View in webpage

Highlighting Great Work

Renew America's Schools Grant: AISD Selected

Congrats to AISD who's the only district in the state chosen for the federal grant, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Renew America's Schools program. The Renew America's Schools grant is the flagship funding opportunity of the Renew America's Schools Program. This competitive award focuses on funding infrastructure upgrades at K -12 public school facilities, prioritizing high-need school communities. The Austin school district plans to install solar panels on 16 campuses after being awarded a U.S. Department of Energy grant to build more energy-efficient infrastructure at its facilities. The project, which could cost up to $15 million, is meant to reduce costs, lower the district's carbon footprint, and educate students on energy efficiency. According to the federal government, the Austin district was one of 24 districts nationwide — and the only one in Texas — to receive an energy grant.

Oklahoma- U.S. Department of Energy Announces $3 Million to Transition Tribal Colleges and Universities to Clean Energy.

Tribal Colleges and Universities play an integral role in cultivating Native American leaders and their respective communities. These investments will provide local sustainable solutions, reducing costs and reliance of fossil fuels. Specifically, these cost-shared projects, valued at nearly $3.4 million will reduce energy costs for these colleges by more than $1.6 million over the life of the systems and provide a training platform for a culturally relevant, clean energy curriculum.

To find out more check out the Tribal Energy Projects Database.

Local Government Grant Opportunities

State Energy Conservation Grants

The Public ISD Interior and Exterior LED Lighting Retrofits RFA provides reimbursable grants to assist eligible K-12 public school districts by financing energy-related lighting cost-reduction retrofits.

The Rural and Community Hospitals Interior and Exterior LED Lighting Retrofits RFA provides reimbursable grants to assist eligible taxpayer-supported hospitals by financing energy-related lighting cost-reduction retrofits.

Partnership Grant: 

Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships

The $10.8 billion grant aims to transform the U.S. electric grid for increased resilience and innovation, prioritize energy justice in infrastructure development, and catalyze private sector and non-federal public capital for impactful technology and infrastructure deployment. More information here

Deadline: Concept papers are due January 4, 2024.

Affordable, Energy-Efficient Housing for Renters

ACEEE will provide no-cost technical assistance to 10 local governments and community organizations, aiding efforts to enhance energy efficiency in rental homes and maintain housing affordability.

Apply by January 5th

Grant Funding: Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers for All

Grants ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million will fund inclusive training and workforce support, with applications welcome from nonprofits and government agencies.

Apply by January 19th

Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) Conference

AESP is delighted to welcome the SPEER community to be a part of its 2024 Annual Conference this February in San Antonio, TX. At this year's conference, the focus is on community powered resilient energy. From efficiency, heat pumps, and EVs to distributed solar and storage, we are working toward a grid that rises to the challenges of climate change, extreme weather, societal pressures, and more. We hope you'll join us on February 5-8, 2024 in San Antonio. Early bird discounts end on 12/19 so register now!

Job Opportunities

We are hiring! SPEER is looking for a Communications Coordinator who will be instrumental in continuing to implement our program initiatives and grow our organization as we aim to expand energy efficiency resources in our region and improve the environment and quality of life for all. 

Think you have what it takes to join our incredible team, or know someone who might be interested? Learn more about the position.

Policy Advisor, Harris County

Local Government Training Working Group

SPEER is developing training for local governments to use as a resource for staff transitions and provide in-depth information on workforce development initiatives to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the energy and sustainability sector. Modules in this training program will focus on energy efficiency, federal/state rules, and sustainability methods and establishing a dedicated platform to ensure accessibility and effectiveness. Participants will acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to their roles in local government and will receive preparation for responding to emergencies, economic shifts, and changing demographics.

Local government entities will become more efficient in delivering services through streamlined processes and better resource management, resulting in cost savings and improved resource allocation. Well-trained staff can deliver better services to the community, increasing community satisfaction. This can make employees feel more connected to the positive impact they have, enhancing their job satisfaction and desire to stay. This cohort will run from January – August 2024. Interested in learning more and participating? We invite you to fill out our interest form. 

Upcoming Events

Public Webinars on Achieving Health and Environmental Protection Through EPA’s Meaningful Involvement Policy

EPA is seeking public input on the “Achieving Health and Environmental Protection through EPA’s Meaningful Involvement Policy”. EPA will be hosting three public informational webinars to provide an overview of the policy and to allow the public to ask questions.

·       December 20, 7 PM (ET) – Webinar #1 Register Here

·       January 10, 5 PM (ET) – Webinar #2 Register Here

·       January 11, 6 PM (ET) – Webinar #3 Register Here

Webinar Archives

SPEER's YouTube channel has 160+ videos of past webinar and training offerings which cover a wide range of in-depth efficiency and sustainability topics. Dive into our recordings and we invite you to subscribe to our channel! Below are our most popular and viewed videos:

• Residential HVAC Load Calculations
• 2023 and Beyond... HVAC Government Regulations
• Residential HVAC Overview and Flex Duct Basics

What We're Reading

NREL and its State, Local, and Tribal Program has released its annual Accomplishments Report. 

Texas PUC delays vote on ERCOT battery rules amid concerns standards are 'discriminatory'

- Utility Dive

Houston's New Building Codes Are a Win For the Climate - Texas Living Waters

Toolkit Shows How Energy Efficiency Programs Can Reach More Underserved Households - ACEEE