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.