The City of Austin faces formidable legal hurdles and potentially significant costs if the City Council decides to sell or shut down the city’s share of the coal-fired Fayette Power Project, according to a new city Law Department memo. Potential problems arise from the city’s participation agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority on […]
Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee
The Austin City Council committee on Austin Energy was created in May 2013 to provide oversight of the city’s electric utility. It’s creation was marked by political maneuvering that ultimately resulted in a committee comprised of every member of the Austin City Council.
Posted inResources
Austin Energy reduces incentives, credits for solar users on grid
Austin Energy customers who have installed solar electric systems or are planning to install them are facing a reduction in the incentives offered by the utility. Utility officials defend their actions, saying the reductions are based on budget limits and changing conditions. They insist they remain fully committed to the utility’s solar energy goals. […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Council eases rules on delinquent utility bills
At the urging of advocacy groups and a tenacious City Council Member Kathie Tovo, the Council on Thursday approved an ordinance that gives additional breaks to residential utility customers having trouble paying their bills. Supporters of the ordinance said the action would especially help in preventing customers with low and fixed incomes from having […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Council to hash out Austin Energy issues in committee meeting
With Council Member Kathie Tovo pushing hard to gain approval of an ordinance that would offer more leeway for Austin Energy ratepayers in deep arrears on their bills, utility officials remained leery of the plan. It will all be hashed out this afternoon as Council members meet for their monthly Austin Energy Committee meeting, which […]