Austin's Low-Income Weatherization Funding in Jeopardy

Austin Energy could lose out on an additional $2.9 million in federal stimulus money for low-income weatherization if it does not properly manage and spend all of its current funding. In order to receive the additional funds, Austin Energy has until the end of August to spend its $1 million in current funding. Presently, the utility has only spent about $300,000. This leaves only two months for Austin Energy to more than double the amount of work it has already taken the last nine months to accomplish. Should Austin Energy fail to meet this deadline, the state would consider reallocating funds away from Austin and into other communities with higher performing agencies.

Austin Energy admits it has been slow to get its low-income weatherization program up to speed, citing paperwork issues, but now says its problems have been worked out and the utility is optimistic that it will meet the August 31 deadline to receive additional funding.