RMC Gen Plan Recommendations 1. Consider Leasing Combustion Turbines – AE is concerned that it cannot economically operate without some level of new combustion turbines in the service territory. AE has shown that lack of local generation has raised the cost of imported power because of transmission line constraints. Environmentalists are concerned about carbon emissions and air pollution. Some have also criticized new turbines as a potential stranded investment, where machinery mortgaged over 30 years may not be needed if cleaner technology takes its place. RMC should recommend AE consider the option of leasing instead of owning Combustion Turbines until new transmission lines are built. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code By October 1, 2025 – Austin Energy has ignored requiring heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code. RMC has passed a resolution asking this to be considered. Rather than delay the current energy code amendments from being passed by Council, RMC should recommend that a new (smaller) process be created for this specific item. There are large savings to be had from this measure, making it worth the effort. 3. Passive House Initiative Beginning October 1, 2025 – A resolution RMC passed last March asking for a pilot program for passive affordable housing has yet to be acted on. We are asking for a date certain for this program to begin. 4. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program Beginning on October 1, 2025 – Austin Energy has at least 10 MW of Residential energy storage batteries, but does not coordinate their use to lower summer and winter peak demand. AE should have a pilot program in place by October 1 to make use of this and other DSM technologies as a Virtual Power Plant. 5. Reinforce Demand-Side Resources Goals (from Electric Utility Commission and AE) Percent Renewable Energy Goal: 73% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030. This goal will include both local and non-local renewable resources. Solar Goal: Austin Energy will plan to reach at least 205 MWs by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 — including 160 MW of existing capacity. Efficiency/Demand Response Goals: An economically achievable goal of at least 360 MW of peak efficiency savings and 269 MW of demand response peak savings by 2035. Thermal Storage Goal: At least 40 MW of local thermal …
Resource Management Commission Resolution 20241203-XX on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing rate increases beyond the current goal of two percent per year, so long as …
Draft Resolution on Austin Energy Generation Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Passive House Pilot Program: The Commission is on record recommending Council create a pilot program for passive affordable housing. This should begin no later than October 1, 2025. 4. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025. 5. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 73% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 360 MW of peak efficiency savings and 269 MW of demand response peak savings by 2035. • at least 40 MW of local thermal storage by 2030 and at least 50 MW of local thermal storage by 2035. At least one thermal storage installation should be targeted at a grocery store or food processing plants. 6. …
Natural Gas Bylaw Amendments Our original language for the amendments were: (D) Review and Analyze: (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: (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 low income households; gas utility progress on the City of Austin’s Climate Equity Plan; and renewal of franchises with natural gas utilities that improve the City’s financial position and align with the City’s community values. The City staff requested revisions, and the following language was created: 5. Recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority. 6. Regarding recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20241203-001 Recommendation on Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025, and target a size of 10 MW by October 1, 2026. 4. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 70% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 400 MW of peak efficiency savings and 300 MW of demand response peak savings in both summer and winter by 2035 with 2027 interim goals are at least 132 MW of energy efficiency and 78 MW of summer and winter demand response. • at least 40 MW of local thermal storage by 2030 and at least 50 MW of local thermal storage by …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20241203-001 Recommendation on Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025, and target a size of 10 MW by October 1, 2026. 4. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 70% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 400 MW of peak efficiency savings and 300 MW of demand response peak savings in both summer and winter by 2035 with 2027 interim goals are at least 132 MW of energy efficiency and 78 MW of summer and winter demand response. • at least 40 MW of local thermal storage by 2030 and at least 50 MW of local thermal storage by …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20241203-002 Recommendation to Amend the Resource Management Commission Bylaws Whereas the Resource Management Commission passed recommendations 20240521-005 and 20240618- 003 regarding amendments to the bylaws of the Resource Management Commission, and Whereas changes to the amendments have been recommended by the City of Austin attorney and Whereas the Resource Management Commission agrees to these changes, Now therefore be it resolved that the Resource Management Commission amends recommendation 20240618-003 as follows: 5. Recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority. 6. Regarding recommendations for the natural gas utility ratemaking, franchise agreement priorities, and operational policies for which the City has regulatory authority. Date of Approval: December 3, 2024 Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Raphael Schwartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein (D) Review and Analyze: (E) Advise the City Council: 8-0 None None None Vote: For: Against: Abstentions: Off Dais: Absences: Vacancies: Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi Mayor’s Office Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
Amendments by Commissioner Schwartz 1. Incentivize Customer-Sited Batteries — The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy to develop and provide incentives for customer-sited battery storage to maximize benefits to customers and the electric grid, including adoption of a program that allows all customer classes to receive an incentive for providing the utility access to customer-sited batteries, with program implementation scheduled for no later than October 2025. 2. Income-limited households - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy to keep requirements of the 2030 plan for Customer Energy Solutions to target 25% of its customer engagement to be with income-limited households. 3. Lead with Energy Efficiency - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy not to decrease the pace of Energy Efficiency improvements. Noting that the last 4 years of reported energy efficiency peak load savings have averaged to 47 MW, the commission recommends to set 47 MW average as a yearly target moving forward. 4. Demand side management 1 percent goal - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy to continue to aim to meet at least 1 percent of its load through energy efficiency and demand response programs on an annual basis in the residential sector. The commission recognizes that removing this goal represents a step backward for the utility. 5. Demand Response goals by 2027 - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy Austin Energy to expand Demand Response offerings by planning to reach at least 270 MW and up to 470 MW of achieved summer reductions by 2035, including at least an additional 78 MW and up to 102 MW by 2027. This includes customer-sited batteries and managed electric vehicle charging in addition to current demand response programs. Further, Austin Energy will begin moving toward demand response programs that compensate customers for actual contribution to peak load reduction for each event the customer is called on to participate in. 6. Thermal Energy - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy to commit to achieving at least 40 MW of local thermal storage by 2030 and at least 50 MWs of local thermal storage by 2035. 7. Grid-scale battery storage - The Commission recommends council ask Austin Energy to commit to installation of at least 125 MW of battery storage by 2027, recognizing that this is in line with modeling of installing both battery and natural gas peakers to meet peak demand. Austin Energy should further commit to …
Commissioner Davis’s Comments 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: I support (and is this not what "or contract for" in the plan indicates?) 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Code: I support this, but am not convinced it belongs in the Resource Gen Plan. 3. Passive House Pilot: I support this, but am not convinced it belongs in the Resource Gen Plan. Also, Council has already directed the City Manager to conduct a Passive House pilot via this resolution. 4. Battery/Virtual Power Plant: I support, and isn't this what AE's Solar For All grant is looking to do? 5. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand Side Programs: The proposed efficiency and demand response reductions appear to be less ambitious than what is in the plan. Also want to understand the grocery store/ food processing plant piece. 6. Remove Nuclear Language: Neutral 7. Revise Green Choice Program: I support this, but am not convinced it belongs in the Resource Gen Plan. 8. Conservation Based Electric Rate Pilot: How is this different from the demand response goals in the draft plan? Why is this a Resource Gen Plan issue vs. a rate case issue? 9. Study of Ways to Reduce (the cost of) Rooftop Solar: I support this, but am not convinced that it belongs in the Resource Gen Plan. Having an aggressive goal for MW of installed local solar is preferable. 10. Tiered Incentive for Structures Exceeding Building Code: Seems like it could be a good idea, not convinced it belongs in Resource Gen Plan.
Draft Resolution on Austin Energy Generation Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Passive House Pilot Program: The Commission is on record recommending Council create a pilot program for passive affordable housing. This should begin no later than October 1, 2025. WITHDRAWN Motion: Farmer, Second: Silverstein Approved: 8-0 3. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025, and target a size of 10 MW by October 1, 2026. Motion: Farmer, Second: Robbins Approved: 8-0 4.. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 70% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 400 MW of peak efficiency savings and 300 MW of demand response peak savings in both summer and winter by 2035 with 2027 interim goals are at least 132 MW of energy …
Draft Resolution on Austin Energy Generation Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Passive House Pilot Program: The Commission is on record recommending Council create a pilot program for passive affordable housing. This should begin no later than October 1, 2025. WITHDRAWN Motion: Farmer, Second: Silverstein Approved: 8-0 3. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025, and target a size of 10 MW by October 1, 2026. Motion: Farmer, Second: Robbins Approved: 8-0 4.. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 70% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 400 MW of peak efficiency savings and 300 MW of demand response peak savings in both summer and winter by 2035 with 2027 interim goals are at least 132 MW of energy …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20241203-001 Recommendation on Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin has participated in the review and development of a proposed generation plan for Austin Energy that will be a guiding document through 2035; and WHEREAS, the final document will be pivotal in development and implementation of clean energy programs that allow the utility to greatly reduce and possibly eliminate carbon emissions and air pollution while saving consumers money at the same time; and WHEREAS, some parts of the draft generation plan can be improved; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission make the following recommendations to City Council to modify the generation plan. 1. Leasing Instead of Owning Combustion Turbines: To avoid both stranded investment of new combustion turbines that may not be used much beyond 2035, and to avoid increased cost of importing electricity until such time as transmission line upgrades are made, Council should consider leasing instead of owning combustion turbines. 2. Require Heat Pump Water Heaters in Building Energy Code: The Commission is on record recommending Council require heat pump water heaters for all-electric homes as a performance option in the energy building code because of the huge energy savings. A building code amendment process should take place, with implementation no later than October 1, 2025. 3. Battery/Virtual Power Plant Program: The Commission recommends that Council implement a pilot program to make use of batteries and other Demand Response technologies. This should begin October 1, 2025, and target a size of 10 MW by October 1, 2026. 4. Goals for Renewable Energy and Demand-Side Programs The Commission recommends Council adopt the following clean energy goals: • 70% renewable energy as a percentage of load by 2030, including both local and non-local renewable resources. • at least 205 MWs of local solar energy by 2027, and at least 431 MW of installed local solar capacity by 2035 (including 160 MW of existing capacity). • at least 400 MW of peak efficiency savings and 300 MW of demand response peak savings in both summer and winter by 2035 with 2027 goals are at least 137 MW and 78 MW and summer demand response. • at least 40 MW of local thermal storage by 2030 and at least 50 MW of local thermal storage by 2035. At least one thermal storage …
Resource Management Commission 4th Quarter Report FY24 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential, Multifamily and Commercial Program Participation RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Conservation Public Outreach Events RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Regulated Compliance Program Activity RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 My ATX Water Meter (AMI) Installations, FY24 YTD Quarter 4 Quarter 3 Quarter 2 Quarter 1 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 Overall Installations Quarterly Installations RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Reclaimed Water Use s n o l l a G n o i l l i M 2,000.00 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 FY19 616.60 361.47 230.84 284.14 FY20 496.91 389.94 284.04 398.30 FY21 507.97 370.96 345.25 375.67 FY22 630.48 444.20 263.44 302.27 FY23 586.12 264.64 248.48 384.91 FY24 565 424.71 409.64 359.89 RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Use - Gallons Per Capita Per Day (GPCD) RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, 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 November 12, 2024 Combined lake storage: 1,055,336 acre-feet Combined reservoir total: 53% RMC Quarterly Report – Q4, Fiscal Year 2024 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION November 19, 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 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 October 15, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of a resolution repealing Resolution No. 20240502-004, which adopted a revised Drought Contingency Plan, and adopting an updated Drought Contingency Plan, which includes drought or emergency response stages due to water supply shortages, sets targets for water use reduction and other elements required by state law, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. 3. Recommend approval of a resolution repealing Resolution No. 20240502-005, which adopted the prior Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use, and adopting an updated Water Conservation Plan, which describes Austin Water’s ongoing water conservation strategies, programs and goals, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. 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 a resolution repealing Resolution No. 20240502-004, which adopted a revised Drought Contingency Plan, and adopting an updated Drought Contingency Plan, which includes drought or emergency response stages due to water supply shortages, sets targets for water use reduction and other elements required by state law, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Related to Items #3, #4, and #6. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution No. 20160505-0004 adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and in a separate item Council approved related revisions to City Code Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation). November 29, 2018 - Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 - Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002 repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). May 2, 2024 – Council approved Resolution No. 20240502-004 repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004 and adopting a Drought Contingency Plan as required by the TCEQ. For More Information: Heather Cooke, Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer, 512-972-0083 or heather.cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 4, 2024 – Recommended by the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (Water Forward Task Force) on an 8-0 vote with Task Force Members Faust and Lorenz absent. November 13, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. November 19, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the TCEQ to file a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) and a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) under Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 30, Chapter 288. A DCP establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A WCP describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to the TCEQ. Austin’s last DCP was approved by Council on May 2, 2024. At the time of adoption, Austin Water committed to reviewing the DCP in further collaboration with the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force and …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution repealing Resolution No. 20240502-005, which adopted the prior Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use, and adopting an updated Water Conservation Plan, which describes Austin Water’s ongoing water conservation strategies, programs and goals, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Related to Item #3, #5, and #6. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution No. 20160505-0004 adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and related revisions to City Code Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation). November 29, 2018 - Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). May 2, 2024 – Council approved Resolution No. 20240502-005, repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the TCEQ. For More Information: Heather Cooke, Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer, 512-972-0083 or heather.cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 4, 2024 – Recommended by the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (Water Forward Task Force) on a vote of 7 in favor with Task Force Member Moriarty opposed and Task Force Members Faust and Lorenz absent. November 13, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. November 19, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the TCEQ to file a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) and a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) under Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 288. A DCP establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A WCP describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to the TCEQ. Austin’s last WCP was approved by Council on May 2, 2024. At the time of adoption, Austin Water committed to reviewing the WCP in further collaboration with the Water Resource Task Force and in …
Resource Management Commission Water Forward 2024 Water Conservation Plan Drought Contingency Plan Kevin Critendon, PE, Assistant Director Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager November 19, 2024 1 Water Forward Water Forward is Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan, unanimously adopted by Council in November 2018. Water Forward identifies diverse and environmentally-conscious water management strategies to adapt to growth, drought, and climate change and ensure a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and affordable water future for our community. 2 Planning for Uncertainty Population Growth Climate Change 3 Combined Storage Lakes Buchanan and Travis 4 Adaptive Management Plan Conservation Reuse Supply Partnerships 5 Portfolio Evaluation 6 Recommended Portfolio Utility-Side Water Loss Control • Production meter improvements • Expanded active leak detection programs • Additional analysis of smart meter data Customer Side Water Use Management • Expanded customer incentives for conservation • Use of smart meter data for customer-side leak identification, education, and outreach • Water use budgeting Native & Efficient Landscapes • New landscape ordinances & incentives • • Irrigation efficiency incentives Landscape conversion programs Non-Potable Reuse • Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Decentralized Reclaimed • Centralized Reclaimed Water Supply Storage Aquifer Storage and Recovery Decker Lake Off Channel Reservoir Potable Reuse Indirect Potable Reuse New Water Supplies Brackish Groundwater Desalination Strategies reliant on Colorado River and LCRA supplies 7 Water Forward Plan: Changes between 2018 and 2024 Updated climate and hydrology Planning for uncertainty 100-year adaptive management pathways Equity and affordability roadmap Colorado River Land Analysis for water quality protection Expanded water conservation and water loss control Future use of Lake Walter E. Long for off-channel storage 8 Conservation and Drought Planning Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss goals Describes • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes 9 Water Conservation Plan: Changes between 2019 and 2024 Update and expand descriptions and metrics of current conservation activities Updated water use goals based on ‘bottom-up’ estimate of potential savings Proposed new or expanded activities to meet goals: • Single-family landscape transformation …
