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The recent cold weather system has led to a new, non-Uri peak record demand in ERCOT of over 80,591 MWs the morning of February 20th. The state's generation resource mixture held tight, and no mass outages were reported.
As peak demand continues to climb due to multiple factors, including colder winter weather, data-center development, and electrification of existing resources, demand-side resource management remains a cost-effective tool for the region to use when balancing the need for more electricity at affordable prices to consumers.
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In this newsletter:
- EEIP Updates
- Regional Legislature Activities
- Texas 89th Session
- Oklahoma 60th Session
- Local Policy Actions
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- What We’re Reading/Hearing
- SPEER Resources
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The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Energy Efficiency Division has scheduled its winter Energy Efficiency Implementation Project meeting to be held on February 26th, 2025. This is a public meeting where stakeholders can learn more about the existing efficiency programs and discuss topics important to demand-side management. The meeting will be held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room located on the 7th floor of the William B. Travis Building* in Austin.
Agenda topics include:
- Utility best practices in areas such as marketing and customer outreach strategies;
- Rulemaking update from the Energy Efficiency Division;
- Overview of evaluation, measurement and verification (EM&V) plans for the four-year contract period (2025-2028); and
- Call for updates to the Technical Reference Manual (TRM) for program year 2026.
Detailed agenda can be found in Docket Number 38578.
*Please Note: The front lobby will be closed for an 18-month construction project during this time. Access to the building will be on the Brazos Street entrance (near the café).
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Regional Legislature Activities | |
Texas 89th Session:
On January 14th, the 89th Texas Legislature convened. For those unfamiliar, the Texas Legislature will meet for the next 140 days until June 2nd. Policymakers have been filing legislation and will continue to do so through March 14th. SPEER has begun tracking pertinent legislation that can be found on our website here: Texas 89th Bill Tracker. Our tracker will be updated frequently throughout session as bills begin to move and we will also provide updates monthly in this newsletter in our “Bills on the Move” section.
House committee assignments have been posted and committees are beginning their work establishing the committee rules and considering legislation.
Senate committee assignments were posted a few weeks ago and committees have begun meeting to review pending legislation and the appropriations bill.
Bills on the Move:
SB 6, relating to electricity planning and infrastructure costs for large loads – scheduled for public hearing on February 27th in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee.
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Oklahoma 60th Session:
The 60th Session of the Oklahoma Legislature has commenced! Numerous energy related bills have been filed and are moving through the legislative process. Many of these bills take aim at reducing renewable energy resources in the state, while several seek to aid energy conservation efforts. To see which bills we are tracking, please visit the SPEER Oklahoma Policy website.
Bills on the Move:
HB 1031 Sunset; Oklahoma Energy Resources Board; extending sunset year – Scheduled for public hearing on February 26th in House Administrative Rules Committee.
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Austin: The Austin City Council will hold its next regular meeting on February 27th. On the agenda is an item to authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Harris County for the City to receive an amount not to exceed $31,593,683 for participation in the Solar for All Program. For more information, please see the Austin City Council Agenda 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. | |
Upcoming Events + Webinars | |
11th Annual TRACS Summit - The Power of Sustainability: Energy Transitions, Conservation, and Education on Your Campus | |
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The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) was formed in 2008 at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference in Raleigh, North Carolina with the support of the Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Since 2008, TRACS has facilitated events and collaborations to forward campus greenhouse gas emissions reductions and sustainability initiatives, including the Annual TRACS Summit hosted by a different participating college or university each year.
The TRACS summit focuses on continued education for sustainability practices, and participants will have the opportunity to engage and converse about overcoming the emerging issues arising in today’s society. SPEER is thrilled to support this summit recognizing energy and sustainability in higher education, and is a proud sponsor of this year’s event.
When: April 6-8, 2025
More info and registration here.
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Join this interactive half-day workshop tailored for higher education professionals passionate about advancing energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability initiatives. Organized by SPEER in collaboration with the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS), this event will explore:
- Emerging trends in energy efficiency.
- Strategies to develop resilient systems in response to climate challenges.
- Practical methods to foster a culture of sustainability within academic institutions.
Facilitated by the TEA-UP Coalition and supported by the State Energy Conservation Office, this session will equip participants with actionable insights to drive meaningful change on their campuses.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network and exchange ideas with peers dedicated to creating sustainable futures for academic communities!
When: April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Register here.
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SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop | |
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SPEER’s Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop will cover new and future heat pump technologies, the long-term effects of market transformation opportunities, benefits and barriers of heat pump installation, incentives, and much more.
Details:
April 9th, 8:30 AM – 1 PM
Austin Energy Headquarters: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Shudde Fath Room
Coffee, breakfast and snacks will be provided.
This training is FREE thanks to our sponsor, Austin Energy! Register here.
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SPEER's 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop | |
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New year, new Workshop! We're excited to announce dates and venue for the 2025 SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop, happening September 18-19 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin. While last year's record-setting event will be hard to top, we're excited to set the bar even higher this year in a larger venue. We hope you will join us!
Registration info coming soon. In the meantime, check out our recap page with photos and video from 2024's fantastic Workshop.
Discounted overnight room reservations can be made here.
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SPEER's State and Local Policy webpage features 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, SPEER Codes Program, and SPEER Local Governments Program.
Missed our recent newsletters focused on energy codes, local government updates, powering efficiency forward in Oklahoma, and other regional energy news? Head over to our archive page to catch up.
Did you know SPEER's YouTube page has over 180+ recorded webinars? Topics include: Energy Code Basics, Building Thermal Envelope 101 & HVAC Energy Savings, Heat Pump Rooftop Units, Understanding Table R402.1.1 and air barriers, and much more. Subscribe now!
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