City Council Discusses Austin Energy Rates

The Austin City Council is holding a special-called work session this morning to tackle Austin Energy’s proposed rate increases.

Council got an earful from citizens opposed to the increase at their last meeting. Since then, Mayor Lee Leffingwell has said he too opposes the increase as drafted.

Three items are posted on the agenda, including discussion with the Electric Utility Commission, the views of dissenting commissioners, and a look at the following areas: revenue requirements and cost of service methodologies; rates for churches and other houses of worship, low income users and school districts; and environmental and sustainability issues.

Public comment is not allowed during work sessions, but people are expected to sound off on the proposal again on February 2.