20 May Edit: Ordinance on Austin Energy Governance TABLED Indefinetly
UPDATE 5/23/13 2:00pm: The ordinance, #29 on the city council agenda, was tabled indefinitely and the proposal to form a subcommittee, #71 on the council agenda, was pulled. The rally at 6:00pm IS STILL HAPPENING if you would like to go show #ourpower to the council.
Public Hearing On Austin Energy Governance This Thursday
This Thursday, May 23, City Council is prepared to take testimony on whether Austin Energy, the City's publicly owned utility, should be governed by an independent board unaccountable to the public, or continue to stay under the stewardship of City Council, which is directly accountable to the voters. Though there is not a time given for this hearing yet, it is expected to come up after 7 PM. Checkwww.CleanEnergyForAustin.org for updates on the schedule.
Environmentalists and consumer advocates have banded together to oppose this board since it was first proposed in early February. An independent board could compromise Austin's continued leadership in clean energy programs and its efforts to make electricity affordable to the poor. Depending on how it is structured, a board could also increase rates much higher than they are justified. The City Council's direct intervention lowered last year's proposed rate increase by the utility markedly.
The only constituency clamoring for an independent board is a group of large industries in the region. It is probable that most of these companies are already receiving rate breaks that were immune from the recent electric rate increases.
Activists have so far been successful in rallying support for accountability. Thanks to hundreds (possibly thousands) of phone calls, letters, and e-mail contacts from the public, the current proposal keeps the Council in control of the utility, not the proposed board. But this is just a proposal, and anything could change.
Democracy is not a spectator's sport. Council needs to hear from you loud and clear to keep Austin Energy accountable.
Again, the hearing is this Thursday, probably at 7 PM. Check the Web site above for update on the time. Food will be provided.
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You can reach Council by phone or e-mail and tell them that you oppose an independent board.
Phone Numbers:
Mayor Lee Leffingwell 974-2250
Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole 974-2266
Councilmember Chris Riley 974-2260
Councilmember Mike Martinez 974-226
Councilmember Kathie Tovo 974-2255
Councilmember Laura Morrison 974-2258
Councilmember Bill Spelman 974-2256
E-mail Addresses:
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