Hello CELC members and partners!
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As summer winds down and the school year begins, it’s easy for important opportunities to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why we’ve created this “lost and found” for energy leaders—your one-stop newsletter to discover what matters most.
Inside, you’ll find policy updates, funding programs, student initiatives, and member highlights to help you stay connected and ahead this season.
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In this edition:
- SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop: Next Week!
- Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program
- Student Opportunities
- Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
- Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings
| | *Interested in becoming a CELC member? | |
SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop: Next Week!
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Tour: UT Austin Carl J. Eckhardt Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) |
September 18 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Join us for an informative and exclusive tour one of the largest microgrids in the United States. The UT Austin Carl J. Eckhardt Combined Heat and Power plant (CHP) is capable of generating 138 MW power (62 MW peak) and 1.2 million lb/hr (pounds per hour) of steam. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow energy leaders and explore innovative practices in action. To attend the tour, you must be registered for the workshop.
More information here.
Register here.
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October 7 @ 9:30 am
Join fellow CELC members for a 10-minute presentation on boosting energy efficiency in our communities followed by an open group discussion and thought sharing. Learn more on our event page and see our current CELC members.
Registration: Sign up as a CELC member to receive the invitation. *CELC members can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.
| RESCHEDULED Webinar: Aligning Policy and Research for Municipal & Higher Ed Energy Innovation |
October 16 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Panelists:
- Hammad Chaudhry, Austin Energy
- Andee Chamberlain, Texas State University
- Noah Oaks, SPEER
Join us for a dynamic webinar exploring how cross-sector partnerships advance energy efficiency and sustainability. Hear from experts in local government, academia, and industry as they share insights, challenges, and successes in implementing real-world energy solutions. Ideal for policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking impactful collaboration models across Texas and beyond.
| Missed This Webinar? 2025 Texas 89th Legislature Wrap-Up: Grid Reliability, Energy Efficiency & Legislative Outlook | | | | | |
The 89th Texas Legislative Session addressed some of the most pressing energy challenges facing the state—from grid reliability to energy affordability.
This webinar, presented by SPEER, offers a comprehensive review of key legislation and policy trends impacting Texas’ electric grid, energy efficiency programs, and distributed energy resources (DERs).
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TEA-UP Quarterly Meeting
October 13 @ 2:00 pm
TEA-UP is building a strong coalition for energy advocacy in higher education. Register as a TEA-UP Member here.
Join the quarterly meeting (via Teams) here.
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New TEA-UP Members
Welcome to our new TEA-UP Member, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)! We are so happy to have you on board. OLLU's Environmental Science and Sustainability Department is shaping future leaders in sustainability and public service.
See all of our TEA-UP members here and consider joining them!
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- Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program
- Application Deadline: November 1
- Apply here
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- Hertz Fellowship
- Application Deadline: October 31
- Learn more
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Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
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AACOG Receives SolSmart Silver Designation
Alamo Area Council of Government (AACOG) has achieved SolSmart Silver recognition for expanding solar access and creating innovative financing programs. Congrats y'all!
Read more.
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Nominate a Changemaker
Nominations are now open for the 2025 UN Day Global Leadership Awards, honoring individuals and organizations advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Know someone in North Texas making a global impact? Submit your nomination by September 12 on the UNA-USA Dallas webpage. Awardees will be announced October 6.
| | Earn Free CPE Hours with New Energy Saving Courses from UT Austin | | | | |
Teachers can access free, online professional development courses from The Watt Watchers of Texas. Each self-paced, one-hour course earns you 1 hour of TEA-recognized CPE credit with an official UT Austin certificate. Gain fresh strategies to engage students in real-world problem-solving, while districts benefit from staff trained in proven energy and water saving practices that reduce waste and support sustainability. Learn more.
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Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvement
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Funding Opportunity: LED Retrofit Grants for Public Schools
Eligible K-12 public school districts can apply to replace outdated lighting with high-efficiency LED systems for both interior and exterior spaces. Applications due by September 19, 2025.
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SECO Grant Now Open: LED Retrofit Funding for Rural & Community Hospitals
SECO’s LED Retrofit Program supports rural and community hospitals in upgrading interior and exterior lighting to high-efficiency LED systems, enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Apply by October 3, 2025.
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ACOG Public Fleet Conversion Grants Are Back
Cities, counties, utilities, and school districts can now apply to replace aging gas and diesel vehicles with clean, cost-saving alternatives like electric, hybrid, CNG, propane, or hydrogen. Funding also covers EV chargers and fueling stations. Up to 80% reimbursement available. Apply by October 31, 2025.
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Career Moves: Hot Opportunities & Job Openings You Should Know
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