by Howard 'Scot' Arey, Chair TXSES Board of Directors
Back in April, I shared with you what was happening at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative and its anti-solar policies, approved in December 2020. A recent PEC internal cost-of-service study concluded that its solar members are, on average, paying 17% less than it costs to provide them with electric service. Cost-of-service studies typically analyze a utility’s total costs to provide service to its customers and to allocate those costs. While cost-of-service studies are usually comprehensive documents, this PEC study is not. It is alarmingly thin on data and methodologies that support the allegation that its solar members aren’t paying their fair share. As importantly, nothing in the PEC study quantifies or even considers, the benefits of distributed solar to the cooperative and its members. The resulting proposed rate increases are intended to recapture “lost” revenue from its solar customers. The proposed rates include new demand charges and time-of-use rates for PEC's solar customers.
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By Dub Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, PACE Authority
The demand for solar in Texas is exploding as costs continue to decline and property owners are increasingly aware of solar options that reduce power consumption, demand and enhance resiliency. While solar has both immediate and long-term benefits, the initial capital costs can be a barrier for greater adoption. That is where PACE financing can help!
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San Antonio-based CAM Solar is a solar sales and installation company serving customers in San Antonio, Austin, the Rio Grande Valley and parts of Colorado. They’re also a TXSES Platinum business member. Up-close and personal industry conversations are one of the benefits of a TXSES Platinum Business membership. We recently sat down with Carl Ramsbey, regional sales manager with CAM Solar, to talk about CAM Solar, COVID, winter storm Uri and solar-powered live music.
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By Luke Metzger, Executive Director Environment America
More Texans are going solar every day. Texas currently has enough solar energy capacity installed to power the equivalent of more than one million homes. Yet we’re still not even close to reaching solar’s potential. Every year, enough sunlight shines on Texas to provide 100 times more power than we need. Right now in Texas, we’re thinking too small, failing to update policies that would encourage even more Texans to go solar. We’re also thinking too narrowly, putting the short-term interests of old industries with outdated business models ahead of our health, environment and wellbeing. Case in point: this past legislative session.
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Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio
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Say hello to Tatianna Cannon, Solar Austin's first-ever full-time executive director! While new to solar, Tatiana's extensive non-profit experience in leadership, fundraising, diversity, equity, inclusion generational philanthropy and workplace motivations will help guide Solar Austin in its mission to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy in Central Texas and expand access to the benefits of solar to everyone to build a healthy community and strong local economy. More.
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On June 12, NTREG welcomed the legendary Amory Lovins, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Rocky Mountain Institute for a two-hour conversation about the ongoing profound transformation of our energy infrastructure. Watch it on NTREG's YouTube channel.
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Last month, Eco El Paso hosted its first Tesla Test Drive Saturday. “We had almost 100 folks sign up to test drive an EV in a single day, giving us the opportunity to educate the public on electric vehicles, solar, renewables and sustainability," said Executive Director Shelby Ruff. Because of the test drive’s success, Eco El Paso is partnering with National Drive Electric Week Saturday, September 25, 2021, to raise awareness about the benefits of EV's and plug-in hybrids. Register!
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With its newest officers in place, HREG is kicking off its latest initiatives for the year to align and progress the Houston Climate Action Plan. Through an educational approach in K-12 and community education, coupled with a Renewable Energy and Sustainability career fair, HREG is poised to make an impact in Houston's future. For more information on how to support and be a part of the team, join us on the third Tuesday of every month! More.
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To date, BSAG's green building program has certified over 12,170 projects and was selected this year by the EPA for the 2021 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award! "We've seen a seasonal uptick in local interest in solar this past month and have been connecting them with local installers through our Bring Solar Home program," says Program Administrator Kaylyn Randolph. More.
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Keep up with the latest news about TXSES' solar impact in Texas
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With more than 29 million Texans in 254 counties, we need your help to make sure ALL Texans know about solar's many benefits. Find out how you can be part of our regional chapters family today!
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These organizations generously support TXSES' work to raise awareness of the value and benefits of solar energy that will support ambitious clean energy, enhance grid resilience and reliability and build strong equitable solar communities.
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For nearly three decades, Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) has cultivated innovation in green building to raise standards for energy efficiency, water quality and conservation, indoor environmental quality, site development and material resources.
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Since 1992, EarthShare of Texas has supported more than 40 Texas conservation and environmental non-profits like TXSES. We couldn't do what we do without their support.
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About TXSES
For more than four decades, TXSES has been the pre-eminent statewide organization
developing free thought-leading, independent, fact-based information and quality educational materials that inspire innovation, share best practices, and inform decision-makers on the critical importance of sound, favorable solar policies that will grow the industry, protect clean air, build healthy, resilient communities, support local, well-paying jobs and lay the foundation for energy independence. www.txses.org
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