to give customers a valid point of comparison to evaluate solar contractors’ sales cost quotes. C. AE shall require 75% TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction) for 3 kW of the total proposed solar installation, but not for the entire array. AE may require the contractor to calculate the TSRF for the entire array and communicate that estimate to the customer with an explanation of what that means for estimated annual …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION December 3, 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 Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Vacant 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approval of a recommendation on Austin Energy's Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. 2. Discussion and recommend the Resource Management Commission bylaw change asking the Austin City Council to expand its purview to advise on issues related to natural gas utilities. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 .
Austin Energy Generation Across Texas Wind Solar Natural Gas Coal Nuclear Biomass Because Austin Energy participates in the ERCOT market, it’s critical for us to recognize and adapt to changes and trends in this system. Right now, we’re seeing a dramatic change to ERCOT’s power supply mix. Significant growth in wind, solar and battery energy storage; energy demand increases; transmission issues; and retirements of coal and gas generation are leading to fluctuating prices and significant changes in the way power is balanced to meet Texas’ energy needs. ERCOT Demand Growth There are two key factors in the energy landscape — supply and demand. Supply must meet demand, so predicting future demand is crucial for planning resources. ERCOT expects power demand to increase going forward. According to ERCOT’s 2023 forecast numbers, which we incorporated into our modeling, peak energy use increases from 83 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 to 99 GW in 2035. 14 | Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035 Return to Table of Contents Predicting future demand helps ERCOT plan how to meet the growing needs of the system. For Austin Energy, this helps us better understand the market while we outline future resource strategies to meet our customer and system needs. New Generation and Retirements in ERCOT On the supply side of the energy equation is generation. ERCOT expects significant growth in this area as well. Following the national trend, many of these proposed new generation projects in ERCOT are renewable energy sources. While these sources provide clean energy, their weather-dependent nature has led to growing operational and reliability risks. Meanwhile, a significant portion of older power plants in the ERCOT market are nearing the end of their operational life. ERCOT also manages retirements to ensure grid reliability, potentially intervening to keep critical plants online when absolutely necessary. As ERCOT works to balance supply and demand on the statewide system, it’s important for Austin Energy to factor that information into our resource planning. The 2035 Plan incorporates the most up-to-date, official information related to announced plant additions and retirements from ERCOT. This gives us one look to the future for the modeling process. ERCOT and Transmission Congestion Because many new generation sources are located far from the end users, ERCOT is seeing a significant increase in transmission congestion. When transmission lines need to transport more power than they can carry, they can become overloaded, causing …
» Affordability — Stakeholders continued to talk about equity in their affordability discussions. The concept of energy burden should be considered when looking at affordability. » Reliability — Predictability is just as important as reliability, especially with the understanding that perfect power isn’t attainable. Though 100% reliability may not be possible, there are those for whom energy supply is critically important, like those with medical needs. • Workshop #2 — Building Foundational Understanding The second stakeholder workshop had two main goals: to provide an introduction to the ERCOT market and have Dr. Michael Webber with the University of Texas at Austin provide his expert insight into energy market trends, resource options and potential risks and tradeoffs. Some top themes from the ERCOT 101 presentation included: » By law, Austin Energy is bound to the ERCOT market and its rules. » The ERCOT market, like any market, has benefits and risks. Decisions made in the marketplace have tradeoffs. » Decisions in the 2035 Plan will affect what tools are available to maximize benefits and minimize risks in the ERCOT market. Some top themes from Dr. Webber’s presentation included: » Electric utilities, Austin Energy included, need to prepare for an era of unprecedented electricity consumption. and carbon management. » “Do your best, clean up the rest” — through a combination of efficiency, electrification » The key lens through which energy options should be considered: trade-offs. The group was able to ask presenters questions and dive deeper into the topics. • Workshop #3 — Input on Values and Objectives The main focus of the third stakeholder workshop was the Resource Planning Trade-offs Exercise. This exercise allowed participants to highlight the trade-offs they were comfortable making around the values of reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability. Participants prioritized the three values with scores ranging from 5 to 10, with 10 being the highest priority. After prioritizing the values, participants held group discussions to hear from each other. Then, they reallocated their priorities if they wanted. The score range shows the lowest and highest ranking a value received. Here are the results of the exercise: Value Reliability Affordability Environmental Sustainability 9.08 7.91 7.95 9.21 7.91 7.82 8 to 10 7 to 10 6 to 10 Original Allocation Reallocation Score Range The exercise showed that, across the board, reliability was the community’s top priority. The discussion around objectives also started in Workshop #3. Participants filled out a …
Broadening the Picture with Ascend Analytics’ Portfolios Along with Austin Energy’s model and analysis, we also contracted with Ascend Analytics to get additional portfolios and broader insights. They use a different type of model, which gives different outputs. With our approach, the resource mixes are human designed while in Ascend’s approach, those mixes are computer designed. For example, we can tell Ascend’s model that we want a portfolio that achieves carbon-free by 2035, hits a 65% renewable energy target by 2027 and has sufficient local resources to minimize the risk of load zone price separation. The model uses this information to forecast a lowest-cost solution within those parameters. We are then able to compare the outputs from Ascend’s modeling to our results and use the combined information to find better resource mixes. Another advantage with Ascend is the ability to generate a range of expected outcomes instead of a single data point. They do this by running their portfolios through 100 future situations to generate a range of outcomes. This range includes the average outcome as well as the 5th and 95th percentiles to represent the outer edge possibilities. This is helpful in understanding uncertainty and the significance of variability in events. Refining the Information and Portfolios With all the scenarios and sensitivities in the modeling analysis, we are able to study dozens of approaches to meeting the community’s energy needs. Based on that analysis, Austin Energy worked with the EUC to fine-tune four additional portfolios. We wanted to maximize strengths and resolve issues. For example, we talked with the EUC about the number we used for transmission import capacity. As a baseline in the model, we included ERCOT’s information on future transmission projects and upgrades. This includes all known projects for Austin Energy as well as every other transmission provider in ERCOT. This information, though, only goes out five years. We know we’ll still add in projects and upgrades beyond that window. In discussion with the EUC, we decided to add more import capacity as we enhance the modeling to account for that continued work. These are the refined portfolios: Portfolio Description Porfolio #14 Porfolio #15 Porfolio #16 This portfolio maxed out DSM projections and then added in just enough local storage and natural gas peaker units to reach near-term local reliability. It included increased transmission capacity. This portfolio was similar to #12 except with increased transmission capacity, DSM …
