Hello CELC members and partners!

April is Earth Month — a time to reflect on how communities can advance sustainability, resilience, and practical local action. This month, we’re sharing upcoming events, member highlights, funding resources, and professional opportunities to support clean energy progress across Texas. And for a seasonal reminder of nature’s resilience, check out the Wildflower Center’s owl hatchling, Athena.

In this edition:

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming CELC Events
Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
Funding and Resource Opportunities
Professional Development and Job Opportunities

*Interested in becoming a CELC member?

Learn more

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming CELC Events

South Central Climate Resilience Forum 2026

April 16@ 9-11:30 am

San Antonio, TX

Join SPEER at the South Central Climate Resilience Forum for a panel on resilience, energy, and local leadership.

Check out the full program and learn more about the event here.

The Capacity Challenge: Collaborative Strategies for Texas Load Growth

April 21 @ 2-6 pm

Scholz Garten, Austin

Join SPEER & CleanTX for a dynamic Workshop & Happy Hour exploring how smart Texas policy and residential efficiency can bring new energy demand online faster and more affordably. Connect with industry leaders and peers as we break down real strategies to meet growing load without overburdening the grid. Stick around after for drinks, networking, and a lively conversation on the future of energy in Texas.

Sponsored by:

Speakers:

Doug Lewin, Energy Market Development, Google
Paden Williams, Advisory Associate, Aurora Energy Research
Doug Presley, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, AnnDyl Policy Group
Tiffany Wu, Consultant, McAdams Energy Group
Ken Donohoo, Principal, Owl Electric Reliability Consulting
Danielle Murray, Consultant, Electric Power Engineers
Matthew Boms, Executive Director, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance
More to be announced!

As data centers and hyperscalers drive unparalleled electricity demand in Texas, utilities face mounting pressure to connect new load faster than traditional grid infrastructure can be planned and built. The need for innovative, near-term solutions is urgent.

ICC CEU’s will be provided. Spots are limited - register today!

CELC Webinar - Empowering Tomorrow: Strategies for Success in Clean Energy Workforce Development

April 23 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

This webinar will present strategies of successful workforce development programs, including CenterPoint Energy’s Talent Acquisition program, TRC’s workforce development initiatives, and NYSERDA’s diverse workforce development and training programming. Attendees will learn how these organizations are leading the way in developing talent, fostering a skilled workforce, and advancing the clean energy future. Join to hear about clean energy workforce opportunities in Texas and beyond.

Moderator:

Angel Moreno, Director, TRC

Presenters:

Laura Giannini, Director, TRC
Tom Rooney, Vice President, TRC
Kimberley Murphy, Director Talent Acquisition, CenterPoint Energy

CELC Webinar: Utility-Sponsored Energy Efficiency Programs in Texas

April 30 @ 12:00 pm

Learn about utility-sponsored programs in Texas designed to help commercial and industrial customers reduce energy demand and implement cost-effective efficiency upgrades. This webinar will provide an overview of different utility energy efficiency programs and eligible projects, available incentives, and how to take advantage of these programs.

Speakers:

Jillian McFarland, Program Manager, Frontier Energy
Scott Wishart, Senior Program Consultant, Frontier Energy

CELC Virtual Coffee Hour

May 5 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Join fellow CELC members for a 10-minute presentation on boosting energy efficiency in our communities followed by an open group discussion and thought sharing. Learn more on our event page and see our current CELC members.

Presenter: Noah Oaks, Senior Policy Manager SPEER

Registration: Sign up as a CELC member to receive the invitation. *CELC members can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.

TRACS 2026 Summit: SPEER Video Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for three days of connection, learning, and inspiration centered on campus sustainability. We’re so grateful to our planning committee, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making this event so meaningful.

Check out SPEER's video recap. See y'all next year!

TEA-UP Coalition Quarterly Meeting

May 7 @10-11 am

Join the upcoming quarterly meeting for updates, collaboration, and member announcements.

Virtual meeting link here.

Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates

New Member Spotlight

We'd like to welcome three new members to CELC:

Curious about CELC membership? Head here to learn more and see a list of current members!

Austin Energy Green by Design Workshops

Wednesdays: April 8, 15, and 22 @ 7:00–9:00 pm

Austin, TX

A free in-person workshop series on building and remodeling sustainable, efficient homes.

Houston Permitting Center Workshop Series: Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Buildings

April 16 @ 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Houston Permitting Center

Featuring: SPEER’s Senior Manager of Building Performance, Randy Plumlee

Learn how City of Houston requirements apply to building design, including HVAC efficiency, filtration, and site planning strategies.

More info and registration here.

UT Austin & SECO Present Pizza & Politics: The Future of AI in the Lone Star State

Friday, April 17

Location: CMA 2.306

Audience Doors: 4:30pm

Lecture Start: 5:00pm

Discussion End: 6:30pm

How will AI shape our water and energy future in Texas?

Experience a live, thought-provoking lecture and Q&A with Dr. Michael E. Webber as he explores “The Future of AI in the Lone Star State,” and how artificial intelligence is transforming energy, water, and sustainability across Texas. This special event will be filmed by Alpheus Media for Season 3 of Power Trip: The Story of Energy and a new Texas-focused documentary premiering in fall 2026. Be part of the live audience, enjoy free food courtesy of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, and experience a behind-the-scenes moment in the making of a nationally broadcast production.

This event is made possible through the support of the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, in partnership with the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin.