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In this newsletter:
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SPEER is Hitting the Road: See where we're speaking
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Upcoming Webinar: Texas 88th Legislature Wrap-Up for Local Governments
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SPEER's Annual Industry Workshop: September 14-15
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Energy Efficiency Day: Save the date
- DOE now accepting applications for IRA's Home Energy Rebate programs (HOMES ACT)
- ERCOT Sets New Peak Demand
- What We're Reading
| SPEER is hitting the Road | |
SPEER's Local Government Manager, Shaun, is presenting alongside the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) for the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)'s Buildings Committee Webinar on State-Led Building Performance Standard and Clean Energy Target Adoption on August 3rd.
We'll discuss meaningful engagement with local governments through our City Efficiency Leadership Council (CELC) program to develop climate and energy goals and implementation plans for their buildings sector. Join us and register here.
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Our State & Local Policy Manager, Noah, will be providing a brief presentation on energy efficiency at the Gulf Coast Power Association's 38th Annual Fall Conference & Exhibition on October 4th. Following his presentation there will be a panel discussion hosted by Interim Chair Jackson and several energy experts discussing the need to increase energy efficiency programs in the state. Texas has fallen behind other states regarding energy efficiency and demand response.
Are large customers the only ones benefiting from demand response programs and is anyone focusing on reducing or managing residential consumption? Consider joining us at the leading electric power conference for the ERCOT/Gulf Coast region to find out the answers to these questions and more.
| Randy Plumlee, SPEER's Energy Code Manager will be representing SPEER at the North Texas Facilities Expo on October 4-5, where facility engineers, facility managers, energy managers, and others from a wide variety of industries will come together to learn and discuss the latest on lighting, controls, roofing, electrical systems and so much more surrounding green building. Registration is free - so don't miss out on this learning opportunity, network with industry peers, and stop by Randy's booth (#325) to say hello! View the agenda and learn more. | |
SPEER's Executive Director, Todd McAlister, will be joining the other Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations (REEOs) for the Regional Roundup Plenary Panel at ACEEE's 2023 National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource in Philadelphia on October 16–18 to discuss energy efficiency, how policies can expand and evolve amid a transforming utility industry, upcoming opportunities, and big advances arising in the next couple of years. View the schedule to learn more and register here! Panelists include:
- Todd McAlister, South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource
- Erin Cosgrove, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
- TBD, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Justin Brant, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
- Becca Yates, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Joe Desmond, California Efficiency + Demand Management Council
- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
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Upcoming Webinar:
Texas 88th Legislature Wrap-Up for Local Governments
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Austin, Texas | Archer Hotel
September 14-15, 2023
Space is filling up and so is our incredible lineup. Register now to save your spot at this year's Industry + Policy Workshop as energy experts discuss the changing energy landscape in our region and across the country covering recent trends in the adoption of the 2021 IECC, local government energy needs, heat pumps and policies surrounding adoption, and energy efficiency programs in our region. We'll also dive into the importance of building codes, grid resilience, DERs, federal funding, and much more.
Cost:
SPEER members are free
Non-member $129
Book your room through our room block now.
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Thursday, September 14
10:00-12:00 TECCC Meeting & Board Meeting
12:00-1:00 Lunch Sponsored by Daikin
1:00-1:45 Welcome + Heat Pump Working Group Panel Sponsored by Daikon & Mitsubishi
⦿ Daikin
⦿ Kevin DeMaster, Mitsubishi
⦿ Julia Emerson, TRC
⦿ Will Lange, WaterFurnace
1:45-2:30 Local Government Energy Needs: Statewide Survey Assessment Results
⦿ Darien Clary, Austin ISD
⦿ Steve Stelzer, City of Houston
⦿ University of Texas at Arlington
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:45 Federal Funding
⦿ Crystal Perkins, U.S. Department of Energy
3:45-4:30 Gas Efficiency
4:30-5:00 Texas PACE Authority (TPA) 10-Year Anniversary: Successes
⦿ Charlene Heydinger, TPA
5:00-7:00 Reception (Sponsored by TPA!) + Networking Dinners
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Friday, September 15
8-8:45 Breakfast
8:30 Kick Off + Welcome
⦿ Interim Chair Jackson, PUCT
8:45-9:30 Equity + Weatherization
⦿ Andrew Robison, TEPRI
⦿ TDHCA: TX Department of Housing and Community Affairs
9:30-10:15 Utility Panel
⦿ Lark Lee, Tetra Tech
⦿ Derek Neumann, Frontier Energy
10:15-10:30 Coffee Break
10:30-11:15 Energy Codes: Recent trends in the adoption of the 2021 IECC across TX, OK, and the US
⦿ Randy Plumlee, SPEER
⦿ Jason Vandever, NAIMA
11:15-12:15 Energy Efficiency in Oklahoma: Overview of current energy programs
⦿ Kylah McNabb, Vesta Strategic Solutions, LLC
⦿ Amanda Marcott-Thottunkal, Oklahoma Department of Commerce
12:15- 1:00 Lunch Sponsored by Texas Energy Engineering Services Inc (TEESI)
1:00-2:00 88th Texas Legislative Session Recap: Successes and Takeaways
⦿ Noah Oaks, SPEER
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BIG thank you to our sponsors: You make our work possible!
We invite your organization to consider becoming a sponsor as well. Through this support, you'll be demonstrating your dedication to environmental stewardship and help create a greener and more energy-efficient future. These sponsorships offer a unique opportunity to align your brand with solutions that reduce energy consumption, expand energy affordability and improve buildings and grid conditions for all. Want to stand out as a forward-thinking organization committed to sustainability? Become a SPEER sponsor today.
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Save the Date: Energy Efficiency Day | |
Small home upgrades and a few changes in how you approach hot weather can save you money and keep your family more comfortable. The positive impacts of energy efficiency are vast and far-reaching. From caulking and sealing gaps in your windows and doors where cool indoor air can escape to upgrading to a smart thermostat or shifting when you use your larger appliances are a few hot summer tips to save energy.
On October 4, 2023, a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities, and others will showcase the benefits of energy efficiency during the 7th annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day. See how you or your organization can get involved and take action. This can include showing your commitment to expanding energy efficiency by joining on as a supporter, encouraging your local offices to issue a proclamation, and helping spread the word with friends and family using already drafted social media and press template toolkits.
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Applications Now Open for Home Energy Rebates | |
The Department of Energy released guidance for the implementation of the IRA's HOME Efficiency Rebates (HOMES ACT) and announced on Friday that it is now accepting applications from states and territories to access the allocated $8.5 billion. This funding will help American households improve energy efficiency to save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve their comfort, support a stable power grid, and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, these rebates provide specific opportunities to increase the installation of efficient, clean energy equipment in underserved and underrepresented communities. Learn more. | |
ERCOT Sets New Peak Demand | |
Yesterday around 5 p.m., ERCOT set a new peak demand record over 83 GW (specifically 83,046 MW). Today's forecast is expected to be even slightly higher after already surpassing previous records at least 10 times this summer. This is a great example of why we need to increase energy efficiency, implement stronger energy codes, and improve inefficient HVAC systems. The Lone Star state has more energy savings potential than any other state, and currently, we are leaving a lot on the table. Head over to ERCOT's website to track the latest on grid conditions, generation, load, and more. | | | | |
