Hello public agencies and partners!
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This month SPEER has begun our celebration for Energy Efficiency Day a bit early. Energy Efficiency Day (EE Day) is on October 7, 2026, and focuses on saving money, cutting pollution, and creating jobs through smarter energy use. EE Day brings together individuals, regional groups, and organizations to highlight energy efficiency as a fast and cost-effective way to meet energy needs and lower utility bills.
Additionally, this year we have partnered with Travis Audubon to promote “Lights Out, Texas”. Travis Audubon participates in the statewide campaign to turn off non-essential nighttime lighting and protect millions of fall migratory birds flying through Central Texas. Statewide there are several ways organizations can help. One way is turning off non-essential lights from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am every night. To learn more about Lights Out, Texas check out their tools.
SPEER is happy to spotlight any organization participating in EE day or “Lights Out, Texas!” Share with us here and we will promote in upcoming newsletters and social media posts.
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In this edition:
- Mark Your Calendar: Events & Webinars
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Spotlight on Coalition Stakeholders: Events & Programs
- Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
| | *Interested in becoming a CELC member? | | |
SPEER Energy Codes Webinar -
Beyond the Data Center: Building the Community Around Data Centers
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September 22 @ 10:30 am
Data centers are among the most efficient buildings ever constructed, yet they are frequently located in rural communities with limited resources for energy code enforcement, plan review, inspections, and workforce development. As these facilities attract rapid residential and commercial growth, hundreds of surrounding buildings, including homes, apartments, schools, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and public facilities, may be constructed without the same focus on energy performance.
This session explores how expanding the sustainability conversation beyond the data center creates lasting environmental, economic, and community benefits.
Register here.
| | Powering the Transition: Building Texas' Clean Energy Workforce | | |
September 30 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
A trained and educated workforce is vital to the growing needs of Texas' new energy standard. Join CleanTX and SPEER on September 30th for a Lunch and Learn in Dallas as we discuss how Texas can meet the demands of energy workforce development, close gaps in training and education, and set a standard that industry believes in.
This session brings together educators, contractors, and industry to talk candidly about how we’re building the talent pipeline: the training and credentialing programs preparing workers today, the apprenticeship and labor standards attached to federally supported projects, and the gaps that still need closing. We’re keeping the format conversational and the panel practical, with plenty of room for audience discussion.
Speakers:
Sponsored by: Bradley
Learn more and register here.
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October 5 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Calling all energy nerds, policy wonks, grid geeks & friends! SPEER is hosting a "HappEE Hour" at Scholz Garten in Austin on October 5th from 4-6 PM to celebrate energy awareness month and Energy Efficiency Day.
No PowerPoints, no panels, just drinks, snacks, good people, and conversations about the energy stuff we all somehow manage to talk about (even when we’re supposed to be off the clock). We hope you’ll come for "one" drink but stay because you’re having too much fun!
Registration is only $15 for SPEER members, $25 for non-members, and if you’re feeling generous there is an option for a joule-tonic sponsorship. Head here for sponsor and registration info. Hope to see you there!
| | Save the Date: Texas Energy Summit 2026 | | |
October 26-28
SPEER is proud to be a promotional partner of the 23rd Annual Texas Energy Summit, taking place from October 26 - 28, 2026, at the Texas Capitol in Austin!
This dynamic event spotlights the intersection of air quality and energy systems, uniting individuals and groups from government, industry, academia, and non-profit organizations to explore and address pressing energy and air quality issues. Sessions include discussions of energy policies & the future, air quality, Texas energy leadership, and more.
You can learn more about the Summit, explore the agenda, and secure your spot here.
| | TEA-UP Spotlight: University of North Texas | | |
We'd like to welcome the University of North Texas to the TEA-UP coalition!
The University of North Texas in Denton brings innovation and sustainability together. Its vibrant campus serves as a living laboratory where students, faculty, and staff explore renewable energy, climate solutions, conservation, and responsible design. Through energy-efficient buildings, greener transportation, and research advancing a resilient future, UNT transforms bold ideas into meaningful action. The university views sustainability not simply as a goal, but as a shared responsibility and an opportunity to improve lives. Rooted in North Texas energy and creativity, UNT prepares Mean Green leaders to power communities, protect natural resources, and shape a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.
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Spotlight on CELC: Coalition Stakeholders Events and Programs
| | Curious about the CELC coalition? Head here to learn more and see a list of current stakeholders! | | SECO HOMES/HEAR Community Event (Spanish) | | |
15 de Septiembre @ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Infórmese, aporte sus comentarios, y manténgase al día sobre estas oportunidades.
La Oficina Estatal de Conservación de Energía (SECO) se encuentra recopilando opiniones de residentes, empresas, y organizaciones sin fines de lucro sobre las prioridades, inquietudes, e ideas de las comunidades texanas relacionadas con los programas de reembolsos para energía en el hogar: Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) y Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR).
Obtenga más información y regístrese.
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Webinar:
ESPC 1.0: Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) in the K-12 Market
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September 17th @ 12:00 pm CT
Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) helps K–12 schools fund critical facility upgrades through verified energy savings. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) are co-hosting an upcoming webinar that will introduce the fundamentals of ESPC and demonstrate how schools, as well as other municipal and state facilities, can benefit from this proven project delivery approach.
Featured panelists include:
- Anisa Heming, U.S. Green Building Council – Center for Green Schools
- Dan Dowell, Johnson Controls
- Christopher McIntyre, Warren County Kentucky Public Schools
Register here.
| | Community Opportunity: Lake Travis Clean Up | | |
September 20th @ 9 a.m. to 11a.m
The Colorado River Alliance and Travis County Parks are excited to host the Lake Travis Cleanup on Sunday, September 20th, from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. This year, the event will take place at more than seven Travis County Parks surrounding Lake Travis as well as dive sites and shoreline neighborhoods. Please join us as we work together to remove trash and debris from the shoreline, surrounding parks, and the lake bottom.
Register here.
| | USGBC Webinar: Community Leadership About Data Centers in Texas | | |
September 24 @ 10:30 - 11:30 am
Speakers:
- Jonathan Kraatz, Executive Director, USGBC Texas Chapter
- Jim Broughton, Chair, Data Center Working Group, USGBC Texas Chapter
Data centers are coming to Texas — all across the state. And constituents and citizens are asking tough questions. This webinar will focus on the top community concerns Texans expressed in five separate surveys conducted across our state.
Register here. (Registration Code: TXDC)
| | Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements | | |
National Laboratory of the Rockies:
Action Plan Template for Local Engagement With Utilities
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NLR has released a new action plan template to help local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations identify, organize, and advance strategic engagement with electric utilities.
The template was designed as part of the Energy to Communities program’s peer learning cohort, Engaging With Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships, and is framed by the lessons learned and resources from the six-month engagement. The tool offers guidance in aligning an entity’s energy goals with utility programs, understanding key stakeholders, planning next steps, and preparing for meaningful collaboration.
Check it out here.
| | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Opportunities | | |
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
Focus: New Technology Implementation Grants for projects that reduce emissions from stationary sources, including advanced pollution, control technologies, electrification, renewable energy, and energy storage systems. Projects may be eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible costs.
Open Date: Currently open; the listed application deadline is September 25, 2026.
More info here.
Focus: Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants for replacing, repowering, or retrofitting older diesel equipment, locomotives, marine vessels, non-road equipment, and other eligible emission sources.
Open Date: Current TERP application cycle; confirm the specific equipment category and deadline before applying.
More info here.
| | Texas Water Development Board: Clean Water State Revolving Fund | | |
Focus: Low-interest loans and potential subsidies for water-quality infrastructure, wastewater improvements, non point-source pollution control, green infrastructure, and eligible stormwater projects.
Open Date: Ongoing funding cycle; application timing and project-ranking deadlines vary.
More info here.
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Career Moves:
Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
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