Austin Energy criticized for lack of tree limb removal in new audit

Austin Energy in 'catch-up mode' after audit

A recent audit of Austin Energy finds that the utility did not proactively cut tree limbs ahead of February's ice storm, frozen limbs knocking out power lines and causing outages in already severe conditions.

AUSTIN, Texas - A draft audit of Austin Energy’s vegetation management program found that the utility is trimming trees on a cycle more than double its seven-year goal.

"It’s solidified. We have it in front of us now. It's up to Council and Austin Energy to ensure that it doesn't happen again," said District 6 Council member Mackenzie Kelly.

Kelly sponsored the resolution calling for an audit after February’s ice storm, which caused trees and branches to fall on power lines and cause massive power outages.

The audit noted several contributing factors to Austin Energy being behind on its trimming goal, one of which dates back over a decade.

In 2006, Council directed AE to trim trees less than industry standards after concerns from neighborhood associations. The modifications were meant to be temporary while a task force was created but ended up staying in place until 2019.

"I want to be on public record stating this. You were not the council that held us back," said Elton Richards, vice president of electric system field operations, addressing council members on Wednesday. "You were the council that supported me since I've been here, doubled my budget, gave me the contractors, gave me an additional budget and additional contractors to get this done. So I appreciate your support, and if we plan to work and work to plan, and you continue to support, we will get this back on track."

Austin Energy criticized in new audit

Austin Energy did not do it's part to proactively cut tree limbs that brought down power lines during the February ice storm. That's the conclusion from an audit released by the city.

Despite funding for more contractors, General Manager Bob Kahn noted issues with having enough crews.

"We are having trouble with the contractors being able to hire the crews they need," said Kahn. "We are hiring as many crews as we can get, but right now we're just playing catch up, and getting enough crews out there to do the work is a big problem."

He noted new vegetation crews are in the process of onboarding and should be working by October.

Another contributing factor is the process of tree trimming on private properties. Richards noted that about 25-30% of homeowners who are initially notified about tree trimming respond by saying they don't want the tree trimmed.

Between follow-up visits and letters, the process of working with a homeowner can take three to six months.

"While it is laborious, I believe it's a decent process. We're taking the consumer and customers' thoughts and feelings and emotions into the process," said Richards. "And I think we can still do it within the timeline that we need with the small population that we go to."

Two main recommendations were laid out in the audit. The first tasks the general manager with establishing a long-term plan to meet goals, along with short-range and medium-range plans to reach those goals.

"I think where we're falling short is we don't have the data," said District 10 Council member Alison Alter. "We don't have the information to be able to say how we're doing on that long-term plan of getting there within the seven years."

The second recommendation asks for improvement on how tree trimming data is tracked.

"We agree with the recommendations," said Kahn. "As you know, we're playing catch up. 13 years of not meeting industry standards is kind of difficult to catch up on."