..De Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the 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. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Blanca Madriz, Austin Water Program Coordinator at 512-972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (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 TCEQ. Recommended Changes from the 2019 Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan: • Update data on drinking water and reclaimed water treatment capacity, service area population, and municipal and wholesale water usage to reflect current conditions. • Update information regarding water conservation program activities o Public education and information o Residential customer programs o Commercial/multi-family customer programs o Regulatory programs o Water loss mitigation o Reclaimed water and onsite water reuse.
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution adopting a Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the 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. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Blanca Madriz, Austin Water Program Coordinator at 512-972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (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 TCEQ. Austin’s last DCP was approved by Council in 2016. The TCEQ accepted resubmission of the 2016 DCP to fulfill the required update in 2019. Austin is also required by its 2007 agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to develop a DCP that is in alignment with the targets and goals of LCRA’s Drought Contingency Plan. The LCRA Board of Directors have recently approved various changes to their plan. City staff actively participated in LCRA’s process to update their DCP and have subsequently recommended updates to our plan that include changes in drought trigger levels that align with LCRA’s revisions. In addition to providing input to LCRA’s DCP update process, City staff engaged in several activities aimed at soliciting input from Austin Water customers regarding potential changes to Austin’s DCP. Staff launched a Speak …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Resource Management Commission – April 16, 2024 Kevin Critendon, P.E., Assistant Director Agenda Water Supply Planning Overview Proposed Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 What plans and why do we need them? Texas utilities must provide a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) every 5 years WCPs identify programmatic activities aimed at reducing overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency 4 DCPs identify water supply triggers and related drought response activities How are these plans different? Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes goals 5 How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) AWs DCP aligns with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 6 Austin’s Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Public education & outreach Residential assistance Incentive programs Regulatory programs Water loss reduction Water reuse 7 2024 WCP Updates Updated program activity and water savings Increased integration with My ATX Water Updated Conservation Goals and Water Loss goals 8 2024 WCP Proposed Goals Based on a 5-year average and measure attainable achievements and updated targets for: • Total Population Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) reduction of water use • Residential Gallons Per Capita …
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
Development of Austin’s Environmental Investment Plan April 16, 2024 Environmental Investment Plan City Council passed a resolution on Feb. 15th, 2024 directing the City Manager and the Joint Sustainability Committee to develop recommendations for an Environmental Investment Plan that will provide funding to achieve the city’s environmental goals Projects Considered From City Plans Project ideas may come from one or more of these city plans ● Austin Climate Equity Plan ● Austin Parks and Recreation Land ● Austin Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive Plan ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan Management Plan (Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis) ● Austin/Travis County Community Wildfire Protection Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan (in development) Analysis should identify options for fulfilling all or specific elements of these plans before their current target date Identify capital improvements or programs Prioritize options that: ● Reduce carbon emissions ● Decrease water usage and improve water quality and detention ● Advance the sustainability of City operations ● Improve community resilience Potential funding mechanisms ● Utility base rates ● General fund expenditures ● Grants ● General obligation / Revenue bonds Timeline ● March 27th – First public forum to generate ideas & collect community input ● April – JSC, staff, working groups pull draft recommendations together, analyses and cost estimates ● April 24th – Draft presentation of recommended projects ● May 1st – Final list of JSC recommendations due to Council ● May 30th – Council public hearing to consider the Plan ● June to August – Matching programs to funding mechanisms Opportunities to provide input to the plan Community Input: ● Written suggestions via this form or scan QR code ● JSC Regular Meeting April 24th ● JSC Special Called Meeting April 30th ● City Council Public Hearing May 30th RMC Input: ● Potential to support relevant recommendations via commission action at May 21st meeting thank you
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 16, 2024 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Louis Stone called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in Attendance: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Board Members/Commissioners Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Melissa Carugati; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Shane Johnson. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission meeting of March 19, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Carugati off the dais, Commissioner Scaffidi absent, and one vacancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. The motion to approve a recommendation approving the issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, was recommended on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on a 7-1 vote with Chair Stone voting against, Commissioners Carugati off the dais, Commissioner Scaffidi absent, and one vacancy. STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Staff Briefing on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates by Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning, and RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Development Services, Austin Water and Kevin Kluge, Environmental Conservation Division Manager of Austin Water. The briefing was presented by Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning, and Development Services, Austin Water and Kevin Kluge, Environmental Conservation Division Manager of Austin Water. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. The motion to recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002, was recommended on Commissioner Davis’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 8-0-1 vote with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioner Scaffidi absent, …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION March 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 Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Melissa Carugati Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chelsey Scaffidi 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 20, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. 3. Approve a recommendation regarding the creation of a pilot program of multifamily supportive housing projects and assist with the Passive House certification. 4. Approve a recommendation on repurposing the GreenChoice Program and increasing 5. Approve a budget recommendation to conduct outreach and engagement for City of 6. Approve a recommendation regarding the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and dispatchable renewable energy. Austin sustainability incentives. Climate Protection Plan to 2035. 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 7. Staff briefing …
..Title Posting Language Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Prior Council Action: Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $119,899 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 18, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. March 19, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue these capacity-based incentives (CBI) to the Customer for the installation of solar electric systems at their facilities to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the combined system sizes, costs, proposed incentives, and environmental benefits.: Solar Systems Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in tons Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in pounds Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) in pounds 133 111 173,366 $243,980 $119,988 49% 77 87 121 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of Cars on Austin Roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator 179,072 15.5 1,155 83.3 The City of Sunset Valley is a city within Travis County, and within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Austin, Texas. The city of Austin, Texas surrounds the City of Sunset Valley on all sides. The systems are to be installed on the police department and the public works department buildings, offsetting 112% and 108% of the buildings’ historic consumption, respectively. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind- the …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Agenda: April 18, 2024 Sponsor: MPT Pool, District 7 Co-Sponsors: RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Equity Plan includes a goal of reaching net- zero GHG emissions by 2040 and a goal of achieving net-zero carbon for new buildings and reducing emissions by 25% for existing buildings by 2040; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, passive houses are the world's most energy-efficient standard and are designed so that most of the air exchange with the exterior is done by controlled ventilation through a heat exchanger to minimize heat loss; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, passive building design can help keep a building cool in hot and humid climates through several strategies including shading, insulation, ventilation, orientation, and shape; and WHEREAS, passive house design saves significantly on heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings, and over 25% compared to average new builds which help reduce energy costs and create a smaller carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, in 2009, Vancouver took an important first step toward their goal of becoming the greenest city in the world, as the first jurisdiction in North America to go beyond green building codes and use architecture itself through passive design to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs); and WHEREAS, starting in 2024, the City of Boston adopted a set of sustainability standards that required every new multifamily building to meet passive building requirements, WHEREAS, in the past years New York City, Chicago, and several states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have also instituted passive building requirements; and WHEREAS, although no southern state or city has adopted passive building standards to date, a study …
Agenda: April 18, 2024 Sponsor: CM Pool, District 7 Co-Sponsors: Projects Subject: Adoption of a Passive House Challenge Program for Affordable Housing RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, sustainable building practices contribute significantly to energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term affordability; and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 1 of 3 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS, innovative programs such as the Passive House Design Challenge, as demonstrated by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, have successfully incentivized and promoted the construction of energy-efficient and affordable housing units within Massachusetts; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF AUSTIN: The City Council directs the City Manager to explore the cost and benefits of a passive house pilot program that includes the following potential goals: 1. Study the potential for a pilot program: Convene a group of subject matter experts and community advocates working with utility professionals in the Green Building space to study the potential for a pilot program which includes comparing the established program in Massachusetts to the Austin climate, as well as modifications that may need to be made to have a potentially successful pilot in Austin. 2. Program Details: a. Affordable housing projects that certify with PHIUS may be eligible for financial incentives based on budgetary approval and availability. Projects may be required to share construction cost data, both hard and soft, and post-occupancy energy data. 3. Reporting and Evaluation: If implemented as a pilot, the appropriate city department shall provide regular reports to the …
Resource Management Commission Resolution to Repurpose GreenChoice Revenues and Increase Dispatchable Renewable Energy DRAFT WHEREAS, the City of Austin aspires to run its municipal electric utility, Austin Energy, completely with carbon-free electricity by 2035; and WHEREAS, a grid based largely on carbon-free energy cannot be realistically accomplished in Texas without energy storage or dispatchable renewable energy sources; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has done very little to date to adopt energy storage or dispatchable energy into its future plans; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice, a program originally designed to enhance adoption of renewable energy by charging customers a different rate, is no longer necessary to increase Austin’s use of renewable energy; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice, when properly operating, collects about $7 million in increased revenues that can be repurposed to help transition Austin Energy to a completely carbon-free utility; and WHEREAS, GreenChoice funds can be leveraged with other funding in the public and private sector to magnify its spending power; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the Austin City Council to repurpose revenues from Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program, leveraging the program’s revenue with grants and investments from other governments and non-profits, public and private electric utilities, and the private sector to fund energy storage and dispatchable renewables; and AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Commission recommend that Council direct Austin Energy to explore other strategies and funding sources as well as GreenChoice revenues in furtherance of the goal of adding more renewable dispatchability to its system.
Resource Management Commission RECOMMENDATION 20240319-XX Date: Subject: March 19, 2024 FY 2025 Budget Recommendations Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. Additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. The Resource Management Commission recommends that $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000). b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission DRAFT Resolution 20240319-XX on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts and community members and met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
Austin Climate Equity Plan Phillip Duran, Sr Climate Analyst March 2024 1 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview • How the Climate Equity Plan was developed • What’s in the Plan • Where we are now 2 3 Why lead with Equity in Climate? • Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate hazards Experience climate shocks on top of existing economic stressors • Have less resources to bounce back from event Suffer long-term impacts to mental and physical health • • Plan Development Process Diverse participation • • Community ownership approach • Mandatory Equity training Joint Sustainability Committee Steering Committee Climate and Environment Leadership Team Transportation Electrification Transportation and Land Use Sustainable Buildings Food and Product Consumption Natural Systems Staff + Stakeholder Advisory Groups 5 Community Climate Ambassadors 2020-2021 Cohort • 50% African American/Black • 25% Latino/Hispanic • 8% Asian • 8% Pacific Islander • 8% Two or more races • Over 50% under 24 years old • Over 75% female Participating Stakeholder Organizations 7 What’s in the Plan? 8 Climate Equity Plan Overview Adopted by City Council in September 2021 Net-zero by 2040 5 Sections - Sustainable Buildings - Transportation Electrification - Transportation and Land Use - Food and Product Consumption - Natural Systems 17 Goals – To be accomplished by 2030 to keep on track 75 Strategies - Progress in next 5 years Equity Throughout, particularly in Strategies • • • Prioritize incentives + target communications towards low-income & communities of color Just transition to green jobs for new industries & technology Prioritize health & other benefits 9 Climate Equity Plan Summary 17 Goals What needs to be accomplished by 2030 to keep us on track 75 Strategies What should be implemented in the next 5 years to make progress 10 Austin is a National Leader in Climate Action • Austin is 1 of 4 Major US Cities (+ Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco) that have adopted the most aggressive GHG Reduction goal — Net Zero by 2040. • Austin is 1 of 5 Major US Cities (+ DC, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle) that have put equity at the center of their climate initiatives. • The Austin Energy Goal of 100% Carbon Free electricity generation by 2035 is in the top echelon of utility goals in the US, very few are more aggressive. • Austin community-wide GHG emissions decreased 25% since 2011 (15.1 MMT in …
Agenda Item for the RMC Mee�ng DATE: March 19, 2024 By Commissioner Caruga� Sponsors: Paul Robbins, Alison Silverstein U�lity Rebate and Incen�ve Website Page for the City of Aus�n: Discuss with All city u�li�es that have incen�ves/rebates to be placed on 1 city website. This includes gas, water, and electricity. If there could be 1 page that included ALL of the incen�ve programs provided by all city u�li�es on 1 main page at a high level so the ci�zens could be more aware of all the programs we incen�vize. From that main web page each u�lity could have links to their individual program that includes more detail. As of now, each u�lity has scatered websites with incen�ves in places ci�zens are not aware of and the websites are litered with so much informa�on its hard to read. Start at high level, then break each incen�ve down. The ques�on is who at the city can produce this one page and link to all other u�li�es?
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution 20240319-XX on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent …
