AUSTIN, TEXAS, February 3, 2023 – Today, Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly invited her colleagues to join her in a comprehensive audit of Austin Energy's response to the February 2023 winter storm event and Austin Energy's Vegetation Management plan. The resolution today was co-sponsored by three colleagues and will be on the February 9th, 2023, Austin City Council Agenda.
"As elected representatives, it is our duty to take charge when challenging times in our community happen. During the February 2023 freeze, our community needed answers and didn't receive them. This is why it's important that we make an effort as a step forward to answer the call of so many Austinites,” said Councilwoman Kelly.
The audit will consider, but is not limited to, the following: - The adequacy of the vegetation management plan, including the identification of areas for improvement;
- The execution of the vegetation management plan, including the frequency and quality of inspections, pruning, and removal activities;
- The coordination efforts of Austin Energy with other City departments during the recent winter storm;
- The identification of best practices and lessons learned from the recent winter storm and other events;
- The allocation of resources for vegetation management and storm response, including staffing, equipment, and funding;
- Recommendations for improving the vegetation management plan, the response to winter storms, and the overall resiliency of the energy system and infrastructure; and
- A review of Austin Energy operational practices as they relate to the February 2023 major winter storm event.
Additionally, the resolution notes that in November of 2021, the City Auditor made recommendations after an audit of the city's response to winter storm Uri.
You can read the report here: Disaster_Preparedness_HIGHLIGHTS_November_2021.pdf (austintexas.gov)
This thoughtful and robust resolution is a call to action for the city council and a responsive acknowledgment of the concerns and frustration that the residents of Austin have voiced.
You can read the resolution and council message board post here: Austin Energy Audit Resolution - February 9th, 2023, Council Meeting - City of Austin Council Message Board (austincouncilforum.org)
Councilwoman Kelly’s media availability will be today, February 3, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the District 6 Field Office, 10401, Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX. Please email if you wish to schedule an interview.
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