Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn told the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee that the utility received a $15,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program to expand electric vehicle charging with an equity focus.

Kahn said the award is intended to provide “essential EV charging infrastructure in underserved areas, bridging critical gaps and benefiting historically underinvested neighborhoods.” He added that the grant would be delivered over five years.

Kahn and councilmembers said the grant’s status is unclear following a recent federal executive order. Kahn said, “Note, however, that the status of this grant is uncertain under recent executive order from the new administration. We'll keep you updated.” Mayor Watson and other members said the city’s intergovernmental relations team is preparing a memo with further information.

Councilmembers asked how locations will be selected and whether councilmembers and the public will have input. Kahn said Austin Energy will “focus on areas that are, needing that kind of things, areas in town that need assistance in that area. We gonna put superchargers there, plant use chargers, under invested areas of town is gonna be the focus.” He added staff would provide a memo outlining the selection process and would work with councilmembers on site suggestions.

On public engagement, Kahn said the utility has discussed options including public input periods and will consider them. Councilmembers asked that staff return with a clear timeline and an outline of how district-level input and community engagement would be incorporated if funding is confirmed.

Committee members also raised questions about related federal policy uncertainty, including potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act and tax credits that could affect timelines for solar and electrification projects. Councilmember Walter asked staff to coordinate with the city’s intergovernmental office and provide updates on any state or federal proposals that might affect incentives or program timing.

The meeting record shows no formal vote on the grant or a final site-selection decision. Staff said they will return with more details if and when funding is confirmed and will circulate the IGR memo summarizing federal developments.

Ending: Austin Energy staff said they will follow up with a memo describing the grant status and the planned process for selecting charger sites, and will work with council offices on district-level input if the award is finalized.