[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6528240,"mediaKeyId","3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40","parentId",3413697,"title","Staff and Texas Gas Service brief commission on 2024 rate case, GRIP filings and franchise timeline","audioSeconds",1447,"startMs",4313000,"endMs",5760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40&start=4313&end=5760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40/thumbnail_4313000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6528240/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Staff-and-Texas-Gas-Service-brief-commission-on-2024-rate-case-GRIP-filings-and-franchise-timeline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528240-65f06ac5f5fd1b25e7be33cd692bc32c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826816&Signature=gzHFX5mr6WNRT-TZBBvoUJkDs~xZVBcLOlGAqBCKnuctGDK73C7TqbpdcuiwgjUzwrI1SOuwwiSaIWJG8fQ2mRg5ml8YwRWMzwmwDwxnPjJshsNlnQMnFWXSJqBMJhAy8spuN0EiS5tL2ApAXCnZolz4MNAj-wKN21nHsHb8Mos0dq~7ykEgJd2OyNeffWKukax4d-JkT9WfzVNY6vcKJyNKLWqLd-uHCqxPm3Uisx1Bu9iSdCFAgmH9~2yoVfJSgsXRT9U6oA0r7WrLoVbm40CXV8YK6aBYSKzo~5O5jWrPzx55r44t8Z849NoO4lm~Kf3A~kQ~J-cKr27Ig320hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","City staff and Texas Gas Service (TGS) presented a joint briefing to the Resource Management Commission covering the 2024 rate-case settlement, GRIP filings (Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program), customer-assistance contributions and the upcoming franchise-agreement timeline.

Maria Norton, city controller, summarized the 2024 negotiated settlement: the settlement reduced the company’s proposed revenue requirement and lowered the return-on-equity and rate-of-return from the utility’s initial filing; new rates were implemented in December 2024 after Railroad Commission approval. Norton explained timelines: settlement negotiations begin quickly after a filing and cities need council-approved priorities to meaningfully participate; the Railroad Commission began settlement talks about 52 days after the 2024 filing.

TGS representatives described operations, safety programs and system investments. Anthony Brown and Brian Weeks said the company uses risk-ranking software and prioritizes pipeline replacement and damage prevention work; TGS noted accelerated investments after winter storm Uri to improve resilience. TGS staff said their low-consequence, mobile leak-detection and other programs advance safety and that the company operates a materials-testing lab to analyze failures.

Commissioners asked for detail on customer-assistance funding (Norton said TGS contributed about $165,000 to the local Share the Warmth program in 2024) and franchise-fee receipts (Norton said TGS paid about $8.7 million in franchise fees to Austin in fiscal 2024 and total gas franchise receipts were about $9.4 million). TGS said the company coordinates with Travis County on assistance distribution.

Staff pointed out that GRIP filings are limited in city authority after a Texas Supreme Court decision, that GRIP increases appear on customers’ fixed charges and that franchise agreements (TGS franchise expires 10/15/2026) are the city’s primary forum for right-of-way negotiations. Staff recommended the commission develop broad priorities (for example prioritizing lower residential increases, funding for assistance, or conservation) and present them to council in a resolution so staff and outside counsel can negotiate with the utilities.

Commissioners discussed additional topics including contribution-in-aid-of-construction (KAIC/Kayak) practices, the scale of capital additions versus amounts collected in customer-funded contributions, and the long-term amortization of Winter Storm Uri costs through state-authorized mechanisms (House Bill 1520). Commissioners asked staff and TGS for further data; TGS offered hard-hat site tours on June dates and said it will return with an update on energy-efficiency programs in July.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Resource Management - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff summarized the 2024 Texas Gas Service (TGS) rate case settlement and recommended the commission develop rate-case and franchise negotiation priorities; TGS presented on safety, pipeline replacement, customer assistance and winter-storm cost recovery.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528244,"Commission defers action on audit of Austin Energy district cooling system as utility pursues consultant review",1282,3034000,4316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40&start=3034&end=4316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40/thumbnail_3034000.jpg","/articles/6528244/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-defers-action-on-audit-of-Austin-Energy-district-cooling-system-as-utility-pursues-consultant-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528244-101f774bc325d852780754c954566172/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826816&Signature=Z7keUfiAXeQ6ZbcX~2-zEAZTYK3EFluBd~zuFegKIYUE3F-7vyVke~VQ9q-PrkFW6FOwpYJcsyeoRF5~rd~8INEIxwKTRXUvK-JSzO48N1rCjIfW2ug69mF4EdNMqoAEOWLcI1fD~8qcN8Dzd4H2-Qjo9NRXBhpu4ZNnIKvms~07fgWXaxo5dkyaFleA3EgpzQtIdOHOlybHq-tKKZJ30fRqpCVTu1Wa9ZkuuFZbT9xicp0NGRn9tZQ6hGVOVSTvQK9urE3gBo7sFkahkSyEBXzAFBvmBv9Ngauv4xsSBbM4ayYRbtUoBYvZR2bMDRK9OsiJn2v5yM4jxhVDKS94UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Resource Management Commission debated whether to request a city-auditor review of Austin Energy’s District Energy and Cooling (DEC) system but chose not to take action at this meeting after staff described an ongoing consultant assessment.

Lisa Martin, Austin Energy chief operating officer, told commissioners the utility has engaged the city’s financial advisor, PFM, to assess potential options for the system and to deliver a report by Oct. 1. Martin described the scope as examining financial and business information and identifying potential pathways for growth and other options that may surface during the analysis.

Vice Chair Robbins and other commissioners pushed for a city-auditor audit to provide a third-party review independent of the utility. Commissioner Robbins said the item has been under discussion since the prior summer and pressed for clarity on solvency timelines and whether an auditor’s review after the PFM assessment would add value.

Commissioner Silverstein, a cosponsor of an earlier resolution requesting an audit, said he was willing to withdraw that resolution because Austin Energy had committed to a formal third‑party review; other cosponsors concurred and the commission chose not to take action on the audit resolution at this meeting. Staff said PFM’s work product would likely be delivered to council in October and might be presented to oversight committees; commissioners asked staff to provide the report to the RMC so they could review it prior to council discussion if timing allows.

Because the commission did not forward a formal recommendation, there was no vote recorded on a city-auditor audit this meeting. Commissioners asked staff to continue engagement with Austin Energy and to seek timely distribution of PFM’s report to allow commission review.","After prolonged discussion and proposed resolutions, the Resource Management Commission did not pursue a formal audit vote; Austin Energy staff said PFM will assess options for the district energy and cooling system with a deliverable expected by Oct. 1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528249,"Commission backs expanding On‑Site Water Reuse incentives for deeply affordable housing; staff to report quarterly",1881,1096000,2977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40&start=1096&end=2977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40/thumbnail_1096000.jpg","/articles/6528249/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-backs-expanding-OnSite-Water-Reuse-incentives-for-deeply-affordable-housing-staff-to-report-quarterly","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528249-199994ea58ce1c57cfca1f958ca5c75b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826816&Signature=S3QGnaYQKHzmB~wpSl4brgf6N-bu1UlkPM7~jdjSXZNiEgLRTmSzNBHZsNN7RxZiWSkw1UDTsP89c7NzGZM~xr52ALQpwQ~0RFeS8xHKqdS4LYpv7cB4YwA~5WGwXrFfk8IrZ4uNaj77xmH2XmtOkz8WTg5yGapHaKMUN8GYC6giYL592gDL6WyXbIbBCTWxOl~9-RrAu4-JWuDNfkzJpMWLvkROQRTGT5e-WWm~PKnQE4kmdGX0iVBXGul7BGqF8IFPJ3wjtB2oVkMZaVxaQ1UN8PkPswA~z9yzBz6KiDuO2qSw0CspTYffmjkU6DeRSjiV-BIFK2eRareY4UD1UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a staff briefing on Austin Water’s Go Purple program, the Resource Management Commission voted to recommend approval of amendments to expand incentives and caps that help deeply affordable housing projects incorporate on-site reclaimed-water systems and dual plumbing.

Catherine (Reclaimed and On-site Water Reuse Program supervisor) described the program’s origins: council adopted the original Go Purple code and incentive package in March 2024 as part of the Water Forward long-range supply plan. The ordinance included code requirements for reuse and an exemption for deeply affordable housing projects (those with at least 50% income-restricted units at specified AMI thresholds). The council also directed staff to study fully subsidizing reuse in exempt affordable projects.

Staff presented cost estimates showing a maximum potential incremental cost of about $1,500,000 for a mid-rise dual-plumbed on-site reuse installation; costs could be “as low as a few hundred thousand dollars” if reclaimed main access exists. Current incentives include an on-site reuse incentive with a $500,000 cap (proposed to be raised to $1,500,000 for exempt affordable housing) and a reclaimed main extension cost-share that covers up to $500,000. Staff said the fiscal-year budget currently reserves $4,000,000 per year for these incentives and that council revenue from the community benefit charge raises roughly $10,000,000 annually (staff said about $6,000,000 is targeted for reclaimed infrastructure expansion and $4,000,000 for incentives).

Commissioners pressed staff on program measurement and timeline. Commissioner Robbins and others called the program a market-transformation pilot and urged strong public reporting; staff said quarterly reporting will begin next month and the item is reauthorized annually in the budget process, providing an opportunity to reassess. Commissioner Robbins suggested a sunset or limiting the incentives to affordable housing only; several commissioners noted that unspent incentive funds are slated to be used to expand the reclaimed-water (\"purple pipe\") network.

Two on-site water reuse incentives were reported as approved in the prior year — one for $500,000 and one for $250,000. Staff and commissioners agreed to monitor program uptake and budget impacts as applications increase. Commissioner Silverstein moved the recommendation; Commissioner Gurland seconded. The commission approved the recommendation 7–2 (Commissioners Gary and Saceridis opposed).

Staff will report program activity in a quarterly water-management strategies report and continue to monitor budget needs as the program grows.","Following a detailed briefing, the commission recommended approval to fund higher caps for Austin Water’s Go Purple incentives so deeply affordable housing projects can connect to reclaimed water; the measure passed 7–2 after debate over sunset clauses and reporting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528253,"Commission approves contract with Clear Results for retailer partnership program after commissioners ask for cost-effectiveness data",686,379000,1065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40&start=379&end=1065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40/thumbnail_379000.jpg","/articles/6528253/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-approves-contract-with-Clear-Results-for-retailer-partnership-program-after-commissioners-ask-for-cost-effectiveness-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528253-f74f3f41daadb0608634611e6087846b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826816&Signature=AYKFUerlhMchrQmLRHV2rW~HDkHPHw5Ll72S5MEX~gdFsOxCYpC0jeUSuetBxh4pTuPsm8OO~TGEfNcol8JHZrojfv33~UTGV4P8NvKc0agjsGm3sGWc9g62~mx3t4Ou0l~RZ5-Am74CHC4o9OSLi3qH8KESWuVN5oyHv10w4ER8c3lw4m-cIqx35TzBKt6EpAFqwthoro7ziU1oseYjWils2ueYqQpJSj8Z5OClxGlN~gIxJAXlAE~NCexbhqy50IYvxYkta0IFUjq2rOOEDMRVgbG9K6dKQSg29vapm1~mD1DqDXGpWn4kOww-eeKATfqsjgYvgjYgcps4HEaw5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Resource Management Commission voted to authorize Austin Energy to enter a contract with Clear Results to administer the Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers (SPUR) program for an initial two-year term with up to three one-year extensions, in a contract not-to-exceed $11 million. Austin Energy staff said $1,250,000 is available in the operating budget for the initial period.

Richard Genesee, vice president of customer energy solutions, described the program as a point-of-purchase incentive effort that covers thermostats, lighting, lawn equipment and other efficiency measures. He said the utility is emphasizing “demand response ready” devices and that program administration work will include evaluation, measurement and verification.

Vice Chair Robbins asked directly whether the rebates and retailer partnerships are cost-effective, noting Energy Star appliance savings can be modest. Genesee responded that the program’s cost-effectiveness is 4.2 on the Total Resource Cost (TRC) test for 2023 and that 2024 figures were pending; he also said Austin Energy is finalizing selection of a third-party evaluator to handle EM&V work going forward.

Commissioners debated whether federal changes to Energy Star would affect the program’s appliance choices; Genesee said Austin Energy would evaluate details if federal policy changed. Questions also covered program scope (thermostats are the primary demand-response opportunity) and how SPUR funds are used (point-of-sale coupons or instant rebates to incent efficient purchases).

A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the chair called for a show of hands. The item passed with the voting disclosed by the chair as seven yes votes and two abstentions.

Staff said the selected contract will help with evaluation and measurement, and that Austin Energy will provide documentation and reported evaluation results to commissioners when available.","The Resource Management Commission approved a two-year contract (with extensions) for the Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers (SPUR) program administration; commissioners pressed staff for third-party evaluation results and cost-effectiveness documentation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528258,"Resource Management Commission OKs extension of Austin Energy loan program with Velocity Credit Union",187,191000,378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40&start=191&end=378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413697-ec8c0da42f8e68032f4f2ccd81851d40/thumbnail_191000.jpg","/articles/6528258/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Resource-Management-Commission-OKs-extension-of-Austin-Energy-loan-program-with-Velocity-Credit-Union","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528258-e2cf20fae0961dfb91b6932847466686/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826816&Signature=lRzCZBrLmESaEzAcox0mM9xtuvU8hQza2LnDMyzncsfNMoxmJ5LCe0nBOYrrIGg8uCb5rjOrpVbSM7DRR8okm0YzFYH-Khdd3SaZFZTWOFydHclIDnrJofkQbPirAY6m-1C5AWUNhlwHR7Bs2gThsGZfxeXmVMr80thonCeywvSOmxN~m~Fvp61-fi85kra9byPraor5v0IEnFvf11ArG-mytQYBtJcfPlAKYfN5E1XxLbeTqj4pdhYA5LsTQ809JWckxA5m~wsuLfpJWN~tKquMdtC4nM89PMs-Pb1HBYH9SAJ4-mj-tv0MufyjDX2aG-Iz8tnmbqVoUi9jtaQMlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Resource Management Commission voted to approve an expansion of contract authority for Austin Energy’s Better Building energy-efficiency lending program, allowing the utility to continue offering very low- and no-interest loans through Velocity Credit Union.

Richard Genesee, vice president of customer energy solutions at Austin Energy, told the commission the action is “just an extension of the contract authority,” and clarified that the program’s annual budgeted funding is $600,000 — not the larger cumulative contract amount shown in the request for council action (RCA).

The commission took the motion to approve after questions from members about whether the $600,000 annual budget was being approved as part of the item. Genesee repeated that the $600,000 is a separate budget submission and that the commission’s vote concerned extending the contract authority only.

Commissioner Silverstein moved to approve the extension; Vice Chair Robbins seconded. The chair called for a show-of-hands vote; the item passed on an 8-0-1 tally.

The vote authorizes Austin Energy to continue work with Velocity Credit Union on lending for home energy savings, weatherization, AC rebates and a small-business bundle under the existing program structure and extended contract authority. Genesee said the loan terms extend up to 120 months and that loan activity has been “really good.”

The commission did not alter the annual budgeted funding; staff said any annual budget adjustments are handled through the city’s budget process.","The commission voted to expand contract authority for a low- and no-interest loan program administered with Velocity Credit Union; staff said annual budgeted program funding remains $600,000 and the action only increases contract authority.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff and Texas Gas Service brief commission on 2024 rate case, GRIP filings and franchise timeline

Commission defers action on audit of Austin Energy district cooling system as utility pursues consultant review

Commission backs expanding On‑Site Water Reuse incentives for deeply affordable housing; staff to report quarterly

Commission approves contract with Clear Results for retailer partnership program after commissioners ask for cost-effectiveness data

Resource Management Commission OKs extension of Austin Energy loan program with Velocity Credit Union