Oklahoma: Powering Forward | | |
In this newsletter:
- SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop: Early Bird Registration
- Noteworthy Items/What We're Reading
-
New SPEER Video Series: "Board Buzz"
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- SPEER's YouTube Channel
- SPEER Resources
| | SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop 2025: Early Bird Registration! | | |
Early bird registration rates are in effect and the agenda is live – save your spot now and join us at SPEER’s 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop, September 18-19 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin.
We have a fantastic agenda for 2025 packed with engaging and informative sessions!
Panel Highlight: "The Future of the Grid: Modernization & Resilience Beyond 2025"
Speakers:
- Drew Kassel, The University of Texas, Webber Energy Group
- Kylah McNabb, Vestra Strategic Solutions
As Texas and Oklahoma confront escalating energy demands, rapid population growth, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the imperative to modernize and fortify their electric grids has never been more pressing. This panel delves into the multifaceted strategies and innovations shaping the future of the SPEER region energy grid beyond 2025. Key discussions will include infrastructure investments & necessary financial commitments, technological advancements, policy and regulatory frameworks, state & federal support, and funding. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in transitioning Texas and Oklahoma's energy grids into a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable system.
2024 Recap:
If you need a refresher on last year's fantastic event, check out our video recap from the 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop. While last year was a huge success, we are excited to set the bar even higher this year in a bigger venue.
Register today:
**Early bird pricing closes July 31st. Take advantage of our discounted hotel block and register today!
| | Noteworthy/What We're Reading | | OUBCC Technical Code Review Committees: Agendas and Minutes | | The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) is currently reviewing the 2021 and 2024 International Residential Codes for possible adoption. Meeting agendas, minutes and meeting files are listed here. | | Oklahoma's Energy Trifecta: Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt - SAFE | | Webinar Recap: Features and Benefits of Utilizing Heat Pumps | | |
SPEER has over 180 recorded webinars archived on our YouTube channel focused on vital energy topics. Most recently we have added new webinar recordings on Features and Benefits of Utilizing Heat Pumps, Navigating Environmental Law: From Historic Acts to Modern Legislation, Unlocking the Power of Geothermal - Heat Pump Solutions with WaterFurnace, and many more.
Be sure to subscribe to stay informed as new material is uploaded and stay up-to-date with the latest industry and efficiency trends and resources!
| | New SPEER Video Series: "Board Buzz" ft. Jasmine King-Bush | | |
Just released: the first edition of SPEER's "Board Buzz" video series, featuring 2025 Board President Jasmine King-Bush.
Join her and SPEER CEO Todd McAlister as they chat about energy efficiency, future plans for SPEER, favorite movies, and a bit of everything in between.
Head over to our YouTube channel to see even more SPEER video content!
| | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
July 1st, 2025, 10:30 AM Central Time
Webinar: Understanding Stone Wool in Interior and Exterior Applications: Solutions for Thermal, Fire, and Sound Control
Join us for an in-depth exploration of stone wool (mineral wool) insulation—an innovative material delivering superior thermal performance, fire resistance, moisture control, and acoustic benefits. As energy codes and performance expectations rise, stone wool is being used more strategically across both interior and exterior assemblies. This session will provide valuable insights for architects, specifiers, engineers, contractors, and sustainability professionals.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand Stone Wool Basics: Learn how stone wool is made, how it differs from fiberglass and foam, and what makes it a high-performance insulation material.
- Explore Code-Compliant Applications: Discover how stone wool aligns with IBC Chapter 26 updates and NFPA 285 fire testing requirements for modern assemblies.
- Design for Performance: See how stone wool improves thermal efficiency, enhances sound control, and contributes to sustainable building practices across commercial and roofing applications.
Credits: 1 ICC CEU/1 AIA/CES Learning Unit (HSW and SD) 1 GBCI CE Hour
| |
July 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
CELC Webinar: Increasing Efficiency & Reducing Peak Demand Through Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies
Discover innovative solutions from the Smart Surfaces Coalition and partners that improve energy efficiency and reduce peak demand through strategies outside the traditional building envelope.
Webinar Objectives:
- Highlight emerging technologies and surface treatments that reduce heat and energy demand at the community level.
- Share case studies from coalition partners demonstrating measurable impact.
- Explore policy, funding, and partnership opportunities to scale non-traditional energy efficiency solutions.
CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.
| | |
You can now find state-specific policy information including links to key state agency webpages, our previous public comments, and additional information about our work in both Texas and Oklahoma. You will also find our released reports, templates and materials for engaging with policy leaders, and additional materials on how our Policy Program interacts with the ongoing Heat Pump Working Group, SPEER Codes Program, and SPEER Local Governments Program. SPEER State and Local Policy.
What can you expect to find on our resource page?
We have created a library of local government resolutions, energy plans & policy work, climate action plans, and resiliency initiatives. These documents are meant to be a resource and showcase the commitment made by local governments to create an equitable, safe, and economically stable future for Texas and Oklahoma citizens. Head over to dive in and bookmark the page as we will continually be expanding and adding new material.
| | | | |
