Policy Edition: PUCT Legislative Implementation

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Policy Edition - In This Newsletter:

PUCT Legislative Implementation
2023 SPEER Policy + Industry Workshop
Local Policy Actions
Upcoming Events and Webinars
SPEER Resources
What We’re Reading

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PUCT Legislative Implementation

Now that the legislative session is over, the task of implementing the new legislation will be taken up by the respective state agencies. On July 11the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) held a series of workshops to review new laws passed by the 88th Legislature that impact telecommunications, water, and electricity regulation. Commission Staff provided an overview of their proposed priorities for implementation for each sector of work the PUCT covers. These bills range from the sunset bill HB 1500, which has a number of provisions that need to be enacted, to transmission planning, aggregated distributed energy resources (ADER) and demand response (DR), among many other topics.

SPEER submitted comments to the PUCT in Docket No. 55156 voicing support tohigher prioritize the implementation of SB 1699. It is our belief that not only does SB 1699 lay out guidelines for the ongoing ADER pilot program, but it also will allow utilities to begin planning their program's residential demand response efforts for next year’s planning cycle. We also noted the need for energy efficiency rulemaking to be considered. While legislation was not passed on energy efficiency programs specifically, the commission took the necessary steps to begin stakeholder engagement earlier this year. Working groups were developed and a wide range of stakeholders identified several areas for improvement that could benefit the state grid's reliability and resiliency as longer-term reforms are put in place. Improving energy efficiency programs was also stated as a priority in the commission’s Phase I proposal for wholesale market redesign in December 2022, yet to date, outside of the working groups no other actions have been taken.

To review SPEERs comments, PUCT Staff recommendations, and other stakeholder input, please go to the PUCT Docket No. 55156 page.

Register Now for SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop

Just 7 weeks away! Ready to join SPEER for two days of networking, learning, and discussions with energy experts on topics involving regional grid issues, solutions for record-setting demand, demand-side actions and energy use reduction through distributed energy resources, energy efficiency implementation, Federal funding opportunities for the south-central region and more? We'll cover the changing energy landscape and hear from utilities and state agencies during SPEER’s 2023 Policy + Industry Workshop in Austin, September 14-15.

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: 88th Texas Legislature Wrap-Up

The 88th Texas Legislature adjourned in May after passing several bills aimed at increasing the reliability of the Texas grid. Now that the dust has settled, our panel will review the impact of bills that became law on both the supply and demand side of the energy equation, discuss their roles in creating a reliable and resilient Texas grid, and what they see looking forward to the 89th Legislative session.

Save Your Spot

Show your support and sponsor today!

Big thank you to all of our sponsors! Your support is important to us and help continue the sustaining efforts of SPEER as we educate and support energy efficiency across the Texas and Oklahoma region.

Happy Hour

Texas PACE Authority

Kilowatt

Texas Energy Engineering Services, Inc.
Daikin

Watt

Cascade Energy
EFI

Local Policy Updates

Recent and Upcoming Local Government Policy Actions:

Austin: On July 26th, the Austin City Council will be holding their budget meeting and public comment session on the FY 2023-24 proposed budget. For more information, please see the Austin City Council Agenda page.

Houston: On July 25th, the Houston City Council will consider declaring the city’s eligibility and authorizing a representative for the USDOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Community Grant Program (CFI). The CFI grant funds will be used to deploy publicly accessible EV support equipment at City-owned libraries, rec centers, and parks to align with the City’s Resilient Houston strategy and Climate Action Plan. For more information, please see the Houston City Council 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.

Events + Webinars

Recurve

Recurve is hosting a webinar on July 25th (today!) at 12 PM Central. Their CEO Matt Golden will be discussing virtual power plants and how they can embrace a full range of behind-the-meter solutions. If you are interested in attending, please register here.

SPEER Energy Code Webinar: Electrical and Lighting Control Requirements for the IECC

Industry experts, Harold Jepsen from Legrand and Bryan Holland from NEMA, highlight the requirements for lighting and lighting controls for commercial applications for IECC compliance. We’ll look at the requirements and how and why these are needed and how compliance is met through proper product selection. July 28 @ 9 AM Register here

SPEER's Texas Statewide Focus Group- Energy Survey Findings

This meeting will unveil issues across the state that are critical to state and federal government priorities based on survey responses from SPEER’s statewide focus group. We’ll cover subject topics related to the communities they serve. The five regional focus groups (North, Central, West, East, Gulf Coast region), in addition to the statewide group, will work to bring together a collaboration of cities on issues such as energy equity, resiliency, transportation, air quality, and other issues critical to state and federal government priorities demonstrated through the two recent acts, IIJA and BIL.

August 8 @ 10:00 am- 11:30 AM. Register here

CELC Workshop: Sharing your SECO Energy Report to Create Organizational Change

Our presenter will teach you how to use the power of storytelling, data visualization, and persuasive communication techniques to captivate your audience and motivate them to take action. You'll learn how to turn dry statistics into compelling narratives, and how to use visual aids to make your data come alive. A participant will walk away with a report template and resolution.

August 17 @ 10:00- 11:15 AM. Register here

SPEER Resources

What can you expect to find on our newly launched 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.