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In this newsletter:
- SPEER's 2024 Impact Report
- PUCT Update
- New SPEER Member!
- SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- Noteworthy Announcements
- What We're Reading
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SPEER's 2024 Impact Report | |
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2024 was truly a banner year for SPEER and one that we are all very proud of. As we look back on last year, there are many achievements we are celebrating. Click here to check out some highlights in our 2024 Impact Report.
We are thankful to all of you who joined us in our efforts last year. Here's to even more progress in 2025 as we continue our commitment to promoting energy efficiency in Texas and Oklahoma!
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Public Utility Commission of Texas Update | |
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Energy Efficiency Program Rulemaking Open:
The PUCT has officially opened a rulemaking for the Texas investor owned utility energy efficiency programs! This is huge news as the program rules have not been updated since 2012. PUCT staff have informed stakeholders at the recent Energy Efficiency Implementation Project public meeting that this will be a piecemeal process. They have housed the rulemaking in Docket Number 57743 and have published initial questions regarding definitions for low-income and hard-to-reach populations as well as a review of the cost-effectiveness criteria. Staff has solicited public comments from stakeholders to be submitted by March 20th.
Call for Updates - Program Year 2026 Texas Technical Reference Manual (TRM):
PUCT Staff and the agency’s Evaluation, Measurement and Verification (EM&V) contractor have also requested feedback on the Texas Technical Reference Manual (TRM) annual update. The TRM is where all the deemed savings for energy efficiency measures are maintained so that the programs can accurately assess the impact of specific measures and the programs. Public comments should be submitted to Docket Number 56768 by May 1st. SPEER was honored to participate in this update process over the last few cycles and appreciates the new heat pump variable speed metric included in last year’s version of the TRM. Contact the Commission’s EM&V contractor Tetra Tech by emailing Lark Lee for any technical questions.
SPEER will be drafting comments and is happy to collaborate. If you are interested, or have questions about the process, please reach out to us!
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SPEER is excited to welcome our newest member, MTN Consulting! MTN provides energy advisory services to building owners and fractional CCO (chief commercialization officer) services to clean tech startups.
We are thrilled to have them on board as we continue our mission to advance energy efficiency in our region. Read more about SPEER membership here.
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SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop | |
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Following last year's successful event, SPEER is back with another Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop, which 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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Upcoming Events & Webinars | |
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Webinar: HVAC Grading ANSI 310 Standard
March, 18th 2025, 10:30 AM
Join us for an informative webinar on HVAC Grading and ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310, designed to help HVAC professionals, energy raters, and home performance specialists understand how this standard enhances system efficiency, comfort, and overall home energy ratings. ANSI 310 provides a consistent framework for grading HVAC installation quality, impacting home energy scores and compliance with programs like ENERGY STAR and tax credit qualifications.
What You'll Learn:
- Overview of ANSI Standard 310 – Understand the purpose, scope, and key components of the standard, including duct system performance, refrigerant charge verification, and airflow assessment.
- How HVAC Grading Affects Energy Ratings – Learn how proper installation and verification impact home energy performance and qualify homes for efficiency programs.
- Best Practices for Compliance and Implementation – Get insights on achieving higher grades, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging the standard to improve system performance.
Register here.
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11th Annual TRACS Summit - The Power of Sustainability: Energy Transitions, Conservation, and Education on Your Campus
April 6 - April 8
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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 Texas Regional Association Campus Sustainability (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.
Traveling to San Marcos for the event? Take advantage of the TRACS Hotel Block here.
More info and registration here.
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TEA-UP Higher Education Energy Conference
April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Join Us for a Half-Day Conference on Energy in a Campus Environment!
Empowering Change: Energy Efficiency and Resiliency in Higher Education
Hosted by: SPEER | Supported by: SECO
In Partnership with: Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) and organized by the Texas Energy Advocates University Coalition (TEA-UP)
Are you a higher education professional passionate about energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability? Join us for an engaging workshop designed to explore the latest advancements and best practices for creating sustainable and resilient campus environments.
Event Highlights:
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Keynote Speaker: Mose Buchele (Journalist, KUT News)
- Interactive Sessions & Expert Insights
- Networking Opportunities with Sustainability Leaders
- Practical Strategies for Implementation
Conference Tracks:
- Developing Resilient Systems – Strategies to address climate challenges and enhance campus resiliency.
- Emerging Trends in Energy Efficiency – Innovations and advancements shaping the future of campus energy use.
- Fostering a Culture of Sustainability – Practical methods to drive institutional change and engagement.
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from industry leaders and sustainability experts.
- Connect with like-minded professionals to share ideas and best practices.
- Take actionable steps toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable campus.
Drive meaningful change within your academic community—don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in sustainability!
Register today!
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SPEER’s 2025 Energy Code Ambassador and TECCC Meeting
April 10 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Save the date! Our Energy Code Ambassadors and Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC) meeting is on the horizon for Thursday, April 10th in Round Rock, TX. We're excited to get our coalition together to gain valuable insights into the wide spectrum of code related activities taking place across Texas.
Importantly, this meeting serves as a critical platform for all our stakeholders. We highly value your active participation, as it drives the evolution of our energy practices. In this spirit, we'll be facilitating a robust discussion regarding the adoption and enforcement of the 2021 and 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and well as 2021 and 2024 Building Codes. Your input is instrumental in steering these discussions and shaping future strategies.
We look forward to bringing together our vibrant community of stakeholders, fostering collaborative dialogue, and paving the way for future energy conservation initiatives.
When:
Thursday, April 10th
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where:
Hilton Garden Inn
2310 North IH35
Round Rock, Texas, 78681
Register here.
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The upcoming Retrofit USA Conference will be held in Texas for the first time on April 23-24 in Austin! We’re thrilled to announce SPEER’s very own Senior Manager of Building Performance, Randy Plumlee, is serving on the Advisory Board of this premier event, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from keynote speakers, expert panels, interactive roundtables and workshops. Experience live product demonstrations and learn from knowledgeable exhibitors about how cutting-edge materials, approaches, technology integration, and game-changing climate resiliency techniques are transforming retrofits across the country. Save 15% with our discount code: SPEER15 or by clicking here.
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Energy Thought Summit 2025 | |
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SPEER is a proud partner of the upcoming Energy Thought Summit 2025, happening May 19-22, 2025, and it's all about "Ethos" – think responsibility, innovation, and sustainability. There are 36 sessions lined up, including 8 keynotes, 24 panels, and 4 town halls that are going to shape the future of energy. For four days, we'll be looking back at what the industry's done and talking about what's next at the awesome Boeing Tech Center in San Antonio, Texas.
ETS25 will feature prominent speakers from Utilities across Texas Including:
- Cameron Freberg, Utility Strategist, Austin Energy
- Amy Atchely, EV Equity Manager, Austin Energy
- Rudy Garza, President & CEO, CPS Energy
- Evan O'Mahoney, Chief Information Officer, CPS Energy
- Elaina Ball, Chief Strategy Officer, CPS Energy
- Pablo Vegas, President & CEO, ERCOT
- Woody Rickerson, SVP and COO, ERCOT
- Jason Ryan, Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs, CenterPoint Energy
- Khalil Shalibi, EVP, Strategic Initiatives & Transformation, LCRA
- Joel Austin, Sr. Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Oncor Electric Delivery
Check out the full agenda and register before 3/09 for best pricing! Use the code SPEER25 for 10% off on tickets!
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Responses Needed: NREL Residential Contractor Survey
Calling all contractors – we want to hear from you! Are you involved in improving the energy performance of residential dwellings, including single family, manufactured housing, and multi-family residences? This can include HVAC/R mechanics, Installers or Electricians, Insulation workers (floor, ceiling, and walls), Plumbers, Building performance specialists, Weatherization technicians and more!
As state and local governments are rolling out new funding and training programs for building efficiency and trades, SPEER is requesting your support in a residential contractor survey. This vital research study is aimed at better understanding residential buildings workforce hiring and training. Your participation will enable us, and the broader clean energy industry, to gain insights into how workers hire and train their workforce. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is conducting a 10-minute survey to gain insights into contractors’ perceptions and approaches to worker hiring, training, and upskilling while identifying barriers and drivers that affect these perceptions and practices. Your involvement will help decision makers ensure that the training programs available are responsive to industry needs and constraints.
Please complete the survey by March 31st. Take the survey now!
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Need to Catch Up?
Missed our latest policy newsletter or recent Local Government, Oklahoma, or Energy Code newsletters? Browse past issues of our newsletters and subscribe to other distribution lists here.
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