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Oklahoma Edition:
We are excited to bring you energy & efficiency related news focused on developments both nationally and locally in Oklahoma. We'll cover policy & legislative advocacy, grant opportunities, the changing landscape of building codes, ways local governments are driving efficiency forward, and more. If you would like to share this or join our other distribution lists to receive more SPEER news, you can update preferences here.
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In this newsletter:
- Oklahoma Legislature Activities
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop: Only 3 Weeks Away!
- 18-Month Membership Special Ends 8/31
- Oklahoma Demand-Side Management Filings
- Noteworthy Items
- SPEER's YouTube Channel & Resources
- What We're Reading
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Oklahoma Legislature Activities | |
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Oklahoma Legislature Publishes Interim Study Assignments
Both the Oklahoma House and Senate have released their interim study assignments for the respective committees to investigate prior to the next legislative session beginning in 2025. Both chambers have several items relating to energy, climate, and affordability for Oklahomans. Some materials are available already on the Oklahoma Legislature website. Committees will be holding meetings in the coming weeks to review progress. For more information you can visit the Oklahoma House site or the Oklahoma Senate site.
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Upcoming Events & Webinars | |
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August 29th, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CST
Webinar: REScheck and IC3 Features and Key Updates from the 2021 IECC for Residential Buildings
Join us for an informative webinar where we will explore REScheck and IC3, the essential software for energy code compliance, and delve into the significant updates from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that impact residential 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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Great Plains Center of Excellence Conference
The Great Plains Center of Excellence conference will be held at the Hamm Institute for American Energy in Oklahoma City, OK on Sept. 9-10. You can expect an in-depth exploration of the evolving clean energy sector, where experts, industry leaders and educators will gather to discuss current trends, emerging technologies, and workforce development strategies crucial for advancing the industry. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of shaping the future of clean energy! More info and registration here.
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It's almost here! 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: Oklahoma Efficiency Policies
→ Sarah Terry-Cobo, Associate Planner, City of OK City | Office of Sustainability
→ Kylah McNabb, Principal, Vesta Strategic Solutions
Oklahoma’s efficiency landscape is changing rapidly. The Legislature wrapped up the 59th session in May, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission passed rule changes to the efficiency programs, and IRA funding is on the way to boost the state’s energy resources. Sustainability planning, code adoption, and demand resources offer potential for building resiliency in the state. Our experts will lend their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for Oklahoma as it navigates implementation of IRA programs like CPRG, and development and/or continuation of local sustainability and efficiency policies.
Check out the entire Workshop agenda here.
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 in just a few weeks!
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SAVE THE DATE! This year's EnVision Energy Conference will be held on October 23rd in Stillwater, OK at the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU campus. This one day event is Oklahoma's premier conference dedicated to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and associated technologies. Join fellow energy professionals to mingle and discuss topics dedicated to:
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
- Storage Technologies
- Policy
- Research & Development
- Project Deployment
- Green/Renewable Fuels
Head here for more info & registration!
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Time's almost up! SPEER's 18-month Membership Special Ends 8/31 | |
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We invite you and your company to join SPEER! As a membership-driven organization, the pursuit of our mission is largely possible with the involvement of our 60+ current members. Membership dollars allow us to push forward in our commitment to expand energy efficiency in our territory and beyond, and to help create a more sustainable, healthy environment for all Texans and Oklahomans.
Special Membership Offer Ends Soon: Take advantage of our 18-month membership special available until 8/31, extending your benefits through 2025.
Why Join SPEER?
Membership Benefits:
- Receive discounted rates for events & conferences.
- Enjoy networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.
Presentation Opportunities:
- Highlight your organization and share your expertise in our webinars and panel discussions. Speaking opportunities are first offered to members.
Local Impact:
- Engage in initiatives that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in your community.
Policy Advocacy:
- Influence policy development to support and enhance energy efficiency.
Professional Development:
- Access our upcoming on-demand energy courses specifically designed for local governments.
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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.
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Oklahoma DSM programs please reach out to us.
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IAC/Great Plains Center of Excellence Ribbon Cutting
In April 2023, OSU IAC received a $7 million Center of Excellence grant to establish the Great Plains Center of Excellence, one of five institutions nationally selected for this honor. This prestigious honor was announced by U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, and Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, during their visit to OSU on April 7th, 2023. This Center, housed within OSU’s IAC in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT), will support the national clean energy workforce and improve industrial competitiveness in our region. Key milestones of this project include developing a smartphone app, enhancing remote/virtual assessment capabilities, curriculum development, and hosting various outreach events. There is a commitment to provide significant outreach to disadvantaged populations, aiming for a high DEI inclusivity index. The total funding for this grant is approximately $7 million, including $3.75 million from the federal cost share and additional contributions from over 50 partners and supporters who believe in our mission.
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HOME and HERRA Rebate Programs
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (State Energy Office) will be administering the HOME and HERRA programs in the coming months (total of $129,152,880).
HOME Rebates
- Home Efficiency Rebates Section 50121 of the Inflation Reduction Act
- Individual household retrofits range from $2,000 (if retrofits reduce energy by at least 20 – 35%) – $4,000 (if retrofits reduce energy by at least 35%)
- Multifamily rebates for retrofits – $400,000
- Maximum rebates double for low- and moderate-income homes
HERRA Rebates
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program Section 50122 of the Inflation Reduction Act
- Point of Sale Rebates
- Will provide 50% of cost for incomes 80-150% of area median income
- Will provide 100% of cost for incomes 80% of area median income and below
- $14,000 cap per household
- $8,000 cap per heat pump
- $1,750 for a heat pump water heater
- $4,000 for a panel/service upgrade
- Can also receive rebates for electric stoves, clothes dryers and insulation/air sealing measures.
For information on these vitally important programs centered around Energy Efficiency, click here.
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2025 REAP Applications Now Available
The Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant program enhances the economic viability and development of communities and unincorporated areas with a population of 7,000 or less. Projects receiving funding should boost economic development, promote intergovernmental cooperation, promote and augment public health and safety, and/or implement regional or local plans. INCOG has issued a request for proposals for FY2025 funding with a deadline for application submissions of Friday, October 18, 2025.
Click here for more information about the program and to access application forms. For more information, contact JT Darling, Senior Community Development Planner at jdarling@incog.org or 918-579-9494.
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OneGas - Building a Better Future: Annual Sustainability Report Insights
Oklahoma Natural Gas has a vision of a better tomorrow — a future where you continue to receive safe, affordable, and reliable energy that helps improve your life.
The 2024 Sustainability Report covers Oklahoma Natural Gas' metrics from 2023 and covers their progress toward this vision, showcasing their continued commitment to safe operations, responsible environmental stewardship, and supporting employees and the communities they serve.
The report outlines the benefits of natural gas, environmental sustainability efforts, Oklahoma Natural Gas safety and system integrity, their social commitment, and leadership and governance. Each of these areas remains key to the organization's efforts to implement sustainable practices in everything they do. Find out more here.
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SPEER has over 180 recorded webinars archived on our YouTube channel focused on vital energy topics. Most recently we have added new webinar recordings on 2021 IECC & COMcheck Basics, Empowering Building Operators: Unlocking Savings Through Efficiency Training, Heat Pump Rooftop Units, and many more.
Be sure to subscribe to stay informed as new material is uploaded and up-to-date with the latest industry and efficiency trends and resources!
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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?
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.
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