Photo by Jennifer CuringtonEnvironmental advocates and advocacy groups, such as the Lonestar chapter of Sierra Club, came out in support of the updates to Austin Energy's future plans on Dec. 11, but voiced opposition and concern to the possibility of creating a new natural gas plant.
After reaching a compromise with a local environmental group, Austin Energy has changed its long-term plan for future energy use.
The Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan will now include updates that alter the previous timelines and goals that called for Austin to utilize more renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power. Austin City Council approved the changes during its Dec. 11 meeting—the final meeting before the new 11-member council assumes City Hall.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell questioned the affordability of the plan when it was presented to City Council a week before the Dec. 11 vote. In an effort to curb any steep rate increases, City Council mandated an affordability goal to Austin Energy that prevents customer energy rates from increasing more than 2 percent each year.
