February 15, 2010
KLRU, KUT, Austin American Statesman Collaborate to Explore Austin’s Energy Issues

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, KUT-FM and the Austin American Statesman are partnering to present Austin @ Issue: Energy for the Future to be broadcast on KLRU Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. This 30-minute special features a discussion of Austin Energy's Generation Plan with Austin Energy General Manager Roger Duncan and other experts and stakeholders.

Austin Energy has proposed that the City of Austin increase its portfolio of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar, increase the City’s investment in energy efficiency and conservation, and phase down Austin’s reliance on coal. Experts and stakeholders participating in Austin @ Issue: Energy For the Future include:

• Carol Biedrzycki, Executive Director Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy
• Matt Johnson, Policy Analyst, Energy Efficiency Renewable
• Phillip Schmandt, partner with the law firm of McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore and Chair, City of Austin Electric Utility Commission; also Chair, Mayor's Task Force on Generation Resource Planning
• John Sutton, corporate services assistant vice president TG; past president of the
  Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) and member and past president of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

KLRU.org, KLRU’s online television resource, will also feature a media roundtable discussion about the issue featuring KUT-FM and The Austin American Statesman about the issue. The full interview with Austin Energy’s Roger Duncan will also be available online.

There will be a Mayor's Energy Generation Town Hall meeting on Monday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center to allow public input on the plan and a more detailed analysis.

About KLRU-TV, Austin PBS KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest running live music television show Austin City Limits, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including the documentaries Tattooed Under Fire and Snakebit. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.