In This Newsletter:
- SPEER Webinars
- Statewide Policy Updates
- Assessment of the ERCOT Market Structural Changes
- Building Operator Certification Training
- SPEER membership + new members!
- Noteworthy Items and What We're Reading
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Webinar: SPEER Review of the Texas IOU Energy Efficiency Programs
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SPEER recently released an insightful report reviewing Texas Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) energy efficiency programs which intends to offer policymakers, academics, and other energy efficiency stakeholders a clear, objective look at significant aspects of IOU energy efficiency programs and provide considerations for future policy decisions.
Register for our webinar on Thursday, November 3, as we dive into the report and review:
⦿ Recent history & policy actions stemming from Winter Storm Uri
⦿ Determine the potential of energy efficiency programs
⦿ Discuss current goals, achievements, and programs of IOUs that operate in Texas
Following the presentation, we will discuss recent actions at the Public Utility Commission of Texas and future engagement opportunities. Register now.
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Webinar: Overview of the Manual D - Duct Design
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During this webinar, we'll look at Manual D for HVAC contractors and inspectors which has all new material. This session will open your eyes as we discuss the components of a residential duct design for review. We will cover flows, static pressure, total equivalent length, friction rates, and details. All the things needed for a Manual D review. Presenter - Gil Rossmiller, Colorado Code Consulting.
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While we're on the topic of webinars, did you know SPEER has over 100 recorded webinars and resources on our YouTube channel covering building energy codes, local governments, energy efficiency, and more? From 2023 Energy Refrigerant Regulations to Continuous Insulation for Code-Compliant and Strategic Energy Management and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Opportunities in Texas there is something for everyone. Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on industry news and changes, and get notified when we add new material!
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Statewide:
Last month the ERCOT Board officially approved the Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (ADER) Pilot Program. This pilot will allow Texans, many of whom have added solar and/or batteries to their homes following Winter Storm Uri, to share their stored (clean) energy back onto the grid and get compensated in times when the grid is stressed and reserves are low while demand is high. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) known as on-site generation such as rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage, have the ability to increase resiliency and build a more reliable grid, especially during storms and extreme weather.
DERs have the potential to reduce demand which in turn negates the need for costly plant construction while alleviating the strain on the transmission system and can defer or ultimately replace the need for infrastructure upgrades at the local level through non-wire alternatives (NWA) like energy efficiency and distributed generation.
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On Tuesday, October 18th the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) convened its biannual Energy Efficiency Implementation Project (EEIP) meeting (EEIP Docket 38578). For those not familiar with these public meetings, they were developed as a forum for utilities, PUCT and EM&V staff, and stakeholders to learn about, discuss, and report back information on the various energy efficiency programs that utilities provide in the ERCOT market. The meeting was divided into two sessions, with the morning session including a review of key findings from the state’s EM&V contractor, updates on the Technical Reference Manual draft changes, and a discussion on a forward looking low-income geographic tool used by Oncor Electric. The Technical Reference Manual draft changes are posted on the docket and the PUCT and EM&V staff are requesting public comments on the draft due by November 1st. If you have questions on how to submit comments, please contact our State & Local Policy Manager, Noah Oaks. If you were unable to tune in to the meeting read our brief recap.
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New ICF Report:
Assessment of ERCOT Market Structural Changes
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A new study finds that proposed phase 2 changes to the Texas electric market redesign would cost Texans tens of billions more with little improved reliability. Regulators are expected to release recommended market solutions for ERCOT in the coming weeks. Currently, Texans are already spending billions on Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) policies that only slightly increase reliability. One of the options is similar to a California-style electricity market, known as the Load-Serving Entity Obligation (LSEO) would cost Texans $22.8 billion more between 2025-2030 and $8.5 billion in 2025 alone. In this proposed capacity market, consumers pay more for power plants that may not always operate, while government regulators have significant authority over the market. The study also reviewed two other alternatives under review by the PUCT: backstop liability service & dispatchable energy credit. Both are significantly cheaper than the LSEO option and one would be twice as effective as the LSEO in increasing reliability.
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Building Operator Certification Training
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Higher-than-normal temperatures combined with high energy prices are hitting us hard. But well-insulated and maintained buildings can improve comfort and indoor air quality, significantly reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve the lifespan of equipment. The BOC (Building Operator Certification) program is a national training and certification program geared towards facility maintenance and operations. Building operator education is essential to making buildings run more efficiently and meeting our goals to reduce carbon emissions. As BOC participants maximize their facility efficiency, they also save $10,000 on average in utility costs annually. We have a spring course beginning in February 2023 - if you would like to enroll in this course or sponsor a class or participant (looking at you energy service companies!) please contact us. See what past participants are saying about the BOC programs:
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“The Building Operator Certification course was extremely valuable to me and basically served as a crash course in learning about the wide variety of aspects associated with my position. Much of my time is spent dealing with HVAC and energy efficiency issues so those specific classes were particularly helpful. The classes regarding Measuring and Energy Performance and Benchmarking and Efficient Lighting Fundamentals gave me a much better understanding of how to proceed with energy efficiency opportunities.”
- Alan Green, Director of Facilities, Mustang (OK) Public Schools
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"Great course! Already seeing a difference in communication during project meetings. Having a better understanding of how all systems work together, and knowing the terminology really goes a long way! Thank you for all your help and continue doing what you do."
- Larry Hutcheson, General Engineer, Indian Health Services
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By becoming a member of SPEER you enable your organization with the ability to connect with industry leaders and experts both in Texas & Oklahoma as well as across the country. SPEER membership opens the door for speaking and logo positioning opportunities on our highly attended webinars, YouTube channel, marketing materials and collaboration for studies and reports. Join today and you will receive membership through the end of 2023, free attendance to our member industry workshop in the fall, and networking opportunities to meet with colleagues and stay informed on new innovations, program designs, and technologies within our industry. Check out all our incredible members and consider the benefits of joining!
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Welcome to our newest members!
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Entergy is an integrated energy company delivering electricity to 3 million utility customers. Between energy audits, incentives, rebates & products, Entergy offers a variety of programs and resources to make homes and businesses more energy efficient, saving you energy waste and money on your bills. We look forward to our partnership & working together.
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SPEER is looking forward to working collaboratively with Oncor as we continue to build and modify future transmission & distribution utility (TDU) programs to serve Texans and the electric grid as more businesses and individuals continue to move to our region. Oncor provides opportunities for residential customers and businesses to lower energy costs and improve the efficiency of their homes or organization. Recognizing that the future of energy is always changing, Oncor is developing the next leading programs and encourages you to submit your market-ready ideas, technology, or strategy.
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Downtown Austin is replete with green development and LEED-certified buildings. Let’s get out and see them as Central Texas USGBC is teaming up with Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to host a bike ride that gets us out in nature to learn about green development in downtown Austin. We'll explore some sustainability projects along one of the most frequented trails in Austin, LadyBird Lake Trail, followed by a lunch meet-up at Lou's Eastside. More details and registration here.
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