Hello public agencies and partners!
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We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday earlier this month. This summer, SPEER is not slowing down in advancing our mission for energy efficiency. Start with our new blog, Utility Efficiency Programs: The Most Cost Effective Way to Address Peak Demand Now, which explores load growth projections and practical solutions available today.
In addition to informing, SPEER also convenes stakeholders to support progress across Texas communities. Led by CAPCOG in partnership with SPEER, the upcoming Powering Texas Energy Strategies: Summer Workshop Series is designed to respond directly to the interests, needs, and challenges facing Central Texas communities as they strengthen energy and water management strategies.
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In this edition:
- Powering Texas Energy Strategies: Summer Workshop Series
- Action Needed: Seeking Survey Responses for Energy Management Interest
- Registration Open: Building Operator Certification Fall 2026 Course
- Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming CELC Events
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Spotlight on Coalition Stakeholders: Events & Programs
- Resources to Accelerate Your Air Quality & Energy Improvements
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
| | *Interested in becoming a CELC member? | |
Powering Texas Energy Strategies: Summer Workshop Series
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SPEER is partnering with the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to host a summer workshop series for stakeholders involved in water and energy conservation in Central Texas.
Supported by funding from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), this insightful series will highlight practical strategies, funding opportunities, and resources to help Central Texas communities strengthen energy and water management efforts.
We encourage you to attend if you are local government staff, elected officials, facility and operations personnel, sustainability staff, planners, water and infrastructure professionals, emergency management and resilience staff, community leaders, and others interested in conservation efforts in Central Texas.
Head over to our event calendar to save your spot!
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Action Needed:
Seeking Survey Responses for Energy Management Interest
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The Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) was recently awarded funding from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to help provide assistance to local governments for energy and water conservation efforts.
CAPCOG, in partnership with SPEER, is conducting a central Texas survey to identify specific regional energy management interests, needs, priorities, capacities, and potentials for use in development of program partners, activities, and scope. This survey will gather input from community members and stakeholders to determine the interests and critical needs across the region.
Please complete this survey by July 17.
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Registration Open:
Building Operator Certification Fall 2026 Course
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Registration is officially open for SPEER's Fall 2026 Building Operator Certification (BOC) Course!
The course will run from August 4th - November 12th, and registration will close July 24th at 5:00 PM CST.
Review the course syllabus here, and learn more about the BOC Training Program here.
| | CELC Webinar: Illuminated Insights - A Lighting Provider Power Hour | | |
July 16 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Speakers:
Join SPEER for a fast-paced, interactive Lighting Systems Provider Showcase designed to spark new ideas and connect you with industry leaders. The session kicks off with quick-fire, 5-minute presentations from lighting experts—giving you the highlights you need, fast.
After a brief transition, dive deeper in 20-minute breakout rooms where you can ask questions, explore solutions, and collaborate with peers. We’ll wrap with a short closing session to leave you energized and informed.
Register here.
| | CELC Webinar - Green Warriors 2024 Pilot: a Model for Weatherization, Workforce Development and Communities | | |
July 23 @ 11:00 AM
Speaker:
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Erick C. Jones Jr., Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Arlington
This webinar highlights the Green Warriors 2024 Pilot, a South Dallas initiative led by UTA’s SEAR Lab with community and city partners to address challenges in various communities.
The pilot weatherized seven homes while training local residents through the City of Dallas Green Job Skills Program in building science and weatherization.
The session will explore what these results mean for workforce development and the scaling of community-based weatherization programs in Dallas and beyond.
Register here.
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August 4 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Organization: City of Austin
Presenter: Mary Priddy
Focus: Austin Green Business Leaders
Join fellow CELC coalition stakeholders for an hour filled with peer learning, including 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.
Registration: Sign up to be apart of the coalition to receive the invitation. *Current coalition stakeholders can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.
| | TEA-UP Coalition 4th Quarterly Meeting | | |
July 22 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Join SPEER’s TEA-UP Coalition for our upcoming Quarterly Meeting—featuring expert insights, updates on TEA-UP’s annual goals, and space for member announcements and collaboration.
Register here.
| | American Solar Energy Society (ASES) | | |
ASES is coming to Austin on October 19-21, 2026. Join SPEER and other industry and renewable energy professionals as well as students and advocates from across the country in Texas, where we have long been a leader in solar innovation and adoption.
Session topics include: How Datacenters are Reshaping Energy Demand, Strengthening the Grid with Solar, and Building Solutions, Grid Resilience, and Emerging Technologies. See the full agenda here.
Students can get 70% off registration. Email cities@eepartnership.org for the code.
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Spotlight on Coaltion Stakeholders: Events and Programs
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New Stakeholder Spotlight
Please join us in welcoming two new stakeholders to CELC:
Curious about the coalition? Head here to learn more and see a list of current stakeholders!
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NCTCOG Webinar: Energy Efficiency in Codes
July 28 @ 10:30 - 11:30 am
Randy Plumlee, SPEER's Senior Manager of Building Performance, will speak on behalf of NCTCOG’s Energy and Green Advisory Board and provide an overview of building and energy codes as well as review code discussions and recommendations from the Regional Codes Coordinating Council surrounding energy efficiency.
Participants will also hear from Gary McCoy, Blink Energy Services, on how their organization utilizes codes to advance energy efficiency in buildings. Following presentations, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with speakers.
Register here.
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AACOG Backup Battery Bootcamp
July 23 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join the Alamo Area Council of Governments for a bootcamp that will dive into all things backup battery power, giving local governments the technical assistance, tax incentives, and funding opportunities they need to strengthen resilience and keep essential services running during emergency situations.
Location: 2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78217. Virtual option available.
Register here.
| | Resources to Accelerate Your Air Quality & Energy Improvements | | City of Dallas Community Air Management Program (DCAMP) | | New Technology Implementation Grant Program (NTIG) | | |
Focus: $16.5 million total funding is available for local individuals, state and local governments, corporations, or any other legal entities who own or operate a stationary source (facility) located in Texas. Eligible project categories include:
- Electricity storage projects for renewable energy
- New technology stationary source projects
- New technology oil and gas projects
Closing date: September 25, 2026.
Head here for more information.
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Career Moves:
Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
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