The Austin Resource Management meeting held on July 15, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the Share the Warmth program and its funding structure. The discussion began with Commissioner Schwartz seeking clarification on a proposed shift in funding from shareholder assets to customer rates, specifically regarding a $2 million allocation for the program.

Currently, the Share the Warmth program allows customers to contribute to assistance for those in need, with TGS matching contributions up to $100,000. In the last reporting period, customers contributed over $92,000, which TGS matched, resulting in a total of $184,000 for the program. However, the proposed change would mean that the increased funding would be sourced from customer rates rather than shareholder contributions, effectively socializing the costs among all customers.

Commissioners discussed the implications of this funding shift, noting that while the program's budget would increase significantly, it would also be spread across a larger customer base due to the consolidation of service areas, including West Texas and the Valley. This consolidation raises questions about the overall impact on Austin customers, who currently represent about one-third of the residential customer base in the new service area.

Additionally, the company has requested $284,000 to manage the program, which includes hiring a new employee. The commissioners expressed the need for further clarification on how these costs would be categorized and whether they would indeed be passed on to customers through their rates.

The meeting also touched on the number of service disconnects in Austin, which reportedly accounts for about 3-4% of the total annual disconnects, estimated at 7,000 statewide. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenges faced by some customers in maintaining service.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of funding community assistance programs and the need for careful consideration of how costs are allocated among customers. Further discussions and confirmations are expected as the commission reviews the proposed changes and their implications for the community.