KLRU
Wake-Up Call for Texas
RECEIVED Wed., Oct. 9, 2019
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed to see that Austin Energy garnered a score of 80 points (out of 100) on Sierra Club’s Texas Clean Energy Scorecard. For all I hear about Austin Energy's clean energy leadership, their renewable energy and residential energy efficiency goals are middle-of-the-road – not leading. It’s time for AE to dramatically increase renewable energy goals and commit to closing all of its old, carbon-producing power plants. There are a multitude of utilities across the country that have committed to achieving 100% renewable energy, but AE’s current goal is just 65% by 2027. AE has done a fine job with its commercial energy efficiency programs and community solar offerings, which help more Austinites access clean energy and lower bills, but there are still so many more opportunities for improvement. In addition, it's shocking that Austin Energy received the highest score out of any utility in the state. This should be a wake-up call for Texas. We are already seeing tremendous climate change impacts right now, and there’s so much more utilities can do to eliminate all forms of pollution and make energy more affordable.
I was disappointed to see that Austin Energy garnered a score of 80 points (out of 100) on Sierra Club’s Texas Clean Energy Scorecard. For all I hear about Austin Energy's clean energy leadership, their renewable energy and residential energy efficiency goals are middle-of-the-road – not leading. It’s time for AE to dramatically increase renewable energy goals and commit to closing all of its old, carbon-producing power plants. There are a multitude of utilities across the country that have committed to achieving 100% renewable energy, but AE’s current goal is just 65% by 2027. AE has done a fine job with its commercial energy efficiency programs and community solar offerings, which help more Austinites access clean energy and lower bills, but there are still so many more opportunities for improvement. In addition, it's shocking that Austin Energy received the highest score out of any utility in the state. This should be a wake-up call for Texas. We are already seeing tremendous climate change impacts right now, and there’s so much more utilities can do to eliminate all forms of pollution and make energy more affordable.
Shane Johnson
