[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6518204,"mediaKeyId","5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36","parentId",5398954,"title","Resource Management Commission presses Texas Gas Service on 2025 rate filing, consolidation and low‑income program","audioSeconds",4826,"startMs",185000,"endMs",5011000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36&start=185&end=5011","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36/thumbnail_185000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518204/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Resource-Management-Commission-presses-Texas-Gas-Service-on-2025-rate-filing-consolidation-and-lowincome-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518204-02f31dceb4567ec7eb8d1060e5843e11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514082&Signature=LRTcFgmdrk69qPL4G7u4OdEp-us3uLBiZ-9iQcUnSBavs-aBp6DMlVvrI8HcaOmGzXCjRMP93I4qTW3z6joq4T0ZRqS4ymAZ-t0rbQO1Wj1Uo3WEL6PJxOBAX19GtbnABdd9S9jc9vXvFYqrneS-eyVp8q2lRKpGJEALTr3Uu5qbp2Q-d2PApkVTtv7wQ5KteqjeWeHG346kzen3VHBkYAOmtXofNJYhP8y4SEESSZ97eVX9Z8H3Lt0HaajH6yZVxNFeTLKF2P6B9chMb~p9BUs1hVrVywm09dNkBSK4UTfnZUx9feO4DgDxS7H9bJcHl4KMktZu9GWXpyWQPCuzVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-07-15T00:00:00Z","article","Maria Norton, the city controller for the City of Austin, and Thomas Porchetto, outside counsel, briefed the Resource Management Commission on Texas Gas Service’s (TGS) June 30, 2025, comprehensive base rate filing and related proposals.

Porchetto told commissioners the company is seeking to increase revenues by $41,100,000, which he described as “a 7.07% rate increase, including gas costs,” and roughly a 9.83% revenue requirement increase excluding gas costs. He said the utility has filed in all three of its service areas and is proposing to consolidate them into a single service area. Porchetto said the company set an effective date of Aug. 19 and that, under state procedures, cities can suspend that effective date for an additional 90 days to allow review. He said the Railroad Commission is likely to issue a final decision in mid‑January 2026.

Why it matters: the filing would change who pays which costs and would raise the monthly customer charge substantially in the Central Gulf service area — Porchetto noted proposals that would raise the small residential customer charge from $21.36 to $29.50 and the large residential customer charge from $33.36 to $39.50 in that area. Commissioners said higher fixed customer charges risk making bills more regressive and reducing incentives for conservation.

Key items in the filing and commission concerns

- Consolidation into one service area: Porchetto explained utilities have been consolidating historically because of administrative and cost‑of‑service reasons. Commissioners expressed near‑universal opposition to consolidation, arguing it would move costs from higher‑use, colder areas to warmer regions such as Austin and could raise Austin customers’ base charges. Chair Davis summarized the room’s sentiment as “Looks like everybody feels that way.”

- Size and design of the requested increase: Porchetto and Norton said the requested revenue increase includes both distribution and gas‑supply components. Commissioners pressed on the company’s proposed rate design, which in their view increases fixed customer charges and thus shifts costs away from volumetric charges, a structure several commissioners called regressive and inconsistent with the commission’s conservation goals.

- “Share the Warmth” low‑income program: TGS proposes expanding its Share the Warmth program to $2,000,000 annually and to recover the cost from ratepayers rather than (or in addition to) shareholders. Commissioners questioned whether the $2 million is a cap or a guaranteed collection, how any matching from shareholders would work, and whether Austin customers’ contributions would be directed back to Austin residents in need. Commissioner Silverstein said he “will not support it here” if the program is moved into customer rates without a dollar‑for‑dollar shareholder match. Commissioners also asked for transparency on administration and requested a written plan for the proposed $60,000 outreach budget.

- Customer assistance pilot: TGS also proposes a residential customer assistance rate schedule pilot to serve up to 30,000 qualifying customers funded in part by a roughly $570,000 contribution from all customers. Commissioners supported the concept of targeted assistance but urged clear eligibility rules. Vice Chair Robbins and others urged income‑based qualification or use of an established verification tool.

City process and next steps

Norton and Porchetto said the city has engaged three consultants and is conducting discovery. Porchetto recommended cities suspend the filing’s Aug. 19 effective date to secure an additional 90 days to review. Staff said the city will take an item to the city council on July 24 to consider suspending the effective date and requested the commission return formal input by Aug. 8 so outside counsel can incorporate commission priorities into discovery and settlement discussions.

Discussion versus decision

No final city decision was made by the commission at this meeting. Commissioners provided advisory sentiment and requested clarifications and additional analysis. The commission’s major positions expressed on the record were:

- Oppose consolidation of the three TGS service areas into a single statewide service area.
- Oppose the proposed shift toward higher fixed customer charges and other regressive rate features.
- Express concern about the Share the Warmth proposal being recovered from all ratepayers without a clear shareholder match or guarantees; request transparency on program administration and a plan for outreach and local allocation of customer contributions.
- Support further study and stricter qualification for any customer assistance program, including consideration of income verification or validated targeting tools.

What staff said they will do: staff and outside counsel will pursue suspension of the filing’s effective date at the July 24 city council meeting, continue discovery with consultant support, and take commission input on or before Aug. 8 for use in settlement/discovery work.

Ending note: Porchetto reminded the commission that if the city issues an adverse ruling, the utility may appeal the city decision to the Railroad Commission, where the company’s filing would be consolidated with the broader proceeding.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Resource Management - Jul 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Maria Norton, the City of Austin’s controller, and outside counsel Thomas Porchetto briefed the Resource Management Commission on Texas Gas Service’s June 30, 2025, comprehensive rate filing, which seeks about $41.1 million in additional annual revenue and proposes consolidating three service areas into one; commissioners expressed strong concerns about consolidation, higher fixed customer charges and shifting a $2 million charitable program into rates.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518194,"Votes at a glance: Resource Management Commission meeting outcomes",1661,7959000,9620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36&start=7959&end=9620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36/thumbnail_7959000.jpg","/articles/6518194/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Resource-Management-Commission-meeting-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518194-d66e9ba431d129b85f4dd7ee51470993/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514082&Signature=nWjiA2rBnGoKbDcnwPHgsr0Orf5uDln5dwaxyIUK-H0vq-heV3fRv8BvyVjOSOf~pF6Sm0ZpoEAw6Ox7pMx9PVG0KGCk-OCwmN0-rV3lnZFnXIYBMXTduEc66~tOrGSRLJ6gdZ18FRGvtYGFy8aGn5L5TCabQVIq1wVQGwbo3GSB99kSNjdhsZQYdIdzLCeK5G50m-kAjucvK3Nu8bIUlzKpB9etzczCI5GmHeJK67uYLEcvDyoFdwX-UjhYoMPtULi3mwbocZ2bCSTsOimcOFyraLHvjGSDBOQHKjdgyRMS8PinCce~wv1AMaTT~E1dja8UQNjI2qByEsncSADOnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Resource Management Commission recorded the following formal outcomes during the meeting:

1) Approval of minutes from the June 17 meeting
The commission approved the minutes from its June 17 meeting by voice/hand vote. Outcome: approved (unanimous as recorded).

2) Annual internal review of the Resource Management Commission (July 2024–June 2025)
Motion: Approve the annual internal review and the board goals and objectives for the new calendar year.
Mover/Second: motion recorded and seconded on the floor; discussion included Commissioner Silverstein’s statement of support.
Outcome: approved 7–0.

3) Recommendation to create a revolving sustainable city facilities fund (solar, batteries, energy and water efficiency)
Motion: Recommend that the Austin City Council direct the city manager to establish a revolving sustainable city facilities fund of at least $15,000,000 to seed solar energy and battery installations on city buildings and other city properties and to make energy and water efficiency upgrades at city facilities that meet minimum cost‑effectiveness thresholds. The commission added an amendment specifying battery storage and minimum cost‑effectiveness thresholds to be determined during implementation.
Mover: (motion on the floor), Second: Commissioner Farmer (recorded)
Vote on amendment and recommendation: passed 6–1 (Commissioner Gary recorded as opposed).

Notes: These votes were formal procedural items recorded during the meeting. The commission’s advisory recommendation on the revolving fund will be forwarded to city council and to the joint sustainability committee as part of ongoing climate and facilities planning work.

","At the meeting the commission approved minutes and an annual internal review and adopted a recommendation to create a revolving city fund for solar and efficiency with an amended condition; recorded votes and outcomes are listed below.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518199,"Austin Energy offers $800 heat‑pump water‑heater rebates, expands pilots as participation lags",3147,3043000,6190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36&start=3043&end=6190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398954-fc585265dd15b5a5662627ff9262de36/thumbnail_3043000.jpg","/articles/6518199/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-Energy-offers-800-heatpump-waterheater-rebates-expands-pilots-as-participation-lags","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518199-691402039bd8c1eb60abfd565c68ccf9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514082&Signature=PmfZ-c2doe21-MwQKGzP4OcBHvdE-L8f4J2KLy5ytLVDLGBUIIHTkZDQhcvqjKpRWC9Xiuf8-nP-74~5j714TBl03-~CHDyo~YSRIjnZVFN8FsHuP4r92l5~s-H2DrQlCYu5zWEKIPELPs7ZlhvbJflZPpON13EeZB1fHspycmdoGtUtQovtMlZmhXYl7Ri28O9JHCkNjuMOLw3X7PjrI1WW9zW7y0vP1JtWd7Fh5rn5d9smBWGBD-gLfDv0Wkq~1DSKkiamB~CLmkGFgjLAhjOerxpJmIhqrN-fyBMfMiDZ9YXJQYyMrV9VE-X6W3gWMqc1JdeYEDr0N8PB22KO0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hammad Chaudhry, director of energy efficiency at Austin Energy, briefed the Resource Management Commission on heat‑pump water‑heater rebates and the utility’s Home Energy Savings (HES) program.

Heat‑pump water‑heater rebates and pilots

Chaudhry said Austin Energy currently offers an average rebate of $800 per heat‑pump water‑heater unit across several channels (residential, commercial and instant‑savings programs) and is working to expand incentives in the new‑construction market. He said Austin Energy piloted 12 Wi‑Fi‑enabled heat‑pump water heaters with Habitat for Humanity in 2025 and plans a 2026 pilot with a low‑to‑moderate‑income builder (Drowsy Willow) covering about 30 homes.

Chaudhry described barriers to adoption: higher first costs for heat‑pump water heaters compared with conventional electric resistance or gas tankless units; retrofit size and closet‑space constraints; the need to run dedicated 240‑volt circuits in some retrofits; and customer preference for like‑for‑like replacements when a water heater fails. He said the units are energy efficient and being paired with smart controls when possible to allow future demand response participation.

Commissioners pressed on the scale and effectiveness of the $800 rebate. Commissioner Silverstein asked whether Austin Energy had studied sharing incentive costs with Austin Water because tankless systems can waste water waiting for hot water. Chaudhry said he will take that question back to the team and analyze water‑energy interactions.

Home Energy Savings program: declining pipeline and proposed fixes

Chaudhry also briefed commissioners on Austin Energy’s Home Energy Savings program, which takes a whole‑house approach (air sealing, HVAC tune‑ups or replacement, duct repair, insulation and other measures). The program currently offers roughly $2,600 in average incentives and a low‑interest loan option with a subsidized rate as low as 1.99 percent; loans require demonstrated energy savings (Chaudhry said the program requires about 15% energy savings for certain loan products).

Chaudhry said participation has fallen from highs of roughly 500 homes per year in earlier years to low hundreds recently, driven by market‑wide increases in project costs (the program now sees average project costs near $18,000 and some as high as $30,000), the loss of partner incentives in other programs, and more stringent program and equipment standards. Austin Energy said it has therefore undertaken a contractor focus group, reduced some participation barriers, added in‑home scoping assessments and offered contractor training and partial reimbursement of certification costs.

Planned next steps

- Hire an EM&V (evaluation, measurement and verification) consultant to benchmark the program, refine savings protocols and advise on incentive strategy.
- Explore a lighter “HES‑light” track that lowers the minimum required measure set (for example, a two‑measure bundle such as air sealing plus attic insulation) to reduce customer copays and increase participation while preserving demonstrable energy savings.
- Continue and expand new‑construction pilots and examine how the new electric‑ready building code may affect adoption over time.

What commissioners asked for and the commission’s sense

Commissioners asked Austin Energy to track pilot metrics (costs, market uptake, expected savings), to explore pairing water‑savings incentives with heat‑pump water heaters, to provide clearer metrics on what success for the pilot would look like, and to report back as EM&V work proceeds. Vice Chair Robbins urged caution on automatic enrollment approaches for customer assistance programs and asked the utility to analyze targeting and verification options that avoid large erroneous enrollments.

Ending: Chaudhry said the utility will follow up with the commission on program evaluation plans, contractor outreach results, and pilot metrics.","Austin Energy reported a roughly $800 average rebate for heat‑pump water heaters, pilot installations with Habitat for Humanity and a low‑income builder, and a home energy savings program facing declining participation; staff plans data‑driven targeting, contractor training and an EM&V engagement to redesign the program.","actionData","errors"]

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Resource Management Commission presses Texas Gas Service on 2025 rate filing, consolidation and low‑income program

Votes at a glance: Resource Management Commission meeting outcomes

Austin Energy offers $800 heat‑pump water‑heater rebates, expands pilots as participation lags