City continues to push electric landscaping equipment

As part of a larger effort to nudge residents to embrace green landscaping equipment, the city has spent about $50,000 in incentives over the past year. Through September, some retailers offer $30 off electric lawn mowers and $15 off electric weed eaters. Austin Energy customers can also get $15 off electric leaf blowers. However, according to a memo from Chief Sustainability Officer Zach Baumer and Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn, the city is now looking to a program that better addresses equity and “will include offering low-income residents electric landscape equipment at a minimal cost in exchange for their gas-powered equipment through pop-ups or trade-in events in the community.” The city will also look toward converting commercial landscaping equipment, which city staff believes will have more of an impact. In order to make this switch, they will be funding a market survey, assessment and a pilot program to convert city equipment and city landscaping requirements. “Once this survey, assessment, and pilot program are complete, staff will have the data necessary to make recommendations for additional rebate programs and incentives,” the memo notes.