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Next Week: SPEER's 

Industry + Policy Workshop 2024!

It's almost here! Next week the 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.

A few highlights:

Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC) Members-Only Breakfast: Friday morning from 8:00-8:45 in Salon D & E.

Local Government Panel: “Funding Secured: Next Steps for Utilities and Local Government Agencies Post-IIJA and IRA Grants,” Friday from 11:30-12:15.

→ Marina Badoian-Kriticos, Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, HARC

→ Susan Alvarez, Director of Environment & Development, NCTCOG

→ Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager, Austin Energy

→ Teresa Morales, SFA Program Director, Clean Energy Fund of Texas

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring representatives from nonprofits and local government agencies as they share their experiences with recent grant awards from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This session will explore the journey from grant application to project execution, providing a comprehensive look at why specific focuses were chosen, the anticipated challenges, and potential opportunities for collaboration. Panelists will also discuss the expected impacts of initiatives on their communities, sharing practical insights into the successful management of federally funded projects and strategies for ensuring sustainable progress. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of implementing federal grants and fostering positive, lasting change in their own communities.

Check out the entire Workshop agenda here. Let’s create change and expand efficiency together. 

Haven't registered yet? It's not too late! Head here for conference info and register today. The SPEER team looks forward to seeing you next week!

Mark Your Calendar: Exciting Webinars Ahead

What’s the Scenario: Ways that IRA Rebates Can Expand Utility Program Impact 

September 12th, 1:00 PM CST

With the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) infusing $8.8 billion in home energy rebates nationwide, the question that consistently comes up is, “How can utilities assist in the mission of the IRA?” In July, NEEP took steps to answer that question by tapping into leaders across the energy efficiency space and publishing its findings in the report “Expanding the Energy Savings Pie: Attribution Frameworks to Align IRA Home Energy Rebates and State Programs.” Join Franklin Energy as we host a deep dive moderated by Stacey Paradis, Commissioner at Illinois Commerce Commission, to look at IRA-funded programs, examine IOU participation, and explore what attribution could look like. We welcome Erin Cosgrove from NEEP to talk through the report, Roshena Ham from Duke Energy to compare current utility program offerings, and Alyssa Latuchie, Franklin Energy’s Director of Market Development, to discuss how PUCs, SEOs and IOUs can come together.

Share Your Expertise: Call for Webinar Presenters

Unleash your knowledge! We're seeking passionate experts to lead our upcoming webinars. If you're an industry leader with insights to share, we want to hear from you. Join us in inspiring and educating our community. Submit your proposal now!

Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates

Webinar Recording: The Future of Hydrogen in Texas: Navigating New Policies and Opportunities

Miss our recent webinar? Head over to SPEER's YouTube channel to get caught up.

In this webinar we explored the evolving landscape of hydrogen energy in Texas. As the state positions itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation, recent hydrogen policies are shaping the future of this promising sector. This session explains how new regulations and initiatives impact hydrogen development, infrastructure, and economic prospects in Texas. Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the intersection of hydrogen policy and its future in Texas. 

Presenter: Emily Beagle, Ph.D., Research Associate, The University of Texas at Austin, Webber Energy Group 

Building Resilience Through ICLEI USA’s 2024 Capacity-Building Cohorts 

The Texas and Oklahoma Regional Resilience Cohort focused on Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), but was tailored to the specific needs of 20 local governments in Texas and Oklahoma. In the spring of 2024, the CRVA Cohort brought together over 20 municipal staff from Texas & Oklahoma to engage in a series of expert-led discussions and peer learning sessions focused on climate resilience and adaptation. SPEER’s blog “Building Climate Resilience in Texas and Oklahoma Communities” discusses key topics the cohort focused on. ICLEI USA’s valued partner, the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), led the training sessions and funded this cohort.

USGBC Texas Building Transformation Forum: Solutions for an Evolving Market

Join us in Austin for a two-day Building Transformation Forum featuring a SITES 101 Training and Public Sector Roundtable, panel discussions on LEED v5 and the future of LEED, and tours and showcases of outstanding, must-see projects. 

Forum attendees will: 

• Dig into the SITES rating system through case studies, tours & a roundtable discussion highlighting the City of Austin's leadership. 

• Hear updates on the LEED v5 rating system from Texas leaders involved in its development. 

• See the impact of innovative sustainability strategies through project showcase presentations, featuring Austin Community College Highlands Campus, the Austin Department of Permitting facilities, and RiverSouth. 

• Network with peers and local leaders. 

Date: Sept. 11-12, 2024

Register here.

21st Annual Texas Energy Summit

Please join us in Austin from November 19-21, 2024 for the 21st Annual Texas Energy Summit, hosted by Energy Systems Laboratory, a division of the Texas A&M University System. 

This important and timely event focuses on the intersection of air quality and energy systems: the grid, transportation, oil/gas, and industrial. Summit sessions are intended to lead to actionable steps to improve our air quality in Texas.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more info, head here.

2024 TEMA Foundation Scholarship Opportunity 

The Ricky Shelton Scholarship Program is a post-secondary scholarship program available to high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend a college, junior college, technical or trade school, pursuing education in a STEM related field.  

APPLICATIONS OPEN! School districts can now apply for the 2024-25 Energy CLASS. This opportunity will provide an estimated 50 school districts coaching and 1:1 expert advice on strategic energy management, project development, funding pathways, and related topics to advance their district’s sustainability and energy goals. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to leverage an innovative outcome-based peer learning model in pursuit of self-identified project goals.  

Visit the Renew America’s Schools website to learn more about the 2024-2025 Energy CLASS and apply by October 4th.

Register for an informational webinar.

Access a library of 35 hours of free, on-demand energy management trainings.

What We're Reading: Insights and Inspiration

America’s Energy Race Against China - Columbia Energy Exchange

Opinion: Texas’ power grid wasn’t made for the rapid succession of storms it sees now - MSNBC

Career Moves:

Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know

DOE RENEW 2024-2025 Energy CLASS - DOE

Environment & Development Planner II - North Central Texas Council of Governments

Intern – Community Outreach - North Central Texas Council of Governments

Planner Senior - City of Austin