Austin Resource Management Commission Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff October 18, 2022 WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “advise the city council in the developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy conservation”; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 and the Austin Climate Equity plan, both adopted by Council, include goals for increasing the use of local customer-sited solar energy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, improve resilience, and keep bills affordable; and WHEREAS, the Value of Solar tariff is essential for facilitating the continued use of local customer-site solar energy; and WHEREAS, it is important for the Value of Solar tariff to accurately compensate customers with on-site solar energy for the energy they produce, and to provide a rate that isn’t too volatile, in order to attract investment in customer-sited solar; and WHEREAS, if a portion of the Value of Solar fee is paid for by the Energy Efficiency fee instead of the Power Supply Adjustment fee, then some customers will be exempted from their fair share of the costs since they are exempted from the Energy Efficiency fee; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the Austin City Council do the following when adopting the updated Value of Solar tariff as part of Austin Energy’s base rate package: 1. Continue to collect all Value of Solar tariff costs through the Power Supply Adjustment fee. 2. Base the avoided costs of the Value of Solar rate on a rolling five-year average. 3. Direct Austin Energy to hire a qualified third party, with experience in calculating the value of local distributed solar energy, to: A) facilitate a collaborative stakeholder process and analysis to identify and incorporate avoided and incurred costs that may not be currently captured in the proposed methodology; and B) develop a standard offer program for community solar.
Resource Management Commission 2023 Meeting Schedule The Resource Management Commission meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise determined by the Commission. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Shudde Fath Conference Room at Austin Energy Corporate Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX. Changes to the above regarding date, time or location will be noted on meeting agendas. MEETING DATES January 17, 2023 February 21, 2023 March 21, 2023 April 18, 2023 May 16, 2023 June 20, 2023 July 18, 2023 August 15, 2023 September 19, 2023 October 17, 2023 November 14, 2023 CANCELLED DATES November 21, 2023* December 19, 2023* * Due to Thanksgiving Holiday **Due to no subsequent Council Meetings in 2023
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20221018-004A Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “advise the city council in the developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy conservation”; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 and the Austin Climate Equity plan, both adopted by Council, include goals for increasing the use of local customer-sited solar energy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, improve resilience, and keep bills affordable; and WHEREAS, the Value of Solar tariff is essential for facilitating the continued use of local customer-site solar energy; and WHEREAS, it is important for the Value of Solar tariff to accurately compensate customers with on-site solar energy for the energy they produce, and to provide a rate that isn’t too volatile, in order to attract investment in customer-sited solar; and WHEREAS, if a portion of the Value of Solar fee is paid for by the Energy Efficiency fee instead of the Power Supply Adjustment fee, then some customers will be exempted from their fair share of the costs since they are exempted from the Energy Efficiency fee; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the Austin City Council do the following when adopting the updated Value of Solar tariff as part of Austin Energy’s base rate package: 1. Continue to collect all Value of Solar tariff costs through the Power Supply Adjustment fee. 2. Base the avoided costs of the Value of Solar rate on a rolling five-year average. 3. Direct Austin Energy to hire a qualified third party, with experience in calculating the value of local distributed solar energy, to: A) facilitate a collaborative stakeholder process and analysis to identify and incorporate avoided and incurred costs that may not be currently captured in the proposed methodology; and B) develop a standard offer program for community solar. 6-1 Vote: For: Against: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Paul Robbins; Commissioner Louis Stone; Commissioner Lisa Chavarria Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Absences: Commissioner Sam Angoori; Commissioner Dana Harmon; Commissioner Rebecca Brenneman Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Vacancies: District 7 Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20221018-004B Resolution on Austin Energy Proposed Residential Electric Rate Increase Whereas, Austin has been a leader in energy efficiency since the 1970s; and Whereas, Austin Energy has the lowest average Residential electricity consumption of any large utility in ERCOT, which also allows it to have one of the lowest average Residential bills of any utility in ERCOT; and Whereas, proposed changes to Austin Energy’s Residential electric rate structure threaten further progress in energy efficiency by dramatically removing price signals to conserve; and Whereas, since low-income utility customers generally use less energy than average customers, changing Austin’s progressive electric Residential rate structure that discourages consumption will make bills more burdensome to the lower and moderate income residents; and Whereas, Austin Energy has made a proposal in its current rate case to completely replace the current progressive rate structure with one that rewards more consumption; Whereas, Austin Energy's current $10 per month customer charge is on par with fixed fees at other Texas municipal utilities, and Austin Energy's proposed $25 per month fixed fee would far exceed similarly situated Texas municipal utilities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin advises the City Council to retain Austin Energy’s current progressive rate structure and avoid any significant increase in the customer charge; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any rate increases are enacted, they be levied as a proportional increase to the utility’s current monthly base cost and tiers in its current rate structure. Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Paul Robbins; Commissioner Louis Stone; Commissioner Lisa Chavarria Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Vote: For: 6-1 Against: Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Absences: Commissioner Sam Angoori; Commissioner Dana Harmon; Commissioner Rebecca Brenneman Vacancies: District 7 Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 18, 2022 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 18, 2022 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Chair Jonathon Blackburn called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn, Chair; Commissioner Louis Stone; Commissioner Paul Robbins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Lisa Chavarria PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • James Brazell- Austin Energy Rate Case • Lanetta Cooper- Austin Energy Rate Case APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on August 16, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of August 16, 2022 were approved by consent, with Commissioners Angoori, Harmon, and Brenneman absent. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a five-year production-based incentive (PBI) to Paloma Ridge Owner, LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 13620 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, TX 78717, in an amount not to exceed $2,041,981. A motion to approve the recommendation approving issuance of a five-year production-based incentive (PBI) to Paloma Ridge Owner, LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems was approved on Chair Blackburn’s motion, Vice Chair White’s second on a 6-1 vote, with Commissioners Angoori, Harmon, and Brenneman absent. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 18, 2022 STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Customer Energy Solutions Budget by Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy. The presentation was made by Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action on the proposed changes to the Value of Solar tariff, Energy Efficiency Services fee, residential rate structure at Austin Energy and proposed draft Resource Management Commission resolutions. (Sponsors: Robbins, White, and Brenneman) A motion to approve the Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff was approved on Vice Chair White’s motion on a 6-1 vote, with Commissioners Angoori, Harmon, and Brenneman absent. A motion to approve the Resolution on Austin Energy Proposed Residential Electric Rate Increase was approved with amendments on Commissioner Robbins motion on a 6-1 vote, with Commissioners Angoori, Harmon, and Brenneman absent. The Resolution on Austin Energy Proposed Reduction in Energy …
RMC Monthly Report August 2022 FY22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 300 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 200 100 253 200 201 153 163 122 119 103 108 69 69 66 13 15 11 8 + Rainscape 28 29 31 27 20 15 12 8 0 Watering Timer Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Drought Survival Tools WaterWise Landscape Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 02 Instant Savings Pilot, FY22 YTD Watering Timer 942 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 570 531 330 73 Feb Mar Apr May June • Partnership with AE • $5 discount off Hose-end timers at local Home Depot • Participation more than double original forecast: 2,446 vs 1,000 RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 03 60 50 40 30 20 0 Commercial and Multifamily Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 54 10 8 11 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 Commercial Audit Commercial Process Rebates Commercial Kitchen Rebates Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 04 $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, FY22 YTD FY22 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $65,000 $66,293.57 $1,007.50 $- Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 05 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FY22 YTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 504 486 343 147 217 186 119 45 97 53 38 4 2 3 1 3 0 76 61 66 81 12 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Warnings 311 Reports August Drought Response Stage: Stage 1 RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 06 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, August 2022 3220 337 181 32 260 40 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – August 2022 07 d e h c a e R n o i t a u p o P l 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Public …
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 9/9/2022 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 250 200 150 100 50 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 74 88 198 96 12 4 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified Project Pipeline Notes: 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. 2. Multifamily COVID-19 Note: Multifamily projects are allowed to proceed. 3. Pipeline Definitions 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. Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 9/9/2022 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$66k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollmen t (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Multifamily Income Qualified Installation 1231787, 1231196, 1231197 Trove Eastside* 2201 Montopolis Dr 3 216.0 593,241 $281,549 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Installation 1245134, 1263660 Chevy Chase Downs 2504 Huntwick Dr 3 332.3 732,428 $273,762 Installation 1240491, 1263326 The Social Apartments 1817 E Oltorf St 3 204.1 295,130 $245,248 Installation 1254736, 1255009 Coppertree Apartments 2425 Cromwell Cir 329.5 853,125 $240,742 Installation 1251538 Installation 1252104 Installation 1252924 3 5 3 5 4 Trails at the Park ROSEMONT AT OAK VALLEY Cherry Creek Duplexes 815 W SLAUGHTER LN 2800 COLLINS CREEK DR 5510 Fernview Rd Chase Georgian 8005 GEORGIAN DR 52.3 216,248 $108,600 LED lighting, HVAC Tune-Up, Lighting, Smart Thermostats 24.7 140,916 $126,150 Attic Insulation, HVAC Tune-Up, Smart Thermostats, Lighting 34.4 130,044 $71,274 HVAC Tune-Up, Smart Thermostats, Lighting …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION September 20, 2022 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. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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: Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Sam Angoori Shane Johnson Paul Robbins Louis Stone Dana Harmon Rebecca Brenneman Lisa Chavarria 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on August 16, 2022. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommend approving a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue a pilot program and issue incentives during Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for alternative onsite water reuse systems for large new commercial and multi-family developments under Austin Water’s regulatory framework in a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000, and not to exceed $500,000 for each individual project. 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 . STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Staff briefing regarding the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Customer Energy Solutions Proposed Budget by Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy. 4. Discussion on the proposed changes to the Value of Solar tariff, Energy Efficiency Services fee, residential rate structure at Austin Energy …
..De #xx-xxx WWWC: 09/14/22 Council: 09/29/22 Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue a pilot program and issue incentives during Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for alternative onsite water reuse systems for large new commercial and multi-family developments under Austin Water’s regulatory framework in a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000, and not to exceed $500,000 for each individual project. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 – City Council voted to approve an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring, and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for the installation of alternative onsite water reuse systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for the installation of alternative onsite water reuse systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Kevin Critendon at 512-972-0191 or kevin.critendon@austintexas.gov, or Shwetha Pandurangi at 512-974-3514 or Shwetha.pandurangi@austintexas.gov, or Blanca Madriz at 512- 972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov, or to the City Manager’s Agenda Office at 512-974-2991 or AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 14, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. September 20, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: A recommendation in the 2018 Water Forward Plan (Plan) approved by City Council included the …
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON AUSTIN ENERGY PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE Whereas, Austin has been a leader in energy efficiency since the 1970s; and Whereas, Austin Energy has the lowest average Residential electricity consumption of any large utility in ERCOT, which also allows it to have one of the lowest average Residential bills of any utility in ERCOT; and Whereas, proposed changes to Austin Energy’s Residential electric rate structure threaten further progress in energy efficiency by dramatically removing price signals to conserve; and Whereas, since low-income utility customers generally use less energy than average customers, changing Austin’s progressive electric Residential rate structure that discourages consumption will make bills more burdensome to the lower and moderate income residents; and Whereas, Austin Energy has made a proposal in its current rate case to completely replace the current progressive rate structure with one that rewards more consumption; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin advise City Council to retain Austin Energy’s current progressive rate structure; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any rate increases are enacted, they be levied as a proportional increase to the utility’s current monthly base cost and tiers in its current rate structure.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON AUSTIN ENERGY PROPOSED REDUCTION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICE FEES Whereas, the City of Austin has operated energy-efficiency programs since 1982, and these programs have served all rate classes and building types; and Whereas, exemptions from the Energy Efficiency Services fee will render Austin Energy's energy-efficiency and solar programs less effective; and Whereas, Austin Energy proposes to create a new commercial rate class (PRI-2 HLF), and exempt this new rate class' customers from the Energy Efficiency Service fee; and Whereas, customers in this new rate class will benefit from Austin Energy's energy-efficiency and solar programs because of reduction in new capacity, power purchases, regulatory costs, and transmission costs; and Whereas, customers in this rate class will also benefit from reduced environmental effects caused by conventional power plants; and Whereas, some of the customers have participated in rebates in the past, or could participate in the future; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin advise City Council that if this new rate class is created, customers in this new rate class should be charged the Energy Efficiency Service fee.
RMC Monthly Report July 2022 FY22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water Residential Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 300 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 200 100 253 200 171 153 163 122 119 89 108 69 66 61 13 15 11 8 + Rainscape 29 31 27 20 15 12 18 8 0 Watering Timer Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Drought Survival Tools WaterWise Landscape Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 02 Instant Savings Pilot, FY22 YTD Watering Timer 942 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 570 531 330 73 Feb Mar Apr May June • Partnership with AE • $5 discount off Hose-end timers at local Home Depot • Participation more than double original forecast: 2,446 vs 1,000 RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 03 60 50 40 30 20 0 Commercial and Multifamily Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 54 10 8 11 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 Commercial Audit Commercial Process Rebates Commercial Kitchen Rebates Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 04 $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, FY22 YTD FY22 Total Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $420,000 $245,000 $65,000 $63,373.16 $1,007.50 $- Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 05 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FY22 YTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 504 343 186 147 119 45 97 53 38 4 2 3 1 3 0 76 61 66 81 12 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Warnings 311 Reports July’s Drought Response Stage: Stage 1 RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 06 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, July 2022 3237 377 181 32 256 44 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – July 2022 07 d e h c a e R n o i t a u p o P l 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Public Outreach Events, FY22 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION August 16, 2022 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. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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. Members: Jonathon Blackburn, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Sam Angoori AGENDA Shane Johnson Paul Robbins Louis Stone Dana Harmon Rebecca Brenneman Lisa Chavarria 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on June 21, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding a quarterly update of the Water Conservation Program by Kevin Kluge, Environmental Conservation Division Manager of Austin Water. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Texas Gas Service regarding a quarterly update of the Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program by Jasmine King-Bush, Energy Efficiency Program Manager. 4. Discussion regarding Austin Energy Rate Changes for Residential Rate Structure, Value of Solar, and Energy Efficiency Services. (Sponsors: Robbins; White) 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 . 5. Discussion and possible action regarding a resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs. (Sponsors: Robbins, White, Brenneman, and Stone) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
Water Conservation Update Kevin Kluge | August 16, 2022 Agenda Water Supply Outlook Stage 1 Drought Program Updates • Landscape Transformation - Water Forward Plan • Austin Energy Partnerships • GoRepair! Plumbing Statewide Drought Levels Statewide Drought Levels NOAA 3-Month Outlook Highland Lake Inflows Historical Reservoir Storage Reservoir Storage Projections Drought Stage Triggers: Stage 1: 1.4 Million Acre Feet (MAF) Stage 2: 0.9 MAF Stage 3: 0.6 MAF Stage 1 Drought Current Drought Activities • Media messages • Focused outreach for irrigation audits • Staff patrols and 311 responses • Signs and coasters Program Updates Landscape Transformation Transitioning new single-family residential landscapes Ordinances and incentives Stages • Spring: public & stakeholder input • Summer: develop recommendations • Fall – present to public, stakeholders Austin Energy Partnerships Instant Savings Pilot • Water hose timers • 5 Home Depots • 2,446 timers (Feb – July) • Rebates – 15 • Future potential? All-Star Kits • Kits go out to 7,000 sixth graders and their families • Includes a low-flow showerhead, kitchen aerator, and info. GO REPAIR! Plumbing Program Types of repairs include New program with Housing & Planning Dept. Since January • Plumbing repairs for 20 homes • Average $8,100 per home • Bath/shower (12) • Bathroom sink (9) • Clothes washer (1) • Kitchen sink (6) • Sewer lines (4) • Toilet (11) • Water heater (5) • Water line (1) QUESTIONS? Kevin Kluge Water Conservation Division Manager City of Austin | Austin Water 512-972-0400 kevin.kluge@austintexas.gov
Item 3 Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program Update Jasmine King-Bush Energy Efficiency Program Manager Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Q2 Program Updates Collaborated with Austin Energy to participate in the 93rd Annual ABC Kite Fest. The teams shared efficiency program information and created awareness of immediate actions that can be taken to save energy and money. 2 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Program Highlights CLEAResult 6 customers serviced 37.5k Therms saved 930k Gallons of water saved *savings reflects expected annual savings 3 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Highlights Behavioral Education Incorporated efficiency education and tips into the monthly publication of “Pipeline” to increase audience reach. Water-Saving Kits 263 water savings kits have been distributed to qualifying customers through June. 4 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Participation – Through June 2022 5 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Low-Income/Free Equipment Program Highlights 30 families assisted 43 appliances replaced 2022 Goal – identify new referral sources, strengthen existing referral relationships Contractor reimbursement rates adjusted to remain competitive with local area rates 6 Questions?
Proposed Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas the programs are expected to save natural gas at the same or less cost than purchasing it; and Whereas some of the Residential programs are failing to achieve this economic goal, with a cost to Central Texas ratepayers of almost $2 million a year; and Whereas the programs are also expected to help the environment by preventing fossil fuel use, but are failing to effectively achieve this with rebates for certain Residential appliances; and Whereas the City Council may adjust TGS's energy conservation program funding mechanism and structure on an annual basis before November 30 of each year; and Whereas the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the Austin City Council make the following modifications to the Texas Gas Service conservation program for the budget year 2023 and thereafter: 1. The exclusion of rebates for natural gas equipment in new construction, as incentivizing natural gas use in new construction is not currently compatible with the City’s Climate Equity Plan targeting net zero carbon by 2040, including the focus area of Sustainable Buildings. Specifically, the plan has the following goal by 2030, which is incompatible with encouraging fossil fuel combustion in new construction: “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30% “ (https://www.austintexas.gov/page/austin-climate- equity-plan) 2. The elimination of rebates in existing Residential buildings for clothes washers, central furnaces, and tankless water heaters; 3. Encouragement for Texas Gas Service to seek cooperation with and co-funding from local water utilities for gas conservation programs focused on water-saving technologies such as low-flow showerheads, aerators, and commercial dish rinsers. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that City Council ask Texas Gas Service to repurpose money saved from these new policies to fund a pilot program for an income-verified discount for low-income customers and Research & Development of renewable energy that can be used in place of conventional natural gas.
Resource Management Commission Proposed Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas, the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which strengthens the city’s climate goal to “net zero carbon by 2040” and includes a focus area of Sustainable Buildings with goal that by 2030, “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30%; and Whereas, the TGS energy conservation programs are also expected to help achieve the goals of the Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts and to support the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution on June 20, 2017 that put a focus on reducing actual use of natural gas on site, calling for “at least 4.5% site natural gas savings” over 5 years, starting in 2018; and Whereas, incentives to install natural gas appliances in situations where there isn’t already an existing natural gas appliance, such as for new construction or replacing an electric appliance with a natural gas appliance, increase, instead of decrease, actual use of natural gas on site; and Whereas, Texas Gas has continued using a large portion of its energy conservation budget to provide incentives to install natural gas appliance where none previously existed, thus increasing use of on-site natural gas; Whereas, research by the Rock Mountain Institute and other organizations shows that gas stoves are a large source of toxic air pollution that can make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air and that low-income households are most likely to suffer from this harmful pollution; and Whereas, incentives that increase the use of natural gas appliances are not compatible with the Austin Climate Equity Plan or public health; and Whereas, on January 24, 2022, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution that recommended against CenterPoint Energy incentives for natural gas appliances in new construction, as well as incentives for central furnaces and water heaters; and Whereas, the TGS conservation program tariff that governs the program was adopted in December 2021 and is on a 3-year cycle, ending December of 2024. However Austin City Council may take action to amend …
