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Live from the SPEER Newsroom:

• New SPEER Member
• Join us in 2026!
• Upcoming Events & Webinars
• Member Highlight: Austin Energy
• Noteworthy
• What We're Reading

New SPEER Member: TEMA

We’re thrilled to welcome TEMA as the newest member of SPEER!

We are very excited to have them join our membership base of over 70 organizations as we further our mission to advance energy efficiency in Texas and Oklahoma.

Join Us in 2026!

As we enter a new year SPEER will continue to set a standard of excellence in our work towards a more sustainable, resilient, affordable, and efficient landscape across Texas and Oklahoma. 

More than 70 industry-leading organizations are assisting us in the pursuit of this mission.

Want to join? See how your organization can get involved and become a SPEER member today!

Upcoming Events & Webinars

Webinar: 2024 IECC R405 Performance Path – What’s New, What’s Required, & How to Enforce It

January 20 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for a focused training on the Simulated Building Performance Path found in Section R405 of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. This session explains how proposed home designs are modeled and compared to the Standard Reference Design, highlights major changes from previous code editions, and clarifies which building features can—and cannot—be traded off through performance modeling. We will cover updated HVAC and ventilation requirements, infiltration limits, renewable energy constraints, and documentation expectations for plan reviewers and inspectors. Texas-specific adoption considerations will also be discussed to help ensure consistent and effective enforcement.

Register here.

CELC Virtual Workshop: Navigating SECO Energy Reporting

January 22 @ 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.

Speaker: Shaun Auckland, Senior Manager of Government and Community Engagement, SPEER

Register here.

Save the Date: TRACS 2026 Summit/TEA-UP Conference

Meeting the Moment: Shaping Tomorrow Together

March 1-3, 2026

SPEER is partnering with the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) to facilitate this interactive session and learn about the latest trends in energy efficiency, how to develop resilient systems in response to climate challenges, and effective methods for fostering a culture of sustainability within your institution. Drive meaningful change in your academic communities.

Registration is now open! Early Bird Registration rates end on January 31, 2026. Head here for more information and register today!

Member Highlight: Austin Energy

SPEER member Austin Energy has launched an exciting new program to start 2026.

Their Solar Standard Offer Program will reduce the need for costly generation projects, lower demand, and promote grid resiliency.

The program will also benefit the Austin community by increasing affordability for residential customers, especially lower-income community members with high energy burdens.

Learn more here!

Noteworthy

Austin Energy Issues “All-Resource” Request For Proposals (RFP)

Austin Energy is soliciting market proposals for new generation and energy storage resources to bolster local system capacity and support its long-term resource planning objectives. Through this RFP, the utility is seeking qualified developers to deliver local energy projects located within the ERCOT region, specifically within Austin Energy’s retail load zone, to meet anticipated future electricity demand. Austin Energy aims to procure up to 400 megawatts of capacity and associated energy across a diverse portfolio of technologies, including renewable resources—such as solar, wind, energy storage, geothermal, hydrogen, nuclear, and fuel cells—as well as natural gas generation. Proposal Submission Deadline is January 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Learn more here.

SECO Request For Information: High Performance Building Standards

The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) is requesting information regarding the International Green Construction Code (IgCC-2024) for the high-performance building evaluation system and the ASHRAE 90.1-2022 energy standard as a part of the adoption process. They are currently requesting your comments. Responses must be received by Jan. 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. Late responses will not be considered. View the request for information (RFI).

SPEER's YouTube Channel: Have You Subscribed?

With more than 230 videos available, our YouTube channel has grown to over 1,600 subscribers. We invite you to subscribe to stay informed on new content covering key energy code topics, including 2024 IECC commercial mechanical system updates, duct testing, the latest developments in heat pump systems, sustainability initiatives through our Community Efficiency Collaboration programs, policy changes/updates, and more. Subscribe today!

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. 

What We're Reading

Beyond new wires: The untapped path to grid resilience - Utility Dive

Americans lost more power last year than any year in previous decade: EIA - Utility Dive

Homegrown energy: How household upgrades can meet 100 percent of data center demand growth - Rewiring America

Energy experts urge state to tackle power affordability, efficiency as Texas grows - Community Impact

ERCOT Electricity Affordability Outlook: Forecasting Residential Electricity Prices and Burdens (2025-2030) - TEPRI

New England kicks off $450M plan to supercharge heat pump adoption - Canary Media