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In this newsletter: 

• Energy Efficiency Planning Questions Docket 
• Texas Interim Legislative Activities
• Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities
• Local Policy Actions
• Member Highlight – Entergy named as a Top 50 most community-minded company
• SPEER’s Industry & Policy Workshop: September 19-20
• Upcoming Events and Webinars
• What We’re Reading/Hearing
• SPEER Resources

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Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities

The second half of the 59th Oklahoma Legislative session began on February 5th and will continue until Sine Die on May 31st. SPEER is reviewing bills and following bill movement throughout the session. Our bill tracking list can be found on the SPEER Policy page for Oklahoma here.

Bills on the Move

House Bills

HB 2367 Corporation Commission; exemptions; discussion; attendance; documentation; scheduled meetings; effective date – Approved by Governor 4/29/2024

HB 3053 Energy; requiring Secretary of Energy and Environment to evaluate relationship of the Southwest Power Pool and the state; requiring preparation of certain report; emergency -Approved by Governor 5/10/2024

HB 3819 Professions and occupations; Uniform Building Code Commission Act; definitions; vice-chair duties; Commission powers and duties; training; energy payback –Reported Do Pass as amended Business and Commerce Committee; CR Filed on 4/1/2024

Senate Bills

SB 1505 Rebates; providing rebates for emission reduction projects; creating fund; effective date. Emergency – Sent to Governor 5/22/2024

SB 1535 Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative; modifying duties and membership of the Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board. Effective date – Approved by Governor 4/18/2024

SPEER is currently tracking legislation that pertains to our mission. Our tracking list will be uploaded weekly to the SPEER Policy Oklahoma page which can be found here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss pending legislation, please reach out to us!

Energy Efficiency Planning Questions Docket

On April 23rd the PUCT filed questions pertaining to the current energy efficiency program rules and goals in docket 56517. Public comments were due on May 23rd and we saw robust engagement from the energy efficiency community. SPEER worked with our membership and external stakeholders in this process to develop our comments that can be read here. Now that the filing period has been completed, staff at the PUCT will review and we will await next steps. Our hope is that this is the first step that leads towards incremental program changes that improve the effectiveness of the IOU efficiency programs for the state. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss our comments, please reach out to us.

Texas Interim Legislative Activities

In April the Texas Senate published their interim charges for Senate committees to research and review ahead of the 89th Legislative Session in 2025. Several items have been listed relating to Texas energy, which will be considered in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. Public hearings have been set for June 12th, August 27th, and October 1st. The Texas House published their interim charges the following month in May. These charges will be discussed in the House State Affairs Committee at the public hearings set for June 10th and July 8th.  

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. 

Local Policy Updates

Recent and Upcoming Local Government Policy Actions: 

Austin: On May 30th the Austin City Council will consider approval of issuance for a capacity-based incentives to Individuals directed to Excellence and Achievement Public Schools for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities in the amount of $924,858. For more information, please see the Austin City Council Agenda page.

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

Registration is open! Join us September 19-20th in Austin, Texas for SPEER’s Industry + Policy Workshop . We'll be joined by energy experts and leaders to explore the economic impact of renewable energy on the grid and consumers, discuss heat pump research and insights, examine DERs and policy implementation, find solutions to pressing energy issues in our region, and more. 

Head over to our registration page to save your spot and browse sponsorship opportunities! Your sponsorships are incredibly important to us and help continue the sustaining efforts of our organization as we educate and support energy efficiency across the Texas and Oklahoma region. With your support we are able to further our mission and initiatives. The SPEER team looks forward to seeing you in the fall!

Member Highlight – Entergy named as a top 50 community-minded company

For the ninth year, Entergy has been named a 2024 honoree of The Civic 50, Points of Light's prestigious annual list that recognizes the top companies leading the way in employee volunteerism and community investment in the United States. Entergy was also recognized as this year's Utilities Sector Leader for the second year in a row.

Entergy has been a member of SPEER’s since 2022, and we applaud their efforts to be leaders in civic engagement and to serve the communities in which they operate. Well done!

Full Story: Here

Upcoming Events + Webinars

May 30 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CST

SECO Grant Webinar: Empowering Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: SECO will provide overview of reimbursable grants as part of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) to support state organizations’ efforts in energy efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development. Over $30,000,000 in funding will be used for multiple programs, with the intent of reducing carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy. If you are interested in attending, please register here.

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

SPEER Resources

SPEER has updated its State and Local Policy webpage! You can now find 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. SPEER State and Local Policy.

What can you expect to find on our resource page?

• SPEER Programs + informational flyers
• Messaging guides
• Public Utility Commission of Texas Comment Template
• Heat pump resources

We have created a library of local government resolutions, energy plans & policy work, climate action plans, and resiliency initiatives. These documents are meant to be a resource and showcase the commitment made by local governments to create an equitable, safe, and economically stable future for Texas and Oklahoma citizens. Head over to dive in and bookmark the page as we will continually be expanding and adding new material.