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This month's updates:
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SECO HOMES/HEAR Program Virtual Topic Meetings (Engagement Opportunity)
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Reminder: Fall Energy Efficiency Forum Date (Engagement Opportunity)
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TDHCA QAP 2027 Public Comment Request (Engagement Opportunity)
- New SPEER Member!
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- What We’re Reading/Hearing
| | SECO HOMES/HEAR Program Virtual Topic Meetings | | |
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) programs implementer APTIM are hosting three upcoming meetings soliciting stakeholder feedback.
The first is today, September 22nd from 12:00 - 2:30pm, focused on contractor and workforce development readiness and requirements.
The next meeting topic is on multi-family properties and how to get those households more involved, to be held on September 30th from 12:00 - 2:30pm.
And finally, there will be an informational community event in Spanish on October 20th at 6:30 pm.
To register, please see the links below:
More info via SECO here.
| | Reminder: Fall Energy Efficiency Forum Date | | |
The PUCT’s Energy Efficiency Division has announced the next energy efficiency forum date. This bi-annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6th from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm at the William B. Travis Building in Austin.
These forums are an excellent opportunity to learn about the utility energy efficiency programs ran in Texas, what they have accomplished, and how they will change in the next fiscal year. For more information, please check in on the PUCT’s Energy Efficiency page.
| | TDHCA QAP 2027 Public Comment Request | | |
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has published the final version of the 2027 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and has requested comments to be provided by October 9th, 2026. The QAP describes how Low-Income Housing Tax Credits get awarded for the next program year. The standards set in the QAP guide the selection of projects that will provide affordable housing for the state.
Included in the proposal are two sections of language which could increase the adoption of heat pumps. The first section has language that would not allow inefficient electric resistance to be the primary source for heating and opt for new construction projects to use more efficient heat pumps in their designs. This would significantly help low-income Texans reduce energy costs and reduce their energy burden when costs are highest. The second section provides language that would incentivize developers to use heat pumps over electric resistance heating in their projects. Staff is seeking input on which of the two proposals would benefit Texans.
SPEER is planning to submit comments to TDHCA staff by the comment deadline of October 9th. If you are interested in learning more or submitting comments of your own, please review the TDHCA QAP page here.
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Join us in giving a huge welcome to SPEER's newest member, the City of North Richland Hills!
We're incredibly excited to have them join the team as we continue promoting energy efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency in Texas and Oklahoma.
Curious about joining them? See how your organization can get involved with SPEER and reach out to us with any questions!
| | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
Energy Codes Webinar - Beyond the Data Center: Building the Community around Data Centers
TODAY, September 22 @ 10:30 am
Data centers are among the most efficient buildings ever constructed, yet they are frequently located in rural communities with limited resources for energy code enforcement, plan review, inspections, and workforce development. As these facilities attract rapid residential and commercial growth, hundreds of surrounding buildings, including homes, apartments, schools, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and public facilities, may be constructed without the same focus on energy performance.
This session explores how expanding the sustainability conversation beyond the data center creates lasting environmental, economic, and community benefits.
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USGBC Webinar: Community Leadership About Data Centers in Texas
September 24 @ 10:30 - 11:30 am
Speakers:
- Jonathan Kraatz, Executive Director, USGBC Texas Chapter
- Jim Broughton, Chair, Data Center Working Group, USGBC Texas Chapter
Data centers are coming to Texas — all across the state. And constituents and citizens are asking tough questions. This webinar will focus on the top community concerns Texans expressed in five separate surveys conducted across our state.
Register here. (Registration Code: TXDC)
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Powering the Transition: Building Texas' Clean Energy Workforce
September 30 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
A trained and educated workforce is vital to the growing needs of Texas' new energy standard. Join CleanTX and SPEER on September 30th for a Lunch and Learn in Dallas as we discuss how Texas can meet the demands of energy workforce development, close gaps in training and education, and set a standard that industry believes in.
This session brings together educators, contractors, and industry to talk candidly about how we’re building the talent pipeline: the training and credentialing programs preparing workers today, the apprenticeship and labor standards attached to federally supported projects, and the gaps that still need closing. We’re keeping the format conversational and the panel practical, with plenty of room for audience discussion.
Speakers:
Sponsored by: Bradley
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SPEER HappEE Hour
October 5 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Texas energy folks, this one’s for you. Let’s skip the PowerPoints and get straight to the good stuff: drinks, good people, and conversations about what’s next for Texas energy.
Join SPEER for a HappEE Hour at the legendary Scholz Garten in Austin on October 5 from 4–6 PM as we celebrate Energy Awareness Month and get an early start on Energy Efficiency Day. Come network with our fellow energy community, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and swap ideas with ally organizations about the issues that will matter during the upcoming Texas legislative session. We’ll be talking energy efficiency, the grid, affordability, demand, DERs, and whatever else is keeping the Texas energy world busy these days.
Think of it as a happy hour with a little Texas energy policy mixed in. There’ll be drinks, light bites, and plenty of time to make connections.
$15 for SPEER members | $25 for non-members | Joule-tonic sponsorships available for those feeling extra generous.
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11th Annual Oklahoma Association of Energy Engineers (AEEOK) / Great Plains Center of Excellence Roger Farrer Energy Conference
October 8 @ 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Where: Hamm Institute for American Energy, Oklahoma City
Join Oklahoma's energy professionals for a premier conference dedicated to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the technologies shaping our state's energy future.
The 2026 conference theme is “Managing the Next Energy Frontier.” The program will explore industrial energy efficiency; energy resiliency and reliability; energy management; artificial intelligence, data centers, and new energy demand; grid modernization; emerging technologies; workforce development; Tribal energy initiatives; and Oklahoma’s broader energy future.
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Abstract submissions here.
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Energy Award nominations here.
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Sponsorship opportunities here.
More info & registration here.
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Texas Energy Summit 2026
October 26-28
SPEER is proud to be a promotional partner of the 23rd Annual Texas Energy Summit, taking place from October 26 - 28, 2026, at the Texas Capitol in Austin!
This dynamic event spotlights the intersection of air quality and energy systems, uniting individuals and groups from government, industry, academia, and non-profit organizations to explore and address pressing energy and air quality issues. Sessions include discussions of energy policies & the future, air quality, Texas energy leadership, and more.
You can learn more about the Summit, explore the agenda, and secure your spot here.
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