Texas Legislature Recap

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Policy Edition

In this newsletter:

Texas Legislature Recap
PUCT Chapter 25 Rule Review
Local Policy Actions
2025 Industry + Policy Workshop: Early Bird Registration
Upcoming Events and Webinars
What We’re Reading/Hearing
SPEER Resources

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Texas Legislature Recap

Texas 89th Session:

It’s officially sine die in Texas as the legislature adjourned the 89th session with a relatively quiet ending relating to energy issues. Over the course of session, SPEER has tracked over 300 bills relating to all things energy. For the second session in a row, an energy efficiency goal bill was moved out of its initial chamber and received bipartisan support, although looming deadlines ultimately ended its chances of being sent to the Governor’s desk.

However, a few demand-side bills did get sent to the Governor and became law. HB 5323, which establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, and SB 783, which allows SECO to adopt new energy codes, will be effective on September 1st this year. The priority energy bill, SB 6, was also passed, while several anti-renewable bills were killed. For a full write-up of the session highlights, please see our recap here.

SECO Issues RFP for Program Management, Administration and Implementation

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) published a Request for Proposals (RFP No. 907-25-1902KW) to secure services for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebates Comprehensive Program Management, Administration and Implementation. Responses to this proposal are due July 10.

Please note that the Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole House (HOMES) rebate program and the Home Electrification and Application Rebate (HEAR) program authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act will be designed with this RFP. SECO retains the option to extend the services to include program implementation.

IMPORTANT: The rebate program has not yet been launched, and there are currently no approved contractors for these programs. We strongly advise against entering into any agreements associated with the HOMES and HEAR rebate programs until they are formally launched and a list of approved contractors is made available.

PUCT Chapter 25 Rule Review

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has opened its Chapter 25 rule review to determine what sections in the chapter should be repealed or amended. Chapter 25 is a comprehensive rule intended to establish the rights and responsibilities of the electric utilities with respect to their electric service to Texans. Included within the rules are consumer protections, reliability, metering, energy efficiency, and several more provisions all relating to electricity operations. PUCT staff have requested comments be submitted by July 11th in Docket 57999.

Local Policy Updates

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 2025: Take Advantage of Early Bird Registration

Early bird registration rates are in effect and the agenda is live – save your spot now and join us at SPEER’s 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop, September 18-19 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin.

We have a fantastic agenda for 2025 packed with engaging and informative sessions. Make sure to join us for our policy-centered session, 2025 Texas Legislative Session and Energy Efficiency – What's NEXT?

With the dust settled, the 89th regular session in Texas entered sine die in June. During this panel, we will discuss the themes of bills filed and passed throughout the 140-day regular session, the impacts of the bills signed into law on grid reliability and resiliency, and expectations of our panelists for the interim and 90th Legislature for energy policy in Texas.

2024 Recap:

If you need a refresher on last year's fantastic event, check out our video recap from the 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop. While last year was a huge success, we are excited to set the bar even higher this year in a bigger venue.

**Early bird pricing closes July 31st. Take advantage of our discounted hotel block and register today!

Upcoming Events + Webinars

SPEER Webinar: A2L Refrigerants & the 2025 HVAC Transition - What Building Officials Need to Know

New Refrigerants, New Rules — Are You Ready?

Join us for a free, one-hour webinar designed specifically for building officials, inspectors, and code enforcement professionals preparing for the 2025 transition to A2 and A2L refrigerants in residential and commercial HVAC systems.

With the EPA phasing down high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A starting January 1, 2025, and manufacturers rolling out equipment charged with mildly flammable A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B, it’s critical to understand what this means for plan review, installation inspections, and code compliance.

What You’ll Learn:

Why the refrigerant transition is happening – and what the AIM Act requires
How A2L refrigerants differ from A1’s (like R-410A) in safety, performance, and risk
Code changes, charge limits, and system placement requirements under the IMC and IRC
What to look for during inspections: equipment labeling, ventilation, leak detection, and training

When: June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am (TODAY)

SPEER Webinar: Energy Efficiency Made Easy - SECO Resources for Texas

Looking to boost energy efficiency while saving money for your public facility? Join us for an informative and engaging webinar featuring the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), where you’ll discover valuable funding opportunities and expert resources designed to support energy-smart decisions in Texas communities.

This session will take a deep dive into SECO’s flagship Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan Program, which offers financing for energy-related retrofit projects across public school districts, colleges, universities, and local governments. You’ll learn how to access this funding and make meaningful upgrades to your facilities.

Whether you’re a city official, school administrator, or facilities manager, this webinar will equip you with the tools and contacts to take the next step in your energy efficiency journey. This webinar is eligible for ICC Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the Texas LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program and its funding opportunities for public entities.
Identify SECO’s available technical assistance and energy education resources.
Explore upcoming SECO programs that support energy efficiency and cost savings across Texas.

When: June 26 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

CELC Webinar: Increasing Efficiency & Reducing Peak Demand Through Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies

Discover innovative solutions from the Smart Surfaces Coalition and partners that improve energy efficiency and reduce peak demand through strategies outside the traditional building envelope.

Webinar Objectives:

Highlight emerging technologies and surface treatments that reduce heat and energy demand at the community level.
Share case studies from coalition partners demonstrating measurable impact.
Explore policy, funding, and partnership opportunities to scale non-traditional energy efficiency solutions.

CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.