A quick update...
If you check the documents on
http://www.rates.austinenergy.com and read PIC presentation #4, you'll see some actual proposed rates. These are all under discussion/consideration, and supposedly nothing is set in stone yet.
I did state that the lower ends were really getting an unfair increase and suggested a tiered base rate.
We discussed the low income rates, and this discussion is really going to need to be led by the experts and the people who interact with the low-income customers because they have a better idea of what will help most. We made it clear that everyone should and seems happy to help, and we discussed ways to make it happen. However, we couldn't agree on any sort of program. Now, those in the low-income class have the base rate waived, and I suggested that remain the same, with an additional discount. We'll see what happens.
I need to do more research on how this will affect solar (anyone is welcome to help with this - I don't have a lot of time), and I will submit more comments on this if I have them (or if anyone shares concerns with me).
Kathy