The board of trustees directed NBU staff to form the panel in April 2023. The Community Advisory Panel will be tasked with reviewing NBU initiatives, including the future energy mix strategy, drought ordinance and future rate design studies.
The specifics
"The Community Advisory Panel is our way of inviting the voices and insights of our valued community members from a customer's point of view," interim NBU CEO Ryan Kelso said. "This panel creates a special bridge between our customers and NBU, enabling us to keep doing what's best for our customers who count on us and the vibrant community we serve."
According to NBU, the advisory panel is made up of members throughout the service territory and will serve three-year staggered terms. The New Braunfels City Council nominated seven members, while the NBU board of trustees nominated four who previously serviced on the NBU Rate Advisory Committee. Two new at-large members were also selected from an open application process.
“We appreciate and understand the value of community members investing their time and talents to be involved in the process of providing resilient essential utility services to New Braunfels,” Community Advisory Panel Chair Justin Meadows said. “We look forward to working with the NBU board of trustees and leadership team.”
A closer look
The panel will meet monthly to discuss relevant topics, provide feedback and collaborate on NBU initiatives in meetings open to the public. Information will be shared with the panel from NBU staff, consultants and subject matter experts, according to NBU.
More information on the NBU Community Advisory Panel can be found at www.nbutexas.com/community-advisory-panel.
