KLRU, KUT-FM and The Austin American Statesman are partnering to present Austin @ Issue: Energy For the Future on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. This 30-minute special features a discussion of Austin’s proposed long-range 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. Duncan talks in-depth about the plan followed by a discussion, moderated by Alberta Phillips from The Austin American Statesman, featuring:

• 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 Mose Buchele from KUT-FM and Marty Toohey and Asher Price from The Austin American Statesman about the issues surrounding the plan. 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.