Update on Power Outage, Cleanup, and Our Next Steps

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Subject: Update on Power Outage, Cleanup, and Our Next Steps

Storm-Related Power Outage, Cleanup, and Next Steps

Last week’s storm was the third-worst in Austin’s history. District 10’s Northwest Hills neighborhood was one of the city’s hardest-hit areas, with scores of trees and power damaged by an 80-mile-per-hour microburst. It was also the site of one of Austin Energy’s most complex repairs, requiring access to many private properties and replacement of multiple power poles.

This was the latest of several catastrophic weather events Austin has endured in recent years, and it won’t be the last. Local residents and the public servants they employ have worked together to overcome all of them, and I’m confident we’ll continue to work effectively in the future.

Having said that, last week’s storm exposed several shortcomings I’m determined to address.

Based on data from Austin Energy and recent conversations with residents, I’ve identified three key areas for improvement:

Communication: When severe weather and power outages occur, how can Austin Energy and other city departments communicate more effectively with residents?
Infrastructure: What can we learn from other energy providers, like SoCal Edison, about the “hardening” of our power poles, lines, and other infrastructure against wind, fire, and other events?
Reliability: What are the most effective investments we can make today to help avoid future power outages?

Austin Energy handled many aspects of the latest outage well, but I’m committed to working with the agency and my Council colleagues to ensure our infrastructure is safe, resilient, and prepared for whatever the future may hold.

Please contact my office district10@austintexas.gov with any questions or concerns.

Managing Downed Trees and Limbs

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is collecting storm debris from last week's weather event and has hired contractors to speed up its efforts. Crews are collecting debris seven days a week. ARR uses different equipment to collect limbs of different sizes, so material that’s left behind may soon be collected by another vehicle.

Residents should call 3-1-1 to request collection of large branches and limbs that were downed by the storm. ARR customers who have already requested storm debris collection through 3-1-1 do not need to call again.
Place small branches and yard trimmings into your green composting cart, lawn and leaf bags, or a reusable container. The cart’s lid should be fully closed, and you should set it out on your next scheduled collection day.
Small branches that do not fit into your green composting cart with the lid closed should be stacked into curbside piles. These piles should be no heavier than 30 pounds.
ARR typically collect the contents of your green cart and up to 15 extra items placed beside the cart. These limits will be temporarily waived for customers who need storm debris collected.

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Subject: Update on Power Outage, Cleanup, and Our Next Steps