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Join SPEER's Free 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. 

Well-trained staff can deliver better services to the community, increasing community satisfaction and achieving cost savings through improved resource allocation. 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. 

Local Government Energy Reporting

The deadline to submit reports is March 4, 2024. An entity that does not attain the established goals must justify in their annual report to SECO that the entity has already implemented all cost efficiency measures. The Texas Health and Safety Code §388.005(c) requires each political subdivision in a non-attainment area or an affected county to establish a goal to reduce electric consumption by at least five percent each state fiscal year. Each political subdivision, institution of higher education, or state agency must submit a report annually to SECO regarding the entity's progress and efforts to meet the five percent annual reduction goal.

Grant and Technical Assistance Opportunities

Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Consortium

Grid Deployment Office (GDO) released the Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Consortium. This funding opportunity is to provide technical assistance for grid resilience planning and decision-making to accelerate the analysis of regional climate change threats and impacts on electric grid infrastructure. The initial grant opportunity of up to $2 million announced today will support the formation of a regional consortium made up of universities, non-profits, and industry organizations that will enable GDO’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant recipients to leverage existing models, tools, and methodologies that would allow rapid decision-making to prioritize investments for impactful community benefits. 

The deadline for applications for potential consortium members closes at 5:00 p.m. ET on February 15, 2024.

Upcoming CELC Events

Driving Sustainable Change: Annual Update on the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition

Join us for an insightful webinar/roundtable as we provide a comprehensive annual update on the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC). As we navigate the evolving landscape of community development and sustainable practices, CELC continues to drive positive change.

Overview:

- Explore the significant milestones achieved by CELC over the past year, showcasing successful projects and initiatives that have contributed to community development and efficiency.

Impact on Sustainable Practices

- Discuss the collaborative efforts and partnerships that CELC has forged to strengthen its impact, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in achieving shared goals.

- Get an exclusive preview of CELC's upcoming projects and initiatives, offering insights into how the coalition will further enhance community efficiency and sustainability.

Presenters:

Liz John- Operations Director

Shaun Auckland- Local Government Program Manager

S.E.E. Your Future Career Day

Join SPEER at St. Philip’s College for KLRN’s third annual Smart Energy Education (S.E.E.) Your Future Career Day, a STEM-Focused Career Day Event, on Saturday, February 24! During this event San Antonio's KLRN seeks organizations aligned with STEM, career readiness, and trades around STEM-focused work. Come and share more about your STEM-focused organization and your career at this event as a vendor or career day speaker, and/or by leading a STEM activity for students of all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend this free, in-person event and you can expect family-friendly STEM activities, career day speakers, STEM education resources for all ages, and more!

Find more details below and on our event calendar:

• Date: February 24, 2024
• Time: 1pm - 4pm
• Vendor set up: 12pm-1pm and Tear down: 4pm-5pm
• Event Address: St. Philip's College, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive, San Antonio, TX 78203
• Contact us: rsalinas@klrn.org ; education@klrn.org

SPEER's YouTube Channel Reaches 1,000+ Subscribers!

Thanks to everyone who helped us reach over 1,000 subscribers for our YouTube channel! We're thrilled to be able to create this value resource filled with over 160 recordings of past webinar and training offerings which cover a wide range of in-depth efficiency and sustainability topics. Head over and and dive into vital energy and efficiency issues such as energy codes, sustainability, policy updates, HVAC systems and more.

Newsletter Archives

Missed our last policy edition newsletter covering important grid and energy topics including ERCOT Cancels Additional Winter Capacity RFP, Public Utility Commission of Texas' TX Energy Fund, and the Railroad Commission Energy Conservation Program Rulemaking? Review past local government, energy code, and policy newsletters here where you can also update your email distribution list preferences.

What We're Reading

Making the of the Federal Home Energy Rebates - Advanced Energy United

"Putting the Pieces Together for a Reliable, Affordable, and Sustainable Grid" - Texas Energy and Power Newsletter

Lithium-ion battery prices hit record low, drop 14% from 2022 - Utility Dive

How Facility Management’s Key Role in Historic Preservation Can Forward the Circular Economy- Buildings.