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This month's updates:
- "Watt's Up" with Kylah McNabb?
- PUCT Opens EE Rule to Review Performance Bonus
- Texas Special Session 2.0 Begins
- Local Policy Actions
- 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop: Only Three Weeks Away!
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- What We’re Reading/Hearing
- SPEER Resources
| | "Watt's Up" with Kylah McNabb? | | | |  | |
The newest episode of our "Watt's Up" video series, where we check in with energy experts, is live!
In this edition we sit down with Kylah McNabb, Principal of Vesta Strategic Solutions, to get a status update on the 60th Oklahoma Legislature thus far and her takeaways re: energy issues in the great state of Oklahoma.
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PUCT Opens EE Rule To Review Performance Bonus | |
On August 21st the PUCT officially opened the Chapter 25.181/182 rule to formally consider changes to the energy efficiency rules for utilities in Texas. The publication for proposal was submitted to Docket 57743 where staff recommends several language conforming amendments. Substantive amendments on timeline for avoided cost calculation reporting, changing “performance bonus” to “incentive” and changing the calculation of the proposed incentives. Staff also recommended a subsequent comprehensive rule review to be scheduled for early 2026 that would expand the scope of the rule changes. The proposal allows for a public hearing to be called for by October 6th, with public comments also due by October 6th to the docket.
SPEER is appreciative of PUCT staff for their efforts at reviewing the energy efficiency program rules. While this initial rulemaking is narrow in scope, it is an important aspect of the energy efficiency programs which many stakeholders are concerned about. It should be noted earlier this month the PUCT rejected a secondary performance bonus cap rate case proposed by PUCT staff primarily due to legal reasons and determined a rulemaking was a better alternative for this discussion.
If you would like to discuss comments or have questions on the current rulemaking, SPEER would be happy to review at your convenience.
| | Texas Special Session 2.0 Begins | | |
After a dramatic initial special session of the Texas Legislature, where Texas House Democrats broke quorum to bring attention and attempt to stop midcycle redistricting efforts, Governor Abbott called for a second special session that began on August 15th. As a result of the likely new congressional redistricting, we are already seeing policy leaders announcing decisions to run for higher offices.
Aside from redistricting, the governor carried over a list of priority items like THC regulation, property tax relief, and extreme weather preparedness following the catastrophic flooding central Texas endured recently. He also added two new items: imposing penalties on absent legislators and expanding access to Ivermectin. The full agenda can be found here. SPEER staff will be monitoring legislative actions in the special session and any subsequent special sessions if called. For our full recap of the regular session highlights see our recap page here.
| | Austin, TX: On August 26th the Austin City Council is holding a work session to review several items, including flood readiness, and in executive session to discuss the impact of SB 840 relating to regulation of mixed-use and multifamily residential development projects. For more information, see their webpage here. | | | Dallas, TX: On August 27th the Dallas City Council will discuss several items that would authorize amending grand funding from the EPA through the TCEQ to accept additional funding to conduct ambient air monitoring and replace aging equipment. For more information, see their webpage here. | | *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 noaks@eepartnership.org. | | SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop: Only Three Weeks Away! | | |
This year's Workshop is coming up fast! We have a lot in store for you, with plenty of opportunities for networking, collaboration, and great discussion.
2025's packed conference agenda dives into the most timely and relevant topics facing our industry today: from cutting-edge technologies to people-centered strategies.
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Don't miss our policy-specific panel, 2025 Texas Legislative Session and Energy Efficiency - What's NEXT?
Register today and join us September 18-19 in Austin!
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SPEER's Summer Efficiency Tips | | | | |
As summer continues blazing onward in SPEER's territory, we've assembled a list of energy efficiency tips to help lower the burden of this season's energy costs.
Optimizing AC and fan use, reducing heat gain, strategic appliance utilization, and other included tips can all help keep your household's demand in check through the rest of the summer. Dive in here for the full list of SPEER's Summer Efficiency Tips.
| | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
SPEER Webinar: 2025 Texas 89th Legislature Wrap-Up – Grid Reliability, Energy Efficiency, & Legislative Outlook
August 28 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The 89th Texas Legislative Session addressed some of the most pressing energy challenges facing the state—from grid reliability to energy affordability. This webinar, presented by SPEER, offers a comprehensive review of key legislation and policy trends impacting Texas’ electric grid, energy efficiency programs, and distributed energy resources (DERs).
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Identify and analyze the most impactful energy-related legislation from the 89th Texas Legislature, including SB 6 and bills affecting renewables and transmission planning.
- Evaluate the implications of legislative actions on demand-side resources, energy efficiency standards, and residential energy policy in Texas.
- Understand emerging trends in energy workforce development, building code modernization, and how they intersect with statewide goals for grid resilience and consumer affordability.
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SPEER/CELC Webinar: Bridging Policy and Industry by Driving Local Government & University Collaborations
September 4 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Panelists:
- Hammad Chaudhry, Austin Energy
- Andee Chamberlain, Texas State University
- Chris Pasch, CLEAResult
This webinar will focus on practical approaches to improving energy efficiency and advancing sustainability in Texas. Participants will learn how local governments, energy professionals, and community leaders are applying proven strategies to reduce energy use, support renewable integration, and build healthier, more resilient communities.
The session will feature real-world examples, policy insights, and tools that can be used to support local goals—whether you’re managing city operations, designing programs, working with students, or making decisions in your own home or organization. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what’s working, where support is available, and how to take the next step toward energy and sustainability improvements that align with Texas communities.
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