|
In this newsletter:
- Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP)
- Interested in Helping to Shape SPEER's Future?
- New SPEER Member!
- SPEER Receives the 2024 Air Central Texas Outstanding Organization Award
- E4 the Future 2024 Energy Efficiency Jobs Report Released
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- Noteworthy Announcements
- New SPEER Team Member!
- What We're Reading
| |
Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP) | |
|
Join TEA-UP:
Membership is now open for SPEER's new initiative, TEA-UP, a dynamic new network for higher education institutions across Texas! By joining, you’ll receive the same benefits as our CELC members, plus exclusive opportunities to connect within a higher education-focused community.
As a TEA-UP member, you’ll have the chance to influence the upcoming conference agenda and ensure that the topics and issues most important to your campus are addressed. Additionally, you'll contribute to the development of essential training materials, shaping workforce development pathways that empower the next generation of energy professionals. Another plus: membership is free!
Apply here.
| |
Interested in Helping to Shape SPEER's Future? | |
|
2024 was a fantastic year for our organization. From incredible speaking opportunities, the best Policy Workshop to date, winning awards, and growing our membership, 2024 set a high standard for future success. 2025 will only enhance our ability to get the word out to the broader energy efficiency environment in our region of Texas and Oklahoma.
With an eye to the future, we are seeking two new members for the SPEER Board of Directors. SPEER Member companies would be eligible for the following positions:
- Utilities and Retail Electric Providers – One Seat
- At Large – One Seat
These positions are 2-year terms with quarterly Board meetings (three in person, one virtual) and would run through the end of 2026. Nominations must be received by January 20th. For more information or to nominate an individual (must be a SPEER member company) for one of the positions, contact Todd McAlister. Huge thanks to our current Board of Directors!
| |
SPEER is excited to welcome our newest member, Blink Energy Services! We are thrilled to have them on board as we continue our mission to advance energy efficiency in our region. Read more about SPEER membership here. | |
SPEER Receives the Air Central Texas 2024 Outstanding Organization Award | |
|
Last month SPEER was thrilled to receive the Air Central Texas 2024 Outstanding Organization Award, which was received by our own Shaun Auckland and Liz John. This award recognizes activities by organizations to help reduce local air pollution in the past year.
Huge thank you to Air Central Texas and the Capital Area Council of Governments for this tremendous honor, and big shout out to the SPEER team for all the hard work!
Read more about this year's recipients here.
| |
E4 The Future 2024 Energy Efficiency Jobs Report Released | |
|
E4 The Future has released its 2024 Energy Efficiency Jobs Report with some exciting news! Key findings include nearly 2.3 million Americans work in energy efficiency, with two out of five energy sector jobs related to EE. In SPEER's territory, Texas & Oklahoma combined employ over 187,000 workers in energy efficiency.
Dive in here to see the state-by-state report.
| |
|
NCTCOG and SPEER Local Government Energy Reporting Workshop
January 16 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and SPEER are hosting a FREE in-person workshop to help local governments understand the state mandate to report and reduce electricity consumption. Attendees will receive valuable guidance and tips for successfully reporting energy usage in early 2025, and learn how to comply with this important requirement while lowering operational costs.
Agenda:
10:00 – 11:45 AM: Workshop for local governments to cover energy reporting requirements and best practices
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Networking Lunch
Audience:
This workshop is for all political subdivisions in local government, state agencies, and institutions of higher education in affected counties. Suggested attendees include local government staff responsible for submitting or gathering energy data for the report.
Speakers:
Shaun Marie Auckland, M.S.I.S., LEED Green Associate, Senior Manager, Government and Community Engagement – SPEER
Location:
Transportation Council Room – 1st Floor, 616 Six Flags Drive, Centerpoint II, Arlington, TX 76011
Register here.
| |
|
Advancing Campus Sustainability: Initiatives, Efficiency, and Funding
January 16 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Join NCTCOG and SPEER for an in-person workshop on how universities are advancing sustainability through energy efficiency and funding opportunities. Network with peers and learn about sustainability initiatives, building recommissioning, and funding resources for your campus projects.
Agenda:
– Showcase of sustainability initiatives at local universities
– Recommissioning university buildings with real-world examples
– Funding opportunities for sustainability projects
– Wrap-up with insights from NCTCOG and SPEER
Networking Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 PM (Free; separate registration required)
Register here.
| |
|
Webinar: HVAC Ductwork Field Inspections: What Effect Does Poor Duct Installation Have on Airflow
January 21 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Proper ductwork installation is essential for the efficiency and effectiveness of any HVAC system. Poor installation practices can result in reduced airflow, increased energy costs, and uneven comfort throughout the building. In this webinar, we’ll explore how to identify these issues during field inspections and understand their impact on system performance.
Whether you’re a contractor, inspector, or HVAC professional, this session will equip you with actionable knowledge to improve your processes and outcomes.
What You’ll Learn:
- Common Installation Issues: Discover the most frequently observed ductwork problems and how to spot them in the field.
- Impact of Poor Installation: Understand how improper ductwork affects airflow, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
- Inspection Techniques: Learn how to effectively evaluate ductwork.
- Best Practices: Gain insights into proper design, installation, and sealing techniques to prevent future issues.
Register here.
| |
|
AACOG and SPEER Energy Reporting Workshop
January 23 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and SPEER for an in-depth workshop on the state-required energy reporting process. You’ll walk through the reporting form, learn about the requirement, and hear from local government staff about their experiences reporting their energy use.
Details:
10:00am – 12:00pm: Presentations
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Networking and Lunch
Location:
– AACOG Office, 2700 NE Interstate 410 Loop, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78217
– Remote participation option available
Who should attend?
Local governments in non-attainment counties are required by state law to commit to an annual 5% reduction in energy use and report their energy use to the Comptroller. This workshop is designed to assist you in navigating the reporting requirements and connecting with other local governments for support.
Register now to reserve your spot!
| |
|
Virtual Workshop: Navigating SECO Energy Reporting
January 30 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join us for a comprehensive virtual workshop designed to demystify energy reporting regulations in Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricacies of energy reporting with confidence.
The workshop will cover a range of topics, including:
– Understanding Texas energy reporting requirements
– Best practices for accurate data collection and reporting
– Strategies and tips for avoiding common pitfalls
Speaker: Shaun Auckland, Senior Manager, Government and Community Engagement – SPEER
Register here.
| |
|
CELC Webinar: Conquering Deferred Maintenance - A Conversation with Local Government Facilities Officials
February 6 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Deferred maintenance in facilities is an albatross, varying from several million dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars of backlog per local government organization. Join us as we discuss strategies with experienced facility directors across Texas to conquer deferred maintenance, including best practices for capital planning, budgeting, procurement, and more.
Objectives:
– Understand the impact of deferred maintenance.
– Explore the challenges and financial implications of deferred maintenance on local government facilities.
– Discover strategies for effective capital planning and budgeting.
– Learn best practices for prioritizing projects, securing funding, and streamlining procurement processes.
– Gain insights from experienced facilities directors.
– Hear real-world success stories and actionable advice to address maintenance backlogs effectively.
Speaker: Umair Surani, Senior Account Executive, McKinstry
Register here.
| |
|
New SPEER Team Member!
Help us give a warm welcome to Shaniaya Griffin, our newly-hired Community Engagement Associate. Shaniaya is an educator, nonprofit founder, and proud multitasker. A Lake Charles native with a knack for bold ideas, she has dedicated her career to mentoring students, tackling food insecurity, and driving change in marginalized communities. She currently wears the crown as Miss All World Beauties Plus U.S., and is chasing her dream of becoming an attorney to push for systemic reform. Welcome Shaniaya!
| |
|
Member Highlight: Mitsubishi Electric
SPEER member Mitsubishi Electric has announced plans to invest $143.5 million to retrofit a US-based factory to make variable-speed compressors, a key component of high-efficiency heat pumps. Production of the compressors, set to start in October of 2027, is expected to help the brand meet growing demand in the United States for energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Initial estimated annual capacity will total 1,000,000 compressors. Read the news release.
| |
|
AESP FLEX Online Courses
Demand flexibility is the heartbeat of our future grid. It is the coordinated manipulation of energy consumption and production across grid devices on a massive scale, while maintaining livability and comfort standards.
AESP & the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are now offering free, convenient online courses designed for tomorrow's energy efficiency leaders.
Expand your knowledge and learn more now.
| |
|
Need to Catch Up?
Missed our latest policy newsletter or recent Local Government, Oklahoma, or Energy Code newsletters? Browse past issues of our newsletters and subscribe to other distribution lists here.
| | | | |
