Hello public agencies and partners!
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As we roll into our new fiscal year, there have been some program changes for public and private agencies. Some of those changes have created opportunities for organizations to have new perspectives on approaching programs. I would like to shine a light on events where we get to learn, get inspired and share; this month has several conferences in the state and nationally.
For those of you who work in higher education, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference kicked off this month with several fellow Texans sharing their knowledge to further initiatives. Additionally, in two weeks the American Solar Energy Society will host their SOLAR 2026 Conference, and to end the month at the Texas State Capital, the Texas Energy Summit.
Find more information about all of these conferences, including complimentary registrations and discounts, in this newsletter.
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In this edition:
- PUCT Fall Energy Efficiency Updates
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Mark Your Calendar: Events & Webinars
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Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Spotlight on Coalition Stakeholders: Events & Programs
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Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
| | *Interested in becoming a CELC member? | |
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)
Fall Energy Efficiency Updates
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Braiding & Stacking: Stakeholder Input Requested:
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on potential braiding and stacking of energy efficiency programs impacted by Inflation Reduction Act funding.
Please submit responses to provided braiding and stacking questions by November 6, 2026 in Project No. 56768.
Additional Due Dates:
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October 21, 2026: Deadline to file comments on the IOU Energy Efficiency Report in Project No. 38578.
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October 21, 2026: Deadline to file comments on the Program Year 2027 Texas Technical Reference Manual (TRM) in Project No. 56768.
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November 13, 2026: Utility deadline to file responses to the recommendations and next steps listed in the IOU Energy Efficiency Report, in Project No. 59166.
Forum Follow-Up:
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Access the Fall Energy Efficiency Forum recording.
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Share Forum feedback and access PUCT energy efficiency info.
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Find Forum presentations in item numbers 183 – 185 on the Interchange.
| | American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Solar 2026 Conference | | |
October 19 - 21
Austin, TX
This conference brings the solar community together to accelerate the adoption of solar energy as the solution for providing our buildings, homes, and communities with clean, locally-produced electricity, and for making our energy infrastructure more resilient and reliable, under rapidly-growing energy demand.
- 50% off for volunteers (using code VOLUNTEER50)
- Students receive 70% off using code STUDENT
More info and registration here.
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CELC/Lights Out, Texas! Webinar -
The Case for Lights Out: Conservation and Energy Efficiency Partnership
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October 22 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lights Out is a simple, practical action that can help protect migrating birds while reducing unnecessary energy use. This introductory webinar will launch a partnership between Texas Audubon and the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), bringing together conservation and energy-efficiency perspectives.
Chloe Crumley, Audubon Texas Public Affairs and Engagement Manager with the National Audubon Society, and Shaun Marie Auckland, Senior Manager of Government and Community Engagement at SPEER, will discuss the connection between bird conservation, energy efficiency, and collaborative action through the Lights Out campaign.
Participants will learn why nighttime lighting poses risks to migrating birds, how reducing unnecessary lighting can support energy-efficiency goals, and how businesses, building owners, institutions, and communities can take meaningful action. Together, Texas Audubon and SPEER will highlight opportunities to create safer skies, more efficient buildings, and stronger conservation partnerships.
Register here.
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October 23 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Focus: Share energy-saving basics, and highlight how small operational changes reduce cost.
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 part of the coalition to receive the invitation.
*Current coalition stakeholders can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reccurring meeting invitation.
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October 26-28
We’re excited to let you know that State/Local and Public Sector Employees have a chance to attend the Texas Energy Summit! The Energy Systems Laboratory will fund a limited number of complimentary registrations for State/Local and Public Sector employees. If you fall into one of these categories, please don’t wait – register today! If you are an employee of these sectors and have already registered and paid, don’t worry – the Texas Energy Summit team has already initiated refunds for your registration fees (please allow up to 14 days for the refund to post).
If you’re planning to attend, feel free to contact me at cities@eepartnership.org so we can connect!
Make sure to catch my presentation during the breakout session "Advancing Air Quality for Cleaner Air & Healthier Communities," Tuesday, October 27th from 3:05 - 4:00 pm!
You can learn more about the Summit, explore the agenda, and secure your spot here.
| | TRACS and TEA-UP Partners Share Campus Sustainability Work at AASHE | | |
Congratulations to the TRACS Executive Committee members and TEA-UP partners who presented at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference. The multi-day event brought together more than 800 attendees from across North America and beyond to share best practices, explore innovative strategies, and advance sustainability on campus.
Presenters included:
- Richard Johnson, Senior Executive Director for Sustainability, Rice University
- Andee Chamberlain, Energy and Water Conservation Manager, Texas State University
- Kelly Wellman, Sustainability Director, Texas A&M University
- C. Griffith, Student Engagement Coordinator, UT Austin
- Jeremy San Miguel, Assistant Director for Sustainability at UTRGV
- Caroline Gamble, Campus Environmental Center Coordinator, UT Austin Office of Sustainability
- Kristianna Bowles, Associate Director for Sustainability, Rice University
Learn more about the AASHE conference here.
| | TEA-UP Coalition Quarterly Meetings | | |
The Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) is a coalition, created to make a meaningful impact in the world of energy advocacy and sustainability in higher education. We would like to give a voice to higher education sustainability implementers and energy managers in leading the conversation and provide a platform to convene.
Our meetings are designed to be engaging and informative. Each one-hour session will begin with a 10-20 minute presentation by a guest speaker.
Register as a TEA-UP partner to attend here.
Save the Date: 2027 TRACS Summit, February 28th - March 2nd!
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Spotlight on CELC: Coalition Stakeholders Events and Programs
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Population Size: 42,002
Joined CELC: July 2026
Schertz’s main residential energy program is the Schertz Home Energy Efficiency Program (SHEEP). It helps eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners with upgrades intended to reduce energy use and improve home comfort. Possible improvements include duct repair or sealing, efficient appliances, insulation, programmable thermostats, and LED lighting. Work depends on the home’s needs, city approval, and available funding.
Does your organization or city have an initiative you would like to highlight and share with coalition stakeholders? Let us know!
| | SECO HOMES/HEAR Community Event (Spanish) | | |
October 20 @ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) programs implementer APTIM are hosting one more upcoming meeting this month soliciting stakeholder feedback.
There will be an informational community event in Spanish on October 20th at 6:30 pm.
More info & registration here.
| | Curious about the CELC coalition? Head here to learn more and see a list of current stakeholders! | | Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements | | Case Study: Reusing Air Conditioning Condensate at Rice University | | Turning an untapped byproduct into a reliable water supply for campus cooling. Read more. | |
Career Moves:
Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
| | Now Open: Applications for ULI Awards for Excellence | | |
Early Bird Deadline: Monday, January 25, 2027
The ULI Awards for Excellence has recognized superior development efforts in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Winning projects and programs represent the highest standards of achievement in the real estate industry and are selected by a jury of ULI members.
Apply here.
| | Nominations Open: 2027 ULI Prize for Visionaries | | |
Deadline for nominations: Monday, December 7, 2026
ULI awards the $100,000 prize every year to one or more living persons who, individually or as a representative(s) of their organization, have been on the cutting edge—employing innovative processes, techniques, strategies, and insights to encourage and to achieve the highest quality in development practices.
Head here for more information.
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