Committee members used the Austin Energy briefing to press for follow-up on customer-assistance expansions and multifamily weatherization.

General Manager Bob Kahn said Austin Energy is expanding its customer assistance program, which staff were directed to expand from roughly 40,000 to 83,000 customers about 18 months ago; he said enrollment is now about 67,000 customers. Staff said they will continue to expand enrollment.

During discussion of extreme-heat preparedness, Council Member Harper Madison described community-led fan drives and requested partnership to target residents most at risk from summer heat, including renters and people without central air. Council members asked whether Austin Energy could provide lists or outreach to customers who receive utility assistance or are on payment plans so community groups can connect residents with resources. Martin said Austin Energy has weatherization, air-conditioner tune-up and rebate programs and offered to coordinate further with council offices and customer-care staff and Carrie Overton, the utility’s chief customer officer.

Council Member Alter requested an update on a budget amendment adopted last August that increased attic-insulation incentives; staff agreed to provide a status update and timing for installations so work could occur before peak summer heat.

Several council members noted the difficulty of retrofitting older multifamily rental housing. The chair and other members asked staff to return with options for addressing landlord/tenant barriers, potential incentives and program design to reach renters living in energy-inefficient units.

Ending: Staff said they will meet with council offices and customer-energy staff to coordinate outreach, return with a status update on the insulation incentive and continue to explore mechanisms to target multifamily retrofits and tenant protections.