EUC forms voluntary working group with RMC and stakeholders to streamline solar permitting and inspections

The Electric Utility Commission unanimously approved a motion July 20 to form a voluntary working group to evaluate and recommend ways to streamline solar permitting, inspection and battery interconnection processes.

Commissioner Al (Braden/Bridal) described the proposal as a joint effort between EUC and the Resource Management Commission (RMC), staff and external stakeholders such as Solar Austin and industry installers. "The whole goal of this is try to make this process simpler, cheaper, and more effective so we can reach our solar installation goals," he said. The group will avoid forming a quorum to comply with open-meeting rules (five or fewer commissioners per sub-quorum) and is expected to begin meeting in September.

Members said the working group would identify specific technical or administrative changes for Austin Energy and Development Services to consider, with the ultimate output a package of recommendations. Commissioners encouraged broad stakeholder participation and asked staff to host and coordinate meetings where appropriate.

The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote; staff and commissioners said they will return with details on membership, timing and deliverables as the group forms.