Panel discusses Austin Energy Generation Plan

Panel discusses Austin Energy Generation Plan

By Mary Tuma Tuesday, 23 February 2010

A panel comprised of energy industry experts convened at the Palmer Events Center on Monday evening to discuss Austin Energy’s Generation Plan, a proposed resource and protection initiative that would increase wind and solar power use and slowly shift away from nonrenewable sources of energy.

“There has obviously been some concern and disagreement about this,” said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. “But I hope to have a well informed, productive and civil discussion today that will hopefully point us to a consensus.”

Specifically, the plan requires 35 percent of energy be derived from renewables by 2020 and a push to reduce carbon emissions, namely from the Fayette Coal Plant.

A 20 percent rate increase would take concurrently take effect during the next decade, said Austin Energy Manager Robert Duncan.

“We need to balance what we can afford with our environmental goals,” he said.

The interactive forum sought audience questions via text messaging, comment cards and e-mails. Panelists included representatives from the Sierra Club, Future Generation Task Force and Austin Energy, Smarte Building and Freescale among others.

Carol Biedrzycki of Texas ROSE, advocates for low-income consumers, underscored affordability, saying she noticed a lack in affordable options for low-income residents and calling for someone within the system to track prices.

“We should not be charging low income people who need essential electric service rates that cost them to loose their electric service,” she said. “This is not a car dealership, or jewelry store, we are selling people something they need everyday.”

This is the second in a series of town-hall style meetings hosted by Leffingwell. City Council is expected to vote on the plan this March.