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Policy Edition
In this newsletter:
- Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities
- EEIP Meeting Scheduled
- Sustainable Energy in America 2024 Factbook
- Local Policy Actions
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- SPEER Resources
- What We’re Reading/Hearing
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Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities | |
The second half of the 59th Oklahoma Legislative session began on February 5th and will continue until Sine Die on May 31st. SPEER is reviewing bills and following bill movement throughout the session. Our bill tracking list can be found on the SPEER Policy page for Oklahoma here. | |
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Reported Do Pass
HB 4093 Utilities; requiring certain retail electric service providers to provide certain notifications – Reported Do Pass Utilities Committee on February 15th ; CR filed
SB 1535 Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative; modifying duties and membership of the Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board – Reported Do Pass Energy and Telecommunications Committee on February 15th; CR Filed
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First Committee Hearings
HB 4097 Energy; Creating the Energy Modernization Act of 2024 – Hearing held on February 22nd in House Utilities Committee.
HB 3402 Inflation relief; Oklahoma Inflation Relief Act of 2024 – Hearing held on February 22nd in House Appropriations and Budget Committee.
HB 3402 Inflation relief; Oklahoma Inflation Relief Act of 2024 – Hearing held on February 22nd in House Rules Committee
SB 2006 Zero-emission facilities; requiring facilities that generate electricity by zero-emissions and receive a tax credit to provide annual reports to lessee landowners; providing contents of report – Hearing held on February 22nd in Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee
HB 3819 Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission Act; definitions; vice-chair duties; Commission powers and duties; workforce development process; energy payback – Hearing scheduled for February 28th in House Business and Commerce Committee.
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The Public Utility Commission of Texas will host its winter Energy Efficiency Implementation Project (EEIP) meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Commissioners Hearing Room located on the seventh floor of the William B. Travis Building. In addition, the meeting will be broadcast live and recorded here.
The EEIP meeting is an important part of stakeholder engagement and allows interested parties to learn more about Texas’ investor-owned utility energy efficiency programs as well as opportunities to directly meet with those who run the day-to-day operations of these necessary programs.
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Sustainable Energy in America 2024 Factbook | |
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The latest reporting from the Sustainable Energy in America 2024 Factbook shows energy efficiency continues to keep primary energy consumption down while GDP and energy productivity rise. This is a direct reflection of the importance of investments in energy efficiency to help the U.S. move towards decarbonization goals. Other trends include significant increases in battery, solar, EV, and wind facilities announced over the last year with over $300B in energy transition financing deployed. As well as a record-breaking 7.5 GW of battery storage capacity commissioned in the last year.
For more information or to review the full 2024 factbook trends, please go to the Business Council for Sustainable Energy website page here.
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Recent and Upcoming Local Government Policy Actions:
Austin: On February 29th the Austin City Council will consider votes on five agenda items relating to Austin Energy projects. Four of these are for the installation of solar electric systems on commercial, multifamily, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance within the AE service territory. For more information, please see the Austin City Council Agenda page.
San Antonio: On February 29th the San Antonio City Council will consider votes on an ordinance approving an agreement with Lustrous Public Relations LLC to continue development and implementation of the SA Climate Ready Public Engagement & Communications Initiative for a three-year term. Funding is from the Resiliency, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability (REES) Fund FY 24 Adopted Budget. For more information, please see the San Antonio City Council Agenda page.
If you are aware of upcoming policy discussions or actions in your area and would like to share them in this newsletter, please send information to [email protected].
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Upcoming Events + Webinars | |
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Only 9 spots remain!! Looking to expand your knowledge of heat pumps? Join us and learn from the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trade HVAC. During this in-person workshop, we will cover IRA/IIJA funding opportunities, discuss where is the market going, what is driving the market change, new heat pump technologies, and much more. We'll answer questions such as What are the customers wanting, saying, and what is the pushback? And How does market transformation across all sectors, multi-family, residential, commercial help the current state of the Texas power market and grid?
Thanks to our generous sponsor, Austin Energy, for providing space and lunch! Download the informational flyer and save your spot now for this in-person workshop. We are excited to create a lasting impact and change as we discuss new and future heat pump technologies, the long-term effects of market transformation opportunities, where the market is heading, and much more.
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SPEER WEBINARS:
February 27 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm CST
Harnessing Earth’s Power – An Introduction to Residential Geothermal Technology: Let’s learn how a geothermal system works and the benefits it has for our homes and the environment. Our expert speaker will guide you through the basics of how geothermal heating and cooling systems work, their environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and installation processes. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut down on energy consumption, or simply curious about this renewable energy source, this webinar offers a comprehensive overview of residential geothermal potential. Engage with our specialist during the Q&A session! If you are interested in attending, please find more information here.
March 19th @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm CST
What’s Hot with Heat Pumps: Join us for a SPEER webinar focused on heat pump technology, and why it’s ideal in southern markets. Our expert presenter will discuss the evolution of the technology over the years (which has improved dramatically!), cover why an inverter runs continuously, and why that’s a good thing. We will review cost perspective when it comes to homeowners and the life cycle of their equipment as well as any upfront costs and impacts to utility bills. Lastly, we’ll touch on important tax incentives and the direction high-performance homes are moving. If you are interested in attending, please register here.
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SPEER has updated its State and Local Policy webpage! 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, our energy codes program, and SPEER's local government program. SPEER State and Local Policy.
What can you expect to find on our resource page?
- SPEER Programs + informational flyers
- Messaging guides
- Public Utility Commission of Texas Comment Template
- Heat pump resources
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.
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