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In this newsletter


  • EEIP Winter Meeting 
  • Trump Administration Executive Orders
  • Texas Legislature in Session
  • Local Policy Updates
  • Upcoming Events and Webinars
  • Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP)
  • ACEEE Job Opportunities
  • Energy Thought Summit 2025
  • SPEER Resources
  • What We’re Reading/Hearing

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EEIP Winter Meeting

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.


*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). 


For any requests on additional agenda items for consideration, please email EnergyEfficiency@puc.texas.gov no later than February 14, 2025. A detailed agenda will be distributed prior to the meeting.


Of note: in December, PUCT Staff filed a response to the 2023 program year IOU Energy Efficiency Report in docket number 38578. This is the first time in recent history that the PUCT has filed a response memo to the recommendations derived from the annual report. The response provides stakeholders with a glimpse into staff recommendations and possible next steps from the PUCT regarding energy efficiency programs of the IOU’s in Texas. Staff was supportive of recommendations to analysis of the existing cost caps, low-income and hard-to-reach program review, and address load management in commercial and residential programs.


SPEER is excited to collaborate with PUCT staff and stakeholders to address this important part of the energy equation. Texas set the second highest winter peak demand on January 22nd, and both winter and summer peaks are anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years. Texas must seek to make meaningful changes to the demand-side management programs. We applaud the PUCT for its focus on such an important topic.

Trump Administration Executive Orders

Following his inauguration, President Trump issued a number of executive orders on January 20th. Important to energy, the President issued the Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. Among the impacts of this order are provisions to “safeguard the American people’s freedom” relating to appliances, shower heads, lightbulbs and other goods, rescission of several Biden Administration climate executive orders, and places a pause on federal funding opportunities provided through the IRA and the IIJA. There are significant unknowns surrounding these actions, but SPEER will continue to monitor and provide resources as they become available relating to these orders. 

Texas Legislature in 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. 


The Texas House formally elected its new Speaker, Representative Dustin Burrows from Lubbock, Texas, on the first day of session. Speaker Burrows held off a challenge from Rep. David Cook from Mansfield. Speaker Burrows will be naming committee assignments in the coming weeks.


On the Senate side, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced committee assignments last week. The important Business and Commerce committee will remained chaired by Senator Charles Schwertner, and the Vice Chair will be Sen. Phil King.

Local Policy Updates

Austin: The Austin City Council will hold its next regular meeting on January 30th. On the agenda is an item for Austin Energy approving an amendment to the FY 2024-2025 Austin Energy Fund Operating Budget, increasing transfers out by $30M, and amending the Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve Fund, by increasing transfers in $30M. 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

Virtual Workshop - Navigating SECO Energy Reporting: Join us for a comprehensive virtual workshop designed to demystify energy reporting regulations in Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricacies of energy reporting with confidence.


The workshop will cover a range of topics, including:

  • Understanding Texas energy reporting requirements
  • Best practices for accurate data collection and reporting
  • Strategies and tips for avoiding common pitfalls


When: January 30 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm


Register here.

CELC Webinar: Conquering Deferred Maintenance – A Conversation with Local Government Facilities Officials: Deferred maintenance in facilities is an albatross, varying from several million dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars of backlog per local government organization. Join us as we discuss with experienced facilities directors across Texas strategies to conquer deferred maintenance, including best practices for capital planning, budgeting, procurement, and more.


Objectives:

  • Understand the impact of deferred maintenance.
  • Explore the challenges and financial implications of deferred maintenance on local government facilities.
  • Discover strategies for effective capital planning and budgeting.
  • Learn best practices for prioritizing projects, securing funding, and streamlining procurement processes.
  • Gain insights from experienced facilities directors.
  • Hear real-world success stories and actionable advice to address maintenance backlogs effectively.


When: February 6 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm


Register here.

Upcoming Policy & Committee Meetings:


  • January 29th:
  • Comptroller will speak in Senate Finance Committee at 9am


  • February 11th:
  • Railroad Commission, TCEQ, and TWDB will be heard in Senate Finance Committee at 9am


  • February 13th:
  • PUCT and OPUC will have their hearing in Senate Finance Committee at 9am

Visit SPEER's calendar for all upcoming events and training.

Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)

Join TEA-UP!


Membership is now open for SPEER's new initiative, TEA-UP, a dynamic new network for higher education institutions across Texas! By joining, you’ll receive the same benefits as our CELC members, plus exclusive opportunities to connect within a higher education-focused community.


As a TEA-UP member, you’ll have the chance to influence the upcoming conference agenda and ensure that the topics and issues most important to your campus are addressed. Additionally, you'll contribute to the development of essential training materials, shaping workforce development pathways that empower the next generation of energy professionals. Another plus: membership is free!


Apply here.

ACEEE Job Opportunities

Job opportunity! SPEER member The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has two fantastic positions available. Follow the links below for more info on the roles and apply today:


- Utility Policy & Regulatory Manager, State & Utility Policy Program


- State Policy Manager, State & Utility Policy Program

Energy Thought Summit 2025

The Energy Thought Summit 2025 is set for May 19–22, 2025, with the theme Ethos—a call for responsibility, innovation, and sustainability. Discover 36 sessions, including 8 keynotes, 24 panels, and 4 town halls that will shape the future of energy. For four days we will reflect on the industry’s past achievements, while discussing the opportunities that lie ahead in the state of the art Boeing Tech Center in San Antonio, Texas.


View the full agenda framework and get registered today. Use the special code SPEER25 for 10% off on tickets.

SPEER Resources

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!

What We're Reading...


REPORT: The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Investments Across Texas – Joshua D. Rhodes, IdeaSmiths LLC


Investor interest in solar, storage cools amid Trump administration uncertainty – Utility Dive


AI improvements, DERs and new generation needed to meet power demand: USEA panel – Utility Dive


Trump Freezes Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure-law Funding – Canary Media



Enzo's Lessons - The Texas Energy and Power Newsletter

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