Policy Edition: June Updates

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This month's updates:

HOMES/HEAR Rebate Program Update
New SPEER Blog: Utility Efficiency Programs: The Most Cost Effective Way to Address Peak Demand Now
TDHCA Qualified Allocation Plan Workgroup
Upcoming Events and Webinars
What We’re Reading/Hearing

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HOMES/HEAR Rebate Program Update

On May 13th the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) announced the winner of the Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) Programs contract to be APTIM. APTIM will implement both rebate programs, delivering help to low and moderate income households through rebates for energy efficiency improvements and high efficiency electric technologies.

APTIM and SECO hosted two initial informational webinars in early June to discuss timelines and engagement opportunities. They are hosting virtual meetings in July by topic:

Household Engagement: Monday, July 6th
Multi-family: Tuesday, July 7th
Contractor and Workforce Development: Wednesday, July 8th
Technologies and Market Transformation: Thursday, July 9th

To participate in these virtual meetings you will need to register at the link below. They will also be hosting in-person events through the end of June into mid July. To register for either in-person events or virtual webinars, please head here.

New SPEER Blog - Utility Efficiency Programs: The Most Cost Effective Way to Address Peak Demand Now

Energy demand across the nation is skyrocketing. The demand generated from crypto-mining and data center development exacerbates already strained grids all over the US. Texas, like other states in the country, is experiencing the same staggering load growth projections.

SPEER has long been an advocate for the suite of demand-side management policies and practices that directly impact our grid reliability, resilience, and lower customers’ energy costs. These solutions represent the most cost-effective way to address load growth in the near-term.

Read it in full here.

TDHCA Qualified Allocation Plan Workgroup

To assist in the development of the 2027 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is hosting a virtual workgroup on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The QAP describes how Low-Income Housing Tax Credits get awarded.

This workgroup will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share input and suggestions regarding potential changes and improvements to the QAP. TDHCA encourages participation from all interested parties, including developers, local officials, community organizations, and other members of the public, and specifically invites tenants and potential tenants of TDHCA-funded properties to participate.

To register for the workgroup, head here.

Upcoming Events & Webinars

Energy Codes Webinar -

2024 IECC C404.6 Explained: Commercial Hot Water Recirculation & Controls

TODAY, June 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Join us for a practical deep dive into Section C404.6 of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), covering the latest requirements for service water heating circulation systems and demand-controlled recirculation strategies in commercial buildings.

This session will explain how the code is shifting away from continuously operating recirculation systems toward smarter controls designed to reduce energy waste, piping heat loss, and unnecessary pump operation.

Special guest: Juliana Campbell & Gabe Ayala, AutoHot USA / Enovative Group, Inc.

ICF Webinar: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance - What to Know to Secure Funds

June 24 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CT

FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program is open now with $600 million available to states, local governments, tribes, and more to help reduce long-term flood risk across the US.

ICF's team is hosting a webinar to share their insights on the program, including what types of projects are prioritized and how to submit a competitive application. They will walk through details of the program and share how you can demonstrate cost-effectiveness to secure funds.

CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Energizing Connections

July 7 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Join fellow CELC coalition stakeholders for an hour filled with peer learning, including 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.

Smart Campus, Smart Communities:

Energy & Water Workshop

July 9 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

UTSA San Pedro I Building

506 Dolorosa St.

San Antonio, TX 78204

(Virtual option available.)

Join SPEER and the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) for a half-day workshop re: an in-depth overview of strategies for demand-response, water management, and energy management.

Learn the latest best practices from expert speakers for curtailing energy loads, behavior-based engagement in sustainability initiatives, and identifying water-saving opportunities This workshop is open to public agencies, higher education institutions, school districts, industry professionals, consultants, and students.

*Visit SPEER's calendar for all upcoming events and training.

What We're Reading

Heat pump shipments rise through April, with more use for both heating and cooling – Utility Dive

Energy-hungry aluminum plant is swept up in Oklahoma governor’s race – Canary Media

As data centers seek to tap Texas’ energy, grid regulators are close to approving a new way of vetting requests – The Texas Tribune

Can stadiums be energy-efficient? USGBC map shows that many of them are – Utility Dive

OG&E filing puts Boles-authored data center law into action – OK Energy Today

Inside the PUC's Cost-Allocation Overhaul with PUC Chairman Gleeson – Energy Capital Podcast

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