Sandra Soliz Escobedo

This stakeholder meeting, the fourth for the Residential Solar Standard Offer, provided updates on several key areas. The presentation included an update on the Commercial Solar Standard Offer, noting 10 encumbered projects totaling 5.25 megawatts and 25 total projects at 15.2 megawatts, all seemingly moving forward. A significant topic was the cessation of the Solar for All program following guidance from the EPA, which rescinded funding based on the repeal of Section 134 of the Clean Air Act. Discussions continued regarding the residential standard offer, including engagement with a financial focus group, which concluded that the current standard offer price point is too low for residential projects without value addition, necessitating exploration of aggregation and battery inclusion. Tax incentive changes affecting both residential and commercial projects were reviewed, noting the impending expiration of the residential tax credit. Survey results from 138 homeowners showed interest in solar for environmental benefits and bill reduction, with high cost and unsuitable roofs cited as primary barriers. Further, discussions covered redesigning the community solar program to account for variable cost portfolios and exploring if premiums collected could perpetuate the standard offer program.

The meeting focused on administrative updates for solar contractors, including current project weight times for various stages such as application, DGPA review, final documentation, and inspections. Upcoming mandatory meetings for April, May, and June were announced. A safety moment addressed fire prevention indoors and outdoors due to high risk from high winds and dry conditions. A new project manager, Ashley, was introduced to the CRS team. The session detailed Austin Energy's bill credit system, emphasizing that Value of Solar (VOS) is not net metering, and explained the application process for residential ($2,500 flat rate for systems 3KW+), commercial (capacity-based for small/nonprofit systems, performance-based for larger systems), and multifamily incentive programs. Key compliance requirements were stressed, including educating customers on VOS, adhering to FACTA regulations regarding customer data security, and ensuring system sites meet a minimum TSRF of 75%. The installation and enrollment process via EECP was reviewed, highlighting that installation must not occur before receiving the Letter of Intent (LOI) or rebate confirmation letter, and that incentive amounts must match EECP calculations.

This document summarizes community values gathered from stakeholder workshops for Austin Energy's Resource, Generation & Climate Protection Plan to 2035. The plan aims to balance affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability in energy generation. Key focus areas include addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities and small businesses, enhancing customer assistance programs, and ensuring robust reliability. The ultimate goal is to translate these community-supported insights into actionable strategies that shape a sustainable future for the community.

The meeting addressed the Residential Solar Standard Offer, noting significant progress with 13 encumbered commercial projects totaling 8.43 megawatts (MW) nearing interconnection, with another 15.2 MW in the pipeline. Discussions covered the mechanism of the Standard Offer Rate, which is based on Austin Energy's avoided costs (energy savings, transmission cost benefits, and ancillary services savings). The group reviewed survey results showing customer interest in purchasing solar panels, particularly programs eliminating upfront costs, and discussed strategies for achieving economies of scale through customer aggregation. Financial focus groups explored viable approaches for the residential program, including utility assistance with marketing and procurement. The session also covered the potential integration of batteries for resiliency and grid efficiency, and the redesign of the community solar program to better align with standard offer rates.

This document is a Market Potential Assessment for Austin Energy's Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, conducted by DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability. It evaluates the potential for electric energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings through 2020 from company-sponsored energy-efficiency initiatives across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors for both new and existing buildings. The assessment provides estimates for the magnitude of potential savings under various program design scenarios, associated costs, and cost-effectiveness, aiming to inform strategic planning and help Austin Energy meet its demand savings goals, potentially exceeding them with increased incentives.