Central Texas Energy Efficiency Program Update Jasmine King-Bush Energy Efficiency Program Manager Michael Paramo Energy Efficiency Program Supervisor Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Q3 Program Updates Program staffing • Michael Paramo – Program Supervisor • Alex Cepeda – Education & Outreach Specialist Program Partnerships • TGS met with Kevin Kluge and Jacob Johnson from Austin Water to explore collaboration opportunities. 2 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Commercial Program Highlights CLEAResult Direct Install • 13 Multi Family Properties • 1 restaurant • 91.2K therms saved YTD • 1.6MIL gallons of water saved YTD *savings reflects expected annual savings 3 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Highlights Outreach • Updated educational collateral to include both English and Spanish translations in an effort to maximize communication amongst residential customers. Water-Saving Kits • Drafted an E-Mail campaign to create awareness of water conservation kit availability amongst residential customers. 4 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Residential Program Participation 5 Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Program Low-Income/Free Equipment Program Due to increased demand to the program the LI/FE Program has suspended accepting applications for appliance replacements until January of 2023. 109 appliances were replaced throughout Central Texas prior to the depletion of program funds. *The orange circles on the graphic represent the concentrated areas in which appliance were installed throughout Austin. 6 Questions?
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Resolution Supporting Electric-Ready and EV-Ready Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “review and analyze the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy” and to“[a]dvise the city council regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, adopted by city Council on September 30, 2021, sets a goal for the entire Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and states that carbon “offsets should constitute no more than 10% of the baseline. This 10% should be reserved for sectors where emission reductions are cost-prohibitive or impossible to reduce with existing technology.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal to “achieve net-zero carbon for all new buildings” by 2030, states that “A net-zero operational carbon building is highly efficient and entirely powered by on- or off-site renewable energy.” and establishes a strategy to “Achieve goal milestones for net-zero carbon buildings through new building energy codes, amendments, and other methods.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes the strategy to “Adopt new energy and building codes that address future EV charging needs and enable a more equitable approach by simplifying the charging network and lowering barriers to entry for installing EV charging.” and WHEREAS, electrification of buildings and transportation, paired with renewable electricity production are highly effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis and outdoor and indoor air pollution, and WHEREAS, including proper wiring and electric service to accommodate future use of electric appliances in homes and electric vehicle charging at homes and businesses is more affordable than retrofitting buildings after they are built; and WHEREAS, studies show homes and buildings that are built electric ready provide the necessary electrical infrastructure at significantly reduced costs to the building owner; and WHEREAS, electric-ready provisions ensure that homes and apartments built with gas or propane can easily accommodate future electric appliances and such capabilities provide homeowners with greater flexibilities in appliance selections and protect homeowners from future costs, should they wish to utilize electric appliances; and WHEREAS, both the public comments during the process to adopt the 2021 Energy Conservation Code and during the recent public input process …
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.
$6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Customer Energy Solutions FY22 – Quarter 4 Report As of September 30, 2022 Quarterly Rebates by District and Outside of COA $3.7M $3.7M $4.4M $5.5M FY22Q1 1 FY22Q2 4 5 2 3 6 7 8 10 Outside COA FY22Q3 9 FY22Q4 DABI to provide graph. Reach out 3 work days days prior to due date. Solar PBI not included. Rebates paid may not align with AE Finance eCombs system as of September 30, 2022. Dollars are unaudited. Data is as of September 30, 2022 and is not a complete year. Energy Efficiency Services Residential Programs AE Weatherization (WAP) – Direct Install In Q1 of FY22, the Weatherization Assistance Program returned to performing final QC • inspections in the field with our third party vendors. This move will ensure that customers are receiving the highest quality of installations. • The Weatherization Assistance Program also launched the Medically Vulnerable Registry (MVR) AC (Air Conditioning) Pilot Program. This Pilot Program will provide CAP customers on the MVR with new or repaired AC units. Appliance Efficiency Program (AEP) FY22 Q1, The Appliance Efficiency Program is in the process of working on a new proposal and • processes for implementing an additional measure, Solar Screens, to the program. Target go live date is Spring of FY22. • The Appliance Efficiency Program is currently working on outreach material to target new potential contractors in the Austin Energy service area; to provide program eligibility, incentives, etc. Home Performance w/Energy Star (HPwES) 1 • The program team worked with Texas Gas Service in December to add them to FY22 the Limited Time Offer. Texas Gas Service joined the Limited Time Offer on 1/7/2022 with an $100 rebate for eligible Texas Gas Service customers. • To promote quality control, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program resumed Third Party QA /QC inspections in Q1. Instant Savings joined with Austin Water in Spring 2022 to run a pilot for hose-end timers, and SPUR – Instant Savings • it was a great success. In-store markdown participation for the water hose-end timers exceeded forecasts. We are planning to expand the offer to more stores Spring 2023, • The vendor field representative held three in-store events this quarter to bring awareness to Instant Savings, Power Partner and other EES programs. He was able to provide education on lighting (esp. Holiday lighting), the Power Partner Seasonal special …
H2@Scale “in Texas and Beyond” Proto-Hub + Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Brian Weeks, P.E. bweeks@gti.energy 281.235.7993 November 2022 DOE’s Hydrogen at Scale Vision Hydrogen can Fuel a Sustainable Energy Transition by enabling U.S. energy security, resiliency and decarbonize the energy sector • Hydrogen can be produced from diverse domestic resources for use in multiple sectors, or for export. • Hydrogen has the highest energy content by weight of all known fuels – 3X higher than gasoline - and is a critical feedstock for the entire chemicals industry, including liquid fuels. • Hydrogen and fuel cells can enable zero or near zero emissions in transportation, stationary or remote power, and portable power applications. • Hydrogen can be used as a “responsive load” on the grid to enable grid stability and gigawatt-hour energy storage, and increase utilization of power generators, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. • Hydrogen can enable innovations in domestic industries (such as steel manufacturing and energy storage) and in transportation (e.g. in vehicles, rail, aviation, and marine applications) and iron making. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h2scale H2@Scale relevant for Texas Texas ideal to lead H2 production for a sustainable energy system • Excellent resources of natural gas, solar and wind for RH2 • Largest H2 producer in the nation • Major industry leaders on Hydrogen Council have significant presence in Texas 3 Approach Show H2@Scale benefits 1. Demonstrate multiple RH2 generation options, co-located with vehicle fueling and a large base load consumer to enable cost-effective H2 energy solutions 2. Develop framework for actionable H2@Scale pilot plans in Texas, Port of Houston and Gulf Coast region, including energy storage 4 • 40 kg/d from 2 PEM electrolyzers in H70 & H35 SimpleFuel units: MHI, SoCalGas, TACC, TCEQ Demonstration activities at UT (Track 1) ~100% renewable H2 generation • 75 kg/d SMR: GTI, OneH2, ONE Gas, WM • RNG credits from landfill in Texas • Solar power and emulated wind power through UT CEM microgrid Large scale, industry H2 user • 100 kW fuel cell powering Texas Advanced Computing Center Vehicle refueling • Published SAE J2601-4 fueling of 7-10 Toyota Mirai’s (Gen 1) • Hydrogen powered drones 5 Port of Houston H2 Framework (Track 2) • Identify policy and regulatory barriers • Define use and implementation plans leveraging existing industry resources • Develop actionable plan for H2@Scale and FCEV rollout in region Partnering with other synergistic activities currently underway in Texas Image …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Resolution Supporting Electric-Ready and EV-Ready Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Resource Management Commission to “review and analyze the City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy” and to“[a]dvise the city council regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, adopted by city Council on September 30, 2021, sets a goal for the entire Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and states that carbon “offsets should constitute no more than 10% of the baseline. This 10% should be reserved for sectors where emission reductions are cost-prohibitive or impossible to reduce with existing technology.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal to “achieve net-zero carbon for all new buildings” by 2030, states that “A net-zero operational carbon building is highly efficient and entirely powered by on- or off-site renewable energy.” and establishes a strategy to “Achieve goal milestones for net-zero carbon buildings through new building energy codes, amendments, and other methods.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes the strategy to “Adopt new energy and building codes that address future EV charging needs and enable a more equitable approach by simplifying the charging network and lowering barriers to entry for installing EV charging.” and WHEREAS, electrification of buildings and transportation, paired with renewable electricity production are highly effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis and outdoor and indoor air pollution, and WHEREAS, including proper wiring and electric service to accommodate future use of electric appliances in homes and electric vehicle charging at homes and businesses is more affordable than retrofitting buildings after they are built; and WHEREAS, studies show homes and buildings that are built electric ready provide the necessary electrical infrastructure at significantly reduced costs to the building owner; and WHEREAS, electric-ready provisions ensure that homes and apartments built with gas or propane can easily accommodate future electric appliances and such capabilities provide homeowners with greater flexibilities in appliance selections and protect homeowners from future costs, should they wish to utilize electric appliances; and WHEREAS, both the public comments during the process to adopt the 2021 Energy Conservation Code and during the recent public input process …
Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 10/06/2022 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 72 91 250 200 150 100 50 0 t n u o C t c e j o r P 200 77 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification 8 3 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 s cope. 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 10/06/2022 Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$66k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Total # of Units Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Installation 1240491, 1263326 204.1 295,130 $245,248 Installation 1252104 24.7 140,916 $126,150 Installation 1252924 34.4 130,044 $71,274 Installation 1263649 55.2 187,790 $114,664 The Social Apartment s ROSEMON T AT OAK VALLEY Cherry Creek Duplexes SoCo/Circle S Apts 1817 E Oltorf St 2800 COLLINS CREEK DR 5510 Fernview Rd 7201 S Congress Ave Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1231787, 1231196, 1231197 Trove Eastside* 2201 Montopolis Dr 3 222.8 592,964 $237,298 Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1245134, 1263660 Chevy Chase Downs 2504 Huntwick Dr 3 331.2 726,667 $285,612 3 3 5 2 3 5 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Paid 1254736, 1255009 Coppertree Apartment s 2425 Cromwell Cir Paid 1251538 Trails at the Park 815 W SLAUGHTER LN 495.0 1,074,533 $281,931 57.1 195,046 $93,516 LED lighting, HVAC Tune-Up, Smart …
RMC Monthly Report September 2022 FY22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin | Austin Water 300 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 200 100 0 Residential Program Participation, FY22 YTD FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 253 227 200 153 163 122 119 117 108 69 66 72 13 15 11 8 + Rainscape 45 31 29 31 20 15 12 8 Watering Timer Irrigation Upgrade Irrigation Audits Drought Survival Tools WaterWise Landscape Rainwater Harvesting RMC Monthly Report – September 2022 02 Instant Savings Pilot, FY22 YTD Watering Timer 942 788 570 531 330 • Partnership with AE 437 • $5 discount off Hose-end timers at local Home Depot • Participation more than triple original forecast: 3,671 vs 1,000 s t i n U f o r e b m u N 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 0 100 73 Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug RMC Monthly Report – September 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 – September 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 $72,085.83 $1,007.50 $- Commercial Commercial Multi-Family Multi-Family Residential Residential RMC Monthly Report – September 2022 05 Water Waste/Watering Restrictions Enforcement Activity, FY22 YTD Warnings Issued and 311 Reports 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 504 486 343 147 217 186 266 191 97 86 45 53 38 4 2 3 1 3 0 76 61 66 81 12 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Warnings 311 Reports September Drought Response Stage: Stage 1 RMC Monthly Report – September 2022 06 Regulated Compliance Program Activity, September 2022 2988 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 428 174 34 262 38 Commercial Facility Irrigation Assessments Commercial Vehicle Wash Facility Efficiency Assessment Cooling Tower Efficiency Assessments Compliant Non-Compliant RMC Monthly Report – September 2022 07 d e h c a e R n o i t a u p o P l 400 350 300 …
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 October 18, 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 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. 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 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 . 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, …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve 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. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $340,331 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining years of the agreement is contingent upon available funds in future budgets. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Affairs 512-322-6087; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager 512- 482-5386 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 17, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. October 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this PBI to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s), detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system size, cost, proposed incentive, and environmental benefits.: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost Total 5-Year Incentive (not-to-exceed) 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 Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of cars on Austin roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added 3,395 2,818 4,890,484 $7,175,277 $2,041,981 28% 2,301 2,934 3,423 5,181,435 450 34,516 2,470 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** *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 Applicant forms part of the Starwood Group of Companies www.starwoodcapital.com. The company has holdings in many real estate sectors, especially office, hotel and distribution. This particular complex is a multi-tenant office complex. This solar system is estimated to offset 63% of the Customer’s annual energy usage. 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 …
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.
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
