Austin Energy's Generation Plan reflects the deliberative process taken by the city and the utility over the last year and a half. While each capital investment made by Austin Energy over the next 10 years will be subject to approval by City Council, the Generation Plan sets a path for our city and will draw national attention to Austin as a clean technology center. The generation plan takes a strong stand on meeting the city's goals of reliability, affordability and environmental stewardship. The plan includes a goal to increase investment in wind energy and energy efficiency, both of which have saved Austin Energy customers money already. It also includes investment in biomass energy as well as natural gas power plants.

Perhaps the only controversial component of the plan is Austin Energy's plan to grow its commitment to solar power over time, a key component of future business models for many silicon chip manufacturers and hi-tech companies in Austin. It is important to note that some hi-tech companies, recognizing this critical relationship with their future business model, are supporting the generation plan.

In addition to City Council's approval being required for each investment, in its recommendations approved by the EUC and RMC, the Generation Task Force requires the utility to reassess the plan every two years for affordability and environmental stewardship. While each step of the plan over the next 10 years will be subject to numerous public review processes, Austin Energy has laid out a proposed level of investment in each of the key areas mentioned above:

• 800 MW of energy efficiency,
• 300 MW of natural gas, about
• 500 MW of wind
• 50 MW of biomass and approximately
• 170 MW of new solar
• Reducing Austin's reliance on our lone coal plant, Fayette Power Plant, by about 25%