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In this newsletter:
- "Watt’s Up" with Representative Gina Hinojosa
- Oklahoma Demand-Side Management Filings
- Texas Interim Legislative Activities
- Local Policy Actions
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SPEER’s Industry & Policy Workshop *Registration rates increase 50% on Aug, 1*
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- SPEER Resources
- What We’re Reading/Hearing
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"Watt's Up" with Representative Gina Hinojosa | |
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On January 14th, 2025 the 89th Texas Legislature will convene. As we move closer to the first day of session, SPEER is sitting down with energy policy leaders in our video series “Watt’s Up” to discuss a broad range of topics that impact the Texas grid operations, reliability and resiliency, and consumer bills.
In our next discussion we had the opportunity to speak with Representative Gina Hinojosa, representing House District 49, to review our grid resources, how to develop a workforce prepared for increased resource mixture, and what the Representative is looking forward to in the upcoming session.
Missed our prior chat with Senator Nathan Johnson? We reviewed distributed energy resources (DER), how they can be deployed effectively to reduce stress on the grid, recent legislation pending implementation at the PUCT, and what the Senator is anticipating in the upcoming session.
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Oklahoma Demand-Side Management Filings | |
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The two largest utility companies in Oklahoma have both filed their demand-side management (DSM) portfolios for Oklahoma Corporation Commission approval. The Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) filed their application in March 2024 and the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) filed in July 2024. The DSM programs for energy efficiency and demand response are on a five year planning cycle and have residential and commercial aspects. SPEER filed a statement in favor of the application for PSO’s programs in Case Number PUD2024-000013. These comments supported PSO’s request for waiver of the existing cost cap to a slightly higher amount per month to provide additional efficiency measures, as well as a limited waiver to permit additional heat pump adoption in the state.
We are currently reviewing the OG&E filings in Case Number PUD2024-000048. OG&E has requested similar waivers to PSO for this planning cycle.
DSM programs offer Oklahomans the opportunity to participate in building regional resiliency and reliability through greater efficiency and demand response measures. SPEER supports the efforts of the programs and will continue to participate in stakeholder sessions held by both utilities in the state. The next semi-annual stakeholder meeting will be on July 31st, hosted by OG&E.
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Oklahoma DSM programs please reach out to us.
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Texas Interim Legislative Activities |  | |
In late Spring, both the Texas Senate and Texas House published the Senate interim charges and House interim charges for committee research and review ahead of the 89th Legislative Session in 2025. Several items have been listed relating to Texas energy. Public hearings in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee and House State Affairs Committee were held in June, revolving directly around the State’s energy needs. In addition to the typical grid stressors, catastrophic events like Hurricane Beryl bring attention to the need to continue building resiliency into resource planning. Demand-side policies can aid in improving livability of homes and buildings while virtual power plants can get power to those impacted. We anticipate further review of hurricane preparedness and resiliency efforts at future hearings and during the next legislative session.
What’s next at the Lege?
The Senate Business and Commerce committee has more public hearings set on August 27th and October 1st to review interim charges. The House State Affairs Committee will have another public hearing set on July 31st to review progress of implementation of several legislative items, including HB 1500 relating to the continued functions of the PUCT, OPUC, and ERCOT, HB 2555 relating to the T&D resiliency planning, and SB 1699 relating to DER participation and residential demand response goals for utilities.
A few key dates to remember as we move through summer into the fall: November 5th is the general election, and on November 11th Texas legislators are able to begin filing new bills for the 89th session. The 89th session officially begins on January 14th, 2025.
If you are interested in attending or viewing any of the interim legislative activities, you can find more information posted on the Texas Legislature website here. SPEER will be monitoring and will provide updates through social media and this newsletter.
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Following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Texas’ gulf region earlier this month, the Texas Senate is forming a new committee to focus on hurricane preparedness and response . The Senate Special Committee on Hurricane & Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, & Electricity will meet on Monday, July 29 at 10 A.M. CST to review the state and electric utility companies' preparedness and response to hurricanes and tropical storms. Learn more on committee members, upcoming schedule and minutes. | |
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's Industry & Policy Workshop: September 19-20 | |
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*Hurry! Registration rates will increase 50% after July 31.
This year's SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be held in Austin at the Archer Hotel on September 19-20th. Join us in the Lone Star state for insightful discussions and presentations from energy experts and leaders focused on the most pressing energy matters in our region, including consumer's role in resiliency, shifting demand with energy efficiency policies and residential demand response programs, heat pump insights and EER requirements, navigating DER policy implementation and much more. Let’s create change and expand efficiency together.
Session Highlight: Navigating DERs, VPP Expansion, and Policy Implementation
As the energy landscape evolves, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the expansion of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) present both opportunities and challenges for policymakers, utilities, and stakeholders. This panel will delve into the intricacies of policy implementation for DERs and the scaling of VPPs, offering a comprehensive overview of the current regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and market dynamics that shape these transformative trends.
Speakers:
→ Jackson Parell, Growth & Policy, Base Power Company
→ Arushi Sharma Frank, Luminary Strategies
→ Tiffany Wu, Senior Project Manager, TEPRI
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SPEER would like to thank our fantastic roster of sponsors for supporting the 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop! Interested in joining them as a Workshop sponsor? Head over to our registration page to save your spot and browse sponsorship opportunities! With your support we are able to further our mission and initiatives.
Huge thanks to our sponsors at Daikin | Austin Energy Green Building | Mitsubishi Electric | Texas Energy Engineering Services, Inc. (TEESI) | Ameresco | CLEAResult | TRC Advanced Energy | LG Electronics | Advanced Power Alliance for supporting SPEER's 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop!
The SPEER team looks forward to seeing you in the fall!
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Upcoming Events + Webinars | |
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July 30th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
SPEER Codes Webinar: Join us for an informative webinar where we will explore the latest features of COMcheck, the essential software for energy code compliance, and delve into the significant updates from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that impact commercial buildings. This session will provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and building professionals on how to leverage these tools and standards to enhance energy efficiency and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of energy conservation and building performance. If you are interested in attending, please register here.
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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!
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