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In this newsletter:
- 2023 Annual Report
- Save the Date: SPEER's Annual Policy + Industry Workshop
- Upcoming Webinars
- Where We're Speaking: Energy Thought Summit & RE+
- TECCC & Energy Code Ambassador In-Person Meeting
- TEPRI's June Community Voices Speaking Series
- Celebrating Earth Day
- What We're Reading
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SPEER's 2023 Annual Report is here! In continuing our work towards a more sustainable and efficient future, we're looking back to highlight our many accomplishments over the past year. From policy efforts and legislative sessions to energy code training and launching a municipality climate resiliency cohort, our staff has stayed busy! | |
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We engaged with industry stakeholders and spoke at countless events on the importance of implementing more energy efficiency in our region, the need to adopt stronger building codes, and preparing local governments for increased resiliency. Here are some quick stats:
- Energy codes: 37 In-Person trainings + 28 Webinars with 2,528 attendees
- 93% Member Retention Rate
- 14% Increase in Membership
- Served 22,590,893 residents in non-attainment regions through our Energy Reporting Program
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SPEER's Industry & Policy Workshop: September 19-20 | |
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This year's SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be held in Austin at the Archer Hotel on September 19-20th. Join us for insightful discussions and presentations encompassing:
- Consumer’s role in resiliency - Shifting demand with energy efficiency policies and residential demand response programs
- Heat pump research insights & a deep dive into estimated energy requirements (EER) and its impact on heat pump adoption
- Navigating DERs policy implementation and VPP expansion
- Overcoming skill gaps in local governments as they prepare their communities for a clean energy future and build resiliency
Interested in sponsoring our rooftop happy hour reception or providing attendees a company-branded custom welcome gift? We got you covered! If caffeine is more your thing, we invite you to sponsor a coffee and snack break. While we're putting the finishing touches on our event page you can browse our sponsorship opportunities and save your spot. We look forward to seeing you in the fall!
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Eco-Educate: Empowering Schools for Energy Conservation
April 11 at 10:00 AM CST
Dive into the innovative Austin Energy All-Stars Program designed to empower 6th-grade students with electricity, savings, and sustainability knowledge. Join Austin Energy and the Austin Independent School District (AISD) representatives as they unveil the program’s outcomes and impact. Explore how this unique initiative blends in-class curriculum with practical energy-saving techniques, fostering a culture of efficiency and environmental consciousness among students, teachers, and families. Discover the rationale behind targeting 6th-grade students, the collaborative process with school districts, and the transformative effects on educational goals and behavior change.
Speakers:
- Ana Echeverria, Energy Conservation Engagement Foreman, AISD
- Donylle Seals, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Energy
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Implications of EER Requirements on Heat Pump Adoption in Texas and Oklahoma
April 23 at 11:00 AM CST
Our region’s peak energy demand is driven by residential and small commercial heating and cooling. New advancements for heat pumps, including variable speed systems, may provide necessary energy reductions during the hottest summer days and coldest winter nights. However, adoption in Texas and Oklahoma is not yet where it needs to be to effectively reduce peak demand. With federal and state incentives available and additional funds from the IRA likely, there are concerns with the EER requirements and its impacts to heat pump adoption policy. Jonathan Moscatello with Daikin will review the efficiencies gained by these systems, discuss the EER issues that remain, and look forward to policy implications for this transformative technology.
Speaker: Jonathan Moscatello, Utility Relations Manager – Environmental Promotions Office, Daikin
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See Where SPEER is Speaking! | |
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The Energy Thought Summit (ETS) has an impressive lineup of 70+ speakers for its 11th annual event. The theme for this year's summit is "Imagine", inviting participants to reflect on the industry's past achievements while working towards a future powered by clean, accessible energy sources.
Commercial buildings contribute roughly 37% of US building emissions. SPEER will be speaking at the April 17th session: Decarbonizing Heat and Buildings - Innovative Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Electrification, shining a light on ways energy efficiency can reduce energy waste and carbon emissions, improve resilience, comfort, and save money.
Join us and many other energy experts in Austin, April 15-18, as we explore energy equity and resilience, improved efficiency, and a future powered by clean, accessible energy sources. Learn more and register here.
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Join us at RE+ Texas in Houston on May 14-15, where sessions will focus on residential solar, environmental justice in policy, energy storage, and more. SPEER is looking forward to leading clean energy conversations and discussing what’s next for the Texas clean energy market. Come hear from SPEER as we speak on increasing Clean Energy Development in Texas and the influence it has on energy efficiency in the state, joined by hundreds of solar, energy storage, & other renewable energy professionals. Learn more and consider joining us. | |
TECCC & Energy Code Ambassador Meeting | |
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SPEER aims to promote energy code compliance across TX & OK by optimizing energy efficiency, durability, and affordability. We will be combining our in-person Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC) meeting on April 18th with our Ambassador meeting! Considering joining us and energy code experts from across the state as we collaborate and connect with industry stakeholders to help develop resources and programs that encourage compliance with state and local energy codes. This group of collaborative members meets quarterly and aids with the following efforts:
- Develop strategies to increase compliance rates & resiliency
- Provide and disseminate information to their respective industry stakeholders
- Participate in the effort to measure and verify the State’s code compliance
The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin - Round Rock: 2310 N. IH 35. Please let us know if you plan to join us for both the TECCC and Ambassador meeting: Register here!
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Join KLRN and special guest speakers, including SPEER's Local Government Manager Shaun Auckland, to learn about smart energy education and how to be an energy saver at school, at home, and in the community. We will explore free TEKS-aligned lessons and activities from Watt Watchers of Texas!
Speakers:
- Dr. Araceli Ortiz, UTSA
- Juan Garcia, Disco Learning Media;
- Brandy Russell, CPS Energy
- Shaun Auckland, SPEER
Learn more and RSVP here
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Earth Day Austin is the largest sustainability event in Central Texas. On April 20, 2024, thousands from the Austin Area and beyond will come to learn about conservation and sustainable solutions, celebrate our love for the environment, and get connected to the best and most innovative green businesses and organizations. Earth Day ATX is a zero waste event and they will have many opportunities to help you lower your carbon footprint, conserve, recycle, and upcycle. Head over to the Earth Day ATX to learn more about the event, activities, and exhibits. | |
Join SPEER and the EPA as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, new incentives are available to help you and your family be part of the clean energy future while saving on your energy bill and enjoying a more comfortable home. Count on ENERGY STAR to connect you with resources to help make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable and more manageable. A new home improvement savings tool provides information on the federal income tax credits, utility rebates, and state rebates (expected in 2024) available in your zip code. You can also identify and learn about eligible products, explore buying guidance, and find installation professionals in your area. Learn more. | | | | |
