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EUC approves third‑party evaluation contract to measure energy‑efficiency portfolio and greenhouse‑gas impacts
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a contract to provide evaluation, measurement, verification and reporting services for Austin Energy’s customer energy programs, including work to support greenhouse‑gas accounting when the utility adds GHG reductions to program metrics in 2027.
The Electric Utility Commission unanimously approved July 15 a contract to provide evaluation, measurement, verification and reporting (EMV&R) services for Austin Energy’s energy-efficiency and demand‑management portfolio.
Richard Genesee, vice president of Customer Energy Solutions, described the contract as a "big contract" that will evaluate program performance, identify additional opportunities to claim energy savings, and help transition measurement methods when Austin Energy adds greenhouse‑gas reductions to program measurement in 2027. "Another important aspect of this is in 2027, when we… add greenhouse gas reduction to the mix… that is also incumbent upon this contractor to help us to aid us in that transition," Genesee said.
Genesee said the contract is distinct from the market‑potential study completed by DNV (a consultant referenced during the meeting), which estimated the maximum market potential for solar, efficiency and demand response. The EMV&R contract will focus on program impact, measurement methods, reconfiguring the portfolio and identifying underserved customer segments.
Commissioners asked how the EMV&R work will relate to DNV’s market study and whether the contractor will coordinate with state utility evaluations; Genesee said staff expects the contractor to review prior studies and coordinate with other evaluations used in Texas. Commissioner Al Bridal and Commissioner Reed voiced support for hiring an experienced third party; Commissioner Gillette moved approval and Commissioner Bellamy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the vendor engagement and the contractor will begin program-level impact evaluations, measurement-method updates and an initial scope for greenhouse‑gas accounting support ahead of the 2027 change in metrics.
