This month's updates: 

• Energy Efficiency Rules Adopted by PUCT
• Final Call: SPEER's FREE Spring 2026 Building Operator Certification (BOC) Course
• Free Training Alert: "Sustainability 101" is Live!
• Upcoming Events and Webinars
• What We’re Reading/Hearing

On December 12th, the Public Utility of Commission of Texas (PUCT) formally approved adoption of the rule changes proposed by staff in Docket 57743. These amendments had a limited scope by design as the PUCT has stated its intent to have a more comprehensive rule review in 2026. Primarily, the adopted rules move up the avoided cost calculations to April each year and will utilize seven years of data rather than two. The Commission also amended definitions around hard-to-reach and low-income which will provide greater access to these programs by more Texans, as well as more access to weatherization programs. 

SPEER, the Sierra Club, Office of the Public Utility Council, the City of Houston, Texas Investor-Owned Utilities, Vistra, and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy filed comments during the public comment period, with many of the changes having broad support among commenters. While this initial rule review was limited in scope, SPEER is encouraged by the PUCT’s commitment to hold a more comprehensive rule review on energy efficiency rules in the near future.

As a subrecipient of the Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC) grant, SPEER is able to offer our BOC training and certification program for maintenance and operations personnel free of charge! A required $150 deposit will be reimbursed upon the successful completion of the course.

Building Operator Certification (BOC®) is a nationally-recognized training and credentialing program for building engineering and maintenance staff that offers improved job skills to create more energy efficient, comfortable, healthy facilities. This program provides insights and education on new industry standards, energy benchmarking + automation and controls, HVAC & lighting system performance, ways to improve indoor air quality and comfort, and more.

Our Spring 2026 Course will run from February 10th - May 21st. Equip yourself with energy-saving operational strategies and enable your building to become more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

• Registration is open and availability is limited, so save your spot now. 
• Learn more about the classes offered and material covered in Level I here. 
• For all class dates, view our course syllabus.

CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Energizing Connections

January 13 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Join fellow CELC members for a 10-minute presentation on boosting energy efficiency in our communities followed by an open group discussion and thought sharing. Learn more on our event page and see current CELC members.

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

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!

Bill to expand weatherization programs passes through House committee – Utility Dive

Tribal nations regroup after loss of federal funding for clean energy – Utility Dive

Proposed data center project for Waco area would be “paradigm-changer” – Texas Tribune

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt criticizes Trump for shutting down wind energy projects – The Hill

How Much Are Texans' Power Bills Going Up? with TEPRI's Margo Weisz – The Texas Energy and Power Newsletter