Austin Energy announces deadline extensions for Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD)

April 13, 2020

The Austin-Travis County "Stay Home, Work Safe" order requires residents to remain at home with the exception of essential activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Businesses and multifamily housing facilities have altered standard business operations to meet the requirements of this order. To assist commercial and multifamily customers in meeting the public safety concerns posed by COVID-19, the Austin City Council approved a temporary amendment allowing Austin Energy to extend two critical deadlines for both commercial Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) reporting and multifamily ECAD audits.

Commercial ECAD Benchmarking Deadline Extended

The ECAD ordinance applies to Austin Energy commercial customers operating facilities larger than 10,000 square feet, which are normally required to submit energy benchmarking by June 1. Due to the current public health crisis and the "Stay Home, Work Safe" order, the deadline for submission of an energy benchmark required by Code Section 6-7-31 has been extended to October 1, 2020.

Letters will be mailed to businesses on or after June 15 with instructions and benchmark reporting options. Businesses who report through the Austin Energy Key Code option can continue to do so after June 15. Commercial customers may report energy benchmarking sooner through the EPA Portfolio Manager.

Customers applying for a rebate will need to contact Austin Energy Efficiency Services or 512-482-5346 for assistance complying prior to June 15.

Multifamily ECAD Audit Requirements Postponed

Owners of multifamily facilities requiring an audit by Code Section 6-7-21 are not required to obtain an audit until after the “Stay Home, Work Safe” order is lifted. Austin Energy will provide an updated Energy Guide for Prospective Tenants this summer to properties with an audit on file.

Multifamily facilities applying for a rebate will still need to complete an audit to be eligible for a rebate. Facilities older than 10 years or facilities with an expired exemption do not need to obtain an audit until after October 1, 2020.

Austin Energy program staff are available to assist with temporary changes to the benchmarking and audit guidelines. For further details, contact Austin Energy Efficiency Services or 512-482-5346.

Additional Resources for Businesses and Contractors

In addition, the City of Austin has assistance programs available to businesses currently struggling. The Economic Development Department is offering services for businesses which include free business coaching, emergency planning resources, and a Family Business Loan Program.

For more information on the City's response to this rapidly changing health crisis, please visit austintexas.gov/covid19.