Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a membership agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute for research programs related to energy storage and distributed generation, distributed energy resource integration, and electric grid planning and operations for a 12-month term in an amount not to exceed $400,000, with two additional 12-month terms for a total amount not to exceed $1,200,000.
De
Lead Department
Austin Energy
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $400,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining years of the agreement is contingent upon available funds in future budgets.
Prior Council Action:
December 3, 2020 - Council approved a similar three-year agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
For More Information:
Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Matthew Russell, Chief Technology Officer (512) 322 6382.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
November 13, 2023 - Recommended by the Electric Utility Commission on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Alvarez, Blackburn and Seibert absent and one vacancy.
Additional Backup Information:
Through this continued membership agreement with EPRI, Austin Energy will partner with other utilities to provide funding to EPRI for collaborative research in the following areas of emerging technology: electric transportation and infrastructure, energy storage and distributed generation, distributed energy resource integration, and grid planning and operational technologies. Research results are used to support Austin Energy’s efforts to achieve its Council-mandated strategic goals. Membership in EPRI provides a cost-effective way for utilities to pool resources and participate in research projects that add value to their present and future operations.
EPRI was established in 1973 as an independent, non-profit center for public interest energy and environmental research. EPRI brings together member organizations, scientists and engineers, and other leading experts to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power. These solutions span nearly every area of power generation, delivery, and use, including health, safety, and the environment. EPRI’s members represent over 90 percent of the electricity generation in the United States and several European and other utilities and include several large municipal power peer utilities such as New York Power Authority, Seattle City Light, CPS Energy, and Nebraska Public Power. Public power is represented on the EPRI governing board.