Description
Title: Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to evaluate national best practices for electric vehicle managed charging and home battery storage incentive programs and propose appropriate changes to existing City programs to increase customer participation, improve grid flexibility, strengthen affordability and equity outcomes, and maximize the reliability benefits of distributed energy resources and report back to the Electric Utility Commission and Council.
Summary
The City of Austin's recent resolution aims to enhance electric vehicle (EV) managed charging and home battery storage programs through a benchmarking study of national best practices. Current incentives provided by Austin Energy are significantly less competitive compared to leading programs, with the resolution directing improvements to ensure that Austin's offerings rank within the top ten percent nationally. This initiative targets residents, especially renters and low-income communities, to promote equitable access to clean energy technologies, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which is Austin’s largest pollution source. Implementing these changes is crucial for achieving the city’s climate goals, ensuring grid reliability, and maximizing customer benefits while addressing environmental justice. The City Manager is tasked with reporting back on proposed program changes within six months.