Where are Austin Energy’s financials?

When Austin Energy releases its financial and performance reports to City Council, the reports become a matter of public record and should, therefore, be easily accessible to the public. However, Commissioner Michael Osborne pointed out at the May 21 Electric Utility Commission meeting that the comprehensive performance report has not been published on the Austin Energy website since 2015. “We’re three years behind on those now,” he said. Likewise, he noted that the quarterly financial reports do not have up-to-date postings. “That’s not consistent with the kind of utility Austin Energy wants to be,” explained Osborne. “I think the mark of good government is it communicates to the people what the numbers are, and what I see is a movement away from that, and that concerns me.” Chair Cary Ferchill pointed out that posting the financial reports is “something we could do ourselves,” since the commission receives them from staff. Osborne has brought up the matter at the last three commission meetings and has not received a response. Commissioner Karen Hadden echoed his concern and supported pushing for a resolution to get the financials posted online.